MEET OUR TEAM
Dedicated, Compassionate and Relatable
OWNER & HEAD COACH
Tammy J Girard
A little bit about me! I’m a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran (17 years of service), personal trainer and owner of The Grit Pit in Trenton. Five years ago, I suffered severe postpartum depression, facing the experience entirely on my own. I discovered real quick that life after baby can be tough! Both physically and emotionally. Before having children, I competed on the fitness stage for almost two years. I went from being uber-fit to suffering with body dysmorphia, eating disorders and ongoing depression. I finally got better, but I know the struggle. Now I want to make sure other moms have a safe place to reach out to. My focus is on helping women in general, and even more so the mom’s who feel alone. My goal is to help get them through the most challenging period of their life! At The Pit, we (and by we I am referring to every women who walks through my door) are creating a unique fitness community: a place where women can come and reclaim their health. Whether that be physically, mentally or emotionally. I wanted to create a safe place where moms could connect with other moms, and especially a place where they don't feel alone. I encourage women from all walks of life (not just moms) to reach out to me regardless of fitness level. There’s no judgement, no spectators and no stress. I’ll bring The Pit! You bring the Grit!
GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Sam Raymond
Hi! I’m Sam and I have lived and worked in Quinte West/Brighton area for my entire life. I am a mother of 3 and a wife of 8 years. I am a hairdresser by trade and run my own salon out of my home.
As life goes, I became so busy that I forgot about myself! Sadly, I let “me” fall to the wayside. I first learned about The Grit Pit through a friend and after my first class I was hooked. I have never before seen or been a part of something so relevant and uplifting. I have now been training with The Grit girls for well over a year.
I first became interested in fitness after I had my children, suffering like most mothers with how my body looked and felt. What I found out is that I am completely a group fitness girl! I love the atmosphere of an active group setting. I am all about the team effort and I couldn't wait to join the Grit Pit coaches as one of the trainers.
I am committed to helping you become the best version of yourself and crushing those goals. I’ll see you in the PIT!!
GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Taylor McCrae
Hey everyone!!I’m taylor; AKA Coach T2 here in the pit. I’ve been coaching for just a short time now and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!I’m a collegiate rugby athlete alumni and i’ve played just about every sport there is; i still currently play soccer and golf ! I am on the executive board for my indoor women’s soccer league in belleville and have helped run my team for over 5 years. I started lifting about 8 years ago after graduating college and became fascinated with HIIT and strength workouts! I wanted to become a coach because I know how intimidating it is to wonder if you’re doing things correctly or how to improve; so I wanted to become a friendly source of information ! Some fun facts you should know about me are:I am absolutely 1000% obsessed with my coonhound Dana. #crazydogmomIn 2008 I had spinal fusion surgery from having scoliosis! I have 2 titanium rods screwed to my spine with 24 screws ; during the surgery I grew 3 inches!I have a fairly large “port wine stain” birthmark on my left arm and left upper body that tells you my temperature ! Red is hot, purple is cold. And I have massive size 12 feet that I’ll kick you into gear with!See you in the Pit !!Coach T2
FITNESS AND YOGA INSTRUCTOR
LeeAnne Lavender
Hello!
I'm a yoga, fitness and spin instructor and have been in love with fitness for a long time.
I have three amazing grown daughters and one beautiful 2 1/2-year-old granddaughter, and I moved to Trenton in September 2021 after living abroad as an international teacher for 15 years. We lived in Shanghai, Nairobi and Daejeon (South Korea), and we moved to Trenton because our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter are here. We have quickly come to adore this town!
For me, finding The Grit Pit has been an anchor to adjusting to life back in Canada; this community of fierce women feels like home the moment you attend your first class.
I have been practicing yoga for almost three decades, and teach vinyasa flow (power yoga) and yin yoga. I love both of these styles of yoga and also dabble in aerial yoga. :)
