Collingwood, Ontario
Project Strong
Performance Coaching for Longevity

Stay Capable.

Strength. Balance. Power. Confidence.

Join 250+ active adults from Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Thornbury, and across South Georgian Bay who are training to keep doing what they love — for decades to come.

250+
Members Strong
11+
Years of Experience
2
Certified Specialists
We Believe

Aging is not something to fear.
It's something to prepare for.

Strength is more important than youth.
Capability is more valuable than appearance.
Confidence comes from knowing your body can do what you ask of it.

Your future isn't determined by your birthday.
It's determined by what you practice.

Project Strong is BoneFit Certified

Bone Fit™ Certified Training

Developed by Osteoporosis Canada, Bone Fit™ certifies fitness professionals to safely train individuals with osteoporosis or low bone density. Every exercise and progression at Project Strong is grounded in the latest bone health research — so you can train with confidence.

"Movement is medicine — and we're here to make it joyful."

About Project Strong

Project Strong is performance coaching for active adults who refuse to slow down — skiers, hikers, cyclists, gardeners, and grandparents who want to keep doing what they love, on their own terms. Our evidence-based programs are built around capability: the ability to do what life asks of you, for decades to come.

We've built more than a coaching program — we've built a community. A place where every milestone is celebrated, every challenge is met with support, and where getting stronger is always better together.

See What Makes Us Different

Why Strength Training?

  • Builds strength & power
  • Improves balance & coordination
  • Increases bone density
  • Reduces fall & injury risk
  • Supports heart health
  • Develops resilience & posture
  • Builds confidence & capability

As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass — a process called sarcopenia — which leads to reduced mobility, weaker bones, and a higher risk of falls. The good news: strength training directly reverses this. Regular lifting preserves muscle, improves balance, strengthens bones, and reduces the risk of chronic conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

"Heavy lifting isn't just for young people — it's especially beneficial for maintaining bone density, muscle mass, and functional strength as we age."

What Makes Project Strong Different

We're not a one-size-fits-all program. Here's what sets us apart.

We Believe in Lifting Heavy

Older adults can and should lift challenging weights. We use compound movements like deadlifts, squats, and presses — progressively building the strength that keeps you independent.

Built for Older Adults

Every part of our program is designed around the aging body — addressing joint mobility, balance, and recovery so you get maximum benefit with minimum risk.

Evidence-Based Programming

Our methods are grounded in research on aging and strength — not outdated assumptions. Proven principles of progressive overload and functional movement, applied safely.

Personal Attention & Progression

Small class sizes mean you're never lost in the crowd. Every session is adapted to where you are — and designed to take you further.

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Meet the Team

Our certified specialists bring decades of experience working with — and advocating for — older adults.

Bonnie Campbell, Founder of Project Strong

Bonnie Campbell

Founder & Head Coach

Bonnie founded Project Strong with a BSc in Physical Education and certifications as a Personal Trainer, Exercise Therapist, Nutrition Coach, and Functional Aging Specialist. She was a lead coach on McMaster University and the Canadian Frailty Network's strength training research, and is a BoneFit Level 2 Trainer with Osteoporosis Canada.

Cory Tester, Registered Kinesiologist

Cory Tester

Registered Kinesiologist

Cory is a Registered Kinesiologist with 11 years specializing in exercise prescription for older adults. He holds a degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education with Honours from Wilfrid Laurier University, is BoneFit trained by Osteoporosis Canada, and leads fall prevention and osteoporosis programs at the Collingwood Leisure Time Club.

Join the Waiting List

Important Notice for New Participants

Please review the following important information before joining Project Strong. All three steps apply to every new participant.
Step 1

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 and we'll reach out as soon as a spot opens up.

Join the Waiting List
Step 2

Health Screening

To ensure your safety and tailor our program to your needs, all new participants must undergo a health screening before starting. This screening helps us understand your current fitness level and any health considerations so we can support you properly.

