Live Strong for Life: Training According to Jenifer Dunbar

If you’ve taken a class with Jenifer Dunbar, you’ve felt her energy the second she walks in. She is equal parts educator, motivator, cheerleader, and fun-loving instructor —and her passion for functional strength and mobility shines through every session she teaches.

FlexFit Fusion: Friday’s Fierce Favourite

Jen’s FlexFit Fusion class has earned a devoted following, and for good reason. She starts every class with 15 minutes of mobility, progressively opening up the body with movements that build from small patterns into bigger, more powerful ones.

Participants learn the same choreography for a month so they can truly master the moves. It’s all about progress, not perfection, and Jen is big on consistency:

“Doing something once a month won’t get you stronger—consistency will.”

Strength blocks, a quick cardio finisher, and deep mobility to cool down round out a class that improves real-life movement, not just gym performance.

Her Training Philosophy: Strength for Life

Jen’s approach to training is simple: she wants people to still be moving well 20, 30, even 40 years from now. She focuses on movement patterns, mobility limitations, and muscle imbalances, always aiming to help clients move pain-free.

She often reminds people that strength isn’t optional—it’s foundational.

“Having strength is linked to longevity.”

Her goal is to help members feel capable, confident, and in control of their bodies at every age and fitness level.

A Weight-Inclusive Approach to Fitness

Jen is outspoken about reducing weight bias in the fitness world. She never judges someone’s ability based on size or appearance and works hard to create an environment where everyone feels welcome.

She believes that fitness success is about how you move and how you feel, not how you look.

“Your weight does not define your ability.”

Her classes are spaces where people can show up as themselves—no comparison, no pressure.

Spin Class: Energy, Entertainment & Zero Boredom

If there’s one thing you’ll never be in Jen’s spin class, it’s bored. She keeps things dynamic with drills that change every 30 seconds to a minute, music you can dance to, and her signature humour woven into every cue.

She ditched the old movie-watching spin style and decided to become the entertainment herself—and it works.

Her Mindset Message: Grace Over Perfection

Jen encourages clients to approach fitness with patience and compassion. Progress takes time, and she helps people honour rest, listen to their bodies, and stay consistent without burning out.

“We’re not going to be on top of the world every day—and that’s okay.”

Whether it’s lifting heavy or choosing a mobility day, Jen empowers members to make choices that support long-term wellbeing.

Her Favourite Moments as a Coach

For Jen, the real wins come from watching people move better. Seeing someone finally squat with better depth, hinge with control, or climb stairs without pain—those moments fuel her passion.

She loves celebrating the “I survived this class!” excitement at the end, especially from newcomers. Every small improvement is a victory.

Always Learning, Always Growing

Jen recently completed her Girls Gone Strong Women’s Coaching Certification, deepening her expertise in women’s health and strength training across life stages. She’s now moving into menopause coaching, always expanding her knowledge to better support her clients.

Why She Loves Lakeshore

What inspires her most is the community and collaboration among the fitness team. She feels supported, encouraged, and surrounded by people who want members to succeed.

Lakeshore is where she first felt confident as a gym-goer—and ultimately where she became a trainer.

Jenifer, thank you for bringing your heart, humour, and expertise to Lakeshore Recreation. Your dedication to mobility, functional strength, and inclusive fitness has transformed our community. We’re grateful for the energy and empowerment you bring to every room you step into.