RISE Functional Fitness

Fantastic experience: Correction! Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (12 out of 5 stars) I had the pleasure of working with Gillian, a phenomenal personal trainer at Rise Fitness here in Thunder Bay, and my experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. Gillian's dedication to creating personalized exercise plans truly sets her apart. She not only tailors workouts to your specific goals but also aligns them with your overall fitness mission. Her commitment to helping you achieve your objectives is evident in every session. What I appreciate most about Gillian is her emphasis on holistic well-being. She encourages you to listen to your body, fostering a balanced approach to fitness. Moreover, her focus on mental health adds an invaluable dimension to the training experience. If I could give Gillian 12 out of 5 stars, I would without hesitation. Rise Fitness is fortunate to have such an exceptional personal trainer on their team. Highly recommended! - Connor R

Fantastic experience: Training with Gillian for nearly two years has been deeply transformative for my physical and mental health. ❤️‍ I enjoyed training virtually over Zoom, when I was travelling out of town, which helped me maintain momentum towards my fitness goals. ‍♀️ Gillian trains in a way that is positive, encouraging, safe, and appropriately challenging. ‍♀️

Fantastic experience: Going to Rise has made working out with weights and a trainer (two things that never interested me/used to intimidate me) fun and empowering. I look forward to all my appointments because of the atmosphere and because I know I'll walk away feeling strong.

Fantastic experience: Have just had my first group workout here and loved it! Fun environment, tough workout that was appropriate to the intermediate level, and great music!

Fantastic experience: Gillian is an amazing trainer who has cultivated a wikid space for anyone who is interested in moving and connecting with their body through weight training. She flawlessly adapted workouts for our group of 4 (different bodies, injuries, areas of focus, accommodations etc) all winter. We've been going strong for months and never want to stop! She challenges us without crossing boundaries and creates an environment where you can feel safe and strong. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Great training studio and even greater trainer. Gillian challenges you in the best ways, she is trauma informed and all inclusive. Allows you to add fitness into your life that is maintainable for the long run.

Fantastic experience: I've been training with Gillian off an on for the past few months. It was over this past weekend that it really hit me how much the training program she designed specifically for my needs and wants has been paying off. One of my goals was to be able to keep up with my kids. Over the past weekend my family did a 4.2km hike to a beach to picnic and spend the afternoon. I was able to carry our 25-30ish pound child on my shoulders, plus my pack sack full of goodies, with little to no struggling. I am beyond grateful and thankful for Gillian's attention to detail so I was actually able to enjoy and actively participate in what could be one of my children's core memories. Thank you Gillian for being a wonderful support in my life! Your job is definitely sending a ripple effect from your clients lives and continuing on to positively effect the lives around them. Keep up the amazing work!

Fantastic experience: Best personal training experience I've ever received! As someone who is very inexperienced and awkward in a gym environment, Gillian was able to effectively coach me and give me confidence using equipment and strengthening my body. Excellent communication skills, wonderful at checking in during workout sessions. Creates a program that is goal directed for whatever your fitness level is. Coming to RISE changed my life!

Fantastic experience: I've been working out weekly with Gillian for about 6 months and I LOVE the workouts (and her). Every workout is varied and interesting, and she tailors them depending on the goals you want to work towards. I feel much more comfortable and confident in the gym then I did before training with Gillian. She is inclusive, thoughtful, and can give a me the push I need on those slow days. Working out at RISE is really fun, and I am wayy stronger then I was before. Me and my rock hard buns thank you :)

Fantastic experience: I can't speak more highly about a service than I do about RISE. I started personal training sessions with Gillian in 2020, feeling worried about some recent weight gain and how my body image had changed with that. Gillian was incredibly warm and comforting right off the bat, and helped me find comfort within my body while also helping me reach my fitness goals. I've continued with bi-weekly sessions since then, and have seen a huge difference in my body's capabilities and, more importantly, the way that I view myself. The option of doing online sessions during the pandemic has been so helpful - I don't feel pressure to expose myself when numbers are high, and the quality of the sessions is just as wonderful. I've learned a TON and look forward to every session with Gillian - getting in one hour of dedicated movement makes a huge difference in my mental well-being, and while it's often hard to find the time to do it on my own, having someone so kind, compassionate, friendly, and knowledgeable has really helped me stay motivated, especially throughout the pandemic. Chi-miigwech Gillian, thanks for being such a powerful, open, and supportive member of TBay's athletic community!

Fantastic experience: I wouldn't have my workouts any other way or with anyone else. I've been with Gillian since I found out I was pregnant at 7 weeks and she has been nothing shy of stellar and accommodating. She works around my body & current (pregnant) needs. With her training I feel confident & strong enough to be able to make it up until the baby comes (only a few months to go!). I feel stronger after every session and plan on coming back once I am back up and running. During every session she helps me to listen to my body and always asks how I'm feeling so that she can curate each class to my needs that day. During lockdowns, she has offered online classes and in the summer she enjoys bringing them outdoors for some fresh air, as well. She is a very well rounded individual and I am so grateful to have found her as a teacher and to have made a new friend in the process. My abs are alaso always getting a good workout from the laughs. Haha. Bottom line...If you wanna Get Fit & Have Fun, then Rise Fitness is your jam ;)

Fantastic experience: Gillian made me feel comfortable and confident while exercising. I was previously intimidated by going to the gym. I learned how to use various equipment for the first time, as well as different techniques I can use while on my own. Highly recommended for those who are uncomfortable in busy gym settings, and want a safe space to move and strengthen their bodies.

Fantastic experience: The space at RISE is so accommodating, accessible and bright. Gillian is so welcoming, warm and educated on functional training. Her approach to fitness and health when working with clients is tentative, equitable and most importantly , trauma informed! I highly recommend Gillian as a personal trainer! She is the BEST

Fantastic experience: 100% recommend Rise Functional Fitness. Gillian has created personalized exercise sequences that have me feeling more connected to my body. She chooses weights and exercises which are challenging yet balanced so I still feel energized after a workout. Totally awesome!!!!!!!!

Fantastic experience: Gillian is down to earth and easy to talk to, she’s motivational and sets up an amazing program for you. I absolutely love her new space and am grateful that she’s my trainer :). Try her out today!!!