OUR TEAM
Ezekiel "Zeke" Hefumia
Kinesiologist, Client Care Specialist
He/Him
What are your top skills as a kinesiologist?
I am skilled at helping clients navigate and recover from long-standing patterns of pain, discomfort, and movement restriction. I focus on identifying the root causes behind these issues, especially when they are linked to posture, daily habits, or compensatory movement patterns. I also excel at building exercise programs that are both effective and enjoyable, so clients can actually carry them into their everyday lives. My goal is always to make movement feel accessible, sustainable, and meaningful outside of the clinic.
What kind of approach do you take with clients?
My approach is calm, thoughtful, and highly individualized. I take time to understand each client’s physical presentation as well as their lived experience, including stress, confidence, and mindset around movement. I strongly believe in a holistic model of care where physical and mental health are deeply connected. I aim to meet clients where they are and guide them toward progress in a way that feels supportive rather than overwhelming.
How would a friend describe you?
One of the favorite words that my friends like to throw around is ‘zen’. My friends and loved ones describe me as calm, grounded, and soft-spoken, with a steady presence in both everyday life and high-pressure situations. I tend to stay composed and think clearly rather than react emotionally. At the same time, I am disciplined and mentally strong, with a quiet consistency in how I approach the things I care about.
What drew you to this profession?
My interest in this profession stemmed from my own fitness journey and a personal desire to become stronger and healthier. I was never a very avid athlete growing up, especially compared to many of my friends, so instead I gravitated toward the gym and began exploring training on my own. As I immersed myself in the world of fitness, I became increasingly aware of how much misinformation exists and how easily people can misunderstand movement, training, and health. That experience sparked a deeper curiosity in me to seek out evidence-based knowledge and stay current with fitness literature. Over time, this evolved into a genuine passion for helping others navigate health and movement in a clearer, more informed, and more sustainable way.
What lights you up about the work you do?
The most meaningful part of my work is seeing clients start to believe in themselves again. Many people come in not only with physical limitations, but also with doubt or hesitation about what they are capable of. Watching that shift, where someone begins to move with more confidence and trust in their body, is so fulfilling and rewarding.
What motivates you in patient care?
I am motivated by the belief that improving physical health can create positive ripple effects across every part of a person’s life, including their mental and emotional wellbeing. My goal is to help clients reconnect with their bodies in a way that builds confidence, resilience, and long-term independence.
Can you share some highlights in your background or training?
I hold an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia (2024) and am currently pursuing a Post-Degree Diploma in Kinesiology at Douglas College. A defining part of my training has been my mentorship under Helen, where I completed over 50 hours of direct shadowing and collaboration in clinical settings. This experience gave me hands-on exposure to patient care, exercise prescription, and clinical reasoning in real time, not to mention the social aspect of building and earning patients’ trust over time.
What's something people might not expect about you?
I was born and raised in the Philippines and grew up attending international schools, which gave me a unique blend of cultural experiences between Asia and North American education. I also lived in the country of Bangladesh for 5 years when I was 10 years old, which is what kick-started my parents’ interest in sending me to international schools. Growing up in these institutions exposed me to a plethora of different cultures, backgrounds, and belief systems, which all shaped me into the open-minded person I am today!
Where can we find you when you're not at the clinic?
I am extremely passionate about music! I am a guitarist and have been playing for the better part of my life. I see the guitar more as another language rather than an instrument. I avidly listen to music, in which my tastes range from heavy shoegaze to soul to 1950s swing to contemporary reggae. I also enjoy fashion as a form of self-expression and often explore personal style through clothing. In quieter moments, I appreciate long walks while listening to my favorite comedy podcasts.
What are your non-negotiable heath/wellness practices or rituals?
Walking is one of my most consistent grounding practices, especially when I feel mentally busy or anxious. I also prioritize prayer as a way to stay centered. Alongside that, I enjoy strength training, maintaining a balanced diet with an emphasis on high-protein meals, and generally trying to keep a clean but flexible approach to nutrition and lifestyle.
Additional Credentials
Bachelor of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia (2024)
Post-Degree Diploma in Kinesiology (in progress), Douglas College
NCCP Prevention and Recovery (2025)
Personal Training Internship, Innovative Fitness (North Vancouver), 50+ hours of fieldwork experience in exercise supervision, client support, and applied fitness programming
Clinical mentorship and shadowing under Helen Ries (50+ hours, exercise prescription and patient care collaboration)