Video Talent

Who's in the Videos?

While filming the Ripped! videos, we were fortunate to have some amazing people take part in the workouts. We'd like to introduce you to the participants in the Ripped! video series.

As you read their biographies, you'll see that they are busy, successful people who got the results they wanted from the Ripped! program, and made peak fitness a vital and enjoyable part of their lives.

Thanks to everyone for their fine performances. And yes, making the videos has been as fun as it looks in the workouts!

Get Ripped! (#1)

Ripped! Slim and Lean (#2)

Get Ripped! to the Core (#3)

Get Ripped! 1000 (#4)

Get Ripped! and Chiseled (#5)

Get Extremely Ripped! (#6)

Get Extremely Ripped! 1000 (#7)

Laurie Fownes

Laurie balances her love for athletics and her passion for public health by working full time as a Program Consultant for the Public Health Agency of Canada and part time as a group exercise instructor.

Laurie completed a Master of Science (MSc - 2006, University of Calgary), a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW - 1999, University of Calgary), and Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification (AFLCA - 2005, 2007, 2009, Provincial Fitness Unit, AB). Laurie believes that health is multidimensional and transcends physical health to include other components including mental, spiritual, and emotional. Laurie’s goal is to promote health through a strengths based approach – continually seeking ways to engage and empower diverse participants and communities in their health and fitness journeys.

Laurie currently instructs three-four Ripped classes per week along with volunteering at the Calgary YWCA. In addition to her AFLCA certification, Laurie seeks out new fitness training opportunities to expand her knowledge of the ever-evolving health and wellness industry. As a Ripped Instructor, Laurie is motivated every class by the commitment and dedication of participants who are challenging themselves in new directions. The structured of the Ripped Program provides participants with education and training to learn about safe biomechanics, functional movements, challenging exercises, balanced nutrition, and support.

Laurie’s lifelong journey and commitment to health is fuelled by more than physical strength gains. One of the greatest accomplishments gained since participating in her first Ripped class (March, 2004) is Laurie’s freedom to take more “risks.” This means trying (and often failing at) new activities - outside of the comfort zone. With each mistake comes the opportunity to grow. The benefits of “risk-taking” far outweigh the consequences of failure. For example, Laurie has expanded her athletic and educational pursuits to include mountaineering activities (such as scrambling, rock climbing, glacier travel); participating in and instructing a greater variety of group exercise classes; and tackling a broader range of health issues (through a health promotion approach).
Guarantee: if you cannot locate Laurie at work or in the gym, she will be out exploring the next mountain peak (while in the company of great friends, family, and her dog Kinta).
Which challenge (or peak) is next?

Appears in: Get Ripped! (Video 1), Get Ripped! Slim and Lean (Video 2), Get Ripped! to the Core (Video 3), Get Ripped! 1000 (Video 4), Get Extremely Ripped! (Video 6), Get Extremely Ripped! 1000 (Video 7)

Lesley Tozer

Lesley’s interest in physical fitness began after the birth of her twins. She was looking for a way to better her health, strength and energy level in order to keep up with the kids and to have something for herself outside of the family. Lesley holds a Bachelor of Social Work and is now working in the fitness industry as an instructor and trainer.

After participating in the Ripped program for some time, Lesley joined the Ripped team of instructors in the spring of 2007. She found the philosophy around the program so innovative, empowering and effective. Lesley’s goals for the future at this point are to continue to raise the bar for herself in terms of instructing and to continually learn as much as possible in all areas of fitness.

Appears in: Get Extremely Ripped! (Video 6), Get Extremely Ripped! 1000 (Video 7)

Ellie Archer

Ellie Archer and her husband Kiff have owned and operated personal training facilities in the City of Calgary for well over 30 years. During this time she taught resistance training, martial arts, self defense and stretch classes. With a keen interest in nutrition, and traditional healing, she has always been diverse in her approach to the issues of health.

