Avos Strength is a Vancouver-based strength and conditioning company providing individualized coaching for both athletes and everyday clients.
Founded by Evelyn Calado, a Registered Kinesiologist with a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia, Avos Strength delivers structured, evidence-informed training programs designed to improve strength, movement quality, and long-term physical resilience.
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18 customer reviews
Jim decarle
I met Evelyn almost 3yrs ago when I was noticing I was not as strong as I once was and was losing muscle. I previously had worked with the best trainers in Vancouver whose attention to detail in form and program design was second to none so was thrilled when I found her.
I have added 17lbs of muscle and lift more than I did when I was in my 40’s.
If you are looking to train in a safe, controlled environment then Avos is the place to be.
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Jamie
Evelyn is an exceptional coach, and trainer who is data driven, precise, and very perceptive. She quickly spots subtle form issues, and is quick to correct. She’s consistent, and goal oriented, and always has a plan that supports both short-term performance and long-term health. Evelyn is a lifelong learner, keeping up to date with the latest in Kin. I strongly recommend to A-type clients who want a coach invested you, and looking out for your long-term progress. More...
Alannah
Evelyn is a dedicated coach and trainer, always educating herself and striving for better knowledge in her field. She is awesome with beginner/mid range (like me) clients as well as high level athletes and everything in between. Could not recommend more highly.
Chrystal
Started with Avos Strength because of tightness and discomfort in my neck and shoulder area. After a full assessment, Evelyn designed a full-body program to help address some of the asymmetries in my posture and in my body in general.
She customized the program to work with the equipment I have at home and adapted the exercises to suit my fitness level. She changes up the exercises each month to keep things challenging and interesting.
One year later, and I feel younger. The tightness and discomfort in my neck and shoulder area are completely gone. My posture has noticeably improved, as has my strength. I am surprised by how much easier it is for me to move during dance and golf and life in general. My perception of my body and my abilities is also changing and I look forward to feeling even stronger as I continue to work with the Avos team.
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Mack C
I was dealing with back pain from a bulged disk in my spine for many years. Was at the point where I thought I needed surgery.
I did a few months of 1 on 1 with Evelyn and then on my own worth a program she had created for me. Within 4 months I was back feeling great with her guidance!
I would highly recommend her to anybody from a beginner to an expert. She has the best understanding and is incredibly personable!
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David Minichiello
Evelyn coached me in boxing for the better part of a year in 2020-21. Because of her experience as a boxer, I learned a lot and saw frequent improvement. She was very patient and encouraging, flexible and adaptable to what I wanted versus following her own agenda, but she did not hold back from needed course correction. More than a coach, she was and is a teacher. Most especially, I had fun! More...
Marcia Pitch
At 74 years old, I began my strength training journey with Evelyn Calado. Training twice a week, I saw it as an investment in my future. Now, at 77, the results have surpassed my expectations. My bone density has increased, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Beyond physical health, I've experienced improved mobility, stamina, and sleep quality. In fact, I recently defeated someone 30 years younger than me in an arm wrestle. My posture has also improved, and I haven't faced any major health issues. This journey has taught me the importance of staying active and investing in my well-being. It's never too late to start! More...
Kevin Gass
I’ve worked with Evelyn five years and counting and it’s life changing in terms of fitness and agility. Best of all it’s translated to sports I play such as golf, squash (especially) and cycling. Evelyn’s programs are tailored to your needs and age - nothing off the shelf. She is a personal trainer who customizes to the individual. My highest recommendation! More...
Alexander G
I've had the pleasure of training with Evelyn for several years, and I can confidently say that she is one of the best strength and conditioning coaches out there.
Her knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm are inspiring, and I saw progress and results under her guidance.
Evelyn is not only incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of strength training, but she is also an excellent communicator and teacher. She always took the time to explain the reasoning behind each exercise or technique and ensured that I fully understood each step of the process. Her attention to detail and form is impressive, and I always felt safe and supported during each training session.
What sets Evelyn apart from other coaches is her ability to tailor each session to my individual needs and goals. She took the time to understand my strengths, weaknesses, and limitations, and created a personalized program that was challenging yet achievable. She constantly pushed me to reach my potential, but also knew when to adjust the intensity and volume to prevent burnout or injury.
