Meet our Personal Trainers

• Mariana Flores

  “I believe that lifestyle is medicine.”  

  I’m Mariana Flores, I am a Sports and Exercise Trainer, Health and Wellness Coach. For several years in the Health, Sports and Fitness industry, I have worked with clients to improve overall health, improve their cardiovascular fitness and increase their strength. I have also supported seniors and those living with disabilities to prevent diabetes, falls, injuries, improve their joint mobility and gain more independence.

  I am proudly Mexican, and back home, many years ago I was a 400 m runner. I love track! If we work together, I hope to motivate you to walk or run 5k, learn to play a new sport or try a new activity that will boost your spirit with positive energy. Wouldn’t it be awesome to set that as part of your fitness goals?!

  My passion for sports naturally drove me to study exercise science, sports training, fitness and health promotion. I have a keen interest for the science behind well-being, exercise, chronic disease management, exercise for rehab and daily performance. I’m always looking for new techniques and updating my knowledge to help me improve my services and your plans.

  

  How can I help you:

  • As a wellness coach I can tailor a wellness plan (exercise and/or nutrition for health)
  • Injury prevention and/or recovery (Rehab)Falls prevention and balance
  • Recovery after acute rehab for knee surgery or help with coping with knee osteoarthritis
  • To manage or decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, diagnosis of prediabetes, weight management, and cholesterol profile

  My credentials

  • Bachelor in Sports Science/Sports Training from Mexico
  • Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion, Durham College
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, ISSA
  • Certified Nutritionist, ISSA
• Anna Deinum

  “You miss 100% of the shots you DON’T TAKE.” – Wayne Gretzky

  

  My name is Anna Deinum, and I am a personal trainer at Variety Village. I was first introduced to Variety Village through the Birchmount Exceptional Athletes Program, which allowed me to learn about the facility and the community. Growing up I played lots of different sports, with hockey being my favourite. As I started to play more competitively, I discovered a passion for dry-land training and exploring new and creative ways to become more agile, stronger, and skilled in the sport that I love.

  I continued this passion by attaining my Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion at George Brown College and earning my CFES, Personal Trainer National Certification. This has allowed me to share this passion with others. I love helping my clients learn and build skills in the gym that can translate to their everyday lives and help them reach their own personal fitness goals. Through exploring different training methods, I create personalized programs to help my clients find what works best for them while building their confidence in the gym and within themselves.

• Chen Xu

  “Being physically active is the single best thing we can do for our health.  Everyone deserves an opportunity to do so.”

  My name is Chen, and I started training clients at Variety Village in February of 2022. I am a graduate of Western University’s Bachelor of Kinesiology Program. I also hold a diploma in Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Assistant from Conestoga College and a master’s degree in Gerontology from Brock University. My previous experience working as a Physiotherapist assistant made for a smooth transition to the role of personal trainer.

  

  When I am not working as a personal trainer, I work as an After Stroke Coordinator to helping stroke survivors to live as independently as possible. Working as an After Stroke Coordinator has given me a deeper understanding of the need for creating more accessible resources for people with different physical abilities wanting to stay active.

  My approach to personal training is to help my clients identify their goals and then to discover what makes them motivated to work towards those goals. I truly believe that working out can be enjoyable when it’s adapted to the individual’s needs and interests.

  Variety Village is a great organization that provides a range of programs and services for people of all abilities to choose from. I enjoy working with my clients in this family-friendly and diverse atmosphere, helping them maintain and improve their ability to complete daily tasks and participate in recreational activities.

• Eric Savva

  “If you want to live at a higher level, you have to move at a higher level.”

  I was first introduced to Variety Village as a Birchmount student in 1986. Back then I worked part-time in the maintenance department, waxing these same hallways. Years later I returned to the “Village” bringing my kids to participate in the programs and myself to participate in the weightlifting program. After ten years of being self-employed in the fitness industry, I was looking for a new challenge and joined the Variety Village Personal Training Team in 2014.

  Since then, I have provided thousands of hours of personal training sessions per year and continue to enjoy doing so. My fitness qualifications include, Canfit Certified Personal Trainer, Older Adult Fitness Specialist, Agatsu Kettlebell Specialist, Kickboxing Level 1 Certified and Thai Stretch Certified. I have been fortunate to experience working with clients of every age group, sport modality, ability level, and disability or condition.  At Variety Village, when I am not personal training clients, I teach Aquafit classes, Chair Fitness, and the TIME program, (TIME is a registered free program that is rehabilitation in nature.

