meet ivan
I’m Ivan, a lifelong athlete, health coach, and filmmaker with a vision to redefine how we approach fitness and wellness. With a multi-disciplinary background in sports, a love for science, and over 25 years of professional experience, I’ve crafted a unique system to help you achieve lasting health and longevity. At 54, I’m my own case study —and still learning, experimenting, and growing. My goal is to bring that same spirit to each of my clients, empowering you to age with strength, confidence, and vitality.
My Journey
I’ve been dedicated to sports since childhood, from tennis and martial arts to track and field. This lifelong commitment took me to Concordia University’s Sports and Recreation Department, where I trained elite athletes, rugby players, and runners. Alongside my journey in fitness, I developed a passion for filmmaking, capturing the art of movement on screen. Today, I integrate this diverse expertise to guide clients in achieving their best—whether they’re training for competition, recovering from injury, or simply seeking a healthier, more balanced life.
Philosophy & Approach
My approach is a system—a blend of evidence-based methods, functional movement principles, and a creative,
open-minded mindset.
I believe in the power of curiosity, humor, and science, and I never stop exploring new techniques and ideas. I’m here not only as your coach but as a guide who has been through the ups and downs, overcoming injuries and continuously evolving.
Respecting the body
My journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Like many, I’ve faced my own battles with injury. At one point, I overloaded my body and entered a long recovery process, dealing with spine, hip, and knee pain, as well as debilitating headaches that seemed to follow every step of my recovery. Through extensive research and healing practices—including physiotherapy, craniosacral therapy, osteopathy, and Chinese medicine—I was able to rebuild my strength and resilience.
This experience taught me the importance of focusing on the right things at each stage of life. It’s why I approach every client individually, recognizing that movement and sports are dynamic and should adapt to one’s energy levels, age, and unique abilities. My goal is to guide others with empathy, drawing from my own experiences.
It’s important to me to co-create a personalized health system with each client, working together to build resilience, adapt to life’s changes, and honor the body’s unique needs.
Strength isn’t just in the body
—it’s in the willingness to learn, adapt, and grow every day. True fitness is a journey of resilience, curiosity, and connection to oneself. It’s about honoring the cycles, knowing when to push and when to pause, and always coming back stronger.
Events
As a certified Hyrox Coach, I bring an insider’s perspective to the world of competitive fitness. Head Judging events like the Hyrox European Championship in Maastricht (with over 1,500 participants), and multiple competitions in Berlin and Hamburg, I’ve gained deep knowledge of the rules and standards from both the athlete’s and the judge’s point of view. This experience allows me to offer tailored coaching for competitors, helping you master the technicalities, improve your performance metrics, and approach your training with the precision needed to excel in Hyrox events. Whether you’re aiming to compete for the first time or elevate your performance, I’m here to help you train smart, compete strong, and achieve your best.
CERTIFICATIONS
ISSA Strength and Conditioning
This certification emphasizes strength-building, endurance, and athletic performance through structured training techniques.
Whether you’re an athlete or someone looking to build a stronger, more resilient body, this expertise ensures personalized, effective workouts designed to enhance your strength and fitness level.
ISSA Health Coach Certification
Focused on holistic wellness, this certification covers nutrition, behavior change, and lifestyle strategies to support long-term health.
As a certified health coach, I offer guidance beyond fitness alone, helping you establish sustainable habits in nutrition, stress management, and overall wellness.
ISSA Corrective Exercise Specialist
This certification specializes in identifying and correcting movement imbalances that may lead to injury.
Perfect for those recovering from injury or dealing with chronic pain, this expertise allows me to create tailored exercises that correct imbalances, improve posture, and prevent future injuries.
Hyrox Coach Certification
Hyrox training combines functional strength with high-intensity endurance, preparing clients for competitive events.
If you’re aiming to compete or simply boost functional fitness, this coaching approach offers a balanced blend of strength, speed, and endurance training that’s ideal for both performance and everyday fitness.
ISSA Exercise Recovery Specialist
This certification covers advanced techniques for recovery, including stretching, foam rolling, and recovery protocols.
For those who train hard or have physically demanding routines, I’ll help you maximize recovery, minimize soreness, and enhance performance through effective recovery methods tailored to your body’s needs.
NSCA Personal Trainer Certification
This prestigious certification emphasizes evidence-based training methods, anatomy, and client-centered program design.
Backed by scientific principles, my approach as an NSCA-certified trainer is both effective and adaptable, ensuring that each workout is safe, results-driven, and tailored specifically to you.
CPR Certification Program
This program ensures the ability to respond to emergencies with certified CPR and first-aid skills.
Safety is a priority. With CPR certification, I’m equipped to handle emergencies, providing peace of mind in every training session.
UPCOMING: Exercise Therapy
I never stop learning and am always focused on deepening my knowledge to better serve my clients. My next certification will be in Exercise Therapy, which will further enhance my ability to work with those recovering from injury or managing chronic pain.