Meet Kara Bell — CPT, Holistic Coach, Co-Creator of Raise The Bar SP

There are a lot of trainers out there who will tell you what to eat, how to move, and how many times a week you need to suffer to earn your results. I’m not one of them.

After 10+ years in the fitness industry, I’ve worked with enough people to know that the reason most programs fail isn’t effort — it’s that they were never designed for your life in the first place.

My approach to personal training is whole-person. That means yes, we train hard. We lift heavy, we push, and we build real, functional strength. But we also talk about sleep, stress, nutrition, and the mindset stuff that nobody likes to admit is half the battle. Because you can have the best program in the world and still not see results if the rest of your life is working against you.

What training with me actually looks like:

You’ll get programming that’s built for you — not copied from a template, not recycled from someone half your age with no kids and 2 hours a day to train. I write programs based on where you are right now, what you want, and what’s realistic for your schedule and your body.

My clients tend to be women who are done starting over. They’ve tried the diets, they’ve done the group fitness, they want to actually understand what they’re doing and why — and they want to feel strong, not just small. If that sounds like you, we’ll probably get along just fine.

I’m direct. I’ll tell you the truth even when it’s not what you want to hear, but I’ll always be in your corner. One of my favourite reminders: “You don’t get paid to play.” You’re not a professional athlete — your training should support your life, not break you down.

I work with clients who are:

•       New to strength training and want to learn it right the first time
•       Coming back after injury, pregnancy, or a long break and need a safe, smart re-entry
•       Training on their own but plateauing — and ready to find out why
•       Looking for accountability, structure, and someone who actually shows up for them

In-person and online options available. Sessions are personalized, programming is progressive, and check-ins are real — not automated.

Ready to raise the bar? → kara@raisethebarsp.ca to book a meet and greet

Meet Joanna Kissick — CPT, STOTT Pilates Instructor, Co-Creator of Raise The Bar SP

I genuinely believe one of the best parts of being a coach is getting to watch someone do something they once thought was impossible. A heavier lift. An exercise they couldn’t do six months ago. Moving without pain. Finally reaching a goal they’ve been working toward for years. Those moments never get old.

As the co-creator of Raise The Bar Sherwood Park, I feel incredibly lucky to be able to build a community around something I’m genuinely passionate about. Fitness has been a huge part of my life for years, but what makes coaching so rewarding isn’t just the movement, it’s the people.

My approach to training:

My specialty is Pilates, and I’m a fully certified STOTT Pilates Instructor. I also hold my Personal Training certification through Canfitpro.

Whether we’re working on strength, mobility, control, or simply figuring out how to move better, I want my clients to understand their bodies and feel confident in what they’re capable of.

Pilates has taught me that the little things matter. How you breathe. How you move. Where you’re putting your effort. The things that seem insignificant can completely change how your body feels and performs.

But don’t let the Pilates thing fool you, I love strength training too.

My goal isn’t to make you fit into a particular definition of “fitness.” It’s to help you build a body that allows you to live your life fully, whether that means lifting heavier, moving without pain, trying something new, or keeping up with whatever adventure comes next.

What you can expect from me:

You’ll get a coach who genuinely cares about you as a person, not just your reps, your numbers, or what the scale says.

I’ll encourage you when you need a little push, celebrate the wins (especially the ones you didn’t think were possible), and help you keep moving forward when progress feels slow.

Because fitness isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about discovering what you are capable of. And then raising the bar from there.

I work with clients who are:

• Looking to build strength while moving with more confidence and control
• Wanting to improve mobility, posture, balance, and body awareness
• Curious about Pilates and want to understand how it can complement their training
• Working toward a goal that once felt completely out of reach
• Looking for a coach who will genuinely get to know them and be in their corner

Ready to raise the bar? → joanna@raisethebarsp.ca to book a meet and greet

Meet Patty Maciel!

There are a lot of people who think getting older means doing less. I’m here to tell you it means training smarter.

I’ve been a certified Strength & Conditioning Coach for the past seven years, with additional certifications in Pre & Post Natal fitness and Older Adult training. Over that time, I’ve developed a real passion for helping people build strength that actually supports the life they want to live especially as they get older.

Because strength isn’t just about lifting heavier weights. It’s about getting up off the floor with confidence. Carrying your groceries. Playing with your grandkids. Getting out of a chair without thinking twice. Feeling capable in your own body.That’s what I love about coaching.

What training with me actually looks like:

You’ll work hard but you’ll work hard with a purpose.

My coaching is encouraging, practical, and focused on helping you become stronger and more confident in what your body can do. I’m not interested in making exercise complicated or intimidating. I want you to understand what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and leave your sessions feeling like you accomplished something.

For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of leading our Forever Fit group classes, where I’ve worked extensively with our aging population. It’s become one of the parts of coaching I love most.

I’m also currently completing my Personal Training certification, continuing to build on the knowledge and experience I’ve gained through years of coaching.

I work with clients who are:

• Looking to build strength and confidence as they age
• New to strength training and want a coach who will make it approachable
• Wanting to improve balance, mobility, stability, and everyday function
• Returning to exercise and looking for a supportive, progressive approach
• Ready to stop thinking of getting older as a limitation and start seeing it as another reason to get stronger

If you’re willing to put in the work, I’ll meet you where you are, help you figure out where you want to go, and make sure you know you’re capable of getting there.

Ready to raise the bar? → info@raisethebarsp.ca to book a meet and greet