Muse: defn; a guiding spirit, a source of inspiration
Elisabeth Magalhaes – Owner/Director
My name is Elisabeth and I am the founder of Muse Fitness. I am the mother of three children ages 21, 15 and 7. My passion for fitness and dance began at a very young age. Dancing ballet since the age of 2, I learned the discipline it takes to master a skill early in life. Entering the school of the arts in grade 9, I added Jazz and Modern to my love of dance.
I developed a passion for fitness as I began my schooling at the University of Toronto, teaching fitness classes at various facilities in the GTA, and adding Personal Training to the services I offered. This love for fitness grew as I began managing the group fitness department at a facility in Mississauga and began offering classes for children as well.
I have entered and won fitness competitions, most recently, the Fitness Star competition in April of 2009; winning first in both the Muscular and Athletic Categories, Winning “Best 6 Pack Female” and placing second for Audience Favorite.
Approximately 10 years ago I began pole dancing. I have found this to be not only an amazing workout, but a way to express myself as you are able to approach this art from many different angles. It consists of all of the things I love about being a woman: sensuality, athleticism, strength and passion. I have been teaching pole for over 6 years now and love watching my students achieve things they never thought possible. Using my experience as a personal trainer, fitness instructor and pole dancer, I have also developed the Live Once programing for pole dance and pole fit, with both certification workshops accredited by Can Fit Pro I have also created two instructional pole DVDs for in home Pole Dance instruction, with three new ones on the way! They have been best sellers on many sites and have received rave reviews for content and presentation.
Along with these achievements, I have had the honor of helping many of my wonderful clients achieve goals both personally and physically over the last number of years. I look forward to continuing to be a source of inspiration for a healthy lifestyle as well as look forward to finding inspiration in every one of my clients, as we can all learn from each other.
Now, with over 18 years of experience in the fitness industry, years of dance training and a love for helping others achieve things they never thought possible, I have found my passion in this exciting industry.
Whether you are looking for a new way to train, to lean out, gain muscle or just feel better, I can definitely help you. Whether you enjoy the atmosphere of a fun, challenging fitness class or one on one training, you will be very happy with your results.
Check out our class schedule or contact me for in home or at work training. You will be happy you did.
Alysse Russell -Personal Trainer/Instructor
My name is Alysse Russell. I have had a love for sports and being active since a very young age. As a result of participating in competitive teams since age five, being physically active has proven to be an important and healthy part of my lifestyle. I have always been interested in anatomy and biomechanics as well. This interest motivated me to further my education in the field of Kinesiology at the University of Guelph-Humber.
I have taken numerous classes in anatomy and biology as well as specialized classes that deal with fitness assessment and exercise prescription. I am a certified instructor for beginner pole dance by Live Once. I am currently a personal trainer, and aspire to further my career in the fitness industry. I enjoy teaching pole dance, fitness classes and personal training.
It is a pleasure helping clients reach their fitness goals. Everyone enjoys the benefits and outcomes of our style of training and I know you will too! I look forward to seeing you in bootcamp this summer.
Danna Giroux – Nutrition Wellness Specialist
My name is Danna Giroux; I am the owner of Unique Balance which I launched with a vision of improving individuals’ lifestyles by embracing physical fitness, nutrition and wellness. I take a holistic approach to motivate and inspire people to achieve balance in their lives. As part of the health and fitness industry since 2000, I have a wide range of experience working with people of all ages. My focus is to assist my clients in their goals through a personalized program that meets their needs. Whatever your goals may be – whether it is to lose weight or feel healthier and happier – I can help.
In 2000 I completed the Fitness Leadership Program at Humber College and obtained my CAN-FIT-PRO Personal Trainer Specialist certification. From 1999 to 2007 I participated in various fitness and bikini competitions, go-go dancing and performance art. In 2006 I finished my Honours Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Toronto. In 2010 I acquired my Nutrition Wellness Specialist certification with CAN-FIT-PRO. Since becoming certified in 2000 I attend fitness, nutrition and wellness conferences and workshops every year.
My passion for health and wellness started with fitness, being physically fit has always been an integral part of my life. As my knowledge developed and I gained more experience I became acquainted with the importance of nutrition particularly via fitness and bikini contest preparation. As I experience and observed stresses and challenges in life I arrived to the holistic approach today that also incorporates wellness.
Unique Balance has paired up with Muse Fitness to complement the fantastic fitness programs they offer by presenting clients with nutrition and wellness counselling. The connection to Muse Fitness originated when I worked with Elisabeth Magalhaes, the owner or Muse Fitness, promoting supplements and health products in 2003 and 2004. The affiliation developed further with Live Once where I attended various classes and workshops and assisted with some events. My love for fitness has deepened through the various classes initially offered at Live Once and now at Muse Fitness, particularly pole dance, pole fit and boot camp classes.