MEET ZITA
In March of 2020, Zita (she/they) merged her 18-month-old fitness studio, Generate Fitness, with independent business owner, Toni Harris (In Your Boots Fitness), to found Action Potential Fitness. She is also the co-founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Trauma Informed Fitness.
A graduate of University of Alberta (BA Political Science/Sociology) and NAIT (Personal Fitness Training), and currently completing her Master's in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University, Zita's passion for fitness is exceeded only by her commitment to social equity and human rights. Her work centers largely around the intersections of physical, psychological, and social health and the application of trauma-informed practice and stress-responsive care as mental health care for conditions such as PTSD, Eating Disorders, and Fibromyalgia.
Zita is co-currently practicing as a Master's Level Counselling Therapist at the Alberta Wellness Centre for Eating Disorders where she specializes in body-related and body-image focused mental health needs.
Passion Meets Perseverance
Despite being relatively new to the fitness field when she opened her studio in 2018, Zita had already established a reputation as one of Edmonton's most prolific and innovative fitness professionals.
As a practicum student at NAIT, Zita developed DiversiFIT (2016), the flagship program that set the stage for multiple future barrier-reduction focused programs and initiatives. Through a $10,000.00 grant from the GoodLife Kids Foundation (2017), Zita partnered with Autism Edmonton to expand the program to support dozens of local families with Autistic children improve their physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
From her early days as a volunteer Zumba instructor for the YMCA to her current efforts with the Centre for Trauma Informed Fitness, Zita's relentless efforts have shaped the the local and national fitness scene for ten years, earning her recognition as Autism Edmonton's Community Champion (2017; 2018) and Edify Edmonton's Top 40 Under 40 (2019), Edmonton's Top Fitness Trainer (Post Media Reader's choice awards, 2023), YEG Fitness Top Personal Trainer (YEG Fitness Magazine, 2023), and Canada's Top Fitness Trainer (Impact Magazine 2024).
Described by her friends as "equal parts perseverant and passionate", Zita continues to drive conversation and shift fitness culture as a frequent guest speaker, workshop presenter, researcher, author, and fierce health advocate.
GET TO KNOW ZITA
Why did you become a fitness professional?
After my children were born, I knew I needed to find the healthiest and happiest version of me. There were many roadblocks and wrong turns along the way, and my goal has always been to help others navigate the path with more comfort, ease, confidence, and self-compassion.
What do you like to do when you aren’t at work?
While I don't have much free time these days, I try to spend every minute I have with my kids and family. Not only are they the inspiration and motivation for everything I do, they are the coolest humans I know and being around them makes me cooler by association!
Describe your personal approach to health and fitness
My approach to training is rooted in trauma-informed principles, recognizing that movement is not only a human right but essential for holistic wellness. I design individualized programs that bridge physical and mental health, empowering clients to overcome challenges, celebrate progress, and build resilience for lifelong well-being.
I believe in radical self-celebration, in living joyfully and unapologetically, and that human connection is often the missing link between the mind and body.
What do you wish every new exerciser knew?
"Health" isn't your responsibility; it is your right. You don't have to earn access to fitness spaces; they are yours to (re)claim. Self-care is the most potent and powerful revolutionary act there is.
Your body belongs to, and how you use it, move it, and engage with it is an intimate, personal experience that can not be dictated, measured, or judged by any other human being.
Testimonials for Zita
"It's impossible to spend time with Zita and not feel inspired. Her optimism and positivity are contagious, her knowledge is unparalleled, and her compassion is endless. Zita has the power to make you realize that you can do so much more than you ever believed possible. Thank you, Zita, for helping me prove to myself that I am capable of amazing things."
-Lauren, PT Client
"I was referred to Zita by my psychologist to help me re-establish mind-body connection. Training with her changed my life. Honestly, it probably even saved it. Her ability to support my mental health needs while helping me restore physical and emotional strength and safety after a significant trauma was essential for my recovery. Because of Zita, I was able to return to work and reclaim my life."
-"Kate", Mind-Body Integration Client
"Zita works with the whole person, not just the body. Her ability to incorporate physical, mental, and social health strategies into my program helped me regain my feelings of confidence and self-belief. I see myself, my body, and my potential completely differently because of her. She doesn't just teach "mind-body connection," she embodies it in everything she does."
-Tammy, PT Client
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