Hi, I’m Nicole Yamanaka!
Movement. Nature. Connection…and some laughs for good measure.
For the past 26 years, I’ve been deeply committed to the field of health and fitness as a Kinesiologist and personal trainer. For almost 20 years, I ran a thriving boutique personal training studio in the heart of Vancouver, helping clients move better, feel stronger, and find confidence in their bodies. I had a brilliant team of clinicians and therapists, and an amazing family of clients. My motto was always “no one cares what you know, unless they know how much you care.” That, and “if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.”
By all accounts, I had “made it.” But something was missing.
In 2020, I lost my soul dog—my best friend, my shadow, (named Shadow), my teacher in unconditional love. His passing changed everything. It made me pause, reflect, and ask: What truly makes me happy?
The answer? Authentic relationships. Self-expression. Contribution.
While I loved what I did, I realized the pressure of running a bricks-and-mortar clinic and gym, the demands of being a business owner, wearing multiple hats, buried in administrative work had taken me away from my calling of helping people…from seeing the spark light up in their eyes when they realized they COULD do “the thing,” or excitedly tell me about zip-lining and seeing gorillas on a life-long dream of a mountain hiking expedition (true story!)
So I sold my business and followed my heart.
Wellness was never about crazy hard workouts, bulging muscles, running 20km at 4am and adhering to rigid meal plans.
It’s about feeling alive, connected, and free to be yourself. It’s about moving in ways that feel joyful, surrounding yourself with things that you love, and embracing the things that bring you real happiness.
At Coral Mountain, I combine my Kinesiology background, coaching experience, and deep love for nature to help clients rediscover movement, mindfulness, and connection in a way that feels natural and never forced.
I incorporate principles from activities such as rock climbing, hiking, martial arts, pole dancing, yoga and Pilates to help you explore what’s possible, try something different and have a little more fun.
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy’s Guides and programs is the most experienced global leader in Forest Therapy Guide Training. Their programs draw from the latest medical research, new developments in the field of nature connection and ancient traditions.
All ANFT guides also hold Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications.
PaRx Connectors program is a national initiative of BC Parks Foundation’s PaRx program, to help bridge the gap between someone receiving a nature prescription and confidently acting on it to connect with nature for their health.
I believe in:
🌿 Gentle, joyful movement (because fitness should feel good, not like a punishment)
🐾 Honoring our connection to nature and animals (I’m a passionate environmentalist and vegetarian!)
📖 The magic of books, philosophy, and deep conversations
🎭 The power of self-expression (I’m also a cosplayer—because we should all have a little fun!)
🌙 Living in alignment with what truly makes us happy
I’m an introvert who loves people, loves to laugh and a firm believer that wellness should be fun, freeing, and maybe even a little bit magical.
If you’re looking for a different approach to movement, health, and self-care—one that honours you exactly as you are—I’d love to connect.
The BCAK educates and informs on the practice of kinesiology and how a kinesiologist can serve to enhance the health and wellness of the public through evidence-informed prevention and treatment strategies.
All BCAK Practicing Kinesiologists in good standing must have a minimum 4 year bachelors degree in Kinesiology and participate in yearly continuing education requirements.
