I’m Ryan

I’m Ryan Sztuhar, a certified personal trainer based in Abbotsford, Canada. I help 20 - 40 year olds males and females in the Fraser Valley (Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission) lose body fat and build muscle so that they can achieve their dream body and get into the best shape of their life.

Who I Work with

I work with busy professionals just like you who don’t always have time to make it to the gym. I specialize in training doctors, healthcare workers, postpartum moms, people with busy young families, young upcoming pro athletes, seniors with disabilities (like MS or Parkinson’s), and frequent travelers who need digital accountability while they are away on work trips.

If you're struggling to find a trusted source who delivers results, brings a positive attitude, and truly stays in your corner—you’ve come to the right place. My approach is all about showing up for you every step of the way, whether we’re moving forward or working through setbacks.

Perhaps you: 

  • Need direction, guidance, and support staying consistent with fitness. 

  • Have a big event coming up, like a wedding, where you know life-long photos are being taken. 

  • Are training for a big competition or marathon.

  • An up-and-coming young athlete who wants to improve their gains.  

  • Feel sluggish on a daily basis and want to up your energy levels. 

  • Have past injuries and need proper rehabilitation. 

  • Are not enjoying your life because you need to lose weight. 

  • Work and family life always gets in the way, so you don’t have time for the gym on your own. And, perhaps don’t have the external motivation and support to keep you going whenever you try on your own.

My approach

With me, you’ll get a personalized training plan tailored to your goal, clear guidance on what it takes to get there, and dedicated support through 1:1 in-person sessions.

Unlike others, my approach is driven by data and science. Instead of standing on a scale and looking at one overall number in pounds, we’ll use an In-Body scan for an initial assessment to figure out your exact muscle mass and fat percentages, then set a precise goal to scale those figures up or down. Next, we go back to your goal and I’ll devise a timeline and exercise plan—whether it’s an aesthetic one (like losing weight in your midsection or getting a bigger butt), or lifestyle one (like being more capable and confident, having more energy, or looking and feeling stronger) or a performance once (getting ready for a competition or having more explosive movement in your pro sport).   Lastly, if you're looking for nutritional guidance, I’ll help you get started with a simple app where we can both track and assess your nutrient intake.

Something else that makes my work different is that you’ll have a well-rounded personal training program with movements that support both your exact goal and your lifestyle, including mobility and flexibility. My approach is not stagnant like pure bodybuilding or strength training—for example, you might imagine doing endless bicep curls when you think about working with a personal trainer in a dark gym at 6am. Instead, we incorporate full-body movements that go beyond just weight loss and fat burning. You’ll be doing a variety of exercises using different types of equipment (kettle bells, weighted balls, etc) to keep every session fresh while focusing on functionality—mobility, explosiveness, stability, and core strength.

Lastly, my leadership style is earnest, generous, supportive, and open-minded. Consider me as your crutch to lean on through both wins and losses. In our work together, it’s about small mindset shifts to open up to possibilities, help you see what’s possible for you that perhaps you didn’t believe before, and making small mental adjustments that build real confidence. In my approach, we target small goals, celebrate the small wins, see the bright side of things and look at the cup half full. With me, you’ll always have someone in your corner.

 

Background

With 6+ years of experience working in gyms and 15+ years of experience in competitive sports like football and hockey—including college-level football and provincial all-star recognition—I’ve built a deep understanding of performance, injury recovery, and athletic development. I’ve dealt with my own injuries, including AC joint issues and concussions, which gave me firsthand insight into how to support others through their fitness journeys. 

I'm a certified personal trainer with additional certifications in weight training, fitness theory, group training, and Hyrox. I’ve worked in a wide range of environments, from boutique fitness studios and community gyms to high-level team training camps for football and hockey. I’ve also learned valuable life lessons through hands-on work in trades like plumbing, heavy equipment operation, and dock construction, as well as from flying planes solo during flight school. I’ve coached, trained, and led in many roles—tent guide, tree planter, community organizer, and more. 

In 2024, I completed a 50K ultra marathon on Grouse Mountain and won first place in a natural bodybuilding competition. I’m not a certified nutritionist yet, but I have a strong foundation in clean eating and practical, results-driven coaching. Just like the variety of jobs I’ve worked, I’ve connected with a wide range of clients—and I bring that same adaptability, discipline, and passion to every session.

I’ve trained all kinds of people—from seniors with MS who I physically help move from their chairs, to kids in youth summer camps. This range of experience has taught me patience, adaptability, and how to meet people where they’re at, both physically and mentally.

Notable Client Work

  • Clients with disabilities

    Trained clients with MS and Parkinson’s.

  • Pro Athletes

    Trained professional athletes in football, hockey, and boxing (including fight prep)

  • Mission Stars Hockey Program

    Worked with the Mission Stars hockey program

  • The Fitness Lab

    Collaborated with The Fitness Lab to build community and lead training initiatives

  • Fraser Valley Thunderbirds

    Involved in performance development with the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds Hockey Organization

  • Massive weight Loss

    Helped one client achieve a massive personal weight transformation in losing 40 - 50 lbs

  • Junior Athletes

    Trained up and coming youth with their eyes set on being a pro athletes.

  • Youth Camps

    Supported training at local camps.

  • Everyday clients just like you

    I help folks who have a hard time getting into the gym—like doctors, busy professionals, and postpartum moms.

Through my journey, I found a passion for working out and supporting individuals in their quest.

How I Got into Personal Training

I got into personal fitness because I wanted a change in my life. I was going through a phase where many things were shifting—my dog passed away, I split with my girlfriend, and I was working a job I didn’t like. I wanted to stop all of that and start building better habits, confidence, and strength. I also wanted to make a living doing something I absolutely loved—improving people’s lives with the fitness experience I had. I wanted to fill my time with valuable, meaningful work and feel good on the inside. More than that, I wanted to have the internal confidence to chase the goals I wanted, break down my boundaries, and have the mindset that whatever comes to mind, I believe: “I can do that.”

What I do outside the gym

I’m a big family guy who enjoys staying active—whether it’s hiking, exploring nature, or getting my own workouts in. I love golf, classic 70s and 80s music, and a good steak paired with clean, natural eating. I typically fast in the mornings—I'm not the type to be eating chicken and rice at 6 a.m.—and I believe in fueling my body with good, clean food. I’ve got a passion for flying planes, crypto, and always learning something new. I like to stay present and off my phone as much as possible.

what others have to say about working with me

kind words

“There's a fire in me now that had long since burned out.”

Private Client

“There's a confidence + a resilience in me that I haven't felt in over 25 years.”

Private Client

“I am a new version of myself. I would not have been able to do that if I worked out on my own.”

Private Client

“I gained 15 pounds of lean muscle + feel stronger than ever before.”

Private Client

Learn about My services

  • Private sessions based in the Fraser Valley with a plan customized to you.

  • Buy a pre-build program and do it on your own.