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PRIMAL TEAM

Meet our Team

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  • Thomas Heffernan

    Thomas Heffernan

    He opted to open Primal Movement and forge his own vision for a fitness facility that puts it’s members and clients first.

    A former elite middle distance track athlete, Thomas has taken his passion for athletics and fitness and molded it into a vessel for helping others achieve their personal fitness, health and athletic goals. Thomas has worked in the sports and recreation industry since 2002, as an athletics coach and strength trainer. In 2009, he began training full time in London before returning to Toronto in 2011. After years of working in a big chain gym, disenchanted by the work environment and training methods, he opted to open Primal Movement and forge his own vision for a fitness facility that puts it’s members and clients first. Since it’s opening Primal has seen two expansions with the addition of Primal MMA and Training Studio / Clinic in 2014.

    Thomas believes in a wholistic approach to training, encompassing all aspects of fitness and wellness, both body and mind. He views the human being as an athlete inherently, and trains his clients following this mantra. Thomas trains clients of all ages, with a wide spectrum of goals. From young athletes looking to gain an edge with their strength and conditioning, to individuals who simply want to look and feel better through weight loss, lean muscle development and a change in body composition. His specialties include Hypertrophy (muscle development), Fat Loss, Injury Rehabilitation, Athletic Conditioning and Strength and Conditioning for MMA.

    Education/ Achievements

    • Honours BA M.I.T. University of Western Ontario
    • Can-Fit Pro PTS (Personal Trainer Specialist)
    • Can-Fit Pro NWS (Nutrition and Wellness Specialist)
    • Named as Top Fitness Professional in Toronto by Nike in Feb 2017

    Contact Info

    416.899.9183
    thomas@primalmovement.ca

  • Easton Lannaman

    Easton Lannaman

    A versatile trainer and group instructor who helps people with various fitness goals achieve their best.

    Easton has been active his entire life while focusing primarily on cycling, skiing and rock climbing. He is a graduate of the George Brown College Fitness & Health Promotion Program, a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CPT) as well as a Group Fitness Instructor through the Canadian Fitness Education Services (CFES). He strongly believes in fitness for health and performance. Whether you’re looking for everyday functional strength, sport/activity specific improvements, fat loss, increase in lean body weight or improving overall mobility Easton has the knowledge and skills to put you on the right path. While working with clients he focuses on ensuring a client has a strong foundation to build upon, breaking down and mastering movements into their simplest stages or variations and then progressing from there. By helping you exercise safely and effectively, Easton’s goal is not only to help you achieve your own goals but to also educate and help you gain the knowledge and abilities that will benefit you along the way.

    Education/ Achievements

    • George Brown College – Fitness & Health Promotion Program
    • NSCA-CPT – National Strength & Conditioning Association, Certified Personal Trainer
    • CFES – Group Fitness Instructor – Canadian Fitness Education Services

    Contact Info

    647.782.4555
    easton@primalmovement.ca

  • Darrel Mancini

    Darrel Mancini

    Experiences working in a sports medicine clinic, boutique studios as well as fitness testing for the NHL scouting combine.

    A former competitive athlete in numerous sports including; Hockey, Football and Baseball, fitness has always been a huge part of his lifestyle. Experiences working in a sports medicine clinic, boutique studios as well as fitness testing for the NHL scouting combine over the past five years have equipped Darrel with practical knowledge to deal with a wide variety of clientele ranging from elite athletic training to post rehab and fat loss.

    Education/ Achievements

    • Fitness Leadership – Humber College
    • Business Administration Management Studies – George Brown College
    • National Strength and Conditioning Association–Certified Personal Trainer, NSCA-CPT
    • Functional Movement Systems- Certified Functional Movement Screen, FMS level 1

    Contact Info

    647.297.0233
    darrel@darrelmancini.com
    www.darrelmancini.com

  • Seamus Egan-Elliot

    Seamus Egan-Elliot

    Seamus competed in track at the University level with York University where he graduated with a BA in Kinesiology and Health Science.

