traumainformedfitness.ca

#101-17210 106A Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5T 3B6

info@traumainformedfitness.ca

Moving Through Healing

BODIES BEYOND BARRIERS

Bridging the gap between physical and mental health

Welcome to the Centre for Trauma Informed Fitness (CTIF), where we are dedicated to creating fitness opportunities that help people to heal, learn, and thrive in their bodies.

Founded in 2023, the CTIF operates in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta) which is located on the unceded traditional lands of many First Nations peoples, including the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot).

We recognize that we are complicit in the continued occupation of this land, and are committed to actively seeking solutions that

re-establish justice, safety, dignity, and autonomy to Indigenous peoples, here and everywhere.

WHO WE ARE

**We are passionate about health**

The CTIF team is made up of seasoned fitness leaders, mental health professionals, and community advocates who are coming together to advocate for a kinder, gentler approach to fitness.

A trauma-informed approach to fitness means so much more than recognizing that trauma exists. It means understanding the impact of trauma, on an individual and global level, and developing strategies that are sensitive, flexible, and empowering for all.

At the heart of Trauma Informed Fitness is the understanding that fitness is about more than the body. Effective fitness programming must incorporate a whole person approach.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

**We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe in their body.**

We are committed to fostering equity in fitness, actively seeking our opportunities to reduce barriers and target populations often left out of traditional fitness settings.

While the fitness industry often talks about the many mental health benefits of exercise, it's not always practiced in a way that truly supports emotional and social wellbeing. In fact, many common practices can actually contribute to mental health challenges like body image issues, shame, and disordered eating.

That's why we're committed to doing things differently.

WHAT WE DO

Tackling Trauma Together

Our barrier reduction programs are designed on the principles of fostering, justice, and dignity.

We offer a shame and stigma free learning environment for all bodies, abilities, ages, life stages.

Knowledge Is Power

We believe that movement is medicine, and that a TIF approach is the prescription. We offer education programming for fitness and health professionals, as well as all those interested in learning about the mind-body connection.

Take The Lead In Your Facility

We believe that even small steps can lead to big results! This section will be continuously updated with practical TIF tools that can be immediately applied in any fitness and health context to help create safer spaces for every body and everyone.

HOW WE DO IT

Inspired by the Trauma Informed Care model of medicine, and incorporating evidence-based science and best practices across multiple fields and industries, the 6A Trauma Informed Fitness Framework sets the course of all CTIF programs and services.

WHY WE DO IT

9% of trauma survivors

develop PTSD. Most of these are survivors of sexual violence, many of which experienced it in childhood.

76% of Canadians

Have experienced at least one traumatic event. 16% have experienced 4 or more adverse childhood events.

100% of people

Can benefit from an equity-focused, trauma-informed approach to exercise. Trauma informed practices provided a safe foundation for all.

Meet Our Founding Leaders

As a recently formed non-profit, we are still in the early stages of building a board and conceptualizing the structure of the organization. Over the next months, this section will be expanded to include our training team and to better reflect the larger scope of the organization.

In the meantime, here are the faces of those putting pedal to the metal to get this project off the ground!

Zita Dube-Lockhart (She/They)

Acting- Executive Director

Zita brings over two decades of business and non-profit management experience to her role as Executive Director of the CFTIT. Her research into exercise avoidance motivation led to the development of the 6A Framework, and she continues to pursue this work in her Masters in Counselling Psychology.

Along with being the Executive Director, Zita oversees the Research and Education and Public Relations portfolios.

Toni Harris (They/Them)

Acting- Programs Director

A veteran of the industry, as an avid participant turned fitness professional turned award winning studio owner, Toni Harris has experienced fitness from every angle. After many years of struggling to find meaningful support in their own health journey, they entered into the field with a mission to support underserved populations.

Along with being the Programs Director, Toni oversees the Equity and Outreach portfolio.

Jason Dube-Lockhart (He/Him)

Acting- Financial Director

With over 10 years as a Financial Controller, and having supported multiple businesses and non-profits throughout his career, Jason brings both a wealth of financial and business management knowledge to the CFTIF.

As Financial Director, Jason is responsible for ensuring that our organization acts with honesty, accountability, and integrity in its operations.

We NeedYOUR Help!

Like what we do? Want to get involved?

We are actively seeking volunteer Board Members, Program Leaders, and Research Specialists to help us get this project off the ground!

CONTACTS

Find Us on a Map

The Centre for Trauma Informed Fitness currently operates out of Action Potential Fitness, located in West Edmonton. We appreciate your patience as we continue to update our contact information.