Meet our studio team
Jess Takimoto
Pronouns: she/her
Jess is the Owner & Head Coach at SHINE FIT. She started SHINE after her own journey overcoming body image issues, over-exercising, disordered eating, IBS, and chronic stress. She has worked with over 1,000 members and has taught over 1,000 Group Fitness Classes since 2018. She is also an active content creator on Instagram & TikTok @jesstakimotofitness.
Certifications:
-
CanFitPro Fitness Instructor Specialist
-
CanFitPro Personal Training Specialist
-
Emergency First Aid & CPR-C
-
SHINE FIT Instructor & Creator
Other Education + Experience:
-
Bachelor of Commerce Degree - Honours
-
Certificate in Social Impact Business
-
Recreational Gymnastics Coach (2 years)
-
Assistant Dance Teacher (3 years)
-
Worked in 3 Gyms before SHINE
Awards & Accolades:
-
CanFitPro Fitness Instructor of the Year. - Top 3 (2021)
Words I Live By: "We rise by lifting others"
Favourite Treat: Dark Chocolate or BBQ Chips
Abbey R.
Pronouns: she/her
Before beginning her instructing journey, Abbey has been a member of SHINE since March 2020. SHINE transformed her relationship with exercise and body confidence, and she wanted to give back what SHINE gave to her. Outside of SHINE, Abbey is in Medical School at the University of Toronto.
Certifications:
-
SHINE FIT Instructor - Level 2
-
Emergency First Aid & CPR-A
Other Education + Experience:
-
Bachelor of Science Degree - Honours
-
10+ years dance & musical theatre
-
M.D. Candidate, University of Toronto
Favourite Treat: Sour Patch Kids
emma s.
Pronouns: she/her
Before beginning her instructing journey, Emma was a member of SHINE since March 2020. SHINE helped her develop a healthy relationship with exercise and a routine she loved. She is passionate about helping her participants make fitness fun! Outside of SHINE, Emma is in Medical School at the University of Toronto.
Certifications:
-
SHINE FIT Instructor - Level 2
-
Emergency First Aid & CPR-A
Other Education + Experience:
-
Bachelor of Science Degree - Honours
-
M.D. Candidate, University of Toronto
Favourite Treat: Chocolate
jenna m.
Pronouns: she/her
bio coming soon
Certifications:
-
SHINE FIT Instructor - Level 1
-
Emergency First Aid & CPR-A
Other Education + Experience:
Favourite Treat: anything!
naomi g.
Pronouns: she/her
bio coming soon
Certifications:
-
SHINE FIT Instructor - Level 1
-
Emergency First Aid & CPR-A
Other Education + Experience:
Favourite Treat: Candy
experience you can trust
3 years in the Fitness industry
SHINE is a force of positive change, and leads by example to encourage exercise and nutrition in a healthy, sustainable way.
a decade of Coaching Experience
Our team of qualified coaches has over a decade of cumulative coaching experience. We know how to motivate, engage & inspire participants, while providing safe and effective workouts. We design workouts of the highest professional standards and strive to operate with integrity and care at all times.
award-Winning business
SHINE has been recognized by several news publications and local media outlets. We have also been awarded over $50,000 in grants, including:
-
Dare to Dream Award (2020) from the Smith School of Business
-
Canada Summer Jobs (2021)
-
Desjardins Goodspark Grant - Health Category (2023) for Canadian Small Business Excellence