    Seamus is a dedicated trainer who combines sound program design with an excellent ability to motivate. When you work with Seamus you get a program designed specifically to meet your own individual needs and goals and Seamus is right by your side to push, encourage, and teach you proper technique. After your goals have been discussed with Seamus, he will take you through an assessment to determine the emphasis of your program and how best to achieve your goals.

    Seamus spent much of his youth competing in hockey and track and field. He then went on to compete in track at the University level with York University where he graduated with a BA in Kinesiology and Health Science. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), as well as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP). He is also a professional kinesiologist with the Ontario Kinesiology Association (OKA) and a certified hockey trainer with the Hockey Trainer Certification Program (HTCP).

    Seamus has a wealth of experience working with many different types of people of various exercise backgrounds. He has trained athletes as young as eleven and all the way up to hockey players at the OHL Major Junior level. This has led him to a role as team trainer for the Mississauga Reps AAA hockey club. Despite his athletic focus, his work with the general population and non-athletes looking to lose weight, build muscle, recover from injury, or just get stronger and improve their overall health is a major part of his practice and equally rewarding.

    Education/ Achievements

    • BA in Kinesiology and Health Science – York University
    • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) – NSCA
    • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
    • Certified Kinesiologist (OKA)
    • Certified Hockey Trainer (HTCP)

    Contact Info

    647.280.1919
    seamusee@hotmail.com

  • Mike Auchterlonie

    Mike Auchterlonie

    A certified Personal Training Specialist (PTS) with a passion for powerlifting and strength training.

    I am certified Personal Training Specialist (PTS) with a passion for powerlifting and strength training. Whether you’re interested in losing weight or gaining lean muscle mass, body toning or increasing strength, I’ll help you achieve your goals with practical programming involving basic barbell movements and efficient conditioning. Growing up, my athletic interests were geared specifically towards hockey, but in high school, I joined the wrestling team. Weighing in at 155 lbs, I wanted nothing more than to become bigger, stronger, and faster to gain a competitive edge. My coach introduced me to the weight room, and I was hooked. With four years of intensive barbell training, I have gained 90lbs of mass, and my comparative strength has increased more than threefold. My focus has typically been powerlifting, but I also have experience with Strongman and Olympic weightlifting. I still strive to get bigger and stronger everyday, and I’m working towards powerlifting competitively in the near future.

    Education/ Achievements

    • Can-Fit Pro PTS (Personal Trainer Specialist)
    • Powerlifting Competitor

    Contact Info

    416.899.9183
    mike@primalmovement.ca

  • Roshanda Robinson

    Roshanda Robinson

    A certified personal trainer with over 16 years of experience, You’ll find her classes fun, varied, and hard — a perfect way to get a great workout without realizing it.

    Roshanda (Ro) Robinson holds a B. A/Sc. and is a certified personal trainer with over 16 years of experience. She has vast knowledge of anatomy, physiology and movement which helps her to assess her clients’ abilities quickly.

    She encourages them, with humour and tough love, to reach their own individual high bar. You’ll find her classes fun, varied, and hard — a perfect way to get a great workout without realizing it.

    She has had the opportunity to train and work with NHL’er, Joel Ward, and Arnold’s Classic bodybuilder, Joel Stubbs.

    As a former national athlete herself, Ro was the national record holder for junior javelin in the Bahamas for 7 years and was a member of the Bahamian National (Carifta)Track and Field team. She played basketball for the Bahamian National Women’s team and the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers.

    She stays active through circuit training, playing basketball, football and snowboarding.

  • Wilson Hodges

    Wilson Hodges

    A Personal Trainer and group fitness instructor, with a love for running and yoga. He believes fitness should be fun and sustainable, and his training reflects that.

    A Graduate of the George Brown College Fitness and Health Promotion Program, Wilson, NSCA-CPT, has over 5 years personal training, and group fitness leadership experience. As a student, Wilson was very involved with athletics, he was the captain and coach of the George Brown Dragonboat Team, and a regular participant in Extramural sports. He is an avid runner, most recently completing the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Wilson’s training philosophy is based on functional strength, movement, and sustainable fitness practice.

