Meet The Team
At The Local Motion, our strength lies not only in our equipment, but in the people who make it all possible.
Our team is a dynamic blend of fitness experts, wellness enthusiasts, and dedicated professionals, all with one common goal: to support you in your journey towards a healthier, happier you.
Madison Backer
OWNER, TRAINER + INSTRUCTOR
Madison is the owner and operator of The Local Motion in Pinawa, Manitoba. Madison began her fitness career in 2013 teaching bootcamp classes in various locations around Pinawa, both indoors and outdoors. In 2015, she officially opened the doors to her very own boutique fitness studio - The Local-Motion.
Madison has a passion for movement of all kinds, the outdoors, and event planning. She loves to be outdoors in nature running, snowshoeing, hiking, teaching classes and hosting events. She hosts an annual Fitness Retreat in Pinawa that brings unique fitness instructors together from all across Manitoba!
Madison has a Masters of Science in Health and Nutrition Education. You will find Madison at the Local-Motion weekly working 1 on 1 with clients, teaching TRX classes, Box + Burn classes, and hosting outdoor fitness events inspired by nature.
James Gerardy
PERSONAL TRAINER
James is a CSEP Certified Personal Trainer at The Local Motion in Pinawa and has a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Manitoba.
James is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, loves fishing, and cooking up new recipes for his family.
James has been a personal trainer for over 10 years, and started his training career coaching football teams and various other sports teams. He also has experience training hockey players, basketball players, volleyball players, and many other athletes.
If you are looking for sport specific training, James is your guy! He is also very experienced and knowledgeable in power lifting and strength training.
Throughout his career he has offered summer boot camps, was an ‘on the go’ trainer serving clients in their homes in Winnipeg, and was also promoted to Head Personal Trainer at Snap Fitness, Osborne. James brings a unique, fun training style to the Local-Motion that integrates his power lifting and athletic background. You can find James teaching weekly Circuit Classes, and Personal Training at The Local Motion!
Justina Hrebenik
GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Justina became a Group Fitness Instructor in 2017 and then expanded her training to become a Certified Fitness Instructor Specialist in 2019 through Canfit Pro. Justina began teaching Les Mills Bodypump and RPM in Edmonton, and now teaches group fitness at The Local Motion.
Justina spent 4 years in Halifax, where she received her BSc in Recreation from Dalhousie University.
She enjoys running (has run 2 marathons and 3 half-marathons), biking, hiking, water sports, winter sports (cross country and downhill skiing), and loves to make time to enjoy the indoor/jungle gym space at The LM.
Justina loves to adventure with her dog Jane, and can't wait to share her love for fitness with her daughter.
CURRENTLY ON MATERNITY LEAVE
Laura Bennett
30 ROUNDhouse INSTRUCTOR
Laura moved to Pinawa in 2021 with her husband and two young children. She has a passion for community, the outdoors, and finding wellness through joyful movement (grown-ups need to play, too!). Laura loves being active and is always up for trying a new sport. Martial arts have long been her favourite, leading her to earn her 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Laura taught Taekwondo for many years, including while studying at the University of Manitoba where she obtained her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Since then, Laura has enjoyed dabbling in a variety of other martial arts like kickboxing, Muay Thai, and she recently tried out Karate! Laura’s other passion involves working with children. Outside of motherhood and teaching Taekwondo, Laura has worked and volunteered in a variety of children’s programs and has spent the past ten years working as a paediatric Occupational Therapist.
Marissa Scarlett
ACCOUNTING + ADMINISTRATION
Marissa joined the Local-Motion team in early 2022 to assist with bookkeeping and administrative support. She has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Manitoba but decided to change directions when she discovered how much she loves numbers and the behind-the-scenes side of business. She is currently completing her Accounting Certificate at Red River College.
Marissa loves a good book and spending time outside, going for walks and exploring with her family and friends.
Brigitte Craig
30 ROUNDhouse INSTRUCTOR
Brigitte graduated 19 years ago from the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba and has had a lot of experience as a RMT dealing with movement and injury through that time. She went to the Winnipeg Academy of Mixed Martial Arts WAMMA from 2004-2007, competing in a tournament in Alberta in 2007.
The ability to learn how to move and counter move someone bigger or stronger than you fuelled her learning. The movement and exercise you would get during warm up and class was an excellent experience and different way to use your body.
Brigitte loves to try different ways to exercise. Belly dance, hockey, lifting, circuit classes, and hot yoga. Any way of trying something new to see how it challenges a different part of your body.
Ready to join the LM team?
If you're passionate about fitness and teaching classes, we'd love to hear from you! Whether you're an experienced instructor or just starting your journey in the fitness industry, we believe in nurturing talent and enthusiasm.
To explore opportunities with The Local Motion, don't hesitate to reach out. Madison is here to chat, answer your questions, and help you take the first step toward becoming a part of our dynamic team.