Hello, I'm Coach Raf

I’m a father, a husband, a coffee and whiskey lover, and the co-founder of LIFT Collective. I’m passionate about making the fitness industry better than when I started, which inspired the vision for LIFT.

My Story

I was born in Poland and moved to Canada with my single mother. Growing up in an immigrant family taught me resilience and the value of hard work.

My path into fitness began from struggle. I was overweight, depressed, and felt hopeless. Overcoming that challenge inspired my mission to help others avoid feeling the way I once did. “Movement is medicine” is the foundation of my approach.

I specialize in Kinstretch, functional movement, and nervous system-based training, focusing on joint integrity and foundational movement patterns to keep clients strong, mobile, and injury-free. I’ve also developed a niche with equestrian athletes, improving mobility, strength, and performance on and off the saddle.

I am a certified personal trainer (CPT), Kinstretch Level II instructor, FRC mobility specialist, RKC kettlebell instructor, and Precision Nutrition coach, and I continually pursue continuing education. Alongside coaching clients, I mentor new fitness professionals to raise industry standards.

When I’m not teaching or coaching, I enjoy Disney movies with my wife and daughter and planning our next magical vacation.

Certifications & Professional Development

Kinstretch Instructor – Level I & II
Functional Range Strength Coach (FRSC)
Functional Range Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
Functional Range Assessment (FRA) Certified
Functional Release Technique – Upper Extremity
Pain-Free Performance Specialist
PPSC Kettlebell Instructor
USAW Olympic Weightlifting Coach
Certified RKC Kettlebell Instructor
Animal Flow Level 1
Functional Movement Screen Level 1 & 2
Stick Mobility Level 1
Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1
Precision Nutrition Coach Level 1
DVRT Level 1
Rocktape, Rockpods, IASTM Certified
Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 1 & 2
Functional Breathing Screen & Certified Y Balance + Functional Capacity Screen