    Education/ Achievements

    • George Brown College – Fitness & Health Promotion Program
    • NSCA-CPT – National Strength & Conditioning Association, Certified Personal Trainer
    • CFES – Group Fitness Instructor – Canadian Fitness Education Services

    Contact Info

    416.899.9183
    wilson@primalmovement.ca

  • Justin Anto

    Justin Anto

    A professional trainer, fitness coach, and fascial stretch therapist, who believes Full-body wellness doesn’t have to feel restrictive, isolating, or stressful.

    I’m a professional trainer, fitness coach, and fascial stretch therapist. I have years of experience in personal fitness, sports-specific training, Fascial Stretch Therapy and guided weight loss. I believe in customized, full-body fitness. I take the time to get to know you, your history, your goals and your habits, and then design a comprehensive program that works for you. This is not one-size-fits-all training. This is training that fits your body and your schedule.

    Full-body wellness doesn’t have to feel restrictive, isolating, or stressful. We reach your primary goals while slowly but truly cultivating healthier habits. From sleep to stress management to nutrition, you can feel your absolute best.

    I want to change how you feel about yourself and your body – and make you the strongest you’ve ever been!

    Education/ Achievements

    • DARBY TRAINING SYSTEMS – Level 1 Certified
    • DARBY TRAINING SYSTEMS – Competitive Olympic Weightlifting
    • STRETCH TO WIN INSTITUTE – Level 2 Fascial Stretch Therapist
    • AGATSU KETTLEBELL – Level 1 Kettlebell instructor

    Contact Info

    416.899.9183
    thomas@primalmovement.ca

  • Raphael Charles

    Raphael Charles

    “Performance is the only aesthetic”

    My Goal: To attain the goals of my clients using the most effective means possible for their given body type and abilities…. with functionality follow the aesthetics; look good, feel good, be better in every aspect of your health. Acquire the knowledge and tools to be accountable for your own well-being.

    Education/ Achievements

    • Certified Personal Trainer(A.C.E.)
    • Athletic Experience: Powerlifting, Parkour, Tennis, Track & Field
    • Coaching Experience: Ten years of PT/Coaching Powerlifting, Strength & Conditioning and Functional Training Programs
    • Named as Top Fitness Professional in Toronto by Nike in Feb 2017

    Contact Info

    647.782.4555
    rapcharlo@aol.com

  • Lou Berkovits

    Lou Berkovits

    A practicing yogi and Power Yoga teacher committed to sharing my love and passion for yoga.

    I’m Lou Berkovits, a practicing yogi and Power Yoga teacher committed to sharing my love and passion for yoga. I teach a vinyasa or flow of movements based on the Journey Into Power series created by Baron Baptiste. I have consistently found this series to be the most challenging, rewarding and beneficial. Regardless of how many times I have practiced this flow, no two experiences have ever been the same. Each practice is as unique as that day, as that time, and as that moment. Get ready to work hard, get sweaty, get messy, and create the possibilities that lie within you to evolve into your grounded and true self.

    Contact Info

    647.752.4555
    info@primalmovement.ca

  • Florence Sophia

    Florence Sophia

    Specializes in Yoga for Martial Artists and Athletes.

    Florence Sophia is a certified yoga instructor and has dedicated herself to the practice, study and teaching of yoga since discovering its joys and benefits in 2005. She trained in the disciplines of ashtanga, hatha, vinyasa, post/pre-natal, restorative and yoga therapeutics. She is a white belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, scuba diver, active athlete and passionate to share her love for yoga and jiu jitsu while helping others on their journey.

  • Anil Palanisamy

    Anil Palanisamy

    A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA and his training methods are geared towards improving overall athleticism, body composition and general fitness.

