From the word
“RIFFRAFF”
[rif-raf] : NOUN.
person or group of people regarded as worthless or disreputable
refuse, trash, rubbish
WE ARE MORE THAN THAT
We’re the underdogs.
the outsiders.
freaks and weirdos.
disregarded and demonized
But no matter what life throws our way, we are still here.
Do you feel intimidated by gyms and the toxic aspects of fitness and diet culture?
Struggling with anxiety and feeling unwelcome in traditional fitness spaces?
Feeling like you have no control over life or your body?
Overstimulated by the information overload on fitness, weightloss, body recomposition, bodybuilding, hypertrophy, and everything else you feel like you don’t know?
Do you feel like you’ve tried everything? Diets, classes, youtube videos, online programs, all the things but nothing sticks?
Your body feels like a stranger you don’t want to know or an enemy you need to tear down?
Or are you itching to stand up against fascism and take down the patriarchy? Driven by the calling to get stronger so you’re better-equipped to support your loved ones and community?
You are not alone
About Me
Raf
Mixed Race.
Immigrant.
neurodivergent.
Trans man.
I’m Raf (he/him) and I’m working towards becoming a certified personal trainer! I work with folks in person in so-called Vancouver, and online with anyone around the world.
Currently, I am registered with specialties in Fitness Theory and Weight Training under the BCRPA. You can view my credentials on The Registry® of Fitness Professionals.
My goal is to help folks feel more at home in their bodies through fitness and movement. As a trans man, I understand how challenging it can be to connect with your body, especially when dysphoria and anxiety kick in.
When the outside world is loud and unwelcoming, it’s a fight to take up space and remember your worth. I struggled with my relationship with my body and with my fitness for years before something finally clicked.
I learned to love myself.
May 2021
August 2021
March 2022
September 2022
And that self love was a vital part of making lasting change both in my fitness journey and in my transition.
May 2023
November 2023
May 2024
December 2025
It’s not about the results, it’s about making small changes through low-barrier, actionable steps. Consistency doesn’t come from perfection or extreme measures. Change isn’t instant.
Small steps can gradually evolve into habits that are part of your routine. That consistency contributes to progress over time. With patience, you can view your fitness journey through a wider lens and understand that this isn’t something that happens overnight.
Compassion for yourself then becomes the secret ingredient. You know it will take time, but you also know that it’s okay to progress at your own pace.
I started with a yoga mat and a dream and resistance bands…
…slowly, gradually gaining more experience and making progress over time.
As cliché as it sounds, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.
Fitness through self love
instead of self hate.
movement as Self Care
instead of punishment.
This is the foundation of how I approach fitness and training.
Fitness lets you take ownership of your life and your body. Changing yourself to match who you are is affirming, especially for trans and gender nonconforming people.
This isn’t about societal expectations or beauty standards. It’s about identifying what feels right to you and changing what you can.
Approaching fitness with self-love rather than self-hate is badass. It honours your personal relationship with your own body, radically rejecting the cultural norm that ties worth to productivity and conformity. It’s an unapologetic claim to your strength, your limits and your right to exist as you are.
When your relationship
with your body
and your fitness
is grounded in yourself,
you know
what you want
instead of what you’re told to want.
As a personal trainer, I can provide the plan and the guidance. I design personalized training programs and provide the education, resources, and accountability you need to make lasting change.
What I offer
Custom programs for resistance training, cardio, and flexibility tailored to your goals and starting point.
Guidance on how to perform exercises safely and progress over time.
Educational resources so you understand each exercise and how it contributes to your longterm goals.
Ongoing accountability and check-ins to keep you consistent and adapting as you improve
Who I can help
Anyone wanting to feel stronger, move more comfortably, increase speed or endurance.
People pursuing fitness to better align their bodies with their gender expression and identity.
Clients at any fitness level, including beginners and those returning after a break.
Interested in Training with me?
As part of the process I’m pursuing to become a certified personal trainer, I’m taking on my first 12 clients for free. If you’re interested in learning more about this offer, please provide your email so I can reach out to you about next steps.