Joanne: Turning Obstacles into Strength

An Injury That Sparked a Calling

When you meet Joanne at Centre Multisports, her warm energy and welcoming smile stand out immediately. Yet it was an injury that shaped her journey. She entered her first Spartan Race without any preparation and suffered a painful sprain that left her immobilized. Frustrated by her lack of readiness and curious about the mechanics of the human body, she developed a new determination: to understand pain in order to prevent it. “I never wanted to feel that pain again.” That’s when kinesiology naturally became her path—transforming a personal obstacle into a professional calling.

Meeting Joanne means discovering a passionate, empathetic, and determined kinesiologist who turned her own challenges into a source of inspiration. Her story proves that obstacles can become true strengths when you choose to face them.

A Science-Based Approach

Joanne is a scientist at heart. She dives into scientific studies, listens to specialized podcasts, and regularly joins webinars to expand her knowledge. “I want evidence, not promises,” she often says. Every session begins with a clear explanation of each exercise, giving her clients a deep understanding and lasting motivation.

Nothing is left to chance. Every movement is carefully selected through a structured process: soothe the pain, rebalance the body, then gradually increase intensity. Functional movements and mobility are central to her method. “Each exercise must meet a specific need,” she explains.

She tailors her approach to each individual’s specific situation. “Many of my clients want to lose weight or build muscle, but they also deal with chronic pain. My role is to find a balance that respects their body while reaching their goals,” she emphasizes. Her method is rooted in thoughtful periodization—always focusing on pain reduction before ramping up intensity.

When Small Victories Become Triumphs

What excites her most is helping clients regain mobility. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone perform a movement they thought was impossible, or move pain-free for the first time,” she says.

One of her most memorable stories involves one of her very first clients, who had suffered a stroke 20 years earlier. “Initially, she didn’t have the strength to sit up without back support. After several months of training, she was able to do seated bicep exercises on her own,” Joanne recalls with emotion. For her, every step forward is a win.

She also relies on active listening and motivational interviewing to support clients during tough times and help rekindle their intrinsic motivation.

Kinesiologist: Prevent, Optimize, Educate

Every day, Joanne faces a key challenge: explaining what a kinesiologist does. Unlike a personal trainer or physiotherapist, she works in prevention and movement optimization. “My job begins long before the sweat,” she points out.

She devotes significant energy to educating her clients. Understanding the "why" behind each exercise helps them make real progress. To stay current, she participates in ongoing training, reads scientific journals, listens to podcasts, and joins webinars. This constant pursuit of knowledge is supported by her husband, who helps her balance her physical and mental efforts.

Life Balance, Body Balance

In her own life, Joanne applies the principles she teaches. She rigorously schedules three strength training sessions per week, firmly believing that “planning removes excuses.” She also prioritizes walking, appreciating its value after years spent in neurological rehabilitation. “Walk,” she insists.

And because balance includes pleasure, Joanne admits with humor that her guilty pleasure is dessert—always in reasonable portions!

The Rhythm of Success

Rock and metal often accompany her workouts, bringing contagious energy to every session. For Joanne, music is far more than background noise—it becomes a driving force, helping clients push past their limits and find the strength within.

Real Advice for Long-Lasting Progress

Joanne doesn’t promise miracles or easy fixes. Her message is simple and powerful: “Don’t prepare for regret.” She firmly believes that today’s pain can become tomorrow’s strength—if you're willing to start moving, even slowly. “We can only help those who choose to help themselves.”

To those still hesitating, she delivers a clear message: “We are made to move.”

A Partner on the Path to Inner Strength

“The body reflects the will of the mind.” This phrase perfectly captures Joanne’s philosophy. At Centre Multisports, she offers more than just physical training—she guides people on a personal journey.

Crossing that threshold means starting a new chapter guided by science, empathy, and unwavering support. Here, every obstacle becomes an opportunity to build lasting strength.

Joanne isn’t just a kinesiologist—she’s a vital ally on the path to physical and mental wellness. Meeting her means embracing an approach rooted in listening, education, and compassion. It’s an experience that can transform your relationship with your body and your health.