Paul Nam: Building Strength, Building Community, Building a Legacy

Paul Nam is not just one of Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers, he’s a visionary entrepreneur, an award-winning studio owner, a published author, and a global fitness educator. As the driving force behind TheWorkoutLoft and NutriLoftFit, Paul has spent over two decades transforming bodies, minds, and lives through a blend of science, discipline, and passion.

His journey began in St. Catharine’s, Canada, where a 14-year-old Paul first picked up a barbell and discovered a lifelong love for strength training. By 19, he had already earned the title of Junior Mackenzie Bodybuilding Champion, a stepping stone to over 25 bodybuilding, fitness, and martial arts competitions. A black belt in Taekwondo, with training in Olympic boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling, Paul approaches fitness with the mind of an athlete and the precision of a craftsman.

Through TheWorkoutLoft, Paul has dominated East York, Toronto, for more than 18 years offering personal training, group classes, nutrition coaching, online programs, and a line of fitness products and apparel. Its sister company, NutriLoftFit, reaches global audiences with weight loss products, courses, and books. Paul’s influence extends far beyond the gym floor, he has authored 20 fitness books, created 4 online courses, and reached thousands of students and clients around the world.

Recognized in 2021, 2022, and 2025 as one of Canada’s top trainers, Paul’s work has been featured on GQ Canada, Los Angeles Feature, television, podcasts, and in numerous fitness publications.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Paul Nam:
Here are two things I would tell younger entrepreneurs who are starting:
1. Know your audience and develop your niche.
Who are your services for, or who buys your products? These are questions you have to ask yourself when building a business or brand. After one year of opening my studio, I noticed business professionals or retired women aged 40–65 stayed with me the longest as clients. That became my niche. I then tailored my website to target that specific audience. Once I knew who my ideal client was, I could tailor my services and overall experience to attract and retain them. Once you develop your base clients, you can expand and train other people based on your experience.

2. Understand that your income will vary.
Your income is going to change year to year and month to month. If you’re okay with that, open a business. If you want security and a steady paycheck, get a job. Just because you have a profitable year in 2025 doesn’t mean 2026 will be the same. Factors like economic conditions, demand, competition, and operational efficiency will all affect your profits.

What sets your business apart?

Paul Nam:
TheWorkoutLoft stands out because we deliver consistent results and give back to our community every year. Each Christmas season, I partner with local businesses to organize food drives for homeless shelters and donate to school raffles that support underprivileged children.

Our focus is on transformation, whether that’s fat loss, muscle gain, enhanced athletic performance, or overall health improvement. TheWorkoutLoft has built a reputation as one of the top fitness studios in East York. I’ve had clients train with me for over 15 years.

I rely only on my website and social media to attract new clients and even during slow economic times, I maintain a full roster. In boom years, I’ve had to hire additional trainers to keep up with demand. I’ve sold over 8,000 books and have more than 7,000 students enrolled in my courses worldwide.

I credit this success to one thing: a deep and broad knowledge of the fitness industry. That’s what allows me to adapt, grow, and continue delivering value, no matter the market conditions.

About Paul Nam

From a small Canadian city to global recognition, Paul Nam has built more than a business, he’s built a fitness empire rooted in discipline, passion, and community service. His studios, books, and courses inspire thousands, while his charity work ensures his impact is felt both inside and outside the gym.

“Fitness changed my life and my mission is to use it to change others’ lives too. Whether you’re in my studio, reading one of my books, or taking my course halfway across the world, I want you to walk away stronger, in every way.”

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