Uncover a healthier version of yourself at the Soloway JCC, where our devoted personal trainers create personalized fitness plans tailored to your aspirations. We prioritize your cardiovascular health with Heart-Wise Exercise and offer expert nutritional counselling. Explore a diverse array of programs, including the revitalizing Rehabilitative Functional Fitness, empowering Krav Maga, invigorating teen fitness, and so much more. Check out the Group Fitness Schedule to see all of the classes included in your membership.
Contact: Carla Gencher (613) 798-9818 ext. 278, cgencher@jccottawa.com
Personal Trainers
Increase your fitness level and see results with a personalized program designed to help you reach your goals.
Meet our expert team of personal trainers, each equipped with extensive credentials and a passion for fitness. Explore their bios, discover their unique qualifications, and read testimonials from clients who have achieved their goals under their guidance.
Contact Health & Wellness Manager Carla Gencher (613) 798-9818 ext. 278, cgencher@jccottawa.com to book your personal training session.
Ryan Armitage
Throughout my 15+ years fitness career, I have educated myself through experience in many different areas, including training young athletes preparing for combines and university sports and working with people of all ages and abilities. My passion, and where I have devoted much of my expertise over the past few years, is working with people with disabilities and special needs.
My work in this area lead to articles in the Ottawa Citizen; I was named Canada’s Everyday Hero by CTV National and earned the Algonquin College Alumni Changing Lives Award. This recognition inspired me to further my education and to speak to various groups about fitness for special populations.
Whatever your background or fitness goals; if you are looking for motivation, want to work hard, and most importantly, HAVE FUN, then I look forward to training with you.
- Fitness and Health Promotion Diploma- Algonquin College
- CanFit Pro PTS
- Sports Performance Institute (SPI)- Master Trainer
- Numerous continuing education courses in Special Populations/Adaptive fitness for those with disabilities
Awards
- Canada’s Everyday Hero – CTV National News
- Algonquin College Alumni Changing Lives Award
- Rotary International Community Service award
Dalia Ben-Shoshan
With my knowledge in the Health Sciences sector, as well as my experience as a personal trainer, I can provide my clients with various exercises, accommodated to their needs, that will provide them with effective results. I like to change up the routines I give to my clients from time to time, in order to maintain a slight challenge and to keep things interesting.
My goal is to make exercise an enjoyable experience rather than something one must do in order to stay healthy. If you’re ready to have fun and get fit at the same time, I am the right trainer for you!
- Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, certificate from University of Bar Ilan
- Personal trainer certificate
- Tabata Bootcamp training certificate
- Spinning Cyclist certificate
Chris Deschamps
Sports and exercise have always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, hockey was my passion, and playing four years of junior hockey allowed me to explore fitness as a way to improve my health off the ice, and performance on the ice. Researching the importance of exercise and nutrition and how they can improve one’s quality of life took over as my new passion.
I create personalized programs focused on longevity, reinforcement of proper form and technique, and continuous progression towards their goals. Consistency is essential and my programs are enjoyable, safe, and efficient.
My goal is to help clients; including those with injuries, ailments, or disabilities, become more functional in their day-to-day lives.
“After six long months, I am delighted to be back training with Chris Deschamps at the the JCC fitness centre. As well as being professionally qualified and technically proficient, Chris has the gift of knowing just which exercises and machines are most appropriate for his client for that particular day – which muscle groups need working and just how hard he can push you. After only four sessions, I have regained all the progress I had made pre-covid and am looking forward to continuing to work toward achieving my fitness goals. Thanks Chris!”
-Michelle
“Chris’ safe, sustainable, efficient methodology is quite simply second to none. There are lots of ways to “get in shape” but if you want something you can stick to, injury free for decades, in the least time, with maximum results, Chris is among the best!”
-Richard
“As a chiropractor, I was looking for a trainer that I could refer for safe and effective strength training to help improve health outcomes for my patients. Chris does a great job in getting my patients to love strength training and they love him because he gets great results in a short time. Thanks Chris!!!”
