About Me

Hi, I’m Claudia! My journey into fitness wasn’t a straight line—it was more of a winding path of self-discovery, setbacks, and a whole lot of grit. It all started in my teens with yoga, mainly as a way to manage stress and anxiety, especially during my university years at the University of Guelph. I was deep into studying Philosophy and History, working toward a law degree, and constantly feeling the pressure. The late nights studying and long working hours took a toll, and yoga became my escape, my way of finding balance.

Everything changed when I was 21 and diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and colitis. My health took a nosedive—my weight dropped to 89lbs, and I had no idea how to get it back up. I made the rookie mistake of eating fast food, thinking it would help me bulk up, but all it did was make me sicker. Yoga wasn’t enough to fix my body, and the meds felt like just a temporary fix.
I knew I had to make a change—fast.

Then, a personal trainer friend dropped a truth bomb: “Muscle weighs more than fat.” That simple statement changed everything for me. I needed more muscle. The problem? I had no clue how to build it. So, despite being broke, I decided to hire a trainer. I figured I could always make more money, but my health? That was something I couldn’t afford to lose.

A year of training, sweat, and tears later, everything in my life started to shift. Not just my body, but my mindset, my career goals, and my outlook on life. I realized that fitness wasn’t about looking a certain way; it was about longevity, feeling strong, and taking care of yourself—physically and mentally.

Here’s where it gets interesting—ever wonder how I ended up with the name Claudia Van Damn? Well, it’s inspired by the action legend Jean-Claude Van Damme. If you know him, you know how tough and unstoppable he was. That toughness is exactly the mindset I adopted on my journey to reclaim my health. It’s about pushing past the pain, overcoming obstacles, and getting stronger every day.

In 2020, during the pandemic, I started teaching free yoga classes to my colleagues. It was a game-changer that sparked my passion for teaching. In 2023, I took the leap and got certified as a yoga teacher at the House of Om in Bali. Around the same time, people started noticing my weightlifting on Instagram and began asking for tips on how to lift. That’s when my personal training career was born.

What I want people to understand is this: fitness isn’t about being the strongest or looking perfect. It’s about taking care of your mind and body so they can stay strong, last longer, and give you the energy to live your best life. It’s about showing yourself love, being comfortable in your skin, and appreciating the privilege of movement. Because at the end of the day, our bodies will break down—but we get to decide how quickly that happens.

Oh, and here’s the best part: after 8 years of consistent training, my Crohn’s and colitis went into remission. That’s the power of healthy habits, and I’m living proof that when you put your body and mind first, you can completely transform your health.

Let’s do this—together. Whether it’s yoga, weightlifting, or just moving in a way that feels good, I’m here to help you build a stronger, healthier, and more empowered version of yourself.
Let’s make it happen!