Pure Strength and Conditioning

Blake Wood is one of the original founders of Pure Lifestyle Ltd. As President and CEO, Blake oversees the vision and strategy surrounding all programs offered at Pure, with the goal of providing unparalleled client experiences through exceptional healthcare services. From 2013 to present, Blake has worked hard to steer Pure in the direction of a Collaborative Health Facility.

Blake received his degree in Kinesiology at the University of Manitoba in 2006 and has worked in the field health and wellness his entire career. He has a passion for proactive health and along with his wife Diane and two children Danica and Nolin continues to lead by example.

Starting in 2015 Blake provided three years of service as the Manitoba Provincial Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association where he led a group of committee members in establishing continuing education opportunities for Kinesiologists and allied health professionals in Manitoba. From 2016-2019 Blake chaired the Academic Advisory Board for the faculty of Kinesiology, Athletic Therapy and Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba.

Education

Bachelors Degree, Exercise and Sports Science (BESS)
Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Functional Movement Screen Level 2 (FMSC)
NCCP Level 1 Olympic Lifting

Accomplishments

Completed 2011 Leadville 100 mountainbike race
Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro
Accomplished climber/scrambler
World Traveller (including Thailand, Africa, South America)
Successful business owner specializing in personal training and endurance sports

Paul graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2012. Paul continued his education by getting his Canadian Society for Exercise Physiologist’s Certified Exercise Physiologist designation (CSEP-CEP) in 2013. In addition, he also completed his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS) in 2014. However, always eager to learn and provide his clients with the best service, Paul continues to expand his knowledge and stay up to date with current research through continuing education and post-graduate certifications.

A believer in mentorship and continuing education, Paul has made it a priority to mentor students, young professionals and colleagues within the field of health and fitness. As an advisory board member of the Manitoba National Strength and Conditioning Association, he also helps develop and implement continuing education courses for all strength trainers in Manitoba.

A true outdoorsman and adrenaline junkie, Paul enjoys getting away from the busy “city life” by spending time hunting and fishing in the backcountry, snowmobiling and alpine skiing in the winter months, and breathing the fresh air while running. Having been an athlete in competitive hockey, this has given Paul a personal understanding of the importance of sport-specific training and the physiological and physical demand of sport.

A strong believer that exercise is medicine, Paul takes a multidisciplinary approach to training by working closely with allied health professionals such as a physiotherapist, physicians, massage therapists, and registered dietitians.

His mission is to help others achieve their goals and educate them about the benefits of exercise and lifestyle changes. Be warned; Paul is a stickler for proper form but he is also patient and persistent with his clients. He is also known to be very competitive and will never shy away from a gym challenge!

Education

Bachelors of Kinesiology (Bkin)
Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Functional Movement Screen Certified level 2 (FMSC)
Precision Nutrition Certified Level 1 (Pn1)
Certified Pain Free Performance Specialist (PPCS)
NCCP Level 2 Olympic Lifting
EXOS Fitness Specialist Certified

Rebecka graduated with her Bachelor's of Kinesiology and Minor in Psychology from the University of Manitoba after completing her Fieldwork Placement at Pure Lifestyle in December 2021. On top of her university education, she is a CSEP-Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CSEP-Certified Personal Trainer, and NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Rebecka began her studies in Human Kinetics and Exercise Science because of her background in dance. She was a competitive dancer for 15 years – in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and modern. She taught group-based classes at her local dance studio, as well as her yoga studio. She worked throughout her undergraduate degree in various avenues in the fitness industry, and she's excited to continue as a Kinesiologist with Pure Lifestyle! Her favourite ways to stay active outside the gym include attending hot yoga classes and outdoor recreation such as hiking and running.

Education

Bachelor of Kinesiology (B. Kin)
Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP)
Certified Personal Trainer (CSEP-CPT)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS)

Amy graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2015. She then continued her education by completing her Clinical Exercise Physiologist designation (CSEP-CEP) in 2016 and her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS) certification in 2017. On top of this, Amy is also a Level 2 Exercise is Medicine Provider (EIMC) and has completed her Functional Movement Screen Level 2 (FMSC) certification.

Since a very early age, Amy took an interest in strength training to progress her own athletic performance and physical goals. She has always been involved in and enjoys team sports and strongly believes in being a team player on and off the field. Respect in sport and gym environments are of high priority to her. She will always treat clients with the highest regard and expects the same from all other individuals. Amy also enjoys spending any free time she has doing outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and backcountry camping, and truly believes in the importance of connecting with and spending time in nature.

Amy takes it upon herself to go above and beyond to connect with her clients and gain their trust. This includes learning more about them than just their physical activity backgrounds. It involves understanding their true wants and needs and coming up with a realistic exercise plan that will fit their lifestyle. Amy believes that being active is an important part of living a healthy life and is fully committed to assisting all of her clients in achieving both their short and long term goals in this area.

