Every time we step into the studio, we create magic. Not just a workout, but an experience. Not just moves, but moments.
Not just a class, but a community.
Carmen Puyo
Carmen is a fitness professional, educator, and mentor with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Her career spans multiple roles, including fitness coach, group exercise instructor, studio manager, presenter, and curriculum developer. With a Master of Education, she has combined her passion for movement with her love of teaching to help shape the next generation of fitness leaders.
Carmen’s journey in fitness began in childhood, when she struggled with her weight and searched for an outlet that made her feel strong and capable. Fitness became that outlet and it ultimately became her career. This early experience fuels her commitment to creating inclusive, confidence-building spaces for all learners and movers.
Throughout her career, Carmen has mentored hundreds of young adults, guiding them toward meaningful careers in the fitness industry. She currently teaches at Humber Polytechnic in the Fitness & Health Promotion Program, where she supports students through both hands-on practical courses and large-scale experiential learning events.
Beyond the classroom, Carmen has taken on leadership roles as a Group Exercise Manager, led major fitness events, and continually challenges herself through personal pursuits such as fitness challenges and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. She believes deeply in lifelong learning and completed her Master’s degree to further develop her expertise in adult education, coaching, and program development.
Today, Carmen brings her experience, energy, and educational lens to GroupX Academy, where she co-develops instructor certification courses, Pilates trainings, and continuing education workshops. Her mission is to inspire confidence, elevate professional standards, and help every instructor grow into their own unique leadership style.
Maral Habibi
Maral is more than just a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, she is a powerhouse of energy, motivation, and purpose with over a decade of experience in the fitness industry. A graduate of Humber College’s Fitness & Health Promotion program (2015), Maral brings a strong foundation of science-based training, leadership, and a well-rounded approach to overall health and performance to everything she does.
For Maral, fitness is not just a routine, it’s a transformative journey. Growing up as a competitive dancer, movement was always a central part of her life and something that made her feel confident, expressive, and strong. She believes movement builds confidence, resilience, and connection, and she is passionate about creating an inclusive environment where people of all fitness levels feel supported, challenged, and empowered. That early connection to movement continues to fuel her desire to uplift others and help them experience the same sense of strength and self-belief. She focuses on building strength from the inside out, combining intentional movement, education, and mindset to help people thrive in all areas of life.
Maral teaches a wide range of high-energy group fitness classes known for their motivating atmosphere and results-driven programming. She teaches at Humber Polytechnic within the Fitness & Health Promotion program, delivering hands-on practical courses and group exercise leadership classes, while supporting and mentoring the next generation of fitness professionals. She also works one-on-one with clients, providing personalized training focused on strength, conditioning, functional movement, and long-term sustainability. In addition to coaching, Maral hosts fitness events and workshops that bring people together through movement and community.
At the core of her philosophy is a simple belief: dreaming sets the vision, but action creates results. Through her authenticity, energy, and commitment, Maral inspires others to take action and unlock their potential, one powerful workout at a time.
