Michael Pineault has been a devoted advocate of health and wellness for most of his life. After studying Mobility and Fitness and Health Promotion at Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology, Pineault founded a personal training and Fascial Stretch Therapy studio based out of Nepean, Ontario. At this studio, Michael and his staff offer a variety of packages that aim to improve health and wellness. Their services cover everything from weight loss, including wellness coaching and nutritional counselling, to muscle gain, to specialized athletic training for competitive athletes. In addition to these traditional options, the studio offers Fascial Stretch Therapy, which is beneficial for everyone, from serious athletes to those going through physical therapy. Fascial Stretch Therapy was created in 1995 after professional dancer Ann Frederick joined the world of fitness, and has since evolved into a complete mind-body therapy system that provides pain relief, enhanced fitness and sports performance, and an enhanced quality of life. The technique employs a unique system of assisted table-based stretching. Fascial Stretch Therapy focuses on the fascia (the connective fibers beneath the skin) and joint capsules as the key elements in achieving optimal flexibility, strength, performance and pain relief. The technique offers significantly increased results in terms of performance and range of motion when compared to traditional static stretching. When Michael Pineault is not pursuing his passion for personal training, fitness, and health and wellness, he spends his time contributing to charitable organizations in his local community. One of his most notable endeavors involves the Ride To Conquer Cancer Program, a two-day bike trek through the picturesque countryside of Ontario, from Toronto to Niagara falls. The journey his team completes reaches over 150 kilometers per day. The annual fundraiser supports Toronto’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, which is one of the top cancer research centers in the world. Michael rides for Marina and Veronica, his grandmother and close friend, both of whom lost their battles to cancer. His team has raised over $500,000 for the charity in the five-plus years he has participated. Last year, in addition to the ride, Michael Pineault and friends organized a fun-spirited drag show to support the cause, with the full proceeds of ticket sales going to the charity, and contests that involved the audience contributing to the on-stage performers. The event was a roaring success, raising more than double its goal. Michael also contributes his time every year to the Caring and Sharing Exchange, an Ottawa-based charity that boxes up meals and provides redeemable gift cards to families in need during the holidays. The Christmas Exchange Program has been active for almost 100 years, and in 2013, the organization helped nearly 6,000 families. When Michael is not devoting his time to health and wellness and giving back to the community, he enjoys woodworking, sports, and dog training. He is currently working on training his dog to become a search and rescue canine.