Team Freedom

Located in Ambleside in the heart of West Vancouver, Freedom is your personal training studio where you can count on being treated as an individual. At this exclusive, top of the line training facility, you can expect to receive the training that you need and desire. Using the latest fitness techniques, our trainers will give you a work out that contains elements of yoga, pilates, cardio, core and free weights. Our job is knowing what will motivate you and keep you motivated. Don't be frustrated when you go to the gym, be smart and use a professional who can help you improve your health and fitness. Find your Freedom!

Our trainers are Natalie Willson, Spencer Baker , Melanie Thomas, Lyle Walsh, Lynsey Arcley and David Pol. Natalie has a smile that will fool you, Phaedra is a banned substance, Spencer is polite enough to make you think he's sincere, Melanie is a power to behold, Lyle is the velvet hammer and Lynsey is the queen of fitness. David Pol is Freedom's founder and owner while also being a seminar specialist, available for corporate or one-on-one speaking engagements.

Natalie Willson

A lifelong resident of West Vancouver, Natalie has been involved in athletics her whole life starting with gymnastics before moving on and staring in track and field. Enjoying how the influence of health and fitness affects people, Natalie see’s “positive self image” as the most important component of her lifestyle and intends to make an impact on Freedom’s clients and the community. Nat is a BCRPA register Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Leader and has CPR, First Aid and is currently taking a Nutrition Knowledge for Fitness Professionals. Natalie enjoys personal training and teaching group fitness classes for all ages. Her passions also include fashion and she has a diploma in fashion merchandising. Her workouts are as creative and fun as her style and attitude.

Spencer Baker

Spencer believes that fitness is essential to living a healthy lifestyle. An adamant believer that living a healthy lifestyle can lead to happiness and success with the energy, self confidence, and overall feeling of well being that you can gain from regular exercise is invaluable. He wants to be the person to set you in the right direction on your quest to living a new healthy and fit life.
A certified Personal Trainer with a vast knowledge of different sports and outdoor activities, Spencer has the experiences of week long hikes, distance running, and recreational beach volleyball and tennis. However, his true passion is in rugby and currently he is a long list candidate for Team Canada on the National Senior men’s 7 and 15 aside teams. Additionally, Spencer has turned his passion for fitness by creating and instructing in the Rufit Sports Academy and by coaching the West Vancouver Senior Rugby Team. Through these experience he has learned how to take what is being taught in the gym and relate it to what you do on the field, court, or ice.

He is passionate about fitness and will give you the best service possible; he is always absorbing all the information that the fitness and health industry has to offer. Continually learning new techniques in speed, agility and quickness, explosiveness, and the importance of flexibility in sport, Spencer will make sure his passion for fitness will make your hour the best part of your day.

Melanie Thomas

Melanie returns back to the North Shore and joins the Freedom team after spending two years abroad in Finland playing professional ringette. With a Bachelor of Education degree from McGill University and her lifelong commitment to training and coaching, she made the natural transition into the health and fitness industry by earning her certification as an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. She believes in the importance of striving to be fit for life and is excited to share with you her passion for living an active and healthy lifestyle.

Lynsey Arkley

Born and raised in Hampshire, England where she developed a passion for the outdoors and horse riding, Lynsey started out as a work rider within the horse racing industry in the UK and Australia for 10 years alongside some of the top jockeys and horses. After deciding to make a change in her career she looked towards health and fitness as it had been so important while she was riding.
A believer that if you have fun while you are getting fit, you are more likely to make it part of your life. That is her goal to help make health and fitness a permanent part of your life - a part that you enjoy and look forward to, not dread!
She has a diploma in advanced personal training with Premier Global at the Iffley Road complex in Oxford, UK where Roger Banister ran the first 4 minute mile and is also certified in Stott Pilates and has designations from London School of Sports Massage and qualifying as a Sports Massage therapist.

Lyle Walsh

Lyle is our resident trainer from Australia. His vast experience in training comes from a background of athletics, rugby, soccer, rock climbing and surfing. His intense focus is a trait that clients love to experience as they work towards their goals, whether they are training to lose weight or run their first marathon.
Lyle is certified with a Certificate 3 in Fitness/Gym instruction & Certificate 4 in Personal Training through FITLINK Australia, is registered with CanFitPro and has current First Aid and CPR qualifications.
Lyles philosophy is to make sure that you are rewarded for your efforts and the harder you work, the more success you experience. We’re successful when you’re successful! He is an avid traveler and of course a Canucks fan!

David Pol
Owner/Founder/Trainer

As the owner and founder of Freedom, it is David’s idea of what fitness and health should be that defines Freedom. Fitness is not just competition, nor should it just be about testing and numbers. Health and fitness should be about a way of life, about being able to change, and it should be about being able to do what you want. That’s Freedom.
After helping lead UBC to a national football championship in 1997, and winning a Western Conference all-star in 1998, David was taken in the second round of the CFL draft by the BC Lions. Following stints with Hamilton and Toronto, David was traded to the Calgary Stampeders, where he was part of their Grey Cup winning squad in 2001.
With an intensive background in strength, conditioning and athletic training, David also brings a Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. This unique and in-depth way of understanding the human body and what motivates a person to be better, allows him to get the most out of each and every client at Freedom. Whether that be our ageless clients in their 70’s and 80’s or our fittest clients in their peak years, knowing how every client is different and what makes them respond, makes a session at Freedom an hour that the client will always looks forward too.

Oakley

Oakley is the youngest member of Freedom, but has been a member since he was born. He is available for one-on-one sessions or group therapy to help you feel better. Always ready to go for a walk or run, "Oaks" as he is known, is forever in a happy mood and is a master of the Yoga stretches 'downward dog' and 'crescent moon'. He recommends a diet high in snacks that contain peanut butter!

Freedom is a way and a power that allows every individual the same opportunities in their lifestyle. From running marathons to being able to hold your grandchildren with out pain, whatever your goals may be, the right choice is health and fitness. Let Fitness Be Your Freedom.