Step 3

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 — giving you a strong foundation before joining regular classes.

Book a Class

Ready to reserve your spot? Use our online scheduling system to browse upcoming classes, manage your bookings, and stay on track with your strength training goals.

⚠️ You MUST have completed your Fundamentals training before booking a regular class.

Book a Class Now

What Our Members Say

In my long life I have had many coaches and attended many classes. Project Strong is very special. After every class I truly feel I have done something. My balance is improving and I feel I'm getting stronger. No one judges — we all do our own thing. I wish I had joined years ago!

Judy C.

I joined 4 months before hip replacement surgery. By the time I went in, I could already see a noticeable difference in my overall strength and sense of wellbeing. After recovery, I'm back riding my horse, hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing, and biking. Project Strong has given me my life back.

Bonnie L.

I missed a step — and without these exercise classes, I'm certain I would have fallen and injured myself. Somehow I found my balance after wobbling precariously on one foot. That moment has further motivated me to keep my exercise regime going. Thank you.

Judy L.

Best fitness classes I've ever been a part of — I always feel you have our best interest at heart as you create each class and monitor our exercises. You are always adapting and improving. I take note and appreciate everything you do for us each class.

Judy L.

See Us in Action

Follow @projectstrongcollingwood for workouts, member moments, and tips to stay strong at any age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before getting started.

Will strength training help my golf or pickleball game? +
Yes — absolutely. Strength training improves your game in three ways: it prevents the injuries that force you off the court or course, it keeps you playing longer into life, and it adds power to every swing and shot. A stronger body is a better performing body, whatever your sport.
Is Project Strong group training or personal training? +
Project Strong is group classes — which means it's more social and more economical than one-on-one training. We do offer some private training as well, with more options coming soon. Visit projectstrongathome.ca for more information.
What does a typical class look like? +
Every class includes a warmup, strength training, mobility work, and conditioning. The emphasis is on building muscle — but we also focus on balance and fall prevention throughout. Every session is purposeful, structured, and coached.
Do I need prior experience with strength training? +
No experience needed. Every new member starts with our Fundamentals sessions, where we teach the foundational movements — squat, hinge (deadlift), and more — before you join regular classes. You'll feel confident and prepared from day one.
What is Fundamentals Training and why is it required? +
Fundamentals Training is a 3-session coach-led program that every new participant completes before joining group classes. In those sessions we:
  • Assess your current mobility, strength, balance, and functional reserve
  • Teach the philosophy and training methodology behind Project Strong
  • Coach you through core movement patterns including hinge/hip-hinge mechanics, foundational strength positions, and power development
  • Ensure you feel confident, safe, and prepared before joining a group class
Fundamentals Training is $199 for the 3 sessions.
Highly recommended: We also offer a self-paced online companion course you can work through before your in-person sessions — so you arrive confident and ready to go.
What classes are available after Fundamentals? +
Once you've completed Fundamentals, you can join either of our group class streams:
Strong Basics
Slower-paced, focusing on muscle activation, strength building, balance, and control.
Mon / Wed / Fri — 11:00 am
Strong Plus+
Faster-paced, combining strength training with 3–8 minutes of cardio or muscular endurance work in interval or circuit format — to safely raise heart rate and build power and endurance.
Mon–Fri — 9:00 am & 10:00 am  •  Mon / Wed — 8:00 am
Where are classes held? +
Classes are held in the gym at the National Ski Academy in central Collingwood, Ontario.
How much do classes cost? +
The more classes you commit to, the better the value:
Single class$23.00
5-class pack$110 $22/class
10-class pack$210 $21/class
20-class pack$410 $20.50/class

We're preparing you for the next thirty years.

Ski Another Decade
Travel Without Limits
Lift Your Grandchildren
Garden All Afternoon
Ride Your Bike Farther
Live Independently

Stay Capable. Start Here.

Join 250+ active adults from across South Georgian Bay who are training for the next thirty years — not just next month.