Meet the coach who brought Strength Connected to the North Shore…

Shayan’s journey into coaching began with his own transformation—from an insecure, overweight teenager to a confident and driven athlete. The emotional and physical strength he gained through fitness, and the support of the coaches who guided him, shaped both his life and his approach to helping others.

His passion for athletics was sparked in high school through wrestling and rugby, and continued after graduation with triathlons, half marathons, marathons, and functional fitness competitions.

Shayan’s coaching philosophy centers on setting clients up for long-term success through individualized programs that combine fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance. He believes true progress happens when you're surrounded by people who inspire and support you—and that coaching goes far beyond the walls of the gym.

His training style focuses on purposeful movement, emphasizing exercises that reflect the demands of daily life or sport. With a strong foundation in both coaching and education, Shayan remains committed to ongoing learning and improvement.

Now, he’s on a mission to reshape personal training on the North Shore—offering personalized, accessible fitness solutions that meet people where they are, without the high cost of traditional personal training.You can contact Shayan at info@strengthconnected.com

Get to know Coach Nathan

Nathan has a passion for helping clients achieve a healthy lifestyle and participate in activities that they love with increased energy, strength, and enthusiasm. He aspires to help clients of all ages through fitness, nutrition, and sustainable lifestyle practices. Nathan is a certified CanFitPro Personal Training Specialist and NSCA CSPS. His previous years of experience in rehabilitation of the foot and lower limb as a Certified Pedorthist and run coach give him experience in lower limb biomechanics and personalized client care.

Nathan believes in a personalized approach to health and well-being through a variety of modalities. Whether a client’s goal is to be more active, compete in a sport, or simply complete daily activities without pain, Nathan is passionate about finding a solution that fits into their lifestyle. Growing up playing multiple sports including hockey and soccer, Nathan transitioned into competing in running and triathlon events in the past few years. With a wide range of knowledge in different sports, he can help clients achieve their goals inside and outside of the gym.

Outside of the gym, Nathan enjoys all kinds of activities — running, cycling, hiking, hockey, tennis — and uses his experience in these to help clients excel at their daily activities.

Get to know Coach Sammy

Sammy holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia and has long been passionate about physical fitness and athletics. In high school, she competed in a variety of sports, with field hockey, track and field, and rugby standing out as her favorites. Her interest in strength training developed during university, where she discovered a true passion for weightlifting and the overall gym environment.

In 2017, Sammy became a certified personal trainer through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), which sparked her love for helping others reach their fitness goals. A firm believer in lifelong learning, she herself received coaching at Strength Connected to refine her training abilities. Enjoying the experience so much, she joined the team in 2019—eager to share what she’d learned by helping clients along their fitness journeys.

More recently, Sammy completed a second Bachelor’s Degree at the end of 2023 in the Science of Nursing. She currently works part-time as a Registered Nurse (RN) specializing in neurology alongside her coaching. Not only has this experience given her a more well-rounded view of the healthcare industry, but it has also deepened her understanding of a common truth: those who care for others often neglect themselves. Sammy is committed to challenging that norm—advocating for balance, self-care, and sustainable well-being in both her personal life and professional practice.

Get to know Coach Amin

Amin is a coach whose journey into fitness began with overcoming a congenital L4–L5 back condition—one that doctors initially believed could only be addressed through surgery. Instead of taking that route, Amin committed to a long-term process of evidence-based training, core strengthening, and movement correction. Through consistency and education, he transformed limitation into both strength and deep practical knowledge.

Amin holds his CrossFit Level 1 certification and has continued to expand his expertise through OPEX education, including OPEX CCP, OPEX Mixed Modal, and OPEX Strength. He views exercise as both a physical practice and a form of meditation—a way to better connect with the body. Amin believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to training, and he works closely with each client to create sustainable programs that respect individual needs, goals, and movement patterns.

A lifelong learner at heart, Amin believes every session, every movement, and every client presents an opportunity to learn. Nothing is fixed; progress is built by applying foundational principles and refining them through real-world experience. Above all, Amin values communication and genuine connection. He believes the most important part of coaching is building trust and maintaining an open line of communication with clients. For Amin, training is a shared journey—one where both coach and client grow together.

Get to know Coach Parsa

Parsa is in his final semester of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Capilano University and is a CSEP-certified Personal Trainer. His academic foundation, combined with hands-on coaching experience, informs an evidence-based and practical approach to training focused on long-term, sustainable progress.

Parsa’s passion for movement and performance began through his background in football and soccer and has since expanded into coaching individuals across a wide range of sports, abilities, and experience levels. Working with diverse populations has reinforced his belief that effective training must be individualized, adaptable, and responsive to each client’s needs.

At the core of Parsa’s coaching philosophy is helping clients achieve meaningful results through training and nutrition, supported by realistic habits and consistency over time. He takes pride in guiding clients through their journey, celebrating progress along the way, and helping them build lasting confidence both inside and outside the gym.