    Anil’s career in the fitness industry began as an intern at Primal Movement where he spent several months shadowing a strength and conditioning coach and expanding on his education. He’s always had a passion for athletics, and has been involved in sports as a competitive swimmer, soccer and rugby player. He currently trains solely within the Olympic weightlifting discipline and has plans to begin competing in the near future. Anil is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA and his training methods are geared towards improving overall athleticism, body composition and general fitness, through individually structured programming and the implementation of plyometrics, strength training and mobility protocols.

    Education/ Achievements

    • York University – Kinesiology & Health Sciences Program
    • NSCA-CSCS – National Strength & Conditioning Association, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

    Contact Info

    647.782.4555
    anil@primalmovement.ca

  • Anna Toaze

    Anna Toaze

    As a competitive figure skater, Anna was just as excited to train off the ice as she was on the ice. Once it was time for her figure skating career to end, she began to focus her energy onto different styles of training in the gym. 

    Anna has been actively involved in health and fitness for almost a decade. As a competitive figure skater, Anna was just as excited to train off the ice as she was on the ice. Once it was time for her figure skating career to end, she began to focus her energy onto different styles of training in the gym.

    At the University of Windsor, Anna studied theatre. There, she continued to grow her passion for both theatre and athletics. While focusing on physically demanding theatre genres, Anna studied to become a Personal Training Specialist with Canadian Fitness Professionals (Can-Fit Pro) and began her personal training career at the university gym “The Forge”. 

    Anna believes in a holistic, functional and enjoyable approach to training. Her main goal is to help you reach yours! With focused, effective, safe and sustainable training, Anna believes in taking your training to the next level.

    Education/ Achievements

    • Certified Personal Trainer (CanFitPro)

    Contact Info

    647.782.4555
    anna@primalmovement.ca

  • Teresa Ambra, BPHE, ND

    Teresa Ambra, BPHE, ND

    Teresa Ambra is Board Certified and affiliated with the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy in Naturopathy (BDDT-N) and the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO)
    Teresa is recognized for her special interest and work with active individuals to elite athletes involved in a wide range of sports and activities.

    Teresa Ambra is a Naturopathic Doctor who runs her clinic, Movement Medicine, within Primal Movement. Teresa is recognized for her special interest and work with active individuals to elite athletes involved in a wide range of sports and activities. Her general approach focuses on maximizing overall health and wellness, which inevitably affects her patients’  performance. Specifically, identification, prevention and treatment of sports injuries through the use of individualized sport nutrition, sport therapies/rehabilitation and customized training programs, are the core of Teresa’s practice.

    Teresa blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. By maintaining a constant knowledge of the latest and advanced scientific research, she is able to confidently prescribe specific individualized treatment plans that will be most effective for her patients. By assessing and treating the whole individual, and not just disease and dysfunction, Teresa can establish long-term health benefits.

    After graduating with High Honours in the Physical Education and Health, Kinesiology and Exercise Science program at The University of Toronto, Teresa went on to complete a four-year medical program in Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). During her time at CCNM, Teresa treated patients at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic and was chosen for a position in the Sports Medicine specialty program, as well as concurrently working on general naturopathic medical shifts. Teresa has extensive knowledge in the areas of clinical nutrition, natural supplements, and botanical medicine. Since her time at CCNM, she has taken courses to advance her knowledge and has received special certification in SpiderTech Taping (Neuro-Structural Taping). She is currently studying to attain her Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN).

    Teresa is passionate about the important role that physical activity, functional movement and athletics play in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By being active and participating in athletics her entire life, Teresa has gained knowledge in a wide range of sports and activities. She has played ice hockey since she was an adolescent and continues to play in a women’s competitive league in Toronto. During her time at the University of Toronto, Teresa played on the Women’s Varsity Field Lacrosse team, winning 2 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) bronze medals and learning the valuable skills of training with a high-level sports team, while also balancing being a full-time honours student.

    Teresa Ambra is Board Certified and affiliated with the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy in Naturopathy (BDDT-N) and the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO).

    With a strong desire to increase functional “health-span” in patients, rather than just increasing lifespan, Teresa’s goal is to keep individuals healthy, moving and functional at every age.

