Team

Sarah Wiafe (Owner)

After graduating from the University of Calgary, I started Altitude Athletic Therapy and Fitness Training with the hopes of helping people become healthy, active and as close to pain-free as possible. What started as a small business training clients one-on-one in a downtown Calgary gym, quickly grew to what it is today. A health and wellness business serving clients not only in Calgary, but also in the rural areas of Linden/Acme/Beiseker with the help of an incredible coaching team (see their bios below!). It’s been quite a journey and I’ve learned so much along the way, largely due to the patience and dedication of my incredible clients.

I’ve always lived an active and healthy life. I was fortunate to grow up in a family that valued well rounded meals with home grown veggies and beef and liked to play outside. From waterskiing and wakeboarding to snowboarding and gymnastics, to running and strength training as I got older, I’ve always been on the move! The way I was brought up shaped my belief that physical activity and movement is for everyone, no matter your age, ability, or injury status, it’s a matter of finding the right fit for you.

I work daily at creating and maintaining habits that help me to live a healthy life, my goal is to help you do the same! It’s not always been easy for me, but I’ve found that the more realistic I am about my own strengths and weaknesses, the more empowered I am to face them and make positive changes. I can’t wait to meet you, hear about where you’re at and help you move forward in any way I can!
I’ve worked with clients as young as 14, as old as 83 and everything in between. As a Certified Athletic Therapist and Personal Trainer, I have a strong foundation in anatomy, injury assessment and rehabilitation as well as strength training and this is what helps me help people to get moving.

These are my credentials:
BKin – Bachelor of Kinesiology
CAT(C) – Certified Athletic Therapist
CSEP – Certified Exercise Physiologist
NSCA – Strength and Conditioning Specialist
PN – Precision Nutrition Coach Level 1blank

Diane Semotiuk  (Fitness Instructor)

I have worked for 39 years in the Healthcare Profession as an LPN and as a Therapy Assistant.  Over the course of my career I had an opportunity to work with a Physiotherapist developing and instructing Fitness Classes and workshops for Senior’s. Upon retirement, this past year I became certified from the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging as a Senior Fitness Instructor.

I have always made health and fitness a priority throughout my life.  I enjoy all types of physical exercise and have always been able to take a variety of fitness classes such as; aerobics, yoga, aqua size, and boot camp.  Participating in these classes gives me the strength and ability to continue to do the activities that I enjoy such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. You will also find me on my daily walks around Acme with our beloved dog, Teddy.

I believe volunteerism is also important.  Presently, I am a Director for the Acme Hall Board, Member of the Acme Hall Rental Committee, and Financial Chairperson for the Beiseker Catholic Church.

My husband, Gary and myself love living in the Village of Acme where we raised our 3 children.  We are truly blessed to have 6 precious grandchildren.

bl

Tracy Penner (Fitness Instructor)

I grew up on a farm in the Linden area. Having 4 brothers older than me to keep up with, and 1 younger, I was very active and made sure there were no activities I couldn’t participate in. Riding calves, horses, crawling around and on top of old buildings, riding bike and just doing all the things there is to do on a farm.

I have been a part of Altitude Fitness Training since Sarah started, attending the bootcamp classes on Thursday evenings. It has bettered my life in so many ways, making me stronger physically and mentally. I am working on my AFLCA certificate and have become a part of the Altitude Team working as a fitness instructor. I am looking forward to learning all I can about fitness training and how to help our great community enjoy being active.

ank

b

Zoey Kelly (Yoga Instructor)

I am forever grateful for my roots in Irricana, no matter how far away I may be, the open skies and rolling prairies will always be my home. Eagerlyengaged in the community and actively involved in sports, I was 14 years old when a new yoga studio came to our little town. Practicing among a handful of adults, I never felt out of place. Just like my surrounding prairies, I knew I was home. I devoted time to connect with myself and my breath, and the benefits I reaped from each class I carried with me day after day, week after week, until it was clear yoga was now just as much a part of my life as anything else.

As I journeyed my way through Mount Royal University, I rediscovered my love for mindful movement practices and connected with yoga studios in the city. I noticed that the more I devoted to my mat, the more relaxed and resilient I became in my everyday life. I thank my yoga practice for slowing me down from the often demanding and stressful lifestyle I have in the city of Calgary, where I currently reside.

In 2018, I completed my 20 hr kids YTT and with that training under my belt, I knew I wanted more! My passion for the outdoors and my need for yoga led me to embark on my 200 hr-YTT with Wilderness Yoga School in Canmore, AB. My degree in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership is complementary to my yoga teaching and practice as I strive to deepen my understanding of mind-body awareness, asanas, connection, and self.

I believe that there is great joy in connecting with the mind and body to create peace and openness in one’s heart.

Yoga is not about touching your toes, it is about what you learn on the way down. The experience of yoga is more than simply the movements through the poses. What is so lovely, is that you can decide what yoga means to you and why you desire to show up on your mat; yoga is yours.

Just as I have been guided gently through my experiences by the people who acknowledged my light, I hope to offer the same support to you and your yoga practice; whether you are an experienced yogi, or brand new! I look forward to connecting with you at Altitude Fitness