Ellie and Kiff now reside in the beautiful ocean side community called Bella Coola in the heart of the coastal rainforest of British Columbia. Ellie is a wildlife bronze artist and her sculptures of grizzly bears and wolves are inspired by the rich history and cultural roots which exist in this unique primordial rainforest. Though the gym is still vital to Ellie’s training regime; kayaking, hiking and horse back are her favorite ways to bring people to the edge of their limits, from which she gently encourages them to surpass.

Appears in: Get Extremely Ripped! (Video 6), Get Extremely Ripped! 1000 (Video 7)

Marc Perreault

Born and raised in Timmins, Ontario, Marc was always very active growing up. Playing soccer, hockey and running, Marc has always been very self-motivated and disciplined. He obtained a Diploma of Aviation Management in Ontario and later moved to Calgary in 2007 where he quickly made himself known at Fitness Plus. It was there that he was introduced to the Ripped Workouts and spotted by Jari Love herself!

Jari noticed Marc because of his impeccable form and dedication to his fitness. He was selected to be tested for new Ripped exercises on the metabolic cart and was then offered a chance to be involved in the new videos. Eagerly accepting the invitation, Marc enthusiastically devoted himself to preparing, practicing and training for the projects. As the only male extra, Marc was challenged both physically and mentally!

With the projects complete, Marc still remains a familiar face at Fitness Plus. He is very dedicated to health and fitness and is always looking for new ways to push himself and improve.

Appears in: Get Extremely Ripped! (Video 6), Get Extremely Ripped! 1000 (Video 7)

Kirsten Lojek

Kirsten resides in Calgary but is a Saskatchewan prairie girl at heart. Always active as a child, she spent her summers at Jackfish Lake with her parents and three younger brothers. She engaged in an array of water sports such as kayaking, water skiing, barefoot skiing and sailing. Her passion for athletics has always motivated her to try new sports and push her fitness to a higher level.

Kirsten is self-motivated and takes fitness seriously. She tried her first Ripped class in August 2007 and was captivated by the intense energy and enthusiasm of the invigorating work out. She quickly saw positive physical and mental results from the Ripped training and was ultimately able to boost her metabolism, build muscle endurance, and cardio vascular strength. Kirsten now runs longer, skips faster and is stronger because of Ripped. She plans to set new athletic goals in the future and continues to challenge herself on a regular basis.

Appears in: Get Extremely Ripped! (Video 6), Get Extremely Ripped! 1000 (Video 7)

Terry Knight

Terry is a Calgary based securities lawyer who has maintained a lifelong commitment to fitness.

Terry played competitive hockey into his mid-twenties, until graduating from the University of Calgary and pursuing his law career. During his time spent in the hockey world, Terry developed the basics, and realized the value of consistent resistance and cardiovascular training to enhance both athletic performance and overall quality of life.

Since entering the business world, Terry has maintained a daily workout routine encompassing both resistance and cardiovascular based training techniques. Historically Terry's routine required a commitment of approximately 2 hours a day, 6 days a week. Since discovering the Ripped! program Terry stated, "A 2 hour daily time commitment to the gym is not a viable option for many, including myself on a lot of occasions. The Ripped! program has given me the benefit of both resistance and cardiovascular training in a combined package which can be performed in an hour."

Appears in: Get Ripped! (Video 1)

Krista Guichon

Krista Guichon has practiced physiotherapy for the 27 years has spent the last 23 years within the private practice setting. She has contributed greatly to the Ripped program with her expertise and input on safety and technique.

Krista enjoys participating in outdoor recreational activities with her husband and three daughters. Krista has made a commitment to staying active and loves hiking and mountain biking in the summer and skiing or snowboarding in the winter. The Ripped program has helped her keep her physical fitness at a very high level so she can successfully continue to enjoy her pursuits. Krista's calm and professional demeanor have brought her a great deal of respect from everyone involved in the Ripped videos.

Appears in: Get Ripped! (Video 1), Get Ripped! Slim and Lean (Video 2)

Brian DelCastilho

Brian, 55, is an elementary school principal, has been married for 33 years and has four children. An avid runner, Brian has completed 17 marathons and is still setting new goals for himself. His current ambitions are to run in the Boston Marathon, learn to swim, and complete the 2007 Ironman Canada.

