Katie Petrella

Katie’s passion for health and fitness began in 2011. Along her journey she entered the doors of STG and trained as a competitive powerlifting athlete. She placed first in an Ontario competition in 2017 and at two Alberta competitions in 2018. Additionally, she has experience from the sidelines, coaching powerlifting clients at their own competitions. Alongside her studies at the University of Waterloo, she became a certified personal trainer and began her business, “Petrella’s Powerlifting and Personal Training.” She graduated on the Dean’s list in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in the Life Sciences and minoring in Human Nutrition. She was accepted to the Canadian College of Naturopathic medicine to complete a Doctorate of Naturopathic medicine (ND) degree but the coronavirus pandemic caused a change in plans. However, Katie’s pre-med knowledge of natural holistic health and nutrition is heavily emphasized with all of her clients.

During the pandemic, Katie decided to focus on family life and became a mother. On this journey, she continued her own strength training regime up until birth and during her active recovery. Simultaneously, she furthered her education by becoming certified to train Pregnant and Postpartum mothers on their own fitness journey.

One of Katie’s favourite hobbies is horseback riding. It started in a Western saddle at horseback riding summer camps; however, she progressed her English riding skills through the University of Waterloo Equestrian club and now focuses on dressage. At her current stable she is working towards her Equestrian Canada Riding Instructor certification. Her experience in the saddle helps her to tailor workout programs to equestrians to improve their riding technique and balance.

Petrella’s Powerlifting and Personal Training (2018) has since been rebranded as Iron Horse Fitness (2023). Iron Horse Fitness trains clients of all levels but specializes in training Powerlifters, Pregnant and Postpartum mothers, and Equestrians. If you fall into one of these categories, Katie may be the experienced personal trainer for you.