Kodama Collective is an environmentally conscious personal training company trying to change the way we take care of our bodies and our planet.

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Train to Live!

At Kodama, we believe in training to support the things we love to do outside the gym.
Check out some of our clients as they live this philosophy!

Services

Kodama offers an evidence based approach to personal training. Our methods are founded in science, with an emphasis on real life application rather than aesthetics. Each session is an investment in creating a stronger, smarter, more injury resilient body.

One-on-one Training

$110+
Up close and personal! Really personal.
Like, just for you. Trust us, it’s a good thing.
One-on-one provides undivided attention and a completely personalized training experience.

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Two-on-one Training

$150+
The best bang for your buck.
Use your partner to keep you motivated and accountable. Plus, a little healthy competition between friends never hurt anyone, right?

Group/Team Training

*Contact us for pricing*
Got some friends with a common goal?

Training for a team sport?
Hone your skills and build that 80’s-epic-sport-movie camaraderie with team training.

About Us

Dylan de Paul, Founder


Dylan has a background in Kinesiology and Disability Management. He is also a certified personal trainer with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. While studying at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Dylan’s eyes were opened to the fundamentals of science and their application in strength and conditioning.

In his final year, a rugby injury caused a severe lumbar herniation requiring multiple surgeries to his spine. In an instant Dylan went from training 6 days a week to not being able to walk. Spending a full year in recovery ignited Dylan’s passion for injury rehabilitation and helped redefine his training philosophy.

Dylan believes our time in the gym should allow us to live the life we want OUTSIDE the gym. Whether it be keeping up with your grandkids on a hike or getting 60+ days on the mountain this season – your training should allow you to excel at the things you love to do.

Dylan’s love for training is second only to his love for the outdoors. As an amateur snowboarder, hiker, surfer, trail runner, and canoe camper, Dylan’s goals in his own training are to ensure he can perform these activities pain free.


 

Whats In a Name?

Kodama
k•oh•d•aa•m•uh /noun/
木魂 (木 ; ko; tree – 魂 ; dama; soul)
木魅 (木 ; ko; tree – 魅 ; dama; soul)
木霊 (木 ; ko; tree) – 霊 ; dama; spirit)

The word Kodama is based on an ancient Japanese belief. A belief that certain trees in the forest were inhabited by spirits, or gods.

Some believed that Kodama were natural spirits that could move freely throughout the forest. While others believed the Kodama were rooted in the trees themselves.

They were also a sound. It was believed the echoes that reverberated through mountains and valleys were said to be kodama. The sound of a tree crashing in the woods was also said to be the plaintive cry of a kodama.

Whatever form they took, kodama were said to be possessed of supernatural power, that could either be a blessing or a curse. Kodama that were properly worshipped and honored would protect houses and villages. Kodama that were mistreated or disrespected brought down powerful curses.

 

Testimonials

I am a 54 year old female who has run for the past twenty years; ½ marathons, 33km Around the Bay, many 10km run, and run for fun and exercise roughly three times a week. Over the twenty years I have thrown yoga and the flavour of the month classes; Zumba, Pilates, Salsa, etc. I have never stepped foot in a gym in my 54 years. In May of 2017 I was asked if I wanted to join a women’s only boot camp Wednesdays and Fridays at a gym! Our trainer, Dylan, introduced himself and provided his credentials and began a dialogue about expectations from the women, from him and he then provided the structure for the next three months.

We started as nervous women trying weights and rowing machines and medicine balls and kettle bells; and we finished in better shape than we started and it provided us with a confidence in our abilities and strength!

I would recommend Dylan to anyone – young, old, male, female, in shape and out of shape. He is a dynamic young man who is enthusiastic about healthy exercise! He is vibrant and engaged throughout the sessions and had the ability to push 12 women through a rigorous workout twice a week. He knows anatomy, muscles, how the exercise should feel and offers modifications for those with injuries.

Dylan is a true gentleman and instructs with humour, knowledge and a keen sense of his audience.

We wish he had remained in Ottawa because it is going to be rather difficult to find a trainer like Dylan dePaul!

Monica M.

Dylan’s group fitness classes were such a great introduction to functional training! I learned so much about how my body should move and got way stronger in the process. His coaching cues really helped me understand proper form. He also happens to be one of the nicest and most genuine people you’ll ever come across! Wish he was still in Ottawa!

Sarah M.

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The Kodama Difference

Kodama revolves around the notion that our bodies and our planet are of the utmost importance in life. Without either, we cannot exist. Many of us are taking steps towards leading healthier lives. At Kodama Collective, we hope to inspire and educate our clients on how best to invest in both their health and that of the planet. Ensuring you’re still able to get out into the backcountry when you have grandkids… and that there is still a backcountry to get out into…