He has been involved with Ripped for about two years and was surprised and pleased to realize that even at his age he could grow muscle and gain definition. He finds that Ripped allows the older, active person to push himself or herself without undue strain on the joints because lighter weights are used. Through his dedication he has seen results. Brian has found that as long as someone uses good sense and moderation, the goal of physical fitness is achievable at any age.

Appears in: Get Ripped! Slim and Lean (Video 2)

Ben Spooner

Ben is a third degree black belt in TaeKwon Do and a four-time National TaeKwon Do Federation heavyweight champion. After spending 13 years competing in tournaments, training and conducting martial arts seminars across North America, Ben is now focusing on group exercise instruction and class development. Ben is a very dedicated instructor and participant in all types of group exercise classes, ranging from Ripped! to Core to Spin to yoga. A recent AFLCA graduate, Ben can now be found teaching unique high energy group fitness classes all across Calgary.

Ben, 29, is a professional engineer working in the oil and gas industry. He is married and is the doting father of two daughters, ages 3 and 7. He won the respect of the women involved in the video by buying fabulous clothes for his wife for Christmas.

Appears in: Get Ripped! to the Core (Video 3)

Christy Diachuk

Christy Diachuk has been diligently attending Ripped classes over the past year. Christy is committed and addicted to Ripped because it has both helped her get into shape and has improved her ability to perform in the sports she enjoys. Christy has been very active since a young age and is involved in many sports such as soccer, windsurfing, skiing, running, and biking.

Christy's other passion is the health care industry. Her interest started in university when she went to Tanzania, Africa to work on a project promoting health care to children in a small village. While in Tanzania she worked with children in a primary school educating them on hook-worm, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years in the osteoporosis therapeutic area. Currently, Christy works for a medical surgical company as a Spine Education Specialist helping with procedures for vertebral compression fractures.

Appears in: Get Ripped! to the Core (Video 3)

Mike Tingley

Mike, 42, works as a residential building contractor in Calgary. He spends his spare time participating in intense sports. His favourite activities include running marathons and competing in ultra-distance mountain bike races and adventure racing.

Mike started doing Ripped to stay strong in the off-season and found that it really helps to prevent injuries. He also enjoys skiing, snow shoeing, mountain biking, travelling and drinking red wine.

Appears in: Get Ripped! and Chiseled (Video 5)

Judy Boyd

At the age of 40 Judy decided to become a nurse and has since had an exciting and varied career. She has worked in Nicaragua and in the U.S. in the areas of med/surg, ICU, in maximum security prisons, and then discovered her niche specializing in substance abuse and detox. She feels she can really make a difference helping people with addiction problems. She assisted in setting up a methadone treatment program in Maine where over 1000 patients were helped to get their lives back on track. Judy currently works in acute care hospitals in chronic pain consultant services.

Judy was on a women's rowing team and for a few years was a bodybuilding fanatic and competitor. For fun, Judy now loves doing aerobics and running. Her best times are spent outdoors with her giant dogs, Tundra, a Great Pyranees, and Caplin, a Newfoundlander.

Appears in: Get Ripped! and Chiseled (Video 5)

Gaylene Irving

A former fashion model and executive secretary who was born and raised in Alberta, Gaylene has been involved in sport her whole life. Figure skating and softball were her childhood passions and she played on all the high school teams. When children came into her life she switched from organized sports to a workout regime that includes attending Ripped classes regularly. She is also involved in skiing, skating, water skiing, biking, and horseback riding in the mountains near her home.

She currently lives on a small farm in Southern Alberta where she and her husband run a purebred Black Angus cow/calf operation. Farm life has cut into her leisure time but Gaylene has found her passion (and a great workout) in gardening and taking care of the farm. Gaylene enjoys picking up her glue gun to be crafty and loves knitting, crocheting and decorating. She has 3 children, 3 step-children and is about to become a grandmother for the 4th time. During filming Gaylene kept everyone laughing with her hilarious Vaudeville routines.

Appears in: Get Ripped! 1000 (Video 4), Get Ripped! and Chiseled (Video 5)