--- title: "Muscle Is Medicine" entity: "funnel" canonical_url: "https://www.drshivaune.com/muscle-is-medicine" markdown_url: "https://www.drshivaune.com/llms/funnel/muscle-is-medicine" lastmod: "2026-06-13T03:26:45.979Z" --- # Muscle Is Medicine ## Entry: Learn To Lift Already a member? Login Go to Learn To Lift TEEN EDITION Go to Get Stronger Winter Semester enrolment is now closed! Please join the waiting list for our upcoming semesters; Spring Semester will run from the week of April 13th - June 15th 2026 Fall Semester will run from the week of September 14th - November 16th 2026 Join Waitlist ## Muscle is Medicine ## Learn to Lift is a 10-week, in-person, small group training program for women who want to get strong in midlife and beyond. ### Learn to lift weights safely, in a small group, private gym environment. ## Learn To Lift During this weekly small-group training, nutrition and lifestyle program will guide you to work with your changing hormones through the perimenopause transition and beyond, without the intimidating gym environment. Combining my background in high performance athletics, kinesiology, personal training and naturopathic medicine, I’m excited to bring a much needed program to fruition. ### Let me teach you… Why more muscle is the answer to most of your health problems, and how to build it How to fuel your body with a non-restrictive nutrition approach How to lift weights safely and with good form to avoid injury and get stronger for life The lifestyle strategies to support your changing physiology during this time of transition, and beyond ### Muscle IS Medicine. Join Waitlist ### This program is for women who: Are noticing body composition changes around peri/menopause Are intimidated by the gym environment Want to learn how to fuel their bodies in a healthy and non-restrictive manner Are confused about the fitness and nutrition messaging on the internet Know they need to lift weights but don’t know where to start Have been told they have insulin resistance, high blood sugar, metabolic syndrome, or otherwise need to exercise more for medical reasons Want to meet other like-minded women in a judgement-free fitness space ### Program Format 10 weekly small group training sessions at Bomb Fitness Exercise execution lessons Hands-on technique support Full body workouts Access to the growing library of resources specifically designed to help you navigate perimenopause and beyond, including audio recordings, summary pages, and bonus resources ### Program FAQs ## What is the program cost and do I need to pay up front? If you are a current patient of Shivaune’s, your total investment is $879. A $229 (plus HST) program fee payment is required up-front; a payment of $65 per session (HST exempt) is processed after each group session (for a total of $650). You will receive an invoice after each payment to submit to your insurance provider. Direct billing service is not provided for program sessions. If you're a returning Learn To Lift OR Get Stronger Athlete, your program fee is $79 (plus HST). If you are not already a patient of Shivaune’s, you will need to book a pre-program assessment at $195 (HST exempt). If you haven’t had a visit with Shivaune for 6 months or more, you will need to book a pre-program reassessment at $165 (HST exempt). Blood tests and supplements might be recommended in your pre-program assessment or throughout the program based on your individual needs, with varying costs, however you are not obligated to purchase them to continue with the program. ## Is the program covered by my insurance plan? Many extended insurance plans will cover the cost of naturopathic care. If you have employee benefits or third-party private insurance, it may cover all or part of the cost of group sessions. Following receipt of your payment after each session, you will be provided with an itemized receipt to submit to your insurance provider. For any amount not covered by your health insurance plan, you may be eligible to claim these on your income tax return as an eligible medical expense. Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed that health services provided by naturopathic doctors are eligible medical expenses. ## Where do the group sessions take place? Group training sessions will take place at Bomb Fitness at 862 Kingston Road. A weekly learning module will be sent to you each week for you to watch before each session. ## Do I need to attend every session? In order to gain maximum benefit from the program, it is highly recommended that you attend each group session. Since the space in the program is reserved for you, if you’re not able to attend a particular session, it is requested that you provide a minimum of 24-hours’ notice to avoid being charged a missed session fee equal to the session cost, ($65 plus HST). ## I have an active injury, can I still participate in the program? Since we are working in a group, we are not able to accommodate major injuries. If your injury is minor and you’ve been cleared to participate in modified physical activity you may participate. If you’re still unsure, please schedule a free 15 minute discovery call. Book a discovery call ## If I’m not yet in perimenopause, can I still participate? Absolutely. One of the goals of the program is to educate women about their bodies and what happens as hormones change when they transition through perimenopause into menopause, and it is my firm belief that the earlier in life we start building muscle, the better prepared we are when the time comes that we really need it. ## If I’m past menopause, can I still participate? Yes! The strategies we’re deploying are for women who are losing, or who have lost their own estrogen production. This natural decline in estrogen results in the loss of muscle mass, and so we need to create the right environment and provide the right stimulus for making muscle, and I’m excited to teach you how! ### Meet Your Coach ## Dr Shivaune Wright Dr. Shivaune is a Naturopathic Doctor with over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. Her journey started in high performance athletics as a teen doing competitive sprint canoe and kayak racing and swimming, cross training for which included weight lifting beginning at age 13. After completing her undergrad degree in Kinesiology and Phys Ed, she spent almost a decade as a Personal Trainer, and included working with everyone from competitive tennis athletes, weekend warriors to seniors. Alongside her clinical practice, Dr Shivaune knew she needed to bridge the gap between the reasons why women stick to the cardio machine and avoid the weight racks, hence the program series Muscle Is Medicine was born. Join Waitlist ## Step: Learn To Lift Teen # Learn to Lift ### TEEN EDITION ### A 4-week, bi-weekly in-person small-group program designed to create a safe, empowering environment where teen girls learn workout basics, develop strength, and build confidence that lasts a lifetime. Register Now ### Building Strong, Confident Girls — Inside and Outside the Gym Strength training early in life sets girls up for better bone health, confidence, and physical independence for years to come. Yet many teens avoid the weight room because it feels intimidating, confusing, or embarrassing . Learn To Lift for Teens provides a safe, supportive environment where girls learn proper technique, build strength, and gain confidence — without pressure or gym culture overwhelm. They leave knowing what to do, how to do it safely, and believing they belong in strength training for life . Not only is this program ideal for the non-athlete but is also an ideal off-season program for teen athletes looking to build resilience and support performance. ### Why Strength Training Matters for Teen Girls Strength training during adolescence is one of the most powerful investments in a girl’s long-term health . Up to 90% of peak bone mass is built by the late teen years, making this a critical window for improving bone density and reducing future fracture and osteoporosis risk. Beyond bone health, resistance training supports healthy body composition, joint stability, coordination, and injury prevention, while also improving confidence and self-efficacy . Research consistently shows that properly supervised strength training is safe and beneficial for teens, and can lower injury risk in sports while supporting mental well-being. When girls learn to lift with proper technique in a supportive environment, they don’t just get stronger — they develop the skills, confidence, and independence to care for their bodies for life. ### Program Details February 11th - March 13th, 2026 Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:45 pm - 4:30 pm Bomb Fitness at 862 Kingston Road Register Now ### Program FAQs ### Tell me about the Program Fees and Insurance Information Portions of this program may be eligible for extended health benefit reimbursement under naturopathic medicine. For this reason, each participant must be an active patient of Dr. Shivaune for the duration of the program. Please review the full fee structure carefully before registering. 1. Registration Fee $99 + HST* (one-time fee, per semester) 2. Active Patient Requirement All participants must be active patients of Dr. Shivaune. New patients are required to complete a pre-program assessment: $195 (HST-exempt, insurance eligible) Existing patients who have not had a visit with Dr. Shivaune in the past 6 months or more will require a reassessment: $165 (HST-exempt, insurance eligible) 3. Group Lifting Sessions Each group lifting session attended is billed at $55 per session (HST-exempt, insurance eligible) *The registration fee may be eligible for reimbursement through a health spending account, depending on your plan. Register Now ### Tell me about the Pre-Program Assessment Pre-program assessments are comprehensive, women’s-health-focused naturopathic visits with Dr. Shivaune, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. These visits may include discussion and support around: • Sleep • Nutrition • Menstrual health • Mental health • Digestion Where appropriate, recommendations may be made for blood work, supplements, and/or lifestyle changes. A written treatment summary will be provided and can be reviewed by parents or guardians prior to moving forward. Pre-program assessments are completed in-office at The Nook, located at 902 Kingston Road, and must be completed before the program start date. Blood tests and supplements may be recommended during the assessment or throughout the program based on individual needs. These services may involve additional costs; however, there is no obligation to purchase them in order to continue participating in the program. #### Where do the group sessions take place? Group training sessions will take place at Bomb Fitness at 862 Kingston Road. #### What happens if I have to miss a session? In order to gain maximum benefit from the program, it is highly recommended that you attend each group session. Since the space in the program is reserved for you, if you’re not able to attend a particular session, it is requested that you provide a minimum of 24-hours’ notice to avoid being charged a missed