Lily Vernon

What is your background & training?

I have worked as a kinesiologist since I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Human Kinetics with a focus in clinical physiology from UBC-Okanagan in 2020. Since then, I have been fortunate to work with a wide range of clients for a variety of health and fitness goals – including varsity athletes, Special Olympics athletes, post motor vehicle accidents rehabilitation, workplace injuries and individuals looking to improve their overall health. Whilst working with these clients I have learnt how to improve client focused care by individualizing treatment to enhance the process and progression of all goals. This concept allows me to work with the client to build lifelong tools. Over the past 3 years, I have realized that my favourite part of the job is watching people gain independence through exercise and find which physical activities bring them the most joy. Whether this activity is playing with grandchildren, running a marathon or simply improving strength to load the car up after a big Costco shop, developing physical independence is of utmost importance for quality of life.

What inspired you to choose this career path?

From a young age, I discovered that physical health can have mental health benefits. I was always playing different types of sports but it wasn’t until the middle of high-school that I began to use strength training as a way to help manage my anxiety and stress. I not only fell in love with strength training, but it also improved my performance in other sports. I noticed quickly that there was lack of female presence in strength training and sports which inspired me to go into post-secondary education related to exercise and health so I can educate, represent as a role model and share the benefits of physical activity with others. 

Why do you choose to work at Treloar?

Treloar offers an environment that is motivating and supportive. I’ve had clients benefit from this environment due to the open gym concept that allows them to participate alongside others in physical activity, towards the united goal of improving health. I believe that using physical activity for enriching someone’s health is a huge component many people are currently missing in their lives. Being able to work in this environment with supportive mentors and collaborative methods is truly gratifying. 

What are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about lifting others up to achieve their goals but stay grounded in the fact that only they will be able to push themselves through the finish line. As a therapist I can educate, support and provide tools/techniques for each client, but it is ultimately the clients who achieve those once-impossible activities. My favourite part of this job is the feeling I get when a client comes in and shares their accomplishments with me, after working together and using the tools I shared.