Lisa Radz
BSW, RSW • Social Worker
Experienced in personal training, movement therapy, and trauma-informed coaching to support mental and emotional health.
Meet Lisa Radz. Experienced in personal training, movement therapy, and trauma-informed coaching to support mental and emotional health.
Hello!
My name is Lisa Radz. I am a registered social worker, certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT), personal trainer, and yoga teacher with a passion for helping people through movement-based and therapeutic modalities.
My journey began in 2011 when I finished my diploma at NAIT as a personal trainer. In 2016, I completed my yoga teacher training, and in 2023, I earned my Bachelor of Social Work. I’m currently applying to begin my Master of Social Work at the University of Calgary in 2026, with a specialization in mental health and addictions, which will bring a therapeutic lens to my current work. I also recently obtained certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), adding skills to help clients better understand and manage emotions, handle stress, and improve relationships through mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication.
Today, my practice is a unique blend of personal training and social work, with yoga and somatics thoughtfully woven throughout. At Elevate Functional Health, coaching sessions are guided by an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed approach to traditional personal training. I take the time to understand all aspects of your well-being and adjust our work together accordingly.
Things can change — and that’s okay. Together, we explore movement that feels right for you, free from mainstream fitness ideals about what health “should” look like. The focus is on supporting your nervous system — not overstimulating or under-activating it — so you can build resilience, increase self-confidence, and deepen your connection to your body.
Research by Nowakowski-Sims, Rooney, Vigue, and Woods (2023) developed a grounded theory of weight lifting as a healing strategy for trauma. Their study shows that individuals who are marginalized or living with trauma, including PTSD, can benefit significantly from strength training when it’s offered in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. This approach supports healing and helps regulate the nervous system, improving overall well-being.
Outside of the gym, I work in the public sector supporting children, youth, and families through crisis. I also teach yoga at Livvwell in Airdrie. My own movement practices include daily yoga, dirt biking, and summer racing!
Ready to elevate your health?