Darren Mehling, BA, CSCS

Competition Prep Expert

Strength & Conditioning Specialist

ABOUT US.

Together, our team of coaches have a combined 90 years in the fitness industry. We have helped thousands of people achieve their health, fitness, and competition goals. As athletes and coaches, we teach from experience, and we know what it takes to make you a champion on stage, and achieve personal excellence in your life.

Our coaching has proven to be one of the most effective ways to prepare for physique competitions in the world. We have helped our competition Freak family earn 1117 physique competition top–3 awards, from regional to Professional level, and 41 IFBB Pro card qualifications.

But we realize that your goals may not include stepping on stage. We understand that it’s not for everyone. You may want to enhance your performance in the gym or on the field. You may want to improve your confidence the boardroom and the bedroom. You want to walk on the beach and actually want people to look at you and admire you. You want to feel damn proud of what you have under that shirt!

Well, a big part of our Freak family’s success comes from our belief that everyone deserves the best plan possible to achieve your fitness & performance goals. We know that achieving your goals requires physical, mental, and emotional commitment, so we do more than just provide you with a diet and training program. We offer guidance and support for all of those aspects in your life that can influence your progress. Not only does this process get better over time, it’s actually one of the reasons why Freak Fitness clients stay for years, and how we’ve become a “FREAK Family.” It’s not just because of the results. It’s also because of the positive relationships that develop. We will always be on your side and always have your best interests as our only priority. We understand what your goals are, and why you do not settle for “average.”

Work with us, become part of the Freak family, and you will realize your true potential. Discover what you can achieve when you are provided with the proper guidance and a supportive community. See how it feels to be the center of attention everywhere you go, how it feels to accomplish what you previously thought was impossible, and discover what it feels like to be a FREAK!

Darren Mehling, BA, CSCS

Competition Prep Expert

Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Christina Mehling, IFBB Pro

Hair & Make Up Specialist

Competition Spray Tan Expert

ASSISTANT PREP COACHES

Denise Fann

MFC-CPT

Denise has always been actively involved in sports and fitness since an early age. She knows first-hand how much hard work and dedication it takes to become an high-level athlete. Denise is known for pushing past her physical limits daily. When she sets a goal for herself, in or out of the gym, she makes no excuses, she finds a way to get everything done. Denise lives the Freak Fitness lifestyle 24/7, 365 days. There is no “off-season” for her.

Denise began her fitness competition journey in 2007 where she competed in the Women‘s Fitness Division in her home town of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She then took a few years off to work on her physique and had new goals in mind. Denise then switched to Women’s Figure and hit the stage again in 2012 and 2013. She placed second in both shows and although she was happy with that accomplishment she wanted to challenge herself further. When the Women’s Physique Division was introduced, it sparked her interest. Denise decided to try her hand at that and competed in Novice again and placed second at that show as well second at the Provincial Championships in 2014. In 2015, Denise placed 6th in her National debut. She then returned to Provincials in 2017 and won her class, the best poser award and took the Overall title. She continues today to work hard to achieve an IFBB Pro-Card!

Denise feels fortunate to have been able to transform her passion for physique and fitness into a career as a certified personal trainer and we are honored to have Denise as an Assistant Prep Coach at Freak Fitness. She wants to use her knowledge and experience to help you achieve your personal and competition goals!

Shelly Paton

IFBB Pro, CSEP-CPT

Shelly is an IFBB Pro residing in Winnipeg, MB. She is a full time certified personal trainer through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and has been teaching group fitness and personal training for over 30 years! She also holds a certification from Manitoba Fitness Council (MFC), as an evaluator of fitness leaders.

Fitness has always been her passion. Shelly started out very young in dancing and baton twirling. Once she stopped competing in those sports , Shelly missed the performance and the discipline of competing and having goals to reach towards. Competing in fitness just seemed to be the category for her!

Shelly became a 3 time national champion and earned a spot on Team Canada, placing 6th at the 2012 IFBB World Amateur Fitness Championships in Poland. In 2013, her dream of becoming an IFFB Pro came true when she won the Overall title at the CBBF Nationals!

