Jason Penner, BESS; CSCS
Head Trainer/Owner
jaypenner@aspirefitness.ca
Aspire Fitness is run by Jason Penner who has been in the athletic field since he was a young boy playing soccer. Jason then moved his focus to football, his career started with the Charleswood Broncos, then moved to his high school football team, the Oak Park Raiders. During his high school career Jason was highly decorated as a lineman, receiving the Kas Vidruk trophy (most outstanding lineman) two of his four years playing high school football.
After high school Jason moved on to the University of Manitoba, where he and the Bison football program went to Toronto to compete in the 2001 Vanier Cup. Jason’s final year of football came as a running back for the inaugural season of the Winnipeg Rifles, he thoroughly enjoyed his time on the field but felt it was time to move on and concentrate on his academic career. When not on the gridiron Jason found himself in the class room pursuing his Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. The four year degree offers courses ranging from the sociology of sport and exercise, to physiology of sport as well as the biomechanics of movement. Jason utilizes this multi-discipline approach to help clients reach their goals. During his final year of school, he began Aspire Fitness which to date has helped over 500 clients achieve their goals. Jason is always looking to further his education through literature and application.
jaypenner@aspirefitness.ca
Aspire Fitness is run by Jason Penner who has been in the athletic field since he was a young boy playing soccer. Jason then moved his focus to football, his career started with the Charleswood Broncos, then moved to his high school football team, the Oak Park Raiders. During his high school career Jason was highly decorated as a lineman, receiving the Kas Vidruk trophy (most outstanding lineman) two of his four years playing high school football.
After high school Jason moved on to the University of Manitoba, where he and the Bison football program went to Toronto to compete in the 2001 Vanier Cup. Jason’s final year of football came as a running back for the inaugural season of the Winnipeg Rifles, he thoroughly enjoyed his time on the field but felt it was time to move on and concentrate on his academic career. When not on the gridiron Jason found himself in the class room pursuing his Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. The four year degree offers courses ranging from the sociology of sport and exercise, to physiology of sport as well as the biomechanics of movement. Jason utilizes this multi-discipline approach to help clients reach their goals. During his final year of school, he began Aspire Fitness which to date has helped over 500 clients achieve their goals. Jason is always looking to further his education through literature and application.Jeff Kearns, B.Kin; CPT
Human Performance Specialist
jeff@aspirefitness.ca
Jeff, holds a bachelors degree in Kinesiology along with his CPT certification from the University of Winnipeg, an avid athlete turned fitness professional. A constant need for improvement and challenge is the driving factor behind his training. Coming from a long childhood filled with an abundance of sport has given him the mentality of “anything worth doing is worth doing full out”. Newest sports to add to the list are adventure racing and marathon running. Both sports are demanding mentally and physically. By competing personally in these sports has offered up personal insight into the training required, to both stay injury free while competing but also how to be competitive.
He has been in the fitness industry for 6 yrs, training a wide variety of people from those looking to put on muscle mass to those looking to shed weight, professional athletes to elders looking to improve their activities of daily living. With a background in occupational testing he has the knowledge of training police, firefighter, paramedics and Canadian forces candidates how to get into their respective fields. Jeff feels as though a great trainer is a well rounded trainer, incorporating many different training techniques for all types of clients.
jeff@aspirefitness.ca
Jeff, holds a bachelors degree in Kinesiology along with his CPT certification from the University of Winnipeg, an avid athlete turned fitness professional. A constant need for improvement and challenge is the driving factor behind his training. Coming from a long childhood filled with an abundance of sport has given him the mentality of “anything worth doing is worth doing full out”. Newest sports to add to the list are adventure racing and marathon running. Both sports are demanding mentally and physically. By competing personally in these sports has offered up personal insight into the training required, to both stay injury free while competing but also how to be competitive.
He has been in the fitness industry for 6 yrs, training a wide variety of people from those looking to put on muscle mass to those looking to shed weight, professional athletes to elders looking to improve their activities of daily living. With a background in occupational testing he has the knowledge of training police, firefighter, paramedics and Canadian forces candidates how to get into their respective fields. Jeff feels as though a great trainer is a well rounded trainer, incorporating many different training techniques for all types of clients.
Jenna Kay
Human Performance Specialist (Student)
Jenna’s passion for fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness has lead her to Aspire Fitness. Growing up in Moncton, NB, her love of sports was fuelled at a young age. She played softball and soccer, and developed a passion for snowboarding and mountain biking as her move to Whistler allowed her to feed her passions. After a 7-year stint in Whistler, she moved to the prairies to embark on the next chapter in her life, which includes studying Athletic Therapy at the University of Manitoba. It is her dream to work with all types of athletes and individuals, to help them achieve a fitter healthier life, accomplish fitness goals, and assist with injuries. Along with leading a balanced lifestyle you will find she is very approachable and open. “Fitness needs to be perceived as fun and games or we subconsciously avoid it.”