    For a full description of Teresa’s approach as a Naturopathic Doctor and a full list of her services and sport specific therapies, visit her website at www.movementmedicine.ca

    Contact Info

    Follow Teresa and Movement Medicine on social media:
    instagram.com/movemedto
    facebook.com/movemedTO
    @MoveMedTO

    To book an appointment with Teresa:
    647.725.7733
    info@movementmedicine.ca

  • Jack Hemmings

    Jack Hemmings

    Jack specializes in one on one boxing coaching for fitness or competition.

    Jack always knew fitness and athletics were his passion. He grew up in a gym watching his father, a personal trainer, work with client after client, hoping that one day he too would follow a similar path. At the age of 16 Jack took up boxing in hopes of taking his overall fitness and self-confidence to a new level, and in return he discovered that fighting was what he was meant to do. Boxing helped him grow as an athlete, and as a young man. He’s competed at the local, provincial, national, and international level and hope to soon land a spot on Canada’s Olympic squad. Teaching boxing lessons has only helped him grow as a fighter, and although first round knockouts are the icing on the cake for him, seeing the day-to-day improvement in his classes might be the cherry on top.

  • Kiian Knight

    Kiian Knight

    Champion Kickboxer who instructs both 1-on-1 and in groups.

    At the age of 21, Kiian Knight has already gained a great reputation in the fight world and fitness industry. As a certified Canfit level 1 personal trainer and amateur competitive kickboxer, he has taught and teaches a variety of classes around the city, including kickboxing, full body circuit, and strength training .  Kiian has participated in martial arts since the age of 6, specifically developing a passion for kickboxing in his teens.  In 2014, he held the title as a North American K1 kickboxing champion.  Currently he is an amateur competitive fighter and loves to share his passion for kickboxing and fitness with those who want to get fit and learn to fight.

  • Thomas Heffernan

    Thomas Heffernan

    Founder / Strength Coach

  • Easton Lannaman

    Easton Lannaman

    Head Trainer / GM

  • Darrel Mancini

    Darrel Mancini

    Personal Trainer

  • Seamus Egan-Elliot

    Seamus Egan-Elliot

    Strength Coach / Trainer

  • Mike Auchterlonie

    Mike Auchterlonie

    Bootcamp Coach / Trainer

  • Roshanda Robinson

    Roshanda Robinson

    Bootcamp Coach / Trainer

  • Wilson Hodges

    Wilson Hodges

    Bootcamp Coach / Trainer

  • Justin Anto

    Justin Anto

    Personal Trainer

  • Raphael Charles

    Raphael Charles

    Trainer / Strength Coach

  • Lou Berkovits

    Lou Berkovits

    Yoga Instructor

  • Florence Sophia

    Florence Sophia

    Yoga Instructor

  • Anil Palanisamy

    Anil Palanisamy

    Trainer / Front Desk Associate

  • Anna Toaze

    Anna Toaze

    Personal Trainer

  • Teresa Ambra, BPHE, ND

    Teresa Ambra, BPHE, ND

    Naturopathic Doctor

  • Jack Hemmings

    Jack Hemmings

    Boxing Coach

  • Kiian Knight

    Kiian Knight

    Kickboxing Coach

  • Primal MMA

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    Call Us: 647 782 4555

Contact Info

  • 388 Carlaw Ave. Unit W3
  • M4M 2T4
  • Toronto, ON
  • 647-782-4555
  • info@primalmovement.ca

Open Gym Hours

  • Monday - Friday
    6.00 - 22.00
  • Saturday
    9.00 - 18.00
  • Sunday
    9.00 - 18.00
  • All Statutory Holidays
    Closed

Recent Posts

  • Happy Holidays From Primal Movement! 2017-12-22T15:25:57+00:00
  • Thomas Heffernan Sits Down With Fitness Republic 2017-10-27T11:30:38+00:00
  • Happy Thanksgiving From All Of Us At Primal 2017-10-06T15:48:46+00:00
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