Welcome to Monstera Strength! My name is Mackenzie (she/her) and I'm a certified personal trainer in Toronto. I live with my fiance and our dog, Tofu. I love lifting heavy weights, pole dancing, hiking, eating sushi, and reading fantasy novels!

I haven't always been a fitness enthusiast. I was not an athletic kid at all. It took a lot of time and effort for me to get past the feelings of intimidation at the gym, to truly learn what I was doing, and to find reasons to enjoy the process. I have struggled with disordered eating and obesity most of my life. With the help of a few amazing trainers, a therapist, and a dietitian, I have managed to build a balanced and enjoyable relationship with food, exercise, and my perfectly imperfect body. 

Now, I am here to help others build better habits, discover movement that challenges and fulfills them, and realize all the amazing things that their body can do. I understand that health is bigger than just chasing a number on the scale, and fitness is more nuanced than just eating less and moving more. I'm here to meet people where they're at, dig deep into all the layers of behavioural change, and provide a fitness experience unlike other trainers. 

I teach my clients all the hows and whys behind their programming so they can learn to sustain their healthy lifestyle without my help. I will never push a weight-loss agenda or advertise exaggerated or unrealistic claims. With a trauma-informed and body-neutral approach, I help my community to navigate away from the pressures of diet culture and achieve health/fitness goals that are truly meaningful for them.

I originally started Monstera Strength with the goal of coaching clients solely online. Specifically, I wanted to get as many women under a barbell as possible. However, I've learned with experience that working with clients in-person is not only way more fun, but also generates way better results. I now offer personal training sessions in real-time (either in-person or virtually). I still provide online workouts, but only as a supplement to real-time training. I am open to working with clients at any level, with any goal, whether or not you have access to equipment.

Interested in getting started? View my services, prices, and availability below!