ann tisserand
Ann is a Senior Fitness Specialist through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), a Certified PWR!Moves Instructor (Parkinson’s-specific rehabilitation exercise), and a Love to Move practitioner (therapeutic exercise for dementia) through the British Gymnastics Foundation. She specializes in working with older adults, and those with neurological conditions like PD and dementia, to age gracefully and live their very best lives.
Ann entered the fitness industry in her 50s, after working as a Biology teacher and a Respiratory Therapist. A series of traumatic life events and losses inspired her to focus on her own fitness: “I discovered that, for me, the key to feeling good again was working out in various ways.” She started teaching group fitness classes at her local gym, where she was introduced to clients living with neurological conditions, and she was hooked. Seeing firsthand the profound impact exercise made on their daily lives, made Ann strive to learn more, and she pursued her specialty certifications so she could be the best trainer possible to her inspiring clients.
PHILOSOPHY
My motto is: “When I’m moving I’m happy!”, and I’ve learned this is true for ALL bodies. So it’s my mission to help my clients stay as functional and active as they can, for as long as they can. Though I’m serious about making my workouts as effective as possible, I also keep them fun, because lifting our sprits is part of the magic of training!
WHAT MAKES YOUR TRAINING UNIQUE?
I became a fitness instructor and enthusiast pretty late in life, and I think this helps me understand the challenges - and importance - of working out as our bodies age. I find that I use my life experience as much as my specialty certifications to help my clients age gracefully.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Being a trainer is so fulfilling. I positively love the relationships my clients and I build when we train together, and the joy on their faces when they are pleasantly surprised by what they can do!