Here at Popeye's Supplements Victoria we know there are lots of great trainers here on Southern Vancouver Island, but below are a few that we have worked with closely and share the same philosophy in regards to Health & Fitness.
If you are a certified trainer and are interested in joining a partnership with Popeyes Supplements Victoria or Nanaimo then please feel free to contact us via email with some background about yourself & please detail your qualifications
LISA GIESBRECHT
Personal Trainer / IFBB Pro Bodybuilder
LISA GIESBRECHT IRONWORKS
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder
2 Time Ms. Olympia Athlete
ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach
Lisa started training for her first bodybuilding show in 2004. For the next few years she competed in bodybuilding and figure, eventually making it to the 2008 figure nationals. In 2009 she found her passion in bodybuilding. She competed in the provincial and national levels until 2011 when she won her pro card. She went on to compete in a professional physique show in early 2012. Nine weeks later, she won the Toronto Pro Supershow in bodybuilding. This win qualified her to compete at the 2012 Ms. Olympia. This was a great accomplishment and honor. In 2014, she competed in three pro shows: Toronto, Chicago, and Tampa. She qualified to compete at the 2014 Ms. Olympia after placing 5th in Toronto and 2nd in Chicago.
With over 15 years of contest training and 20 shows under her belt, Lisa is well qualified to helping people achieve any fitness or nutrition goal. In addition, Lisa is an ISSA certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist. Lisa prides herself in paying attention to your individual goals and realizes everyone has different needs, body types, and lifestyles. She will create your custom program designed for maximum results.
“I’ve been going to Popeye’s Supplements since I started training in Victoria – almost 20 years ago. They always have what I need to maximize my training. Not only do they have great prices but a superlative staff that’s incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I like Rival Nutrition Promasil Sustained Released Protein for my post workout shake. In the morning and intra-workout I drink Allmax Amincore BCAA and PVL Glutamine. For my Post workout carbs I use Carbion+ by Allmax. I always finish the day with Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein protein. Having proper supplements at the right times greatly enhance performance in the gym and aids muscle recovery and growth”
Top 3 Supplements:
Rivalus PROMASIL Sustained Released Protein
Allmax Aminocore BCAA’s
PVL Glutamine Gold
lisa.giesbrecht@hotmail.com
http://lisaironworks.com
DESPINA STAIKOS
WELLNESS COMPETITOR / PERSONAL TRAINER / GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
When I first started my fitness journey, my main goal was to build confidence within myself because I was always very introverted, shy, and self conscious. Once I began lifting weights and falling in love with the process of building my physique, I discovered competitive bodybuilding and decided to push my mind and body to the next level by training to compete in the Wellness division. Since 2019 I have competed in 3 regional shows, winning 2 overall titles, and 2 national shows, placing top 4.
I’ve always had a passion for teaching others, and in August 2024 I decided to take the leap and launch ConquerHer Fitness, the most meaningful work of my life. I guide women of all fitness levels through sustainable strength training, mindset support, and real-life strategies that help them feel unstoppable in and out of the gym.
Aside from coaching and bodybuilding being my main passions in life, I have a full time career in healthcare and love to spend time on my motorcycle or in the outdoors on my days off.
I’ve been a Popeyes Supplements customer since the very beginning of my fitness journey, not only because of the unbeatable prices & selection, but most importantly the knowledgeable staff. The owner Chris and his staff in Victoria go above & beyond to make great recommendations and educate their customers on a wide range of products for any fitness or health related goal. they always put their customers before their profits and i could not be happier to represent this store !
My top 3 products:
ATP LABS E-NOS (Stim Free)
This is my #1 choice for those who lift in the evening and need a great stimulant free pump product. This brand really focuses on quality above all else and E-NOS is no exception!
Beyond Yourself AminoIQ
This formula contains BCAAs, caffeine and nootropics to help boost cognitive function. I take a scoop every morning before work and it really helps keep me alert and focused.
ATP LABS Supreme BEEF Protein - this has quickly become my go to protein pwd due to its super clean formula using Certified Grass Fed ingredients and its very easy to digest
Contact Despina on IG @ConquerHer_Fitness
Email at conquerherfitness@gmail.com
Justin Manz
Empire Athletics and Wellness
Justin grew up in Regina Saskatchewan, with sports and fitness being a huge part of his life. From a young age Justin played every sport his parents would register him for. He found a real love for Soccer and American Football, and ended up playing both at the university level after graduating high school. Most recently he has been in Victoria playing and coaching for the UVic Vikes Men’s soccer team, with which he helped win a National championship.
Justin had several different trainers and conditioning coaches while playing sports. They all had a positive impact on him, and influence his career to this day. After suffering two horrific leg injuries, Justin now uses his knowledge and passion for fitness to help others reach their goals.
Justin is a personal trainer who has over 8 years of experience in the fitness industry. He believes all clients are different, and strives to find a way to bring out the best in his clients. Justin’s training company is called Empire Athletics and Wellness. Check him out!
"I am in competition with no one. I have no desire to play the game of being better than anyone. I am simply trying to be better than the person I was yesterday."
His words regarding Popeye’s Supplements Victoria: “I love coming into Popeye’s. Any time I have a question they always have an educated answer, usually leading to more in depth questions. They put my mind at ease knowing I can send my clients to them, and they will be well taken care of. Chris and his team are always on top of their game”
Qualifications:
ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
Bachelor of Arts Degree and Recreation and Health
First Aid and CPR Certifications
Top 3 Products:
1. PVL Glutamine Gold
2. Nutrabolics Anabolic State ELITE EAA + BCAA
3. Promasil Sustained Released Protein by Rival Nutrition
Contact him at (250) 516 - 1404
CLICK on SEND MESSAGE to email me:
CAM SMITH
Trainer / Strength & Conditioning Coach · Victoria, BC
Hey, I’m Cam.
I’m a certified personal trainer and strength & conditioning coach based in Victoria, BC. I coach clients in person at Empire Athletics & Wellness and online, so no matter where you are, we can make it work.
Whether you’re just starting out or feel stuck despite putting in the effort, I help you build a fitness approach that’s sustainable, enjoyable, and actually fits your life.
My background
I grew up playing competitive hockey, which taught me discipline early on—but my path wasn’t without setbacks. I broke my femur at seven and later my tibia and fibula at twelve. Those long recoveries challenged me mentally as much as physically, and they shaped how I approach training today.
They taught me patience, consistency, and how to keep showing up even when progress feels slow. That mindset became the foundation of both my training and my coaching.
I played hockey until I was 20, but over time, training became my real passion. The process of getting stronger and improving over time is what I fell in love with—and coaching was the natural next step.
How I coach
I work with everyone from beginners to experienced lifters, many of whom have tried programs that didn’t stick or didn’t deliver results.
My approach is simple: everything is tailored to you—your goals, your schedule, and your starting point. No extremes, no unrealistic expectations. Just training that’s effective, flexible, and built to last.
My philosophy
Consistency over extremes – real progress comes from habits you can maintain
Sustainable by design – if it doesn’t fit your life, it won’t work long term
Fitness should add to your life – not compete with it
Why Choose Popeyes Supplements
I’ve been connected with Chris @ Popeye’s Supplements since I was 15, and it’s a partnership built on trust. His team genuinely cares about helping people get results and takes the time to guide you properly—not just sell products. They are highly educated and have the largest selection by far.
If you wanting honest advice and top quality supplements to support your goals, Chris and is team at Popeyes Supplements Victoria will take care of your needs!
Interested in working together? I'd love to hear from you.
Reach out on Instagram @camsmithfitt , email CLICK here. or Call me (778) 350-1602