Louie Simmons
Founder and Owner of Westside Barbell.™
Louie Simmons was a world-renowned strength and special strengths coach, best known as the founder of Westside Barbell™—a private, invitation-only training facility in Columbus, Ohio. A true pioneer in the world of powerlifting and athletic performance, Louie dedicated his life to advancing the science of strength training. His gym served as a living laboratory, where he conducted constant experimentation to test the limits of human performance.
Under Louie’s leadership, Westside Barbell became home to some of the strongest athletes in the world. He coached 24 athletes who deadlifted over 800 pounds, including three who surpassed the 900-pound mark. His gym boasted 15 lifters with totals exceeding 2500 pounds, seven over 2600, five over 2800, and two lifters surpassing 2700 pounds. One of his athletes achieved the heaviest powerlifting total in history—3005 pounds. Westside was also known for its explosive athleticism, including a record-setting 63.5-inch box jump.
Louie authored over 300 training articles, published three books, and produced 10 widely respected training videos. He was also a prolific inventor, creating industry-changing equipment such as the Reverse Hyper®, the Inverse Curl, the Hip/Quad machine, the Static/Dynamic Developer, and the Virtual Force Swing.
As a strength consultant, Louie worked with NFL teams including the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks, as well as several top college football programs. He collaborated with leading strength coaches like Kent Johnson, Johnny Parker, and Buddy Morris. His influence extended beyond the weight room—he also trained two Olympic gold medal-winning 400-meter sprinters: Butch Reynolds and Moe Robinson.
Though Louie Simmons passed away in 2022, his impact on the strength community is immeasurable. His training philosophy, innovative equipment, and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to shape the culture and methodology at Fortis Fitness. His legacy lives on in every lift.
Ed Coan
Few athletes in any sport have achieved the level of dominance that Ed Coan brought to powerlifting. Widely regarded as the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.) in the sport, Ed's career set a standard that remains unmatched.
Coan began his ascent as a 181-pound lifter, posting extraordinary numbers early on—squatting and deadlifting 780 pounds and bench pressing 485 pounds. As he grew into the 198-pound weight class in his early twenties, his lifts increased even further: an 863-pound squat and deadlift, and a bench press just over 500 pounds.
In the 220-pound category, Ed set more than seventy world records and became the lightest lifter ever to surpass the legendary 2400-pound total barrier. His historic 2463-pound total remains one of the greatest accomplishments in powerlifting history. Among his most iconic lifts are a 1019-pound squat (single ply), a 584-pound bench press, and a 901-pound raw deadlift.
Beyond his record-breaking performance on the platform, Ed Coan has become a global icon in the strength community. He has authored books and written countless articles on powerlifting and strength development. Known not only for his unmatched achievements but also for his humility and generosity, Ed has spent decades mentoring lifters of all levels. He is especially recognized for his willingness to help younger or novice athletes, always offering his time, knowledge, and encouragement.
Ed’s influence extends well beyond powerlifting. His training philosophies and expertise span fat loss, bodybuilding, cross-training, MMA, and general health and fitness. His legacy continues to inspire millions around the world who strive to become stronger, both physically and mentally.
Matt Nichol
Matt Nichol has helped hundreds of athletes break through training plateaus with his innovative, individualized approach to strength, conditioning, and nutrition. His client roster includes elite competitors from the NBA, NHL, NFL, CFL, NCAA, CIAU, as well as national-level athletes from Basketball Canada, Tennis Canada, and Athletics Canada.
A former university athlete in both football and track & field, Matt now competes in powerlifting through the Ontario Powerlifting Association. He specializes in designing and implementing corrective exercise programs that address movement dysfunction and support injury rehabilitation—restoring performance while preventing future setbacks.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Concurrent Education (B.Ed.) from McGill University, with a double major in Physical Education and History/Anthropology. He earned his Master’s degree in Kinesiology (M.Kin.) from York University and is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S.) through the NSCA and as a Certified Fitness Consultant (C.F.C.) through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiologists.
Matt was the first certified C.H.E.K. (Corrective and High-Performance Exercise Kinesiologist) Intern in Ontario, accredited by the C.H.E.K Institute in San Diego. He is also Canada’s first Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor, trained through the HealthExcel Metabolic Typing Education Centre in La Jolla, California. Notably, Matt is the only Strength and Conditioning Coach in the country recognized by the Canadian Olympic Association as a Level V Coach (N.C.C.P. Level V)—the highest level of coaching certification in Canada.
