THE TEAM
MIZAR FUENTES-ORTEGA
CO-OWNER & HEAD COACH
As a former gymnast and gymnastics coach, Mizar found himself looking for another physical challenge. That’s when he found CrossFit (2009). He quickly realized this was something he wanted to pursue, both as an athlete and as a coach. With the mentorship of James Fitzgerald (Founder of OPEX Fitness), he qualified for the CrossFit Regionals multiple years in a row.
Seeking to understand more, he joined the OPEX CCP program and continued to develop his mind, body, and spirit and looks to do the same with his clients. He became a coach for individuals who are committed to long-term progress and who are not just looking for a quick fix. Why? Because he enjoys having a positive impact on people’s lives, and he knows that everyone has the potential to be a stronger, healthier version of themselves.
As a coach, Mizar believes in starting with the basics. He encourages his clients to set goals and to understand their “why”. Why are they training? Why is this important to them? The reason we choose to do things is significant because it helps to set our priorities straight. The excuse “I don’t have time” no longer exists. It’s more like “It’s not a priority at the moment”.
ISABELLE GALARNEAU
CO-OWNER & MANAGER
Isabelle started coaching because she passionately believes in helping people to find their way to a healthier life.
She specializes in the development and support of people who are looking to make a big change, whether it be for sport performance or for their own personal well-being.
Isabelle has trained with the best athletes at MFO Training and OPEX Fitness (previously OPT), while preparing athletes of all levels for many types of sports and activities.
Fabiola Avalos
OPEX Montréal Coach
YMCA Fitness Instructor
Years of playing team sports in her formative years instilled in Fabiola not only a passion for physical activity but also a profound appreciation for discipline, leadership, and perseverance. Her interest for collaborating with individuals pushed her to obtain her certificate from the YMCA Fitness Instructor Training Program in 2013. This transformative experience deepened her understanding of exercise physiology and training techniques while igniting a sense of purpose within her.
Fabiola joined Opex Montréal in October 2023 as a Coach. She provides guidance and instructions on proper exercise techniques, as well as providing valuable feedback and coaching.
Fabiola is goal-oriented, skilled in training and mentoring, and proficient in injury prevention and exercise modification. She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.
Fabiola seeks to empower individuals to reach their full potential through the transformative power of fitness. She believes in a holistic approach, focusing on long-term progress rather than quick fixes. Her commitment is to help clients become stronger, healthier versions of themselves, setting goals and understanding their “why” to make fitness a priority in their lives.
SÉBASTIEN ZAPPA
PhD Microbiologist
Wim Hof Method instructor level 2
Oxygen Advantage Advanced instructor
ELDOA level 2
Born and raised in France, near Paris, I moved to the United States in 2005 and to Canada in 2019 in order to pursue my career as a scientist. I am a microbiologist and a biochemist with a PhD related to those disciplines. As such, I prioritize facts- or evidence-based knowledge and rigorous methodology.
My personal interest in the Wim Hof Method arose when I was in the process of treating a 10 years long chronic fatigue syndrome, that was associated with Lyme disease, depression, and fibromyalgia. After spending thousands of dollars in both medical and alternative therapeutic approaches, I found out that I had good results by breathing air and soaking in icy water.
This practice, in association with functional breathing and postural awareness, has been gradually putting me back on the right track, brought my happiness back and is slowly but surely bringing me back to the active lifestyle I enjoy by rock climbing, running, mountaineering, hiking, yogiing, lifting…
This search for happiness and vitality is what I want to share with you.
PERSONAL TRAINING
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