Jessica Manning,

Functional Fitness and Nutrition Specialist

Rebuild strength when your body feels inflamed, exhausted and unrecognizable.

Intelligent strength training and whole-system support for full-time working women in midlife who want to feel resilient, pain-free, and like the best is yet to come.

I’m Jess, a certified personal trainer (CPT) and certified functional nutrition counsellor (CFNC) with 25 years of experience specializing in rebuilding structural and systemic resilience in overwhelmed women whose bodies are waving red flags.

/ ABOUT YOU /

You’re disciplined. Capable. High-functioning.

You’ve always been able to push through.

But lately:

Your joints ache in ways they didn’t before.
You feel inflamed or puffy.
All exercise feels HARD, and a routine unsustainable.
Your sleep is inconsistent.
Your stress feels constant.
Your body feels unreliable — even though you’re doing your best.

You’re not broken. You’re in a shift, and you need a smarter strategy.

What Makes This Different

Most fitness programs for women in midlife focus on:

Weight loss
Hormones alone
“Lift heavier”
Eat more protein
Push through

But midlife physiology is not just about hormones.

We focus on structural resilience, nervous-system aware programming and metabolic foundations.

Our coaching prioritizes:

Eliminating compensation patterns and restoring function in the musculoskeletal system
Building stability before intensity
Core / Glute / Lat integration
Lowering inflammatory load
Blood sugar balance
Protein sufficiency
Gut support
Sleep optimization
Sustainable daily habits

/TESTIMONIALS/

Client Reviews

I have worked with Jessica for a number of years. She is unfailingly professional, positive and caring at all times. She has always been able to help me to set achievable goals and to set the bar high enough that I am always challenged but never bored. She is able to accommodate injuries that occurred years before I met her and zero in on patterns of compensation that need work and strengthening. She has an uncanny knack for being able to be supportive and positive without being fake and saccharine. Her sincerity and genuine caring, her generosity of spirit and sense of humour make working with Jessica a joy. Not only is working with Jessica a joy, but working with Jessica gets results. I worked with Jessica in person when we both lived in Toronto. Subsequently I moved to Ottawa and we started online sessions. I was so happy that our sessions could continue. Because we had already worked together, we hit the ground running. The virtual sessions have been great! Easy to schedule, zero travel time, no weather worries! We now have three sessions per week which is doable because they are virtual. There is no difference in Jessica’s attention to alignment or execution of an exercise. She is so well-schooled in her craft that she is able to correct and advise. She is also extending her knowledge to nutrition and holistic health which is amazing. She is never judgemental or negative though. She accepts where you are and offers choices with an open heart. Hand in hand with that is an absolute refusal to let you speak negatively about yourself. She is the real deal.

Lesley
I trained with Jessica for about five months in Southern California until she moved back to Toronto. She is hands down the best trainer that I have ever had. When I started working with Jessica, I was suffering from a herniated disc, a torn meniscus, bicep tendonitis, tight hips, digestive issues and, I was about 30 lbs overweight. I was a hot mess. Jessica was exactly what the doctor ordered. Jessica looks at the whole picture and has a very gentle way of getting you to make seemingly small changes that pay huge dividends. Between the easily implemented nutritional changes and her very well thought out exercises, I lost 30 lbs in under three months and strengthened my core to such an extent that my back no longer causes any issues. In fact, all of the physical issues that I had when I started are gone and I gained muscle mass as well as bone density. Best of all, at no time did I feel like I was struggling. Jessica makes the workouts fun and she gives you just enough and never too much in order to keep you safe.

Phil
Jessica and I have been working together for close to twenty years. My fitness goals have changed and evolved, and she has always had an approach to suit and to change with them, challenging me with updated education and technique. Throughout the years and my shifting goals,, one thing that has never changed is her obsession with great form, and with the core! Get ready to feel things you have never felt before.

ALDEN
I train with Jess 5 days a week to keep me sane while running my hectic business. Although 5 days may seem like a lot, I trust her to balance things out strategically, satisfying me with the high energy bouts I love, but also adding in the mobility and stretching my body needs. Her ongoing food coaching helps me loads, too. I'm grateful to be this fit at age 65.

Vince
Jessica's approach to our sessions was exactly what I needed as she could see what I was capable of, even when I thought otherwise, and guided me so adeptly I didn't even know it was happening. I was impressed with how quickly I started to get stronger and exercises which had previously demoralized me soon became possible thanks to her training and support. I respect her dedication to clients, checking in with what they need, and her good humour about it...core work is way less daunting when you're enjoying your time. I have recommended Jessica to friends thinking of starting with a trainer and will continue to do so!

Lori
Jessica's program has changed my perspective on personal training. She is encouraging and creative. Rather than just pushing me to perform standard exercises longer or with greater intensity, she brings a new paradigm. Jess challenges me with exercises which include balls, bosus, and bands that have me working 3, 4, and 5 muscle groups at once while I focus on mastering the form and posture of the routine. I find it much easier to stay mentally fresh while accomplishing a much more complete workout in only 30 minutes. I thought that I was relatively fit, but Jessica has taken it to a much higher level. Jessica has seen me through the evolution of my fitness goals using her tools, her knowledge, and, most importantly, her unending understanding and support both physically and emotionally. She's an excellent trainer and an excellent person!

Sophia
I have been working with Jessica for almost two years and she is great at listening to what her clients' goals are and developing tailored programs that achieve them. In the past, I worked out regularly but did not feel like I was seeing the results of my hard work. After starting with Jessica Manning and realizing the importance of incorporating your entire body I feel better, am more fit and am getting way more out of my workouts. I would highly recommend Jessica if you are looking to change how you feel or to how you exercise.

mark
I've been training with Jess every week for just over a year and I have never felt stronger or more fit!! I previously always lacked consistency, but Jess always challenges me to stay disciplined and active, she attacks my core (in the best way possible), and she is generally a great positive person to see on a weekly basis. Workouts are upbeat and always getting me sweatiiiiing!

alexia

Fitness

Our workouts combine rebalancing strength training, cardio work that expands your capacity, and mobility that helps you move better in your life, without pain. We want you feeling fit in numerous ways, not just one.

Lifestyle

Health is so much more than fitness and nutrition, especially in midlife. Nervous system management, sleep, stress, metabolic health are all interconnected, and habit coaching is essential for true transformation.

Nutrition

Blood sugar balance, nutrient optimization and a full body systems perspective drive my approach with nutrition. I want you to feel satiated, energized and supported by the food you eat. Not endlessly hungry, low energy and depleted.

More About Me

/ JESSICA MANNING /

With over 25 years of experience as a strength coach, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients across decades of life.

My background includes:

Advanced strength training
Biomechanics and movement correction
Functional nutrition
Lifestyle and habit change coaching

But what truly shapes my work is lived experience.

I understand what it feels like when your body shifts unexpectedly. When stress compounds. When workouts stop working. When inflammation and nervous system dysregulation change the rules. It happened to me, and it spurred the most extensive education adventure of my life.

My role is to help you rebuild intelligently — so you feel steady, strong, and capable again.

CONTACT ME