  

  My competition sport for years was Olympic Weightlifting. I have competed in the Canadian Masters Championships several times. Competing in the 40 + and 45+ M age group in the 69kg division, I was awarded gold several times, as well as breaking a few Ontario records.  While competing in the 2014 Pan Am Masters, I received the bronze medal.

  I strongly believe in an active lifestyle and in taking personal responsibility for your own health. I exercise every morning because I enjoy the process of learning as well as moving. I carry that work ethic through to my personal training. It’s about being constantly willing to move forward and learn more about your clients’ abilities to guide them to better health and fitness, but at the same time making the process enjoyable.

• Jhuvon Cummings

   “Do something today that your future will thank you for later.”  

  My relationship started with Variety Village because of the Village’s passion for fitness, rehab and helping individuals. Helping members achieve their goals and align their mental and physical health is at the core of Variety Village activities, so it is a pleasure to introduce myself as a member of the Variety Village Personal Training Team.

  My name is Jhuvon, a graduate with a Bachelors of Sport Science degree majoring in Athletic Therapy from Jamaica and a Fitness and Health Promotion diploma from Humber College in Toronto. I am a member of the Ontario Fitness Council as a Registered Health and Exercise Practitioner and Personal Trainer.

  

  Watching and competing in sports, mostly soccer and cricket, is where my love for fitness began. My personal fitness journey through participating in sports, studying and researching fitness methods showed me the pathway to be the best I can be. The knowledge and the experience I gained helps me to guide clients in their fitness journey.

  I have been a professional in the fitness industry for 3 years. My experience includes training and rehabilitating young athletes in Jamaica. Having the opportunity to work with high school and college/university level athletes such as Wolmer’s Boys track and field and University of Technology football team in my home country. Training a mixture of young to senior individuals in Canada has helped me to understand different fitness and training levels. Working 1 v 1 with clients at Humber College and LPS Athletic, helping clients increase strength, endurance, flexibility and sport specific training.

  My approach in personal training is structured, purposeful, fun and motivating. I will be with you every step of the way, incorporating strength training, cardio, and rehab to help you achieve your fitness goals.

  When I’m not personal training you can definitely find me playing soccer.

• Zack Kashef

  

  

  I began my journey in the fitness industry at Humber College in the Fitness & Health Promotion program. While at Humber, I learned the art and specifics of personal training. This dynamic area of study compelled me to pursue further knowledge. Currently, I am enjoying studying Kinesiology at York University. In addition to my schooling, I am also Canfit Pro certified Personal Trainer.

  I played soccer competitively from age of 3 until age 24. Because of my sport-based experience, I developed an athletic and injury prevention approach to training. Therefore, I focus on increasing cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance to build a strong, functional healthy physique.

  I am not just a trainer; I will be a partner in your fitness journey, your motivator, and a source of unwavering support. Together, we’ll transform not just your body, but also your mindset. We will increase your resilience, and self-belief. Whether you’re striving for a healthier lifestyle, chasing athletic excellence, or seeking a profound change in your life, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Your success is my success, and I can’t wait to be a part of your fitness story.

• Kayden White

   “Perfection is the enemy of Progress”

  My name is Kayden White, and I started training clients in Variety Village in May of 2024. I first came to know the Village community as a placement student earlier that year, which introduced me to the caring and member-focused staff and volunteer team I’m so proud to be a part of today.

  I bring a wealth of knowledge borne from over two combined decades of experience as a competitive athlete, coach, student and tutor of kinesiology, and fitness professional. While I have always held a passion for understanding and training the human body.

  I have had the privilege to direct my services in recent years towards working with underserved populations in need of an educated and informed approach to fitness. Working in Variety Village as a Personal Trainer and a Moving on to Fitness Instructor has been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling choice from the moment I first set foot in the building.

  My approach to personal training and fitness is best described as follows; I see personal training as a premium service designed around coaching clients along the most effective and efficient path towards their individual success. For some, this success is measured in inches or pounds off their frame, heavier lifts, or seconds off the clock. Yet, for many others it represents more hours of energy in their day, fewer days of pain and soreness from the tasks of daily life, and additional years with better quality of life and independence.