-Dirk
- Algonquin College-Diploma in Health & Fitness Promotion
- Certified Personal Trainer: Sports Performance Institute Level III-Training for Competitive Sport
- Certified Personal Trainer: Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
- Standard First Aid + Level ‘C’ CPR + AED-St. John Ambulance
Julie Fine
Everyone wants better health. Life is to be lived in the real world, not a perfect one. The journey is not a straight line. Clients know what they want, but not always what they need to get there!
I believe if you don’t have mobility, balance and consistently good habits i.e. exercising, eating, sleeping, relaxing; you won’t have better health. Whether you are focussing on a better you, about to have surgery, or have just finished rehab; an individualized, safe exercise program is essential. My job is to assist you in achieving your goals of strength and mobility, and in enjoying more of what life has to offer.
- Personal Trainer 20+yrs
- Spin Fit Instructor
- Urban Poling Instructor
- Ottawa Heart Institute HEARTWISE certified
- Standard First Aid + Level ‘C’ CPR + AED
Daniel Larabie
With over 21 years in the health and fitness industry, Daniel has become a locally recognized exercise theorist and a sought after fitness educator/mentor by clients as well as many fitness professionals. Promoting “Proactive Health Care” as opposed to personal training, he has created a loyal and growing clientele. Dan conveys technical knowledge in a way that is both highly informative yet easy to learn.
- Extensive knowledgeable in all areas of health & fitness
- Learn the “whys” on strength training and wellness protocols
- Time management – receive the most return on investment with your exercise regimes
- Learn safe, rational, and results-oriented low force strength training protocols where progress can be easily quantified
- Over 21 years experience in the industry educating clients and mentoring fellow fitness professionals
- Learn the fallacies/myths of fitness & nutrition and how to avoid them
- Extensive background in orthomolecular nutrition
- BSc. Kinesiology – York University
- Fitness Educator/Mentor
- Exercise Theorist
- Exercise Clinician – I.A.R.T.
- Personal Trainer Specialist – Can-Fit-Pro
- Personal Trainer – A.C.E.
- Fitness and Nutrition Consultant Diploma – I.C.S.
- Nutrition Consultant – A.F.P.A.
- CPR (Level C), AED, First Aid – Red Cross
Nick McGunigal
As an athlete, I have always had an interest in fitness and physical health. Since joining the fitness industry, I have learned that everyone is different so a client-centered approach is a must for a full workout regimen. With my education and certifications, I deliver a client-centered approach in a manner that is both effective and efficient for all. I provide you a workout regimen that focuses on improving cardiovascular and muscular fitness and will also help increase your overall quality of life.
Regular exercise can be hard to maintain, so I keep a flexible schedule for my clients. I believe a workout regimen must be challenge and engage. Together, we will figure out what you find enjoyable and implement that into your training. With a bit of effort, we will reach your goals!
- Secondary Education: 2-year diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion –Algonquin College
- Certified Personal Trainer: Masters Certificate – Sport Performance Institute
- Instructor for various Group Fitness classes
- Standard First-Aid and CPR
Gloria Schwartz
I’m passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities optimize their fitness, health and quality of life.
I understand the challenges of change. I used to be overweight, sedentary, unfit and anxious about my poor health. I modified my lifestyle and improved my fitness, weight and body composition; most importantly, I slowed the progression of chronic disease.
After transforming myself, I became a personal trainer so I could help others improve their lives, and then I became a fitness columnist, author and motivational speaker in order to inspire and educate people beyond the bricks and mortar of the gym. When I’m not training clients or writing, I enjoy strength training and running half marathons.
I offer a results-oriented, fun, varied, safe and efficient workout tailored to your specific goals and health issues. As a certified fitness kickboxing instructor, I also offer the value-added option of confidence-boosting kickboxing drills. I’m here to motivate and coach you so you can achieve your personal best.
Gloria, Thank you for your positive impact on my well-being for the last (nearly) six years. I appreciate your sensitivity to my unique needs, your creativity in introducing a variety of different activities during my workouts, your consistent encouragement, and the laughs and good conversation during our time together. I’m looking forward to many more years together.
– Susan G.
Gloria, I appreciate that you keep me on track with my fitness goals and you don’t try to push me farther than I want to go. You encourage me and help me and congratulate me on my successes and you don’t make me feel guilty if my goals are modest. I am in MUCH better shape than last year at this time and I feel great. Thanks for helping me!
