Hi, I’m Nicole Yamanaka!
Movement. Nature. Connection. A Little Bit of Magic.
For the past 25 years, I have been deeply immersed in the field of health and fitness as a Kinesiologist and personal trainer. For almost 20 years, I ran a thriving boutique personal training studio in the heart of Vancouver —helping clients move better, feel stronger, and find confidence in their bodies. I had a brilliant team of clinicians and therapists, and an amazing family of clients. My motto was always “no one cares what you know, unless they know how much you care.” That, and “if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.”
By all accounts, I had “made it.” But something was missing.
In 2020, I lost my soul dog—my best friend, my shadow, (named Shadow), my teacher in unconditional love. His passing changed everything. It made me pause, reflect, and ask: What truly makes me happy?
The answer?
Authentic relationships. Self-expression. Contribution.
I knew true wellness wasn’t about workouts, bulging muscles, running 20km and adhering to rigid meal plans. It’s about feeling alive, connected, and free to be yourself. It’s about moving in ways that feel joyful, surrounding yourself with things that you love, and embracing the things that bring you real happiness.
So I sold my business and followed my heart.
Today, I bring together my Kinesiology background, coaching experience, and deep love for nature to help clients rediscover movement, mindfulness, and connection in a way that feels natural—never forced.
I incorporate principles from activities such as rock climbing, hiking, martial arts, pole dancing, yoga and Pilates to help you explore what’s possible, try something different and have a little more fun.
I believe in:
🌿 Gentle, joyful movement (because fitness should feel good, not like a punishment)
🐾 Honoring our connection to nature and animals (I’m a passionate environmentalist and vegetarian!)
📖 The magic of books, philosophy, and deep conversations
🎭 The power of self-expression (I’m also a cosplayer—because we should all have a little fun!)
🌙 Living in alignment with what truly makes us happy
I’m an introvert who loves people. A deep thinker who loves to laugh. And a firm believer that wellness should be fun, freeing, and maybe even a little bit magical.
If you’re looking for a different approach to movement, health, and self-care—one that honors you exactly as you are—I’d love to connect.
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy’s Guides and programs is the most experienced global leader in Forest Therapy Guide Training. Their programs draw from the latest medical research, new developments in the field of nature connection and ancient traditions.
All ANFT guides also hold Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications.
The BCAK educates and informs on the practice of kinesiology and how a kinesiologist can serve to enhance the health and wellness of the public through evidence-informed prevention and treatment strategies.
All BCAK Practicing Kinesiologists in good standing must have a minimum 4 year bachelors degree in Kinesiology and participate in yearly continuing education requirements.
