Emily Parkes

Emily Parkes is the owner and creator of Fifty 5 Fitness, a business that specializes in fitness classes and personal training for women ages 55+. Emily received her Kinesiology degree through the University of Winnipeg in 2007. Since then she has become a Certified Seniors Fitness Instructor through the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging at Western University. She is a Certified Functional Movement Specialist (FMS), Certified Kettlebell Kickboxing Instructor (KBKB Canada), and a Certified TRX Trainer. 

Ever since Emily was little she has loved to move. Instead of watching tv, you could find her in the backyard, running, cartwheeling and dancing around. Her love of movement took off when she began taking dance classes at the age of 5. Developing her dance repertoire in ballet, jazz, tap , lyrical and musical theatre, she went on to take 25 years of dance lessons at many schools throughout Winnipeg, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Emily began teaching dance at the age of 17 and taught for 15 years at Karen Luba School of Dance. 

While obtaining her degree at University of Winnipeg, Emily took many classes that focused on activity and aging. After University she became the Director of Recreation at the Portsmouth Retirement Residence. This is where her love for teaching senior fitness grew. 

In the summer of 2017 Emily opened Fifty 5 Fitness. Drawing on her expertise in activity and aging, she has designed all classes offered at Fifty 5 Fitness. Each class offers non-impact cardio, full body strength training, balance exercises, mobility work and stretching. She has created a workout space where no woman feels intimidated, overwhelmed or out of place. Her goal in class is educate each client on how to move safely and effectively. Helping each client come out of class feeling healthy, happy and confident! If Emily is not in class teaching, you can find her teaching one-on-ones with her personal training clients. 

Sharon Delbridge

Sharon has been a fitness professional in Manitoba for over 12 years. Her specialties include Zumba, Yoga, Barre, Spinning and Sculpt and Tone.  She has taught a variety of age groups and every level of fitness from beginners to advanced as well as in the active older adults community. Her love of health and fitness shines through in each of her classes. Sharon moves through her day with lots of excitable energy because she has a huge passion and love for what she does.

Sharon has had the opportunity to teach at many resorts in Mexico as well as a studio in Puerto Vallarta. She also does a Health and Wellness Zumba/Yoga Retreat every year where she brings along a large group of women to a resort in Mexico and does daily classes there with them.  

Sharon is a health and wellness activist on her Instagram @freshsoulfitness full of amazing healthy recipes and inspirations.

Vanessa Kornelsen

I have been working in the fitness industry since 2016, first as a Pilates instructor and then as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. In 2018 I left my full time office-based job to dive headfirst into fitness, and I am so glad I did! I teach a variety of classes at Fifty5, including 55 Strength, 55 Warrior, 55 Kettlebells, 55 + Balance, 55 Express, and others. I also have the chance to work one-on-one as a personal trainer, and I rent a room at the front to do one-on-one sessions on the Pilates reformer (for those who need the extra core work!). After a few years at the studio I was also asked to take on the role of studio manager, so every now and then you might even catch me on a computer behind the front desk.

Tracey Craigon

Keeping active has always been a priority for me simply because it helps me to experience a greater quality of life in every way. Knowing and understanding the benefits of regular exercise (especially strength training for women) feeds my passion to help others on their fitness journeys. Particularly as we mature, it is important to keep moving and build/maintain strength to keep doing the things that contribute to our quality of life. Physical strength also helps people become more resilient mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually.

My educational background includes a degree in Recreation Studies, training as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) instructor, and recent certification through the Manitoba Fitness Council (MFC) as a Group ResistanceTraining Instructor. In addition, I am also a certified Personal Training Specialist with Canfitpro as well as a licensed instructor for Strong Nation and Zumba Fitness. I enjoy using my combined training and experience to provide fun, effective, and creative training sessions. Currently I teach the 55 Strength class at Fifty 5 Fitness as well as the Form Full Body Strength Express class at Form Fitness.

Teaching fitness classes at a few different gyms in the city keeps me pretty active; but when I am not teaching, I also enjoy hiking, cycling, swimming, dancing, and resistance training. I look forward to meeting you and "getting it done!" in this fun, friendly fitness studio.

Luana Whitbread

Hello—my name is Luana Whitbread and I am thrilled to be a part of the Fifty 5 Fitness team!

I am a registered nurse and for the last 25 years have specialized in care of the older adult. I am also a certified fitness instructor and personal trainer with specialty in the active older adult.

I am very excited to be teaching “The 55 + Balance” and “The 55 Express”. In these classes we will be focusing on functional fitness---working muscles groups required for everyday activities, balance, and flexibility.

Karen Duha

If you knew me well, you would know that I love an active lifestyle- downhill skiing with my family, cycling with my husband, and tennis with my friends, just to name a few. On my journey I have learned that training for fitness has allowed me to enjoy these pleasures in life.

I am a true believer that although we can’t stop the aging process, we can certainly slow it down by adding fitness training to our daily routine.

I have a degree in Recreation Studies and worked at St. Boniface Hospital Day Hospital until I started my family. I have taken several fitness courses over the years through Manitoba Fitness Council and the YMCA/YWCA. Most recently I certified as a Functional Aging Group Exercise Specialist through the Functional Aging Institute.

Let’s stay fit together! See you at Fifty 5 Fitness!

Lori Acquisto

Hi, my name is Lori Acquisto!

After 31 years in business, I have made a complete career change and joined the fitness community as a coach and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Being a business owner, fitness was my go to for stress management and health. Working 50-60 hours a week I always made time in my schedule to exercise and take time for me, to stay fit, healthy and focused.

I am extremely excited to be joining the team at Fifty5 Fitness, because I believe a community environment is the best way to feel supported in your fitness journey. I look forward to seeing you all in class!