By FitBizWeekly Staff
When Theresa Rindress entered the fitness world in 2010, she didn’t expect to make it a career—let alone become a nationally recognized leader in the industry. But 15 years later, the Montreal-based coach, educator, and studio owner has not only earned the title of canfitpro Fitness Professional of the Year, she’s built a community grounded in strength, resilience, and compassion.
Now, she’s using that same community to honour a client who changed her life—and to support others facing the fight of theirs.
From Stage Fright to the Front of the Room
Rindress’s first steps into fitness were personal. “I simply wanted to learn more about exercise for my own knowledge,” she says. At the time, she couldn’t imagine leading group classes, much less commanding a microphone in front of 80 participants. But by 2012, she had earned her group fitness certification, accepted a coordinator role at her local YMCA, and begun carving out her path as both an instructor and a leader.
“I learned how to inspire others, build confidence, and create an atmosphere that balanced safety and fun,” she explains. “Over time, my classes grew—sometimes reaching 80 participants—people who trusted me to guide them toward healthier, stronger lives.”
That trust became the foundation of what would eventually become TRxrcs, her independently operated fitness and CPR training studio that today reaches people both in person and virtually across Canada and beyond.
Pandemic Pivot Becomes a Permanent Platform
Like many in the industry, Rindress faced a career-defining crossroads when gyms shut down in March 2020. “I received an email saying I had no job to return to,” she recalls. “My first reaction was panic… But deep down, I knew I wasn’t ready to give up—not when people needed movement and connection more than ever.”
Within three weeks, over 100 people had joined her virtual workouts. Zoom sessions turned into outdoor classes, and eventually, her own studio. “What started as an improvised online workout during lockdown has grown into a tight-knit community that supports, encourages, and celebrates one another.”
Five years later, TRxrcs offers CPR courses, certification training, and inclusive fitness classes—all centered around the values that carried it through the pandemic: connection, adaptability, and care.
Fitness with Heart: Honouring Linda Solomon
In 2025, Theresa’s work was formally recognized when she was named canfitpro Fitness Professional of the Year—a moment she describes as both “deeply humbling” and “bittersweet.”
Just ten days before the award ceremony, one of her longest-standing clients, Linda Solomon, passed away following an eight-year battle with cancer. “Linda had been with me since my very first class in 2012,” Rindress says. “Even after receiving her palliative diagnosis, she contacted me to schedule one-on-one training three times a week—determined to stay strong for as long as possible.”
That request came just three days before Linda passed away.
“I dedicated my award to Linda, and to everyone affected by cancer—to those we’ve lost, those still fighting, and the families who support them through it all,” says Rindress. “Linda’s courage reminded me why fitness is about far more than physical strength—it’s about staying strong for life’s challenges.”
Fit to Fight Cancer: A Fundraiser with Purpose
In tribute to Linda, Rindress has launched the Fit to Fight Cancer fundraiser in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. “It’s my way of turning grief into action—of using movement to make a difference,” she says.
The event will take place in Montreal on February 20, 2026, at the NDG Legion, and will include an in-person workout experience open to all fitness levels. Participants can also donate or join virtually.
To support the campaign or learn more, visit: fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/campaigns/Fit-to-Fight-Cancer
Leading with Resilience, Building with Heart
Rindress’s story reflects what many fitness professionals discovered over the past five years: that movement is a powerful tool for mental and emotional strength, not just physical health.
“Fitness isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about mental resilience and emotional healing,” she says. “Through TRxrcs, I’ve seen firsthand how moving together can transform lives.”
As she continues to grow her impact as a trainer, educator, and community leader, Rindress hopes her journey inspires others to push past fear, lead with authenticity, and build fitness spaces where laughter, sweat, and support go hand in hand.
