About Us
Project Strong is dedicated to helping older adults improve their strength, mobility, and overall well-being. Our tailored programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Why Strength Training?
Strength training is essential for older adults as it helps combat age-related muscle loss and maintain overall physical strength and mobility. As we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass, a process known as sarcopenia, which can lead to decreased mobility, reduced bone density, and an increased risk of falls and injuries. By engaging in regular strength training exercises, older adults can build and preserve muscle mass, improve balance and coordination, and enhance their overall functional abilities. This not only allows them to maintain their independence and quality of life but also reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. Strength training can also boost metabolism, improve posture, and provide a sense of empowerment and confidence, making it a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle for the aging population.
What Makes Project Strong Different
We Believe in Lifting Heavy
Unlike many programs that focus only on light weights and basic movements, Project Strong embraces the philosophy that older adults can and should lift challenging weights. We progressively build your strength using compound movements like deadlifts, squats, and presses. Heavy lifting isn't just for young people – it's especially beneficial for maintaining bone density, muscle mass, and functional strength as we age.
Specifically Designed for Older Adults
Every aspect of our program is tailored to the unique needs, goals, and considerations of older adults. We understand the physiological changes that come with aging and design our programming accordingly. Our approach addresses age-related concerns like joint mobility, balance, and recovery while maximizing the benefits of strength training for this population.
Evidence-Based Programming
Our methods are grounded in scientific research specific to aging and strength training. We don't rely on outdated assumptions about what older adults "should" or "shouldn't" do. Instead, we apply proven principles of progressive overload, periodization, and functional movement patterns that have been shown to be safe and effective for mature adults.
Individual Attention & Progression
While many programs use a one-size-fits-all approach, we recognize that every individual comes with different experiences, limitations, and goals. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention, proper form coaching, and individualized progression plans that meet you exactly where you are and take you where you want to go.
Meet the Team
Bonnie Campbell
Founder of Project Strong & Advocate for Active Aging
Bonnie is the owner and creator of Project Strong, a welcoming community dedicated to helping older adults build strength, confidence, and resilience through movement. With a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, she brings a dynamic and fun approach to fitness, making every session engaging and empowering.
As a certified Personal Trainer, Exercise Therapist, Nutrition Coach, and Functional Aging Specialist, Bonnie is passionate about helping individuals stay active, strong, and independent. She holds numerous CrossFit certifications and has been a lead coach for McMaster University and the Canadian Frailty Network's research project on strength training in older adults.
Bonnie is also a BoneFit Level 2 Trainer with Osteoporosis Canada and has worked as a Physiotherapy Assistant at the Orthopaedic Sports Institute, giving her a deep understanding of how to safely train individuals with a variety of mobility and health concerns.
At Project Strong, Bonnie has created more than just a gym—she has built a community where movement is medicine, friendships are formed, and every victory is celebrated. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to maintain an active lifestyle, she's here to make strength training fun, accessible, and effective for everyone!
Join Bonnie and the Project Strong family—because getting stronger is better together! 💪
Cory Tester
Registered Kinesiologist
For the past 11 years Cory has worked as a Registered Kinesiologist, specializing in exercise prescription for older adults, and ergonomics for individuals and businesses. Cory has been Bone Fit trained by Osteoporosis Canada.
Cory is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of older adults in Collingwood, Ontario and the surrounding area. Originally from Callander, Ontario, a small town near North Bay, Cory pursued a degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education with Honours and Distinction from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Cory combines professional expertise with a commitment to improving the quality of life of his clients. In addition to his work with Project Strong, Cory runs group education and exercise sessions on fall prevention and osteoporosis at the Collingwood Leisure Time Club. He also offers private in-home training through his business, Collingwood Active Wellness.
Outside of work, Cory enjoys trail running on the escarpment, cycling, rock climbing, nordic skiing, and playing soccer.
Mareka Davies
Fitness Coach
Originally from Scotland and raised in Vancouver, Mareka moved up to Collingwood full-time in June 2023. After years of working in the fast-paced advertising industry, she made the decision to leave her corporate career behind and pursue her passion for health and fitness full-time.
Mareka has 3 children and 2 dogs. She understands the importance of staying active at every stage of life. Outside of coaching, Mareka loves spending time in nature. In the winter, you'll find her skiing and snowshoeing, while in the summer, she enjoys hiking and paddleboarding. She's excited to connect with the Project Strong community and help members achieve their fitness goals in a way that's sustainable and empowering.
Enrollment Information
Important Notice for New Participants
Waiting List: Due to high demand, we currently have a waiting list for new participants. Please click the button below to join our waiting list.
Health Screening: To ensure your safety and tailor our program to your needs, all new participants must undergo a health screening before starting the program. This screening helps us understand your current fitness level and any health considerations.
Fundamentals Training: New members are required to complete our fundamentals training. These classes introduce you to proper techniques, safety measures, and the basics of our strength training program. This ensures you have a strong foundation to build upon in our regular classes.
Class Schedule
View our current class schedule and book your sessions:
Contact Us
Ready to get started? Contact our owner and head coach, Bonnie Campbell: