Nadia Vani: Born to Teach Movement

When Centre Multisports opened its doors in October 2012, Nadia Vani arrived with a vast wealth of experience and knowledge, ready to build a team of instructors prepared to welcome the very first members. But before becoming a pillar of stability and expertise at the Centre, Nadia had already made her mark in numerous gyms, often in leadership roles.

Along the way, she even appeared on a television show, offering advice on health and fitness. Wherever she goes, she brings a calm strength, driven by joy and a deep sense of purpose. “I started with a blank page,” she says about her beginnings at the Centre. “Luckily, I had lots of experience managing group classes!”

At the Gym at Age 12

Back when Nadia was growing up, it wasn’t common for young people to rush into fitness centers or lift weights to build muscle. Fitness facilities were harder to find than today, and in the 1980s, the focus was more on academics than sports.
“But sports made me happy,” recalls Nadia, who has coordinated group classes at Centre Multisports since its inception. “It wasn’t just about being good at sports—it was the joy of moving my body that meant something to me.”

Despite early setbacks and challenges, 12-year-old Nadia found her way to gymnastics, soccer, and eventually a gym membership. There, she discovered aerobics and fitness training and surrounded herself with like-minded people.
“I started in the fitness world at age 12!” she laughs. “I’ve always worked in fitness. It’s my life, even when I’m not working. I realized very young how important movement is for mental well-being.”

From Marketing to Physical Education

Fueled by this passion, she pursued her studies and enrolled at McGill University in marketing. But a week before her first class, she had second thoughts: “I realized I didn’t want to work in an office for the rest of my life,” she says.
A week later, she switched to a degree in physical education—even though many people advised her otherwise. Soon after graduation, she jumped into a career teaching group fitness classes, offering workshops, and taking part in open houses, always eager to share her love of fitness.
“My happiness comes from sharing my passion for movement,” she admits. “I want people to leave my classes feeling good, like they accomplished something. Fun comes first—before learning.”

With that philosophy, she eventually stepped onto the freshly polished floors of Centre Multisports.

A Centre Like No Other

Having been involved in the launch of several other facilities in Montreal, Nadia felt a special kind of energy when Centre Multisports officially opened in 2012:
“The Centre is unique—the team, the members, everyone. From day one, you could see how excited the people of Vaudreuil-Soulanges were to finally have a sports centre. The energy was amazing.”

Even before opening day, she was already recruiting trainers, developing programming, and laying the groundwork for the wide variety of services the Centre offers today.
“The Centre’s mission aligns with my values,” she explains, “making physical activity accessible to all, and encouraging people to learn how to move. We offer activities for all ages and fitness levels. There’s no typical client. Everyone is different—and together, we create something special.”

A Lifelong Learner

In recent years, Nadia has continued to evolve the class offerings, attend training sessions, and gather ideas from everywhere to keep up with an increasingly diverse clientele.
When asked about the proudest moment of her career, she pauses. After a brief reflection on three decades in a constantly changing field, she responds:
“I’m proud of the feedback and satisfaction I get from both my instructors and clients,” she says. “What tells me I’m doing a good job is seeing all the smiles from clients, coaches, and staff when I walk into the Centre. That tells me I’m in the right place.”

Without her, Centre Multisports wouldn’t have grown the way it has. Nadia has spent most of her life teaching, and she still teaches with the same passion as ever—always building a team to help make a difference in people’s lives.