Why should you strength train?
There are numerous health benefits to incorporating regular strength training into your life. Here's just a few...
Build and Maintain Lean Mass
Muscle isn't just for aesthetics...it's more metabolically active tissue that can help you regulate blood sugar, protect your joints, prevent injury and physical decline as you age...making all aspects of life easier and more enjoyable.
Helps You Burn Fat
Strength training helps you build more muscle so your body can be more efficient at burning calories, lower fat storage, and create and abundance of energy for you to enjoy your life.
Improves Mental Health
Research has consistently shown that strength training helps reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and general psychological stress. The combination of endorphins, improved self-image, and the empowering nature of seeing yourself get stronger is an awesome feeling.
Improves Balance, Stability, and Mobility
Proper strength training also improves movement, not just muscle size. Training through full ranges of motion, developing core stability, and strengthening movement patterns, can help you be much more active and injury-free as you age.
Meet Your Coach
C.H.E.K. Institute Integrated Movement Science Level - 1
C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach
B.C.P.R.A Personal Trainer Specialist
18 years of coaching experience in most forms of resistance training, aerobic conditioning, mobility, and movement coordination.
Shawn Kelly
After spending 18 years working full time as a personal trainer in downtown Vancouver, my wife and I moved to Lake Cowichan in 2025 for a change of pace and a fresh start. I'm excited to be able to offer my service to the community here.
I specialize in working with adults that are looking to learn safe and effective strength and aerobic training as a way to stay fit and injury free so you can have the energy and confidence to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle as you age.
My coaching practice is rooted in helping people become proficient in basic movement patterns (squatting, hinging, lunging, pushing, pulling, carrying, rotation) while building the strength, balance, mobility and aerobic conditioning necessary for a living a resilient and enjoyable lifestyle.
This is accomplished though a personalized and progressive program involving various forms of resistance training: dumbbells, barbell, cables, kettlebells, bands and bodyweight.
I also offer a more in-depth and detailed program for weight loss if that's a primary goal.
I would love to connect and discuss how I can help you get in the best shape of your life!
I've had the pleasure of working with countless people over nearly 20 years of being a health and fitness coach. Here are some kind words from just a few...
Adriaan de Jager
"I worked with Shawn for nearly seven years and can’t recommend him highly enough. When I came to him with a rotator cuff issue, he developed a tailored program that helped me rebuild strength and regain full mobility. His focus on proper technique, combined with an emphasis on flexibility and strength-building, led to real, lasting results. Shawn kept things fresh with a wide range of well-thought-out routines, and his quiet confidence and attention to detail always gave me the motivation and assurance I needed. A fantastic trainer and all-around great guy."
Testimonials
Jennifer Mickey
I highly recommend Shawn as a personal trainer. I trained with him for over ten years, during which he consistently adapted my program and schedule to meet my evolving needs and goals, even through my significant life changes outside the gym.
Shawn developed a personalized exercise regimen that consistently challenged me and led to significant improvements in my health. I particularly valued his extensive fitness knowledge and ability to adapt each session based on how I was feeling. He intuitively understood when to challenge and motivate me and when to focus on restoration. I always looked forward to our sessions and consistently felt physically and mentally better afterward. The foundation that I built with him is something that I value greatly on a daily basis.
He offers a unique blend of expertise, dedication, and motivational support. If he had not relocated, I would still be training with him. I wholeheartedly recommend him without reservation.
Steven Bartlett
"I started my journey with Shawn Kelly in the summer of 2018. I was in my early 50s, my fitness levels had declined over the previous decade, and I had lower back issues. After working with Shawn for over six years, I now approach 60 in the best shape of my life. My work with Shawn has been truly life changing. My weightlifting ability has surpassed my expectations; my back is strong; and my nutrition and fitness levels keep me energized and active. I will forever be grateful for his guidance and expertise."
Curt Allison
"I worked out pretty regularly in my 40s and utilized different trainers with good success, but fell off the workout wagon throughout most of my 50s. When I started training with Shawn, I was impressed with the workout program he designed for me and his attention to form. I lost weight, gained muscle, and just felt better overall - all this in my late 50s. I am grateful to Shawn for his expertise and guidance in getting me back to those levels of health and fitness I once had in my 40s."
Will Simpson
"I was fortunate to train with Shawn for 8 years, during which I learned so much about myself and the gym. Shawn created a dynamic exercise regimen that helped me become stronger, more flexible and healthier overall. I really appreciated his ability to motivate me on tough days and celebrate the wins as I progressed. His knowledge and genuine care for his clients made gym sessions a part of the day I could look forward to. Shawn has a lot to offer anyone he works with, and I’m grateful that I got so much time with him."
How It Works
Your fitness journey will be designed to be effective, engaging, and tailored to your individual goals and needs.
Assessment
We'll do a thorough assessment to understand your fitness levels and goals, allowing us to create a personalized program tailored to your specific needs.
Coaching Sessions
Private coaching sessions together will be our time to make sure you're learning how to get stronger and improve your movement in the safest and most effective way, while also keeping things fun and challenging.
Progress Tracking
Through regular check-ins and tracking some basic metrics we'll make sure you're always making progress in your fitness and health.
Lifestyle and Nutrition Guidance
What you do outside your gym sessions is just as important. We'll make sure you're eating enough of the right foods and living a lifestyle that will encourage progress, support recovery, and enhance all aspects of your life.
Just send me an email to connect and set up a free phone consultation. I'd love to speak with you about how I can help you improve your fitness, health and overall quality of life!