Our Fitness program is powered by an incredible team of talented and dedicated instructors who inspire our community every day. From first-timers to seasoned participants, people leave class energized, accomplished, and smiling.
Scroll down to learn more about the people behind the workouts.
Strength in Numbers
I have been in the fitness industry for nearly 30 years and the GNAG Fitness coordinator since 2014. I am also the owner of Movement Maintenance Studio, a personal training studio in my Glebe home.
I am Canfitpro Group Fitness Instructor with certifications in Yoga, Heartwise, and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Level 1 and have taken courses in Active Aging and Older Adult fitness.
I take pride in being able to modify a movement and finding the right cues to ensure success in moving YOUR body. My goal is to help you move better and feel stronger!
I am CanfitPro certified and have been teaching fitness classes for over 42 years.
I have taught every kind of class out there!! LOL
I developed Movement is Medicine flow classes because over the years I could
see there was a need to provide a class that gentley moves ALL body parts.
Every move we do in class has elements of – Balance – Movement-Strengthening- Lengthening-Focus and everyone can do these classes
I love teaching at GNAG!
Barrre Workout
Mary Tsai is a certified CanFitPro Fitness Instructor Specialist and Yoga and Pilates instructor with over 20 years of experience in fitness and wellness. Her journey began right here at GNAG, where — after the birth of her son — she turned to the fitness program to rebuild her strength and confidence. That transformative experience sparked her passion to become an instructor and give back to the community that supported her.
Mary brings passion, warmth, and high energy to every class she teaches. Whether it’s HIIT, Strength & Power, Yoga, Pilates, or GNAG’s newest offering, Barre Workout, she creates a welcoming space where participants of all levels feel supported, challenged, and empowered.
She’s excited to be part of your fitness journey and to help you feel strong, confident, and energized — inside and out.
I grew up in a very active family & continue to embrace fitness in my daily activities. I have been teaching fitness classes for over 30 years & what keeps me certified & inspired are the participants whom I get to share my passion with. I have met so many wonderful, fun & enthusiastic GNAG members & from the moment you walk through the doors, there is a tremendous feeling of community that welcomes you.
My interests are family. reading, cooking and travel where an activity such as skiing, cycling or hiking is always part of the trip. I have a soft spot for animals & currently have a beautiful long haired calico. Hope to meet you at GNAG!
Growing up as a competitive athlete, exercising with others keeps me accountable to my goal of living an active lifestyle, and I love being able to share that motivation with everyone who walks into a GNAG class.
I also value the connection that comes with being part of the GNAG community. I enjoy getting to know the people in my classes—what’s hurting, what’s challenging, what your goals are, and how I can help you maintain or improve your mobility, strength, and balance as we age.
In every class, I aim to create an environment where everyone can work at their own level. Bring me your questions, concerns, and ambitions, and I’ll offer options of varying intensity so we can all get what we need out of our time together.
I can’t wait to move with you!
I was born in Argentina where every celebration and every party ended by dancing. And so it became a passion. Being a Zumba instructor gives me the opportunity to live that passion and share it with my Zumba participants.
I was initially drawn to yoga for the way it made my body feel but started to notice that my practice improved life off the mat. Reduced anxiety, more resilience and better sleep are just a few of the many benefits I have received over the last 20+ years of practice.
My favourite parts of teaching is helping build community connection and observing how an hour of mindful movement and intentional breathing can help transform people’s lives.
Outside of yoga I enjoy reading, spending time in nature, travelling, playing board games and quality time with family and friends.
I am very passionate about yoga.I have practiced for over twenty years and love the sense of calm it brings. I aim to create a safe space where people can connect breath with movement and share in the mental, physical and spiritual benefits that yoga has to offer.
Off the mat, I am a teacher and mother of three, who enjoys being active. Cross country skiing, paddle boarding, hiking, dog walking and spending quality time with family and friends are some of my favorite things to do.
I love that I can share my passion with the community!
Christine Demers is the founder of The Health Studio, a community rooted wellness practice in Ottawa offering in person and online programs. An Advanced Teacher in Therapeutic Yoga, Yoga Alliance RYT 500, and certified Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher trained through Kripalu, she also holds certification in iRest Yoga Nidra and Sound Healing. Her work supports nervous system regulation and whole body wellbeing through therapeutic movement, breathwork, meditation, and crystal singing bowls. www.thehealthstudio.ca info@thehealthstudio.ca @thehealthstudio.ca
Michael Dynie has taught yoga in Ottawa for over 18 years and directs annual certification programs for teachers.
He brings a warm, practical approach to beginner-friendly Hatha yoga. His teaching blends traditional yoga with modern movement science to support strength, balance, mobility, and healthy aging.
Classes move at a steady, accessible pace and include clear guidance, supportive options, and attention to joint health and posture. Michael integrates evidence-informed movement and breathing practices to help students build resilience, improve stability, and feel more confident in their bodies.
His goal is simple: to offer safe, thoughtful classes that help students move well, breathe deeply, and leave feeling steadier and more at ease.
Yoga has been a steady anchor through life’s challenges, especially during a long and complex concussion recovery. Yoga taught me how to listen deeply, move gently, and trust the body’s capacity to heal.
In my classes, I invite you into that same spirit of curiosity and self-trust. I offer a warm, welcoming space to explore what feels right for you — to soften, strengthen, breathe, and reconnect with yourself.
By day, I work in Community Health in the Glebe and downtown area and love teaching and supporting well-being within my community. I have been practicing yoga for over fifteen years and completed my 200-hour teacher training in 2020.
