EMPOWER LIFESTYLE MISSION: To elevate the fitness, health and lifestyle of adults and children using evidence based methods, novel techniques and quality professionals.

EMPOWER CONDITIONING Mission: To elevate every element of physical preparation for all athletes using evidence based methods, novel techniques and quality professionals.

Kari Schneider is the owner and founder of Empower Lifestyle and Conditioning. Kari began her degree at University of Northern Colorado and double majored in Fitness and Exercise and Athletic Training. She transferred back home to Canada and finished her Bachelor's degree at the University of Manitoba . She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology, a First Responder and a Technical Level II Olympic Lifting Coach.  Kari also became a certified Athletic Therapist through the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association in 2001.

Kari has recently completed her Masters of Science degree in Kinesiology.  She researched lumbar spine kinematics using accelerometry during fatiguing exercise.  She has rehabilitated many chronic back pain patients and clients with sports injuries and has presented research abstracts at multiple National and International conferences. 

Kari was the Manager of Strength and Conditioning for the Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba from 2001-2006 and trained multiple National and Olympic level athletes from Swimmers to Rhythmic Gymnasts. Kari is currently the Strength Coach for the Men's and Women's National Volleyball Teams (for 8 years), The Manitoba National Triathlon Centre (for 9 years) and other National and Pro-level athletes. She is the Provincial Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is currently learning a new culture while living and working in Izmir, Turkey.

Kari loves spending time with daughter Rayna, partner Paul and his sons.  She enjoys coaching her daughter's soccer, running, Olympic lifting, hiking, climbing, weight training, snowboarding, skate skiing and motivating and educating people through presentations and seminars. She believes in continual learning and improvement and runs her company accordingly!  "Get out of your comfort zone if you want to see results!"  If you want consutling services or more information about Kari directly go to www.karischneider.com

Brigitte Girouard

Brigitte believes that with focus and dedication you can do anything you put your mind to.    She has faith that a positive attitude will get you through the most challenging things in life.  She loves to inspire and loves to be inspired.  John Savidis has been her main influence throughout her fitness career.

Brigitte’s passion for motivating others focuses her clients on working their hardest to achieve maximal results. As a former elite athlete herself, Brigitte knows first-hand what a personal trainer can do to keep you motivated and on track for reaching your goals. Her experience with a multitude of athletes gives Brigitte the edge to enhance your physical abilities and gain the competitive edge no matter what your goals are. She knows that the key to a good personal trainer isn’t just a certificate, but being able to know exactly how to push each individual person on a case-by-case basis.

Gord MacInnes 

Gord has been part of the Empower Team since 2006 and has gained experience assisting training the Men's and Women's National Volleyball teams and many other National level athletes.  He obtained his bachelor's degree from University of Manitoba and has his CSCS certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  He is an SAQ Advanced Trainer (SAQ International-UK), a Level II Olympic Lifting Coach and a Level I Rugby Coach. 

Gord is a former University of Manitoba Bison football player and has played Rugby in Ireland for 4 years and New Zealand 1 year.  He has been a Strength Coach for St.Paul's High School in 2004-06, a player/Coach for Castlebar Rugby Football Club 2002-04, and a Youth Development Officer for Irish Rugby Football Union in 2003-04.

Gord has a hard working and motivating training style and anyone who works with him are sure to see results!  He is a Firefighter/Paramedic for the city of Winnipeg and married to wife, Nicole and they have a black Lab/Rottweiler companion, Seamus.  Gord continues to play hockey, golf and rugby and shares his knowledge in workshops and presentations. 

Kevin Coates

Growing up in Alberta, Kevin was involved in many sports including hockey, baseball, lacrosse and football. After playing junior football for the Calgary Colts, Kevin came to Winnipeg to play for the University of Manitoba Bisons. During his years as an athlete, Kevin gained much knowledge in strength and conditioning as well as Olympic weightlifting. Kevin graduated from the U of M with a Bachelor of Kinesiology in the Athletic Therapy program and is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Kevin is also a first responder as part of his education. After graduating Kevin landed a job as an athletic therapy assistant with the Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club and was part of the 2007 grey cup championship team. Kevin then moved back to Winnipeg to become a part of the Empower team and is presently the athletic therapy assistant for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Melanie Bonin

Melanie has been part of the Empower team as an Athletic Therapist since its opening.  She holds a Bachelor of Exercise Sport Science in Athletic Therapy from the University of Manitoba.  Melanie is a Certified Athletic Therapist through the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association and a First Responder.

Melanie has been actively involved with the Manitoba soccer community for several years.  She worked with the Women’s 2005 Canada Games soccer team for 2 years, several provincial and club teams, and has been the head therapist for the Canadian Soccer Manitoba Regional Training Centre since 2005.  She has also been involved with Canada Games as host medical personnel and with the 2003 Women’s hockey team.  Melanie is a Canadian Sport Centre provider and has worked on National level athletes throughout the years.  As a Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Melanie is gaining experience by assisting Kari with the Manitoba National Triathlon Centre and other recreational and high level athletes.

When not working, Melanie spends all of her time with her son Miguel and husband David.  She loves the outdoors and goes camping, cycling and hiking with her family.  Melanie also loves to play all sorts of sports such as hockey, volleyball, basketball, soccer, badminton, and many others.

John Fayed

Some say a legend on ice-but his performances are rare.  watch for a unique appearance in the ice capades!