session fee equal to the session cost, ($55 plus HST). #### I have an active injury, can I still participate in the program? Since we are working in a group, we are not able to accommodate major injuries. If your injury is minor and you’ve been cleared to participate in modified physical activity you may participate. If you’re still unsure, please schedule a free 15 minute discovery call. Book a discovery call ### Meet Your Coach ## Dr Shivaune Wright Dr. Shivaune is a Naturopathic Doctor with over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. Her journey started in high performance athletics as a teen doing competitive sprint canoe and kayak racing and swimming, cross training for which included weight lifting beginning at age 13. After completing her undergrad degree in Kinesiology and Phys Ed, she spent almost a decade as a Personal Trainer, and included working with everyone from competitive tennis athletes, weekend warriors to seniors. Alongside her clinical practice, Dr Shivaune knew she needed to bridge the gap between the reasons why women stick to the cardio machine and avoid the weight racks, hence the program series - Muscle Is Medicine - was born. Join Waitlist ## Step: Getstronger Go to Learn To Lift Winter Semester enrolment is now closed! Please join the waiting list for our upcoming semesters; Spring Semester will run from the week of April 13th - June 15th 2026 Fall Semester will run from the week of September 14th - November 16th 2026 Book a Discovery Call ## Muscle is Medicine ## Get Stronger is a 10-week, in-person, small group training program for women who are ready take their lifting to the next level. ### Uniquely designed for females 40+, this evidence-backed program will set you up for strength and independence for decades to come. ### You know how to lift, but need structure and guidance to get the results you want. ## Get Stronger As your hormones and body change, traditional approaches like "eat less, move more" may no longer work. We need to work out smarter, not necessarily harder. Our program combines the latest evidence-based strategies with an approachable style to address midlife weight gain and body composition changes. Many workouts are not tailored for midlife women. Optimize your workouts and regain control of your body with our 8-week small-group training, nutrition, and lifestyle program. This program will guide you through the perimenopause transition and beyond, without the intimidating gym environment. Some benefits of the Get Stronger program may include: • Stronger bones • Improved cardiovascular health • Better body composition (increased muscle mass, reduced fat mass) • Enhanced energy levels • Improved sleep • Better blood sugar control • Fewer hot flashes and night sweats • Improved mood and cognitive function ### Let us teach you… How the Muscle Is Medicine approach addresses many health issues and how to build muscle effectively How to fuel your body with a balanced, non-restrictive nutrition plan How to lift weights safely with proper form to prevent injury Lifestyle strategies to support your physiology during this transition and beyond ### Muscle IS Medicine. Join Waitlist ### This program is for women who... Are experiencing body composition changes during peri/menopause and/or want to prepare for this transition Have plateaued with their current exercise routine and need targeted training for this life stage Have extensive bootcamp experience and seek guidance on healthy, non-restrictive nutrition Are overwhelmed by conflicting fitness and nutrition information online and want clarity on healthy, non-restrictive nutrition Have medical conditions such as insulin resistance, high blood sugar, or joint issues that require exercise Want to connect with like-minded women in a supportive, non-judgmental environment ### Program Format 10 weekly small group training sessions at Bomb Fitness Exercise execution lessons Hands-on technique support Full body workouts Access to the growing library of resources specifically designed to help you navigate perimenopause and beyond, including audio recordings, summary pages, and bonus resources Join Waitlist ## Program FAQs ## What is the program investment? If you are a current patient of Shivaune’s, your total investment is $879. A $229 (plus HST) program fee payment is required up-front; a payment of $65 per session (HST exempt) is processed after each group session (for a total of $650 ). You will receive an invoice after each payment to submit to your insurance provider. Direct billing service is not provided for program sessions. If you're a returning Learn To Lift OR Get Stronger Athlete, your program fee is $79 (plus HST). If you are not already a patient of Shivaune’s, you will need to book a pre-program assessment at $195 (HST exempt). If you haven’t had a visit with Shivaune for 6 months or more, you will need to book a pre-program reassessment at $165 (HST exempt). Blood tests and supplements might be recommended in your pre-program assessment or throughout the program based on your individual needs, with varying costs, however you are not obligated to purchase them to continue with the program. Book a Discovery Call Join Muscle Is Medicine Waitlist ## Is the program covered by my insurance plan? Many extended insurance plans will cover the cost of naturopathic care. If you have employee benefits or third-party private insurance, it may cover all or part of the cost of group sessions. Following receipt of your payment after each session, you will be provided with an itemized receipt to submit to your insurance provider. For any amount not covered by your health insurance plan, you may be eligible to claim these on your income tax return as an eligible medical expense. Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed that health services provided by naturopathic doctors are eligible medical expenses. ## Where do the group sessions take place? Group training sessions will take place at Bomb Fitness at 862 Kingston Road. ## Do I need to attend every session? In order to gain maximum benefit from the program, it is highly recommended that you attend each group session. However, we know life happens and you won’t fall behind if you miss a sessions here or there. Make-up sessions will not be provided for missed sessions. ## I have an active injury, can I still participate in the program? Since we are working in a group, we are not able to accommodate major injuries. If your injury is minor and you’ve been cleared to participate in modified physical activity you may participate. If you’re still unsure, please schedule a free discovery call. Book a discovery call ## If I’m not yet in perimenopause, can I still participate? Absolutely. One of the goals of the program is to educate women about their bodies and what happens as hormones change when they transition through perimenopause into menopause, and it is my firm belief that the earlier in life we start building muscle, the better prepared we are when the time comes that we really need it. ## If I’m past menopause, can I still participate? Yes! The strategies we’re deploying are for women who are losing, or who have lost their own estrogen production. This natural decline in estrogen results in the loss of muscle mass, and so we need to create the right environment and provide the right stimulus for making muscle, and we’re excited to teach you how! ### Meet Your Coach Dr Shivaune Wright Dr. Shivaune is a Naturopathic Doctor with over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. Her journey started in high performance athletics as a teen doing competitive sprint canoe and kayak racing, and competitive swimming, cross training for which included weight lifting beginning at age 13. After completing her undergrad degree in Kinesiology and Phys Ed, she spent almost a decade as a Personal Trainer, which included working with everyone from competitive athletes, weekend warriors to seniors. In her clinical practice, Dr. Shivaune recognized the need to address why many women gravitate towards cardio machines while avoiding the weight racks. This insight led to the creation of the Muscle Is Medicine program series. Join Waitlist ## Step: Muscle Is Medicine Checkout # Muscle is Medicine ### Registration Summer & Fall Semester are open for enrolment! 8-week Learn To Lift program beginning the week of June 29th (Leslieville only) OR 10-week Learn To Lift / Get Stronger programs beginning the week of September 21st (Beaches only) Leslieville Please be sure to select the correct program location. Learn To Lift Fall Semester enrolment will open soon. Stay tuned by joining the waiting list. By making this purchase you agree to the following terms and conditions You agree to the weekly group session fee ($65 for Beaches | $75 for Leslieville - no tax, insurance eligible) You will do your very best to attend each group session; will inform us ahead of time if you will be absent for a group session; and agree that any cancellations within 24 hrs of a session will incur a missed session fee ($65 for Beaches | $75 for Leslieville) Agree to establish/maintain your Doctor/Patient relationship with your location coach, Dr. Shivaune or Dr. Janice If you are a new patient : New patients are required to book a pre-program assessment ($195 no tax) or a comprehensive adult intake ($295) If you are a returning patient: You agree to maintain your Doctor/Patient relationship with your coach by engaging in at least one 1-on-1 visit within the last 6 months of program start date, fees according to her clinic fee schedule, or a pre-program reassessment. #### Ali Learn To Lift Athlete Learn to lift has given me a whole new perspective on how to stay healthy and strong in my 40s & beyond. Highly recommend it! #### Lauren Learn To Lift Athlete Shivaune is a patient, knowledgeable lifting instructor. She meets you where you are at and encourages you to go bigger! The podcasts were an added bonus that I played on repeat. ## Step: Muscle Is Medicine Checkout Teen # Muscle is Medicine ### Learn To Lift - TEEN EDITION ### Registration Fee - Winter Semester 2026 Join the 4-week bi-weekly weight lifting program with Dr. Shivaune Wright, ND at Bomb Fitness. The program will run biweekly for 4 weeks from February 11th - March 13th on Wednesdays and Fridays 3:45-4:30pm All sessions take place at Bomb Fitness 862 Kingston Road By making this purchase you agree to the following terms and conditions You agree to the weekly group session fee of $55 (no tax, insurance eligible) You will do your very best to attend each group session; will inform us ahead of time if you will be absent for a group session; and agree that any cancellations within 24 hrs of a session will incur a $55 missed session fee. Agree to establish/maintain your Doctor/Patient relationship with Dr. Shivaune If you are a new patient : New patients are required to book a pre-program assessment ($195 no tax) If you are a returning patient: You agree to maintain your Doctor/Patient relationship with Dr. Shivaune by engaging in at least one 1-on-1 visit within the last 6 months of program start date, fees according to her clinic fee schedule, or a pre-program reassessment.