Shelly brings a wealth of teaching /training experience and possess the enthusiasm for both teaching and competing, and we are proud to have her as an Assistant Prep Coach at Freak Fitness. She wants to help you achieve your goals and dreams, both on and off stage!!

Shelly Paton’s IFBB Pro competition history:

2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Fitness 7th

2014 IFBB Europa Phoenix Pro Fitness 12th

2015 IFBB Toronto Pro Fitness 10th

2016 IFBB North Carolina Europa Pro Fitness 9th

2016 IFBB Europa Phoenix Pro Fitness 8th

2017 IFBB Vancouver Pro Fitness 5th

2019 IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Pro Bikini 10th

Ashy Sunderji

ISSA-CPT, PN1

Ashy began her fitness journey in high school, training to build muscle and improve body recomposition, which lead to her growing passion for fitness. After Ashy competed in her first figure competition, she quickly advanced to the national stage. Ashy now competes at the national level, working towards earning her IFBB pro card.

Ashy grew up in Calgary Alberta, and has recently relocated to Toronto for the flourishing fitness community there. Growing up, Ashy was always involved in sports. She played soccer and field hockey at the national level and was the captain of every sports team she joined in junior high and high school.

Having been introduced to the fitness industry through bodybuilding and continuing to compete at the national level, Ashy has gained years of knowledge and experience to help her clients excel. Using various proven training methods, along with a focused nutrition plan, building muscle and body recomposition are what she trains for and has the most experience in. Having struggled with her weight growing up, it was important for her to learn how to manage her body composition for herself, and now to help others do the same. After weightlifting throughout high school, her passion grew, and Ashy knew this was her path. Her goal is to help others feel and look their best and be a mentor along their journeys.

Ashy has transformed many men’s and women’s lives worldwide through online coaching. With her passion for fitness and education, Ashy is excited to be a part of the Freak Fitness coaching team. Her personalized programs are designed to help her clients transform their bodies and minds, with a focus on nutrition, training, and mindset. Ashy believes that a healthy body and mind go hand in hand, so Ashy provides her clients with the tools and guidance they need to achieve their goals. She aims to empower and inspire her clients to not only achieve their fitness goals, but to also cultivate a healthy mindset and relationship with their body.

With her years of experience and passion for the industry, Ashy strives to provide her Freak Fitness clients with the knowledge, guidance, and support they need to reach their full potential, whether that be on stage or every day in life.

Charles Archibald

ISSA Elite Trainer

With nearly three decades of weight training under his belt, Charles remains a dynamic figure in the sports world, engaging in varied activities like skiing (a Level 2 instructor and Level 1 freestyle coach) and mountain biking. His accomplished career as an athlete spans from being an All-Star football player in high school to a two-time Provincial champion and a Provincial level high school fastball pitcher.

In 2015, Charles embarked on his bodybuilding journey, leading him to achieve national-level status in the sport. He also holds an ISSA Elite Trainer certification with specialized training in Personal Training, Nutrition, and Bodybuilding. His preparation for twelve bodybuilding competitions is a testament to his determination and dedication. Charles’ bodybuilding career highlights include first-place finishes in Masters Men's Bodybuilding and Masters Men's Classic Physique at the Vancouver Pro Qualifier in 2021, and third-place finishes at both the NPC North American Championships and CPA Canadian Nationals in 2022 for Men's Masters Classic Physique.

Charles is honored to serve as a Coach with the Freak Fitness family. Having been a client himself, he knows the level of commitment and dedication required from the coaches. He has firsthand experience of the invaluable support rendered by Darren and the entire team which transformed bodybuilding from an individual pursuit to a family endeavor. As a multi-skilled tradesman, Charles carries the unique perspective of prepping for competitions while living in work camps up north and hotels, demonstrating his understanding and empathy for professionals and tradesmen who often work away from home.

Charles’ passion for coaching has blossomed over the years, spurred on by his personal experiences and formal training as a bodybuilding specialist. He strives to apply different techniques and approaches gleaned from his own trial and error, ensuring that his coaching style remains adaptable and effective. Charles is excited about the prospect of guiding clients, whether they aim to present their best possible package on stage or simply lead a healthier, happier, and more productive lifestyle. Being a lifelong FREAK, Charles carries immense pride and looks forward to accompanying his clients on their transformative journeys.