Overall, I highly recommend Evelyn to anyone looking to improve their strength, fitness, and overall health. Her expertise, passion, and commitment to her clients make her an exceptional coach and an asset to the fitness industry. Thank you, Evelyn, for everything!
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Rochelle Magnaye
Personal Trainers
Evelyn is an amazing personal trainer! Her in-depth knowledge and tailored workouts have been instrumental in helping me achieve my fitness goals, especially in preparing for my wedding. Right from the start, Evelyn took the time to understand my goals and assess my fitness level. She listened to all my concerns, particularly about my chronic neck pain, and incorporated specific workouts to help my neck pain go away. Evelyn's customized workout plans not only helped me achieve my fitness goals, but I also feel confident and look great for my wedding day! Highly recommend! More...
Max Becker-Pos
I've been training with Evelyn for the better part of a year. I'm super pleased with my results. Evelyn is exactly what I'd always wanted in a trainer for several important reasons. First, she knows how to keep changing the stimulus so that I continue to see progress and stay motivated, without stagnating or hitting a plateau. Second, I'm a very active hockey player and Evelyn carefully designs my program around the sport, targeting precisely the right exercises to help me perform better and reduce the risk of injury on the ice. Finally, and best of all, after decades of strength training but never really knowing how to do deadlifts, Evelyn has got me deadlifting a weight I would not have imagined possible. The deadlift is an amazing and deeply gratifying exercise when it's done right and I love the way it has transformed my appearance, poise, and strength. I had always been afraid to approach deads because I never really knew how to do them properly and was afraid of getting injured. No longer. Six stars out of five! More...
Kirsten
Personal Trainers
Evelyn is an incredible strength & conditioning coach. My husband and I have been working with her for almost a year, but started seeing noticeable results within 2 - 3 months. My husband was a professional athlete and S&C coach himself, so we had a high bar going into our search for a trainer. Evelyn surpassed our expectations on every measure. She has helped us get stronger, healthier, and we just love the time we get to spend with her. I recommend her to all my friends and family. More...
Jess A.
I have been training with Evelyn for more than 3 years. Before her I had made it 2 or 3 appointments with a trainer, then quit. Evelyn has an incredible amount of expertise and will tailor a program to your needs - not only will she get you strong, but she will improve your functionality and your ability to move your body in the world. She is an exceptional professional in an industry full of charlatans. If you work with her you will see results. More...
Richard
Evelyn is an excellent trainer, helping me get back into improving my physical fitness and range of motion after far too long out of a gym. She's patient, immensely knowledgeable, and always enthusiastic. A great coach for someone getting into (or back into) fitness. More...
Maggie
Evelyn is my strength & conditioning coach. She is amazing! She has designed a training program that is perfectly suited for my fitness level & age. I have been able to become stronger on a daily basis without any injuries. She is personable & genuinely interested in her clients progress. I would highly recommend her. More...
Melanie Johnson
I have been training with Evelyn for over 6 years. Over these years, Evelyn has created sport specific programs for me, reviewed workouts designed for my national team and suggested modifications for me based on my needs and has created a very innovative program when I broke my hand so I could continue to strength train. Evelyn always brings a lively energy to my sessions and provides excellent tips and cues for all my exercises so I get the most out of them and minimize the chance of injury. Evelyn has a wealth of knowledge and is able to adapt exercises as needed depending on what gym equipment I have available to ensure a strength-training program achieves its objectives. More...
Jess Abells
I have been training with Evelyn for almost 3 years. Before her I had made it 2 or 3 appointments with a trainer, then quit. Evelyn has an incredible amount of expertise and will tailor a program to your needs - not only will she get you strong, but she will improve your functionality and your ability to move your body in the world. She is an exceptional professional in an industry full of charlatans. If you work with her you will see results. More...
Hunter
Evelyn is very fun to work with. I have been working with her for more than 2 years. She finds out what my needs are, I. e. rehabbing from an injury, strengthening certain muscle for specific sport activity or conditioning, and designs a program that works for me. All I have to do is to show up and do the work. She also checks in with me before and after each session, ensuring how my body is doing. She constantly improves her knowledge base and look for more efficient and effective exercises for me. She cares about her clients and wants them to succeed! More...