– Diane K.
Gloria, there are many positive thoughts I have that I want to say to you but we can be sitting here all day. But here are a few highlights of training with you. You are a very encouraging and uplifting person. You are very motivational and know how to give good advice. I appreciate it deeply. Any time I feel like giving up, your wise words ground me and motivate me to move on. I tell myself that quitting is not an option and that I need to move on. I’m very grateful to have such a wonderful motivational trainer like you.
– Nina A.
- Certified Personal Trainer – Can-Fit-Pro
- Certified Fitness Kickboxing Instructor – Fitness Kickboxing Canada
- Certified in CPR/AED
- B.A. Psychology – McGill University
- M.A. Educational Technology – Concordia University
- Completed Ottawa Heart Institute’s Heart Wise workshop
- Completed Human Kinetics Exercise and Sports Psychology course
- Seniors’ chair fitness instructor and substitute instructor for Vitality Plus, PowerPump, Bootcamp, Cardio Kickboxing classes
- Fitness columnist for the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin
- Motivational Speaker on fitness, health and lifestyle topics
- Author of the book Personal Best: Train Your Brain and Transform Your Body for Life
Debora Sloan
Living with Type 1 Diabetes since the age of 12, healthy living and nutrition management are part of my daily life. I practice what I preach and set out to motivate my clients to find healthy solutions.
I have been active for over 20 years and am empowered by looking and feeling strong. My own personal sport and fitness experience is varied, ranging from high school soccer, competitive swimming, weight lifting, boxing, running, yoga, and Crossfit training. I love to bring elements of all of these sports into my classes and coaching.
As a Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer, and Crossfit Level 1 Certified Coach, I combine high-intensity functional fitness, mobility exercises, and traditional weight lifting movements to provide a well-rounded and ever-changing fitness regimen. I am committed and creative when it comes to modifying exercises to suit personal goals, injuries, and fitness levels and am a stickler for proper form. I help my clients get lasting results by arming them with the most up-to-date information on fuelling for health and performance. I have clinical experience in the management and prevention of nutrition-related diseases, specializing in sports nutrition, diabetes and exercise, and weight management.
I provide each client with a fun and energizing experience that never gets repetitive or boring!
- CPR C/AED 2016
- Sport Nutrition Certification (Dietitians of Canada) 2015
- Crossfit Level 1 Certified (2014)
- Registered Dietitian (College of Dietitians of Ontario) 2013
- Clinical dietetic internship (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre) 2013
- BSc. Nutrition and Dietetics (University of Western, Brescia College) 2012
- Personal Trainer Specialist (Canfit Pro) 2010
- BAH Art History and Sociology (Queen’s University) 2000
Personal Trainer Programs and Fees
- 1 session $65
- 4 sessions $248
- 8 sessions $472
- 12 sessions $660
- Shared Session (2 people) $80
- Shared Session (3 people) $115
- Off-Site Session $80
Please note: To cancel a Personal Training session, please contact your trainer directly at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment or you will be charged for the missed session.
Heart Wise Exercise
Contact: Carla Gencher
(613) 798-9818 ext. 278, cgencher@jccottawa.com
The Soloway JCC and The University of Ottawa Heart Institute have teamed up to offer safe and effective programs for people with cardiac disease. Exercise programs that carry the Heart Wise logo are most suitable for those with cardiac disease or those who may want to assure themselves that the programs are heart-friendly.
Ottawa Heart Institute Rehab Program participants save 20% on an Annual Membership at the Soloway JCC
Heart Wise Exercise works with fitness providers in your community to develop and identify programs and classes that are appropriate for people who want to stay healthy or who may be living with a chronic health condition.
A program or class that displays the Heart Wise Exercise logo does all of the following:
- Encourages regular, daily aerobic exercise
- Encourages and incorporates warm-up, cool down and self-monitoring with all exercise sessions
- Allows participants to exercise at a safe level and offers options to modify intensity
- Includes participants with chronic health conditions – physician approval may be required
- Offers health screening for all participants
- Has a documented emergency plan that is known to all exercise leaders.
- For in-person exercise:
- The requirement of current CPR certification,
- Phone access to local paramedic services and
- Presence of AED
- For virtual exercise:
- Advises participants to create a Personal Emergency Plan*, including phone access to local paramedic service
- Ensures all participants have shared their phone number and address with the exercise leader, in case of emergency
- For in-person exercise:
*A Personal Emergency Plan should include the following:
- Advise another person that they are doing an exercise class
- Ensure there is a phone nearby
- Clear the area where they will be exercising of any tripping hazards
- Wear appropriate footwear
Heart Wise Exercise-approved offerings cover different types of exercise with different levels of intensity. The program descriptions provided by the facilities will help you find the Heart Wise Exercise program for you. If you’re not sure, please contact the program operator or your healthcare provider.
For more information on Heart Wise Exercise click here.
Find a HWE program for you.
Vitality Plus: Share life-enhancing benefits and have fun with this low-impact class combining cardiovascular exercises, muscle toning and stretching.
AquaWaves: The best of both shallow and deep water aquafit. Aquawaves focuses on cardiovascular endurance with full body toning and an aqua stretch segment for relaxation. Aqua belts are provided for flotation.
Aqua Arthritis: Aqua Arthritis offers a wide range of gentle exercises to help maintain and improve range of motion, muscle strength, endurance and balance as well as reduce pain. The class takes place primarily in shallow water, with some deep water activities. Enjoy the benefits of exercising in the water in a safe and supportive environment.
Rehabilitation Functional Fitness: Designed for those recovering from injury or medical conditions (stroke, surgery, knee and hip) who are ready to get back on the move! Improve balance, mobility and functionality in this small group setting.
Restorative Gentle Yoga: Let go of everyday tension and stress in a nurturing, inclusive environment. Increase balance, strength, stamina, flexibility and vitality. Modifications for individual body types and physical limitations make this an excellent class for beginners. Alternative postures are offered for experienced participants or those who want a greater challenge. Emphasis on breath-work and mindfulness leaves everyone feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Maximum 8 participants
Beginner Yoga: Offered at a slower pace, focuses on the basics of yoga, breathwork and movement.
Chair Yoga: Helps with stiff and aching joints, balance, posture and alignment. Includes 30 minutes of seated yoga poses that strengthen the body and 30 minutes standing, using the chair and other props for stability and support.
Nutritional Counselling
with Debora Sloan
Debora is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer, and Crossfit Level 1 Certified Coach. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Western Ontario and her clinical internship at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.
Living with Type 1 Diabetes since the age of 12, and a recent diagnosis of celiac disease, healthy living and nutrition management are part of her daily life. This, combined with her own athletic ventures, continue to heighten her interest in nutrition as fuel for optimal health, and peak performance.
Debora has experience with the management and prevention of nutrition related diseases, with an expertise in sport nutrition, diabetes and exercise, metabolic disorders, and weight management. Her fitness experience ranges from Crossfit, athletic conditioning, boxing, weight lifting and functional fitness. She has worked with higher level athletes, seniors and new moms, always focusing on building strength, injury prevention, and having fun! Through multiple modalities Deb programs exciting workouts that help you to build confidence in movement, push hard, while maintaining good form at your current level of fitness.
Debora counsels clients of all ages and stages by developing customized nutrition and fitness programs. Her food first, evidence-based approach to health and fitness is finding individualized solutions for every client — ones that are easy, affordable, balanced, sustainable and evidence-based.
As a certified fitness and nutrition professional, an athlete, and a busy mom of two, Deb understands first-hand the many challenges involved in balancing life, healthy living, and proper fuelling. She practices what she preaches and sets out to motivate her clients to find their healthy solutions.
Debora Sloan,
BA, BSC, RD, CPT
Fees
Assessment (75 min) | $175 |
Follow up (60 min) | $150 |
Follow up (45 min) | $95 |
Check-in (30 min) | $75 |
Couples sessions | $300 |
- Menu planning is available, based on scope.
- $250 special rate for assessment, plus 1 follow-up for those purchasing a 4 pack of Personal Training (otherwise regular rates apply)
Contact Carla Gencher to book an appointment (613) 798-9818 ext. 278, cgencher@jccottawa.com
