Coach Fyonna Vanderwerf

With over 30 years in the fitness industry, I’ve lived strength in every form it takes.

I’ve stepped onto provincial bodybuilding stages between the ages of 44–49, at a time when many women are quietly written off.


I’ve crossed 3 Ironman finish lines, completed 45+ marathons and 70 triathlons, competed provincially in rugby with Lakehead University and built a career around helping people rise—especially after life hits hard. I get it.

And I’ve failed.
Often.
Forward, sideways, spectacularly.

Every one of those moments shaped the coach you meet today: resilient, relentless, creative, research-based, deeply compassionate, and focused on helping you step into your power, building the path to that fantastic goal you've brought to Backcountry Strength.

Based in the heart of Muskoka, I thrive on adventure and bring that same spirit into every coaching relationship.

I’m also a two-time Canada’s Top Trainer, recognized by IMPACT Magazine in 2023 and 2024.

Fitness Education Online awarded me as one of Ontario's Top Trainers for 2026.

At Backcountry Strength, our mission is to empower people with the skills, tools, and habits to live full, adventurous lives — no matter their starting point. That’s why I don’t just coach performance. I coach capability. I build capacity. That's why I work with Sean.

My work centers on adaptive, medical-condition, and life-stage coaching, creating opportunity where others see limitation. From supporting individuals living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes on expeditions to Machu Picchu, to guiding a client in cancer remission to Everest Base Camp, my coaching lives at the intersection of human resilience and real-world adventure.

As a Certified Women’s Coaching Specialist, I bring deep expertise in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopausal performance, helping women reclaim strength, confidence, and identity during seasons that are too often misunderstood or dismissed.

My background as an RX Motivational Interviewing Coach and Crisis Responder with Muskoka Victim Services shapes everything I do. I coach with empathy, skilled listening, trauma awareness, and deep respect for lived experience — because strength is never just physical. And everyone you meet is struggling with something. I'm here to help.

Whether you’re preparing for a bucket-list race, a super summit, or simply learning to trust your body again, we’ll build a plan that fits your life—and fuels your adventure. I'm so excited that you've joined us!

Along the way, expect resilience, curiosity, and maybe even a laugh or two

(Monty Python and The Office fans welcome).

At Backcountry Strength, the journey isn’t just about reaching the summit — it’s about discovering what’s possible.

Credentials & Specializations:

  • BSc (Undergraduate) in Physical Anthropology

  • Personal Training/Fitness Instructor/ Nutrition/ Fascia Specialist – canfitpro

  • Boxing /Triathlon Coach – Coaching Association of Canada

  • Certified Nutrition Coach – Precision Nutrition

  • Certified Women’s Coaching Specialist – Girls Gone Strong

  • EXCEL Cancer Movement Specialist

  • HeartWise™ Cardiac Training

  • TIME™ Programming for Stroke

  • Adaptive & Neurological Movement (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s)

  • Motivational Interviewing Coach – Rx Prescription to Be Active

  • Subject Matter Expert – canfitpro / Human Kinetics

  • Trauma-Informed Coaching , ASIST, Suicide CISM

  • Rock Climbing, Challenge Course-Challenges Unlimited

  • National Speaker – Accessibility & Inclusion in Movement & Health