Amy Gillis Fitness: Your Personal Trainer

About Amy Gillis Fitness

Hi there! Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my bio. I’m truly grateful you are here. 

To introduce myself, my name is Amy. I’m a mom, turning 47 this year, and the proud parent of an almost-teen son who keeps me busy with hockey and baseball. While being a mom is my most important role, I’m also a high school principal with the privilege of helping students discover their strengths and potential. I count my blessings daily, knowing the road that brought me here was neither straight nor easy. I’ve faced many challenges along the way—some that could have broken me—but instead, they shaped the woman I am today. 

I grew up in the 80s in a small town in Nova Scotia. Like many kids, I faced my share of challenges early on: a broken home, parents from different provinces, and a lot of uncertainty. What I did have was a strong will to succeed. From a young age, I understood that hard work would be my way forward.

After graduating high school on the East Coast, I returned to my second home, Ontario, to pursue University. I earned an Honours Degree from McMaster University, followed by Teachers College. I spent 10 years teaching before moving into administration, and for the past 11 years I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Secondary School Vice Principal and  Principal.

During that time, I married and was blessed with a beautiful son, Jacob, who is now 12 years old.

Life, as it does, continued to test me. Within a short period of time, I experienced a divorce and the loss of both my sister and my father. The grief was heavy, layered, and overwhelming. I had no choice but to keep going — for myself, and for my son.

That’s when fitness became more than just a habit. It became my refuge.

I had always been a gym-goer since my late teens, but in my 30s I truly understood its power. I was a young mom navigating immense loss, rebuilding myself from the inside out. Through the pain, I showed up — day after day. I knew I needed to be the strongest version of myself, not only for me, but for my son. He deserved the best version of me.  I deserved the best version of me.

Over the last decade, the gym became my place of healing — the training, the routine, the community. I kept showing up through tears, exhaustion, and doubt, and slowly built an unstoppable version of myself. I barely recognize the woman I was 10 years ago. I’m grateful for her — and proud of who she became.

Today, we are at peace. We are happy. And we are deeply grateful for it all.

My Coaching Journey

So how did coaching begin?

It started naturally. People noticed my commitment — not just physically, but mentally. Friends, family, and colleagues began asking how I made it work: a demanding career, single motherhood, a child who played rep sports, and still made time for myself. Life was busy, but I never stopped clocking in for me.

As the questions kept coming, I decided to become certified in both fitness coaching and nutrition. It felt like a natural extension of how I was already living. I wanted to show people that life truly changes when you prioritize your health — and to teach my son that anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it.

Here we are today, with the privilege of teaching once again, and showing people what they are truly capable of.  

I know what it feels like to be stuck. I know self-doubt, overwhelm, and the feeling that life is spiraling out of control. I also know this: when you invest in yourself and make health and fitness a priority, your confidence grows in ways you didn’t know were possible. Everything in your life begins to level up. You are worth that investment.

I count my blessings daily — for a strong body, for the life ahead, and for the people I love most. My greatest joys are my son and my siblings — the four of us who remain. They are a huge part of who I am today.

And to my fitness community: there truly is nothing like you. Finding your people changes everything. There’s nothing better than early mornings, shared effort, and showing up together to build the strongest versions of ourselves. I genuinely look forward to seeing you every single day.

To my son, Jacob — this is for you.
Always believe in yourself. Set the bar high. Nothing is out of your reach if you’re willing to work for it. I will always be your #1 fan. I love you endlessly.

Your fitness journey starts the moment you say yes.
One decision. One commitment to yourself — made again and again.

Time is a gift. Let’s get after it.

With love and gratitude,
Amy