Meet our Personal Trainers

• Adil Khoshkar

   “Start by doing what is necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”  

  Fitness has been my passion for as long as I can remember. My brother who I regarded as my role-model was very into weightlifting and boxing. To emulate him, I found myself diving into the world of fitness as well. I began researching optimal training techniques from a young age.

  Gradually, I began to fall in love with sports sciences. My research evolved from simple Google searches, to reading the literature on scientific journal databases like PubMed. Eventually, this led me to get my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Sciences and complete multiple certificates such as becoming a certified personal trainer, nutritionist, and more. I also began working as a Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist, a personal trainer for individuals with disabilities, and opened my personal training company.

  This challenging yet rewarding journey has cumulated in me being able to impart my knowledge upon you. I do so with the utmost confidence that I am delivering scientifically backed, clinically proven techniques to guide you to your fitness goals in the most optimal way possible. I have a large array of experience, which includes but is not limited to, working with amputees, competitive athletes, wheelchair users, stroke survivors, individuals with cerebral palsy, and others with various conditions.

• 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.

• Ayesha Khan

  “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

  This is why I’m here to motivate you and create healthy habits with you, so you can get started on your journey to better fitness.

  I am Ayesha, a member of the Personal Training team at Variety Village.

  My interest in fitness grew when I joined various sports teams. I was on the Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, and Varsity Basketball team.  I became a basketball coach and grew my passion for helping young athletes chase their dreams.

  I have 6 years of Personal Training experience. I am Canfit Pro certified and Twist Functional Training Certified. During the past six years in the fitness industry, I have also taught kickboxing and kettlebell classes and completed training to become a yoga instructor.

  While receiving my Fitness and Health Promotion diploma, I acquired knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the human body. I enjoy training my clients as I get to pass on this knowledge and help them establish a healthy lifestyle.

• 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.

• Jill Moreash

  “Every day is a new opportunity to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and to be the best version of you.”

  My background includes certification as a Personal Training Specialist (Canfitpro), Active Aging Trainer (Canfitpro), Exercise Nutrition Coach (Precision Nutrition), Kickboxing Instructor (Fitness Kickboxing Canada), Thai Yoga Stretching Fitness Professional (Navina/Canfitpro) as well as Group Fitness Instructor (Goodlife). I have also recently certified as a Brain Health Trainer for fitness professionals (Functional Aging Institute), to create brain health-specific exercise plans to help reduce clients’ risks for/ symptoms of dementia.

  I also have a B.A. in Psychology as well as a Bachelor of Education with additional qualifications in Special Education and Health and Physical Education. I find that my teaching and special education experience help me build a strong rapport with clients of all ages and abilities and assist me with breaking down programs and exercises to fit each client’s individual needs and goals.

  

  My functional fitness approach to exercise brings out the best in each of my clients, helping them to set and achieve their fitness, health and/or rehabilitation goals. I am constantly researching and experimenting with exercises to ensure that my clients’ training sessions are interesting, fun and most importantly, effective.

  Along with personal training, I also teach Aquafit, Corefit and Kickboxing classes here at Variety Village. My passions include health & fitness research, music, and spending time in the great outdoors. You can find me hiking the trails, paddling in my kayak, camping, cross-country skiing or walking on the beach.

  This is one of my favourite quotes: “Every day is a new opportunity to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and to be the best version of you.” Let me help you achieve your goals.

• Kevin Lalog

  
  “I believe that fitness is a lifestyle. It influences our entire well-being and shapes the way we see the world.”

  My name is Kevin and I like being a personal trainer here at Variety. My relationship with Variety started in high school when I came to train for track and field. I was amazed the first day I walked in and also inspired by all the different levels of athletes that trained here.

  After high school, I completed three years of post-secondary education; one year in Health Sciences at George Brown College, followed by a Fitness and Health Promotion Diploma at Durham College. This made me eligible for certification from the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology, a certification which I am constantly updating. I have been a trainer at Variety Village for three years and have enjoyed the opportunity to use my skills to help people reach their full potential.

  I believe that fitness is a lifestyle. It influences our entire well-being and shapes the way we see the world. I love what I do. I am passionate about bringing positive change to the lives of others. I can help you make that positive change here at Variety.