In addition to his work with professional athletes, Matt has been an invaluable advisor and contributor to Fortis Fitness. His private consulting practice continues to support some of the world’s top performers in achieving their training, rehabilitation, and nutritional goals.
Donnie Thompson
Donnie Thompson's journey from collegiate athlete to world-renowned strength expert is one defined by relentless pursuit of excellence. A graduate of Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, West Virginia (1988), Donnie earned 1st Team All-Conference honors as a center on the football team. Following college, he had a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and went on to play six seasons (1988–1993) in the Arena Football League.
After retiring from football, Donnie transitioned into the field of rehabilitation and strength training. For six years, he served as the Strength and Mobility Director for Progressive Sports Physical Therapy in West Columbia, South Carolina, overseeing 10 clinics statewide. In this role, he was responsible for implementing advanced strength and rehabilitation protocols for physical therapists and assistants.
Donnie began competitive powerlifting in 1998 and quickly rose to prominence in the sport. Over his career, he achieved eight all-time world records—three in the bench press, two in the squat, and three in total. His crowning achievement came at the age of 46, when he became the first person in history to achieve a 3,000-pound total, solidifying his legendary status in the strength world.
Donnie has worked closely with some of the most respected figures in strength and rehabilitation, including Pavel Tsatsouline, Kelly Starrett, Dick Hartzell, and Louie Simmons. Their mentorship, along with Donnie’s extensive practical experience, helped shape his own innovative training and recovery methodologies.
In addition to his accomplishments as a coach and athlete, Donnie is a prolific inventor. His creations include the iconic Belt Squat Belt and Bowtie (sold globally through Spud Inc.), the Thompson FatPad, and the Thompson Fatbells. He is also the originator of Body Tempering®—a recovery and performance-enhancement technique now used by elite athletes and practitioners worldwide.
Donnie continues to share his expertise through seminars and workshops at universities, high schools, and training facilities across the United States and around the world. His legacy lives on not only through the records he set, but through the tools, techniques, and teachings that continue to shape the next generation of strength athletes.
Kevin Darby
Kevin Darby has been involved in structured physical conditioning and athletic development for over two decades. As a coach, competitor, and official, he has contributed to sports at the provincial, university, national, and international levels—including representing Canada as a member of the Canadian Forces Military Pentathlon Team.
Throughout his career, Kevin has immersed himself in a wide range of training methodologies and philosophies. His professional development includes internships with elite coaches and organizations such as Charles Poliquin and the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. He has served as a course conductor for both the Poliquin International Certification Program (PICP) and the Fascial Stretch Therapist Certification program through the Stretch to Win Institute.
Kevin has trained and treated a broad spectrum of athletes, from professionals in the NHL, NLA, CFL, and WTA to amateur and Olympic-level competitors, including those who participated in the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Games, as well as FIS events. He has also published research with a focus on movement quality and functional fitness.
As the founder of Darby Training Systems (www.darbytrainingsystems.com), Kevin provides advanced educational programming for personal trainers and healthcare professionals, with a mission to improve client outcomes through evidence-based practices.
Kevin remains an active contributor to the Fortis Fitness Gym Team, bringing his vast expertise in movement, training, and education to the Fortis community.
Alex Varbanov
Alex Varbanov is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished middleweight Olympic weightlifters of all time. A former Olympic medalist and multiple-time World and European Champion, he set 10 official world records over the course of his storied career—two of which remain recognized in the Guinness Book of Records.
With over 35 years of experience at the highest levels of the sport, Alex now leads the Varbanov School of Weightlifting in Toronto, coaching a competitive team and mentoring athletes of all ages. His training approach is rooted in the Bulgarian School of Champions, a system known globally for producing elite lifters and record-breaking performances.
Alex holds a Master’s degree in Sports, Physical Education, and Olympic Weightlifting Coaching from the National Sports Academy in Bulgaria, and is a certified Weightlifting Competition Development Coach through the Coaches Association of Ontario. His professional coaching career spans roles with national teams in Bulgaria and Chile, as well as leadership positions within youth sports development.
Today, Alex continues to shape the next generation of lifters, including his son Niki Varbanov—one of Canada’s top young weightlifting talents. His programs are available in partnership with the Academy of Lions, offering youth and adult athletes the opportunity to train under one of the most respected minds in the sport.
Learn more at VSWL.
