Ian Merli (he/him)
Bio
Fitness, specifically lifting weights, is one of the handful of things that I can point to that have completely changed my life for the better.
I grew up not feeling very good about myself, from a physical and mental standpoint. My first experience with weight training was at 17 years old in a high school weights class. Where I was afraid to look weak and fail in front of my peers. My self confidence was so low that I didn’t try or give much effort. But I think deep down I did enjoy it. I was eighteen years old when I got my first gym membership, then my journey really began. Through trial and error over the first two years, I learned a little bit about what worked for me, but was still clueless as to what health and fitness truly was. My girlfriend at the time, now wife, told me I should go to school for something fitness related. Years later with a bachelors degree in exercise science, and a general but practical knowledge of how the body works and moves, I was ready to help others from what I learned.
I started training people and realized the book smarts didn’t tell the whole story. It didn’t tell me about the mental emotional experiences people had in gyms. It didn’t tell me why someone’s knees and back hurt when they go upstairs. It didn’t tell me how people add a couple of hours a week of fitness into already busy schedules. Schooling didn’t teach me how to build trust with a stranger, build a rapport and relationships with other humans through strength training. Or anything about the lives they’ve lived that have lead them to me.
I’ve now spent the past 8 years training a wide variety of humans and listening to them about what feels good and what doesn’t. What they like and what they don’t. Learning to blend the academic side of exercise science with the personal side that we all have into fitness that can be done over a lifetime.
I myself now have been exercising for the last 17 years, and I’m still learning about my body as it’s changed from an 17 year old kid who wanted to look a certain way. To a young adult who wanted to lift all the weights and push my body to its limits. To now exercising so I can be able to lift my son on my shoulders. To get on the floor and play with both of my sons. To lift my baby in the car seat, while carrying a diaper bag and groceries, then carrying my older son in the house who fell asleep in the car. And maybe most importantly to set an example for them so they can see what it looks like to take care of the one body they get.
Im still learning how to make fitness a priority in my life. As life keeps changing and evolving; with taking care of my boys, playing with them. Making and finding time to date my wife. Carving out time for myself, making time daily to journal and meditate, working on my mental health. Then maybe taking a moment to decompress by myself by playing some video games. I know finding a balance is hard. Being able to pivot and change is key. Knowing yourself in your own journey, while not defining yourself, giving yourself space to grow.
My goal is to work with you, collaborating with you to find what fitness looks like for you. Where you feel comfortable and confident. A schedule that is flexible and sustainable. I believe health and fitness is a right all humans should have, and should have over our whole life.
Whether your goals are strength, mobility, or easing discomfort, I’ll meet you where you are and walk alongside you—encouraging, challenging, and supporting you every step of the way. If you’re interested in scheduling a complimentary session with Ian, text (360) 798-4044 or email ijm2092@gmail.com with your available time and days for movement, goals, and a brief summary of experience and/or concerns!
Lucas Walters
I’ve been training with Ian Merli at The Do Better Fitness Studio in Vancouver, and the transformation has been incredible. When I started, I just wanted to get stronger and feel better in my own skin. What I didn’t expect was how much consistency, strength, and stamina I’d build along the way.
I’m moving more weight than I ever thought I could, I have more energy throughout the day, and I deal with far fewer aches and pains. On top of that, I’ve been able to stick with it—3 days a week, every week, from 7–8 AM—which is something I never thought I’d say about a workout routine.
But the real difference has been Ian himself. He’s not just a coach—he’s a motivator, a sounding board, and honestly, like family. He pushes me when I need it, listens when I need to talk, and celebrates every win right alongside me. He’s helped me completely change not only how I look, but how I feel.
If you’re serious about getting stronger, healthier, and more consistent, you need to get into the studio and train with Ian. He’s made a huge difference in my life, and I know he can do the same for you.
