Ascent Strength & Embodiment

This gym is unlike any other gym I have ever been to before. The moment you walk through the door you can feel just how welcomed you are. Everyone is welcoming, close and encouraging. Shawnna is so knowledgeable in everything she does. She will help you to become the best version of yourself. I have, or excuse me had serious chronic back pain, and with movement and dedication I can say I don’t feel my back pain anymore. I will continue to come to this gym. I absolutely love everything about it. Thank you so much Ascent, I am a new person because of you.

Ascent Strength and Embodiment is a gym like no other. It is situated in the heart of the beautiful village of Conestogo.Shawnna and Jay, the owners, are so welcoming and friendly and have created the most beautiful atmosphere for working out whether it be fitness or yoga.Shawnna, the coach, is extremely knowledgeable and is capable of assessing and accommodating each participant’s fitness needs. She is always encouraging and at hand to provide alternative exercises as needed.I have been attending this gym since it opened in November. Each week I do a lower body workout and an upper body workout. With Shawnna’s focus on functional mobility and her gentle encouragement my strength and mobility have improved beyond my expectations. I always leave feeling uplifted. Each and every workout is truly a positive experience.I have been to many gyms and it is my opinion that Ascent Strength and Embodiment provides a more balanced approach to physical wellbeing.The yoga classes that are offered at Ascent are also incredible as are the instructors.I feel fortunate to have found this gym.

Shawnna's classes are fantastic! Her expertise, dedication, and personalized approach makes every session an absolute delight. Her knowledge of exercise techniques and physiology is truly impressive, and she effortlessly adapted workouts to my fitness level, ensuring I always feel challenged yet motivated.Her ability to push me past my limits while always respecting my boundaries is truly commendable.Thanks to Shawnna's expertise and unwavering support, I have seen incredible progress in my fitness journey. I feel stronger, healthier, and more confident than ever before!

I was welcomed immediately and had a great conversation with Shawna who introduced me to the space and their philosophies as it was my first time. The setting and space is absolutely gorgeous. I was given clear direction and demonstrations with each move, Shawna watched to ensure my form was safe, was motivating to me throughout. The only down was that I was super hot. However, being fair, it was 30+ degrees outside, my clothing choice likely wasn't stellar as I had on long tights and a long sleeve shirt, so that’s on me. Now I know better for next time! My experience was it was a warm, welcoming, safe space and reintroduction to fitness. I look forward to going back!

I found Ascent (Shawna and Jay) in Feb 2023 when I was dealing some health adversity. They have been amazing! Shawna has helped me work on the finer details of getting physically and mentally stronger. Sessions fly by with positivity and laughs, while working on the finer details of muscles that I didn’t know existed. The studio is located in an amazing setting and inside is really cool. Can’t wait to get back to rehabbing.

This was my first experience here with Shawnna, she was awesome. The facility itself is bright, clean and honestly the exposed beams made it beautiful/tranquil.I am still recovering from ACL & meniscus reconstruction surgery and she was wonderful at checking in on how I was feeling/making sure the stability of my knee was feeling good and not compromised.She was also able to offer alternative workouts within her class that were not only safe for my rehab but encouraged strengthening.And forget injury if you just didn’t have the flexibility or strength to accomplish an exercise she never belittled you and again offered building steps to help you reach a goal.

Fitness with Shawnna at Ascent has been just what I needed to get back into it. The setting is spectacular and the small classes make it very friendly and welcoming. We’ve done fitness both inside and outside and the variety of exercises keeps it interesting and fun. Shawnna and Jay are great small business owners with an obvious passion for what they do. They have shown tremendous care for us and a genuine interest in our lives and health. We have really enjoyed getting to know them as well. Shawnna is an amazing coach and guide who provides just the right amount of challenge for me, without making anything frustrating or too much. She quickly modifies on the fly when I need it and I like the explanations of what we are doing and why. In just a short time I’m feeling healthier, more flexible, and energized to do more. If you’re looking for fitness that focuses on quality of life, and a positive and supportive environment to do that fitness, this is the place.

This space... What can I say...Thank you for creating such a warm space; it’s one of my favourite spaces. It’s a space where I can be truly be myself. Thank you for being kind and loving humans.Shawnna and Jay have worked hard to created such a beautiful oasis. They have created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere and have poured their heart, soul, and sweat into this place.

I've been going to Ascent for five months now under the personal training of Shawna, the lead coach. For those looking for a quick read - I feel great!The functional mobility strength training approach that Shawna takes is perfect for my lifestyle. I love being active, getting outdoors and being competitive in all the sports I play. Since joining Ascent, I feel stronger, more confident in my physical abilities and rarely think about injury let alone have one. The regular stretching exercises and full body strength training is the contributing factor to this.Shawna is an amazing coach. Extremely knowledgeable, clear, concise and patient. The programs she puts together do an excellent job of targeting the areas where strength is needed. I love the challenge these classes bring and look forward to attending everytime.Lastly, the facility is great. Tons of natural light, with tree-lined views that makes you feel like you're in the middle of a forest. Working out at Ascent is something I look forward to.