I have had the immense pleasure and privilege of training with Ruby for over four years. Prior to training at Autonomy, I spent years in and out of gyms and workout classes which would often lead to injuries, over training and insecurities so many women of colour face. Ruby is conscientious to these lived realities and her expertise is unmatched. Ruby is collaborative with her clients and provides a clear, safe and healthy approach to attaining whatever fitness goals you have. She honours bodily autonomy and recognizes that movement and recovery go hand in hand. Ruby centers bodies that have been historically marginalized in the world of fitness and wellness. As a long term client, I have experienced first hand her dedication to providing a training space that is centered in a framework of not just body positivity but body liberation.

Ruby & Autonomy Fitness helped me feel strong in my body, by reminding me to listen to it, to gently challenge it, and to simply and powerfully embrace it. Those sessions were the most comfortable and excited I’ve felt working with a fitness professional.

I was referred to Ruby because I was looking for someone who could help me feel like I belonged in a gym environment and in my own body too. Her approach was so supportive and perfect for that. She worked with me where I was, celebrating that the whole time, giving me practical guidance tailored to my goals. I feel much more ready to step into a gym on my own and make fitness something that is for me.

Ruby has a body-positive approach, and a gender-affirming perspective. When working with Ruby, I can be my whole queer, non-binary, tender and strong self. I really appreciate having a trainer and gym environment where this is possible!

Ruby brings radical empathy and wisdom into her training practice – it is clear she cares deeply for us and our bodies, holding space and offering guidance to build strength. The space she creates not only helps us build physical strength, but also the emotional strength to care deeply for ourselves, despite the many structures of society that tell us we are not enough. In this way, Ruby’s practice is rooted in a desire for justice and transformation. I am immensely grateful to work with Ruby and to build alongside her.

Working with Ruby has been life-changing! I have so enjoyed working with a person who takes the time to deep dive into movements, breaks things down to any level needed, cheers you on and builds you up. I feel so much more connected to my body, and passionate about working with it rather than seeing movement as something I did for or to it. Ruby makes me feel empowered and energized during every session!

I have been attending Ruby’s virtual classes for the past 3 years since they were recommended to me during lock down. I feel extremely welcomed and supported while being challenged every single time. I love the gentle probes to stay present in my body. I love Ruby’s focus on strength, cardio and mobility in a way that feels balanced and respectful. Ruby’s class disrupts the messages otherwise present around fitness and weight loss. Come for the amazing training, stay for the equally amazing jams.

With her sense of humour and compassion, and her up to date expertise about which exercises are most effective for targetting specific goals, Ruby has helped me become more solid in my body and more confident working out, not only during our training sessions but in my day to day life. She’s an absolute gem for anyone who has wanted to work with a personal trainer to get healthier and stronger, but who doesn’t want to deal with gym culture. I’m so excited to get to come to my next session!

Whenever I join one of Ruby’s classes, I feel a sense of relief. I am so grateful to have found a fitness class that welcomes me as I am, regardless of my skill level or physical abilities. My only wish is that more fitness instructors will follow Ruby’s lead so that more people can experience such supportive and accommodating exercise classes.