Thanks for taking the time to know me! I’m Coach Lana, the founder and Personal Trainer of RISE with Lana. I’m a runner, climber, lifter, hiker, and a budding mountaineer. But before I found my footing on the trails and rocks, I was cutting through water as a sprint kayaker back in Canada. My journey into fitness and coaching all began at the Rideau Canoe Club in Ottawa.

From Uncertain Beginnings to a Life of Movement

At 12 years old, I craved being active but never felt “good” enough for team sports. I struggled with frustration over my lack of skills and fitness. While I played the classic school sports like volleyball, soccer, and basketball, I had no idea there were other paths to explore. That changed when a friend and her mom introduced me to kayaking at the local canoe club. Despite my fear of water, poor balance, and limited endurance, I gave it a shot—and I loved it.

That first summer, I found a sense of inner peace and discovered how incredible movement could feel. Paddling became my meditation, and the canoe club was my sanctuary. I was thrilled to see what my body could achieve just by embracing this new, active lifestyle.

Building Strength and Resilience Through Diverse Training

After that transformative summer, I dived into my first off-season of dryland training. This included running, resistance workouts, kayak erg machines, swimming, and cross-country skiing. It was my introduction to the world of strength and conditioning. These experiences laid the foundation for nearly two decades of fitness knowledge that I continue to build upon.

During my university years, I transitioned from competitive training to coaching. I mentored youth programs, fitness paddlers, and athletes in the PaddleAll program—Canada’s canoe/kayak initiative for individuals with physical or neurological disabilities. In 2015, I proudly led our U13 program to win the provincial championship. But once I moved away from competitive coaching, I faced a new challenge: finding purpose in my own fitness journey without a clear goal to chase.

Redefining Fitness: Beyond Competition to Lifelong Wellness

I felt lost for several years. I knew how to program training for others, but I lacked direction for myself. That changed when I reframed my fitness goals. I realized that I simply wanted to feel good, understand my body’s capabilities, and maintain a healthy lifestyle because I loved movement. This shift in mindset opened new doors for me.

I began researching, experimenting, and learning about programming. I invested in group fitness classes. I discovered how to integrate activity into my life in a sustainable way and learned how to fuel my body for my goals. Eventually, I found a new love for running and exploring the mountains, which transformed both my training and my life.

Throughout this journey, the weight room remained a constant. My resistance training evolved over time—sometimes focusing on hypertrophy, other times adapting to recovery from injury. I learned how to listen to my body, understand what pain was telling me, and find a sense of calm through movement. I’m always curious about my limits, and I’m driven to push past them.

Embracing an Active Lifestyle for Life

Living an active lifestyle has allowed me to climb mountains, ski across glaciers, traverse rocky terrains, paddle through rivers and seas, and explore new cities for hours on foot. This is the life I aspire to continue and sustain. My intrinsic motivation keeps me consistent, even on days when I’d rather stay on the couch.

I believe that chasing aesthetics or a number on the scale is fleeting; your body will change as you age, and being overly focused on the scale can harm your self-image and mental health. But when you prioritize living a life that’s active, fulfilling, and pain-free, you’re investing in your longevity and vitality. That’s the message I hope to share, and that’s why I returned to coaching.