MEET THE TRAINERS
At Iron Bull Fitness, we know that getting in shape is not just about hitting the gym - it's about having a personalized approach that fits your lifestyle and goals. Meet our experienced coaches, who are dedicated to helping clients achieve their ideal level of fitness.
MERLE JACK
Head Trainer
Hello, my name is Merle Jack, and I am First Nations from Treaty 6 Territory and am a proud member of the Little Pine First Nation, located east of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. I am a residential school survivor and am fluent in my Cree language.
I am a proud father of three grown children, a nine-year old stepson and two grandchildren. I worked the majority of my life on the pipeline, a rodman and as a horseman. At the age of 47, I decided to change my career path and follow my passion for fitness and wellness. I moved to Calgary in 2020, after meeting my partner, Christie and began my education and am now employed with the Tsuu T’ina Nation in Calgary, working in the area of fitness and wellness.
In June 2000, I suffered a significant acquired brain injury which left me having to learn how to walk, talk, read, and write. Through my rehabilitation, fitness became a huge factor in my recovery. I understand the patience needed to work with individuals who have physical limitations and mobility issues.
I offer a variety of inclusive classes as well as personal fitness training to allow you to reach your fitness/wellness goals. I have a passion for promoting fitness and wellness and enjoy working with all ages. The classes offered can be done in English as well as the Cree language if preferred.
CHRISTIE GOODFELLOW
Assistant Trainer
Hello, my name is Christie Goodfellow, and I am Metis from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. I grew up in Prince Albert and moved to Calgary, Alberta eleven years ago. I work in the field of Indigenous Corrections/Justice and have made Calgary my home where I live with my nine-year-old son, seventeen-year-old step-son and partner, Merle.
I have always had a passion for fitness. While growing up, my father was an avid gym member and my younger brother, and I spent many hours in the gym watching my father train, and later I began training myself. I struggled with weight issues in my life and know how difficult it can be to find and maintain the motivation.
I assist Merle with facilitating fitness classes and personal training. I enjoy working with all populations and know the importance of living a balanced lifestyle. The classes and one-to-one training sessions offered will assist you in meeting your fitness needs, while offering a relaxed, enjoyable, comfortable environment.
HEAR IT FROM OUR CUSTOMERS
I joined in November 2023 and I really enjoy Merle’s class at 10:30am on Saturdays. He is very thorough in explaining what every exercise is for and also gives us ways to improvise if we have injuries. Highly recommended!
Leads great classes, with knowledge and enthusiasm
This is the best place! Great staff and great members. I always look forward to my classes there.
OUR VISION
Through our combined love for fitness, wellness, healing and family, we created Iron Bull Fitness and Wellness. We understand balance is needed in all four quadrants on an individual: mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical.
Fitness is a lifestyle and, in many cases, an individual views it as something to do for a short duration to reach a goal. Once the goal is reached, the individual goes back to previous “old habits” and the progress is slowly lost. Through consistency, proper support, coaching and development of life long “positive habits” an individual can reach their fitness goals and MAINTAIN the progress made.
We recognize it can be hard to find and maintain motivation, but we are here to support you and offer you the needed coaching you require to make those positive changes. The team understands the challenges…. as we have been there and have our own lived experiences from our own fitness journeys.
It’s never to late to get active and live a healthy lifestyle. If you are interested in participating in fitness classes or would like one to one training sessions with a certified personal fitness trainer, please reach out and contact us. We are here to answer any questions you may have. The team looks forward to hearing from you.
~Merle and Christie