Meet Raf
Founder | Pain-Free Movement Specialist | Equestrian Athlete Coach
Raf is the head coach and co-founder of LIFT Collective, where he oversees programming for all clients and mentors the coaching team. With over 15 years of experience in the fitness and movement industry, his approach focuses on building strength through movement quality, joint health, and progressive training.
Specializing in Kinstretch, functional movement, and nervous system-based training, Raf helps clients develop resilient bodies that support both performance and everyday life.
My Story
I was born in Poland and moved to Canada with my single mother. Growing up in an immigrant household taught me resilience and the value of hard work early on.
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My path into fitness began during a time when I was struggling with my own health. I was overweight, dealing with depression, and felt disconnected from my body. Discovering strength training and movement became a turning point in my life and completely changed how I viewed both physical and mental health.
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That experience shaped the philosophy that guides my coaching today. I believe movement is medicine, and that building strength and mobility can profoundly change how people feel in their bodies and in their lives.
Over the years I’ve dedicated my work to helping people bridge the gap between rehabilitation and strength training. Whether someone is recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or simply trying to feel stronger and more capable, the goal is always the same: build a body that is durable, adaptable, and confident in movement.
Training & Teaching
At LIFT Collective, Raf oversees all client programming and mentors the coaching team to ensure thoughtful, consistent training for every client.
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He has been recognized three times as one of Canada’s Top Trainers by Impact Magazine.
In addition to coaching clients, Raf teaches strength and mobility concepts within yoga teacher training programs and contributes to personal training certification courses, helping educate the next generation of fitness professionals.
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Over the past several years he has also developed a niche working with equestrian athletes, helping riders improve mobility, strength, and body control to better support the demands of riding.
Certifications
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Kinstretch Instructor – Level I & II
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Functional Range Strength Coach (FRSC)
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Functional Range Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
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Functional Range Assessment (FRA) Certified
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Functional Release Technique – Upper Extremity
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Pain-Free Performance Specialist
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PPSC Kettlebell Instructor
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USAW Olympic Weightlifting Coach
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Certified RKC Kettlebell Instructor
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Animal Flow Level 1
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Functional Movement Screen Level 1 & 2
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Stick Mobility Level 1
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Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1
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Precision Nutrition Coach Level 1
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DVRT Level 1
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Rocktape, Rockpods, IASTM Certified
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Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 1 & 2
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Functional Breathing Screen & Certified Y Balance + Functional Capacity Screen
Training Philosophy
Raf’s coaching approach focuses on building strong movement foundations first. By improving joint health, mobility, and control, clients develop the strength and resilience needed to train consistently and move confidently.
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The goal is not just to perform better in the gym, but to build a body that can adapt to the demands of everyday life and sport.