Alain Kashama
Alain Kashama has enjoyed a rare and accomplished career in both college and professional football, with the distinction of participating in an NCAA Rose Bowl, a CFL Grey Cup, and an NFL Super Bowl. Known as “Sackmaster” for his dominance as a defensive end, Alain played for the University of Michigan, earning NCAA All-American honors and being named Defensive MVP of the 2003 Outback Bowl. His NCAA career culminated in an appearance at the 2004 Rose Bowl National Championship game.
Professionally, Alain spent time in the NFL with the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks, including a Super Bowl XL appearance with the Seahawks in the 2005–2006 season. In the CFL, he played for the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Calgary Stampeders, contributing to a Grey Cup run with Montreal in 2006.
In the off-season, Alain also pursued a successful career as a professional heavyweight boxer, showcasing his athleticism and competitive spirit across disciplines.
Committed to giving back, Alain co-founded Allkash Football Academy with his three brothers—all elite collegiate and professional athletes. The Academy offers free skills training and mentorship for youth and high school players, helping develop the next generation of talent through expert guidance and community leadership.
Jeremy Hamilton
Jeremy Hamilton is a Canadian powerlifter and the owner of Fortis West, widely recognized as one of the top raw lifters in the 220 lb weight class. With over a decade of competitive experience, Jeremy has earned international acclaim, competing across North America and Australia while establishing himself as a dominant force in the sport.
He currently holds the All-Time Canadian records in the squat, bench press, deadlift, and total. In 2015, Jeremy set a new All-Time World Record total of 2,123 lbs (821 lb squat, 518 lb bench, 784 lb deadlift) while competing in California—an achievement that earned him Powerlifter of the Year honors from Powerlifting Watch. In 2016, he was invited to Australia as a guest lifter by the Global Powerlifting Committee and continues to hold one of the top totals ever recorded in his weight class.
Beyond his personal accomplishments, Jeremy is deeply committed to the powerlifting community. As a strength coach, he has helped hundreds of athletes reach their performance goals through one-on-one coaching, group seminars, and widely viewed instructional content on YouTube. He has also shared his expertise with university athletes through guest lectures at the University of Toronto.
Jeremy’s blend of elite performance and educational outreach has solidified his reputation as both a world-class lifter and a respected leader in strength coaching.
Bryan Marshall
Bryan Marshall is one of the most respected and sought-after strength and development coaches in professional sports. Known for his ability to help athletes break through plateaus and consistently hit new personal bests, Bryan has trained hundreds of athletes across the NHL, NFL, and CFL. In addition to working privately with professional athletes, he currently consults with NHL player development programs, bringing his deep expertise to the highest levels of sport.
An accomplished Olympic weightlifter, Bryan has held the title of Ontario Weightlifting Champion since 2008 and is the current provincial snatch record holder with a 128 kg lift in the 77 kg weight class. His competitive success includes numerous titles such as Best Overall Lifter at the 2008 Ontario Championships, the 2010 Ray Hamilton Classic, and the 2011 Winterlift, along with a podium finish at the Arnold Classic Weightlifting Championship. In 2009, he earned a spot on the Canadian National Team, further cementing his place among Canada’s elite lifters.
Over the past decade, Bryan has worked alongside world-class coaches in strength and Olympic weightlifting, continuously refining his training methodology. His extensive experience, both on the platform and in the gym, has made him a go-to expert for athletes serious about unlocking peak performance.
Fernand Kashama
Fernand Kashama is a professional football player with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League, bringing a wealth of experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. A former NCAA Division I scholarship athlete, Fernand played for the Western Michigan Broncos, where he lettered three years and earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology.
Known for his versatility, Fernand has played multiple positions throughout his career—including wide receiver, safety, tight end, fullback, and defensive line—demonstrating both adaptability and a deep understanding of the game. He was drafted 16th overall by the Calgary Stampeders in 2008, and later joined the Blue Bombers, where he contributed to their 2011 Grey Cup appearance.
Fernand comes from a highly athletic family; his brothers Alain, Hakeem, and Bronley have all competed at the NCAA Division I level and in the CFL and NFL. Together, they founded Allkash Football Academy in Toronto, a family-run initiative offering free training and mentorship to aspiring young athletes.
From Team Ontario captain and national youth champion to seasoned CFL player and community mentor, Fernand continues to make a meaningful impact both on and off the field.
Dr. Ken Kinakin
Dr. Ken Kinakin is a chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning specialist with over 30 years of experience in bodybuilding and powerlifting. A respected authority in the fields of strength training, rehabilitation, and sports nutrition, he regularly lectures across Canada, the United States, and Europe, educating doctors, therapists, and trainers.