Jenna’s passion for fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness has lead her to Aspire Fitness. Growing up in Moncton, NB, her love of sports was fuelled at a young age. She played softball and soccer, and developed a passion for snowboarding and mountain biking as her move to Whistler allowed her to feed her passions. After a 7-year stint in Whistler, she moved to the prairies to embark on the next chapter in her life, which includes studying Athletic Therapy at the University of Manitoba. It is her dream to work with all types of athletes and individuals, to help them achieve a fitter healthier life, accomplish fitness goals, and assist with injuries. Along with leading a balanced lifestyle you will find she is very approachable and open. “Fitness needs to be perceived as fun and games or we subconsciously avoid it.”
McKenzie Hill
Yoga Insturctor
mckenzie@aspirefitness.ca
A sucker for any type of physical activity, Mckenzie took her first yoga class at a local studio intending to “see what all the hype was about”. After incorporating it into her routine, she soon discovered for herself the complimentary cross training benefits of yoga to her usual high impact fitness regime of running, competitive sports, and strength training. Currently she is pursuing her Bachelor of Education at the University of Winnipeg, with a minor in Kinesiology. Studying holisitc health, nutrition, physical fitness and their crucial roles in leading a balanced life has only increased Mckenzie’s desire to share her love of yoga and its benefits. She received her Mini Yogis Instructor Certification in 2010, and has never looked back. She is excited to share this fantastic practice with others through Aspire Fitness.
mckenzie@aspirefitness.ca
A sucker for any type of physical activity, Mckenzie took her first yoga class at a local studio intending to “see what all the hype was about”. After incorporating it into her routine, she soon discovered for herself the complimentary cross training benefits of yoga to her usual high impact fitness regime of running, competitive sports, and strength training. Currently she is pursuing her Bachelor of Education at the University of Winnipeg, with a minor in Kinesiology. Studying holisitc health, nutrition, physical fitness and their crucial roles in leading a balanced life has only increased Mckenzie’s desire to share her love of yoga and its benefits. She received her Mini Yogis Instructor Certification in 2010, and has never looked back. She is excited to share this fantastic practice with others through Aspire Fitness.
Holly Green
Group Specialist
holly@aspirefitness.ca
Holly is Can-Fit Pro certified and specializes in working with large groups. She is also an avid participant in all kinds of fitness ranging from aerobic classes to power-lifting to shotokan karate (in which she holds the rank of black belt).Currently a student at the University of Manitoba, Holly is pursuing a career in the field of Human Nutrition with the intention of becoming a registered dietitian with a minor in Aboriginal Studies. Although her primary focus is nutrition, she continues to further her education in kinesiology and human anatomy at a university level.
Holly lives by the personal mantra; “If you can shoot it or grow it, EAT IT!”
holly@aspirefitness.ca
Holly is Can-Fit Pro certified and specializes in working with large groups. She is also an avid participant in all kinds of fitness ranging from aerobic classes to power-lifting to shotokan karate (in which she holds the rank of black belt).Currently a student at the University of Manitoba, Holly is pursuing a career in the field of Human Nutrition with the intention of becoming a registered dietitian with a minor in Aboriginal Studies. Although her primary focus is nutrition, she continues to further her education in kinesiology and human anatomy at a university level.
Holly lives by the personal mantra; “If you can shoot it or grow it, EAT IT!”
Suzanne Oepkes
Marketing Manager
Suzanne is an Aspire Fitness client who was first introduced to what we do through participating in the first round of the Pushups 2 Pinups program. She documented her experience through a web series and has since developed a passion for spreading the word about Aspire’s unique approach to clients. She had been going to a gym for years, but in a matter of weeks at Aspire, saw more progress in her strength and endurance than those previous years combined.
With no formal training in fitness or nutrition, Suzanne provides a client’s point of view of what it is like to work with Aspire’s trainers . She takes a real life look at the challenges and rewards you face when choosing to achieve what your body is capable of. Her humourous blogging will share her ongoing experience as a client.
Suzanne is an Aspire Fitness client who was first introduced to what we do through participating in the first round of the Pushups 2 Pinups program. She documented her experience through a web series and has since developed a passion for spreading the word about Aspire’s unique approach to clients. She had been going to a gym for years, but in a matter of weeks at Aspire, saw more progress in her strength and endurance than those previous years combined.
With no formal training in fitness or nutrition, Suzanne provides a client’s point of view of what it is like to work with Aspire’s trainers . She takes a real life look at the challenges and rewards you face when choosing to achieve what your body is capable of. Her humourous blogging will share her ongoing experience as a client.