The emergence of functional training centers
Since the 2010s, functional training centers have burst onto the fitness scene.
With a new 60-minute group formula combining strength training and cardio, your “going to the gym” experience took on a whole new look.
Training, that entity that seemed so cold and monotonous, suddenly became a collective experience THE FUN.
But above all, a time when you could connect with others, when you felt part of a team.
The spirit of Le Vestiaire
I'm sure you've all experienced (or perhaps one day experienced) a period in your life when you found yourself at a crossroads. Whether in your love life, your professional life or your sporting life, there has always been that moment when nothing worked out the way you wanted it to.
From these moments are often born the greatest decisions of your lives. This is exactly when the spirit of the Vestiaire took shape.
From our experience in various centers, as athletes and coaches, we felt that there was a need for a new type of functional training center, with the collective project at the heart of its service and, above all, with high-quality expertise.
Sa naissance
It was in September 2016 that the doors to this project opened and we were able to begin fulfilling our mission - our obsession with improving the quality of life of the Quebec population, through functional group training.
Since then, we've had the great privilege of seeing thousands of people come in to take control of their health, but above all, to share the values we promote.
From a tiny center in a half-basement in Villeray, to now 4 locations in the greater Montreal area, we continue to move forward together, thanks to our members.
Our 3 pillars
The expertise
Le Vestiaire is a pillar in the field of functional training in Quebec. Whether through innovation in training content, creation of new courses, development of expertise or education. Our work is based on the latest knowledge in training science and continues to evolve our art.
The community
Every day, every week, we take concrete action for our communities. Whether through our daily interactions, our events or our involvement in our neighborhoods.
Le social
Le Vestiaire is a warm and welcoming space where people connect, socialize and chat. We believe that by building your social experience, the sense of belonging you'll create and your motivation will make you want to hang on and have fun, for a long time to come.
THE FOUNDERS
Karim El Hlimi
Karim’s your favourite geeky coach — the one who’ll drop a joke while teaching you training science just to help it click. A former lecturer in the physical education department at UQAC (2011–2013), he switched careers to become a strength coach and dove headfirst into cross-training. Like Manu, he competed at the world team championship in 2015. Coaching quickly took over his life, and he’s since guided numerous athletes, some all the way to the top. His journey includes working with the Eye of the Tiger professional boxing team and honing his expertise with combat sport athletes.
Emmanuelle Blais
Manu’s that best friend who makes you smile before every workout. She comes from one of the top U.S. college hockey programs — the University of Minnesota Duluth — with whom she won the NCAA Division 1 national championship in 2008 and 2010. She’s now a strength coach for the Canadian women’s hockey team (which she also played for from 2010–2012) and for the Université de Montréal Carabins. Her journey into functional fitness began at the end of her hockey career. Looking for something to reignite her competitive fire, she jumped into cross-training in 2013 — and by 2015, she had reached the world team championship. That’s when she met her partner.
BUILDING STRONG AND CARING COMMUNITIES
Even though Manu and Karim come from high-performance sports, their mission is something else entirely. They channel their passion for people and helping others through the group classes they teach every week.
We dream of a world where everyone trains to improve their health, build better habits, and thrive. A world where people help each other, talk to each other, smile, and support one another.
Our dream is to grow communities rooted in love for one another and deep respect for diversity.
