I am passionate and some would say “extremely enthusiastic” about health and fitness. I love showing people how great moving their body can feel, and that exercise can actually be fun!  I strongly believe in the power of movement to create positive change.

In 2002, Island Pilates was formed when I moved back to the Comox Valley after being away for 14 years.  In 2013, we officially changed the name of the studio to Studio IPF: Inner Pursuit Fitness.  Though once solely devoted to the practice of Pilates, Studio IPF has transformed into a multifaceted health & fitness studio, winning the title of Best Yoga/Pilates Studio in Western Canada, by Get Out There Magazine in 2011.  In 2015,  I was voted the “Person Most Likely to Whip you Into Shape,” by the Comox Valley Record’s Best Of contest.  I am a certified STOTT Pilates Matwork Instructor, a BCRPA Advanced Group Fitness Leader, a certified Yin Yoga Teacher, a certified BOSU Integrated Balance Trainer Instructor, a TRX Suspension Trainer, a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher & Core Confidence Specialist through Bellies Inc.

I strive to make the studio a positive, healthy, fun, community experience.  I am so grateful for my amazing team and greatly appreciate the diverse talent & professionalism that they bring to IPF.

I have experience with various styles of dance having trained at Main Dance Society in Vancouver where I completed a performing arts degree. I was a company member of Variable Velocity Modern Dance Troupe out of San Luis Obispo, California. I’ve been certified in the Iyengar style of yoga through the Santa Barbara Yoga Institute and obtained Pilates certificates through the Physical Mind Institute of Canada.

I am a BCRPA certified group fitness and Yoga Fit instructor.  My love of movement, desire to connect with others, and love of Studio IPF and all it has to offer led me to begin teaching fitness classes in 2014.

I originally obtained my Group Fitness Certification in 1998 through the AFLCA in Alberta. I was the Fitness Coordinator at the Crowfoot YMCA in Calgary in 2001-2002 where I obtained additional fitness certifications through the YMCA, Arthritis Society, and Mount Royal University. I have been Certified with CanFitPro since 2012 and a Licensed Zumba Instructor since 2012. When I moved to the Comox Valley in 2014, I became re-certified in Group & Aquatic Fitness through the BCRPA.  I enjoy continuous learning and look forward to completing my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2019.

I started teaching classes at Studio IPF in February 2018 and I love the positive energy that everyone brings, which makes teaching and working out so much more fun and enjoyable.

I have enjoyed a lifetime of fitness;  from team sports to running, skiing, hiking and group fitness.  I first became a BCRPA group fitness instructor in 1992 and taught in Quesnel, B.C. for about 5 years.  In 2018, after returning to group fitness at IPF for a number of years and loving the atmosphere, camaraderie, and enthusiastic environment I decided to become BCRPA certified in group fitness again.

It is now my privilege and pleasure to facilitate Rise & Rock as well as Fit 45. 

My yoga practice began in 2008 after being introduced to it for my own physical/mental rehabilitation. Realizing the many benefits of this practice, I was prompted to begin teacher training so that I could assist others in optimizing their health and wellness.

Graduating from the Red Door Yoga School with both the Yoga Fitness Leader and 200 hour certification in 2014, my intention is to provide an experience of deep relaxation whilst guiding students to heal, strengthen, and revitalize.  I love to help others rediscover their own natural wisdom through Yoga.

My name is Jessica Carter, however, at studio IPF I’m known as Carter. I’ve been teaching classes at studio IPF since spring 2016, covering various styles of yoga. My background for teaching comes from dance and yoga.  Growing up as a dancer I found a great love for movement and explored many different styles of dance.  I completed my 200 hour teacher training through Red Door Yoga in fall 2017.   As a yoga teacher I focus on the physical practice, finding proper alignment and creating balance within the body.

Through my life, I have had extensive training in all styles of dance.  I am a certified POUND instructor, and am also a trained Zumba/Zumba Kids/Zumba Toning teacher.  I enjoy bringing a sense of relaxed fun, but strong focus to all of my classes.  I look forward to bringing Generation POUND, designed for kids, to Studio IPF soon!