How do you help your clients achieve their fitness goals?
Every client at Avos Strength begins with an Initial Assessment so we can understand your training history, movement patterns, goals, and any injuries or limitations.
From there we build a personalized training plan designed around your schedule, your experience level, and the equipment you have access to. Our coaching focuses on building strength, improving movement mechanics, and creating training habits that are sustainable long term.
Whether you're new to training or looking to improve performance, our coaching team provides structured guidance and accountability so you can progress safely and consistently.
What’s the secret to getting the body of your dreams?
There isn’t a secret.
Real results come from consistency, patience, and a willingness to commit to the process. Strength and body composition changes take time, and the most successful clients focus on building sustainable habits rather than chasing quick fixes.
At Avos Strength we focus on structured training, progressive overload, and building confidence in the gym so that clients develop long-term results that last well beyond a short-term transformation.
What do you love most about your job?
I love seeing people discover what they are capable of.
Some of the best moments are when a client lifts something they never thought they could, moves without pain for the first time in years, or walks into the gym feeling confident and excited to train.
Strength training has a powerful impact not just physically but mentally. Watching clients develop confidence, independence, and a genuine enjoyment of training is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Avos Strength was inspired by the strength and resilience of my grandmothers.
The name “Avos” comes from the Portuguese word Avós, meaning grandparents. Both of my grandmothers faced pancreatic cancer with incredible courage, and their strength deeply influenced how I view health and resilience.
I wanted to create a coaching environment where people could build that same sense of strength and confidence through training. Avos Strength was founded on the belief that strength training should support people throughout their lives, helping them move well, stay active, and continue doing the things they love.
Why should our clients choose you?
Avos Strength combines professional coaching experience with a strong foundation in movement science.
I am a Registered Kinesiologist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with over a decade of coaching experience, and our coaching team operates within a structured training system designed to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Clients choose Avos Strength because they want individualized coaching, thoughtful programming, and a supportive environment that prioritizes long-term progress rather than quick fixes.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes. We work with both in-person and remote clients.
Remote coaching begins with a virtual Initial Assessment so we can understand your goals, training history, and available equipment. From there we design a customized training program that you can follow at your own gym or home setup.
Many clients choose hybrid coaching, combining occasional in-person sessions with structured programming they follow independently. This allows clients to maintain consistency while still receiving professional guidance and program design.
Strength and Conditioning
Strength training built around your goals, movement history, and injury background.
At Avos Strength we focus on building strong foundations first. Every program is personalized to your needs and designed to improve strength, movement mechanics, and long-term resilience.
Training is treated as a skill. Our goal is to help you move better, get stronger, and develop the confidence and consistency needed to make training a lifelong practice.
Personal Training
Personalized one-on-one strength training designed around your goals, schedule, and experience level. Sessions focus on building strength, improving movement quality, and creating sustainable training habits that support long-term results.
Clients are matched with the coach on our team who best fits their goals and availability.
Injury-Aware Strength Training
Strength training for individuals managing previous injuries or returning to exercise after time away from training. Programs emphasize movement quality, progressive strength development, and safe long-term progress.
Our coaching approach prioritizes proper mechanics and individualized programming to help clients train confidently and reduce injury risk.
Program Design
Custom strength and conditioning programs designed specifically for you.
Whether you train at home or in a gym, programs are built around your goals, experience level, equipment access, and training history. Programming is delivered through an app that allows you to track progress, communicate with your coach, and receive feedback.
Hybrid Training
A combination of custom programming and periodic coaching sessions.
Hybrid training includes individualized program design along with 1–4 coaching sessions per month to review technique, update programming, and ensure continued progress. Sessions can be done either in person or virtually.
Youth Training
Strength and athletic development for youth athletes.
Sessions focus on building strong movement foundations through jumping, landing, coordination, change of direction, and strength training. Programs help young athletes improve performance while reducing injury risk.
Boxing
Learn the fundamentals of boxing or refine your technical skills with experienced coaching.
Sessions combine skill development, conditioning, and coordination training to create a challenging and engaging workout. Suitable for beginners or those looking to improve their technique.