Amy is a strong and confident voice both in and outside the gym and loves to start each session with a smile!

Education

Bachelor of Kinesiology (B. Kin)
Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS)
Exercise Is Medicine Canada Level 2 (EIMC)
Functional Movement Screen Level 1 (FMSC)

Joe has been involved in personal training for six years. He became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in 2011 and graduated with a kinesiology degree from the U of M and CSEP certification in 2012. He continues to take CEU’s to maintain his CSEP and CSCS credentials.

Joe grew up playing hockey, soccer, badminton and golf. In the gym he enjoys an array of activities such as Olympic lifting, sprints, resistance training as well as cycling. During the summer months he enjoys golfing, paint-balling, the occasional bike ride and swimming. During the winter he enjoys badminton, downhill skiing and occasionally hot yoga.

In the gym, Joe’s clients can expect a large repertoire of exercises and drills, as well as a knowledge of the mechanics of each individual exercise. Clients will learn proper lifting and exercise technique, and benefit from Joe’s knowledge of anatomy and muscles movement. They can also expect to learn about nutrition and proper eating habits. Joe is determined and motivated to have his clients reach their goals and is constantly seeking new knowledge in order to get them there.

Joe prides himself on being a creative programmer and having unique workouts. Joe believes that workouts must be fun and enjoyable yet challenging and rewarding. His client’s confidence and progress is a priority. With Joe you’ll get a true professional who is dedicated and committed to having his clients succeed.

Education

Bachelors of Kinesiology (BKin) with distinction
Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Certified FMS Level 2 (FMSC)
NCCP Level 2 Olympic Lifting
Bachelors of Commerce (BComm) – honours
Poliquin Biosigniture Modulation Level 1

Evan graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2019. He became a certified personal trainer through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP-CPT) while still in school, where he also gained experience working at the university gym (Active Living Center).

Evan grew up with a love of the outdoors, and spent much of his free time biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, and skiing. More recently he has discovered a love of running and you can often find him running in a number of local run clubs, as well as competing in races from 5K’s to ultra-marathons.

He is a strong believer in exercise as preventative medicine, and thinks strength training plays an important role in living a healthy life, allowing for both physical longevity as well as excelling in any physical performance.

Education

Bachelor of Kinesiology, BKin
Certified Personal Trainer, CPT

Heather graduated in 2012 from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology where she studied in the Athletic Therapy stream. Heather continued with her studies and completed the Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) certification through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) in 2013. In addition to this Heather has been a member of the Manitoba Fitness Council since 2010 and is an active member of the Canadian Kinesiology Association. Heather is always eager to take advantage of professional development opportunities wherever possible, there is always so much to learn in the field of Kinesiology. Heathers passion for the industry came to light when she was working through her own injuries. As a marathon runner, Heather struggled with many chronic injuries mostly due to a lack of understanding of the importance of a balanced training program which also includes rest. Heather engaged with Athletic Therapy professionals to work through her injuries at which time a resistance training program was introduced. She loved the added benefits of resistance training and she wanted to learn more. Heather traded in her calculator at her job in the corporate world for some textbooks and began her university education. Throughout her studies Heather continued to run marathons and started to dabble in the triathlon world. A true endurance athlete, Heather completed two full Ironman competitions in Penticton and in Wisconsin. For over a decade Heather has worked with a broad range of clients in clinical, gym, in home, and outdoor settings. Heather helps with sport specific goals, general fitness goals, pre or post injury, or to help prevent or control chronic disease. Heather works hard to give her clients a pleasant, professional, and effective experience. She can’t wait to see you in the gym!

Education

BSc-KIN (Athletic Therapy)
Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP)
Manitoba Fitness Council – Fitness Leader

Rinat graduated from the University of Manitoba with her Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2021. She became a Personal Training Specialist in 2018 and is currently pursuing certifications through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology, as well as the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Her keen interest to help others find joy through movement and further develop themselves with it has reinforced her decision to pursue her kinesiology degree. From sharing her knowledge of movement and seeing clients’ progress in their health journey, it is important for her to collaborate with allied health professionals to bring the best suited personalized experience for clients.

Rinat is a strong believer that health is multidisciplinary and is beyond just the physical. Creating an inclusive and positive environment in the fitness industry is important for her. Healthy relationships with clients are key factors in enjoyment of a program’s process and its success.

Rinat has a great passion for dancing and performing on stage. Coming from an extensive background of dance, Rinat understands the challenges that come with limitations due to injuries, and commits to provide her best care for individuals as health is a never-ending journey. You can expect to hear tips about proper posture through Rinat’s dancer lens!

Education

Bachelor of Kinesiology (B. Kin)
Certified Personal Trainer (CSEP-CPT)