Dr. Kinakin is the author of Optimal Muscle Training and the founder of the Society of Weight-Training Injury Specialists (SWIS). Through SWIS, he provides advanced education and certification in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of weight-training injuries.
Learn more at www.swis.ca.
Jordan Shallow
Dr. Jordan Shallow, DC, is a chiropractor, strength and conditioning coach, and internationally ranked powerlifter originally from Windsor, Ontario. Now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jordan began his career at Apple’s world headquarters in Cupertino before launching two private practices in Mountain View and Dublin, California. He also served as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Stanford University’s Men’s and Women’s Rugby teams.
Jordan is the co-founder of Pre-Script, an educational platform delivering evidence-informed strategies to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risk. Through detailed programming, instructional video content, and personalized coaching, Pre-Script supports athletes across all disciplines.
A passionate competitor, Jordan is an international elite powerlifter in the 110 kg (242 lb) classic raw division, with a best total of 862.5 kg (1901 lbs). He travels globally to lead seminars that bridge clinical theory with hands-on execution—focusing on biomechanics, intelligent programming, and injury mitigation in real-world athletic settings.
Dr. Chris Klachan
Dr. Chris Klachan is a chiropractor and performance specialist with a strong foundation in biomechanics and functional movement. He graduated with honours from the University of Waterloo in 2003 with a degree in Kinesiology, specializing in ergonomics. Prior to earning his chiropractic credentials from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Chris worked as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, focusing on improving performance and function through targeted exercise prescription.
Chris applies a Functional Integrated Therapy approach, using orthopedic and biomechanical assessments to tailor treatment plans to each individual. His therapeutic methods include contemporary acupuncture, Active Release Technique (ART), fascia abrasion, kinesiology taping, and joint manipulation. He also contributes to the instruction of the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program at McMaster University.
With experience treating a wide range of individuals—from recreational athletes to professionals in the NHL, Olympic Track and Field, and Canadian National Ballet—Chris brings deep expertise and practical success to every client. He has been an invaluable advisor and contributor to the Fortis Fitness team, helping countless members overcome injuries and return to peak performance.
Dr. Douglas Stoddard
Dr. Douglas Stoddard is a leading sports medicine physician and the Medical Director of both the Sports & Exercise Medicine Institute (SEMI) and RegenerVate Medical Injection Therapy. After earning his medical degree from the University of Toronto, he completed specialized training at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine and holds a focused practice designation in Sport Medicine through the Ontario Medical Association.
With a career spanning consultations with over 30,000 patients, Dr. Stoddard is known for his commitment to innovation in patient care. He developed the RegenerVate Medical Injection Therapy Program, a forward-thinking approach to non-surgical, regenerative treatments designed to accelerate healing and improve performance.
Dr. Stoddard also serves as a consultant to the Canadian Military and has a strong athletic background himself. A dedicated triathlete, he qualified for Canada’s national age group triathlon team in 2016 and 2017. Outside of his medical and athletic pursuits, he is a proud father of two boys.
Mitchell Hooper
Mitchell grew up in Midhurst, Ontario and started his professional athletic career playing football at the University of Guelph while obtaining his Undergraduate in Human Kinetics. Having developed a deft interest in human performance through academia, Mitchell then transitioned to bodybuilding and marathon running, where he boasts a personal best of 3:24.
After a brief period as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the KW Titans, Mitchell wanted more, and so moved to Sydney, Australia where he pursued his Masters in Exercise Physiology. This is where Mitchell discovered Powerlifting and within six months he won the national championship. This constant pursuit for bigger and better brought Mitchell from Powerlifting to Strongman, and the rest is history.
Mitchell achieved the titles of 2021 ACT Strongest Man and 2021 NSW Strongest Man, boasting a 475kg deadlift and a 670kg Static Monsters total, allowing for him to compete in World’s Strongest Man 2022 (and beyond!).
Matt Wenning
Matt Wenning is a 3-time world champion powerlifter. He is one of only a handful of people to total over 2,600lbs in a professional competition, hold an all-time world record of 2,665lbs in the 308-lb class, and bench press over 800lbs in a full powerlifting meet.
From 2007-2017 he was Top 5 in the world for lifting (both raw and equipped). He is currently the owner of a private strength gym in Columbus, Ohio, and was contracted by the US Army where he directed over 6,000 troops in strength, conditioning, and wellness (including Infantry and Ranger Divisions).
He holds a Masters Degree in Biomechanics and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Ball State University. Most recently, he attained his Professional Doctorate in Kinesiology in Education.