Our Trainers + Specialists
Fitness is not meant to be a single objective. It is a way of life that touches upon other core facets of life. Perhaps what matters just as much as what you’re doing, is who you’re doing it with.
Each member of our team combines their top-level education with passion to ensure that you receive the highest standard of service every step of your journey. We also know that optimal health + fitness is best obtained through a holistic and integrated approach. Guided by a solid foundation in kinesiology, anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology, our trainers and specialists seamlessly work together to ensure all aspects of your health and wellness are cared for.
The Le Physique team may hail from different backgrounds, but we’re united by a single mission: to promote health and vitality in a way that feels personal. Your progress is our passion and when you’re here, you’re home.
Take a peek at our team bios. We hope to meet you at the studio someday!
Gillian Morrow
Kinesiologist, M.A.T. Specialist, Clinical Pilates InstructorGillian began her fitness journey over twenty years ago in Europe as a fitness instructor where she combined her love of music and movement. Passionate about health and wellness, her studies have included certifications in Pilates, Muscle Activation Techniques, athletic therapy and rehabilitation, allowing her to help her clients in finding their own path towards leading healthy lifestyles.
Nicole Yamanaka
KinesiologistNicole has worked with one of BC’s leading fitness gyms as a top achiever with several awards in personal training and customer service. Her passion is to motivate, educate and expand the minds of her clients and students to achieve more than just physical fitness. Nicole draws from her background and varied experiences such as yoga, rock climbing, kickboxing and pilates, to provide fun alternatives to “traditional exercises.”
Kamal Shah
KinesiologistKamal‘s training style focuses on mastering fundamental movement patterns with particular attention to technique and muscular control. He creates an environment that is engaging, safe and purpose driven. Kamal makes it a priority to be highly personable, understanding and connected to the needs his clients. You can expect to experience a type of workout that is goal oriented yet flexible and accommodates the ebbs and flows of life.
James Hsin
Jr. Kinesiologist and Client Care ManagerJames is currently studying in his 3rd year at kinesiology at UBC, and grew up a relatively active individual. He has been training primarily in Muay Thai for the past 4 years, training with champions and beginners alike. James is a firm believer that exercise should be like playing around – it’s better if its fun! James hopes he can share how his fitness journey has encouraged him to grow, and hopes to inspire you to do the same.
Oliver Giving
Classical Pilates InstructorOliver is the owner and head instructor of Tone Pilates, which operates within Le Physique. He found Pilates through tendinitis, which he acquired in one of this knees due to too much running. After two years of physiotherapy and still injured, Pilates provided the solution within a few weeks and he was hooked. In 2015, he completed the 950-hour Advanced Teacher Training Program at Pilates from the Center in North Vancouver.
Mika Pelaez
Kinesiologist and Marketing CoordinatorMika became involved in sports at a young age, eventually settling to practice martial arts like kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She also enjoys hiking and kayaking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. Mika has a passion for sports, health, fitness and education and she hopes to influence others in pursuing a healthy, active lifestyle.
Katherine Leong
Clinical Pilates InstructorKatherine was certified by master teacher, Dianne Miller after completing a rigorous 2 1/2 year internship teacher training programme. With a classical orientation she is influenced by 1st generation teachers Ron Fletcher, Eve Gentry and has continued her knowledge in workshops with Jose Marie Blom-Lawrence and Michelle Larsen. She recently completed the BASI Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies certificate course.
Jeff Grace
Yoga TherapistJeff is the owner of Excel with Grace Sports-Specific Yoga and has an extensive background in competitive sport as both an athlete and coach. Jeff became a 500 hour registered yoga teacher after 20 year full-time coaching career. He has worked with athletes at all levels from Olympians to the weekend warrior as well as having a diploma in coaching from Douglas College and a diploma in High Performance Coaching from the National Coaching Institute.
Shadow Yamanaka
Mascot and Client AidePart loverboy and part aloof cool kid, you can never tell if he’s in the mood to snooze in the sunshine or make sure you’re okay if you’re making “sounds of suffering.” As the inspiration for our new logo, Shadow reminds us that size (and shape) matters not! It’s the fire in your heart, daring to think big, and to dream of what may not seem possible that makes all the difference in the world.
Mika Fogelman
Client Care ManagerMika is passionate about helping others in any way she can. Having danced since she was five years old, she discovered excitement for fitness through teaching Zumba dance fitness classes, and loves to help others develop their confidence through exercise.
Robin Moore
Registered Massage TherapistRobin pursued a career in massage therapy because he wanted to help people to feel better! His preferred techniques are a combination of myofascial, neuromuscular and trigger point release, as well as deep compression and joint mobilization/traction frequently. Robin see every treatment as an opportunity to teach, and as an opportunity to learn.
