Third Line Health & Fitness
Who we are
Here, workouts go beyond sweat and reps. They’re invitations to disconnect from the pace of the city and reconnect with your body, your mind, and the quiet around you
Tucked into Ottawa’s rural edge, Third Line Health & Fitness is where nature meets nurture—and workouts feel like a retreat. In 2016, founders Chris and Aneeka Ward moved to North Gower, and what started as casual outdoor exercise sessions quickly became a calling: fitness surrounded by farmer’s fields, under open skies, with barn walls and animals as your backdrop. Their vision came to life in 2019 with a purpose-built facility that balances nature’s calm with professional care—and it’s still as transformative as that first breath of fresh air.
What we do
We do things differently - and intentionally so.
As a locally owned and independent studio, we’re not about quotas or volume. Our purpose is to give you our full attention, the highest-quality instruction, and the tailored care you simply won’t find at a typical fitness franchise
Why This Place Matters
Third Line is more than a gym—it’s a space designed to help you disconnect from the rush and reconnect with simplicity, movement, and the natural world—while staying just close enough to Ottawa to make arrival as effortless as the calm it brings.
What sets us apart
Nature as a workout partner:
Every session unfolds in an environment that calms the mind while challenging the body.
Hands-on, heart-first care:
From one-on-one personal training in a private, scenic studio to bespoke physiotherapy rooted in understanding—not just treating—you’re seen as a whole person.
A small team offering big impact:
You won’t get lost in the crowd here. Consistency, care, and coaching are built into every moment.
Close enough to be convenient, far enough to feel a shift:
You’ll pull out of Ottawa’s noise and into something more reflective—without giving up accessibility.
Meet the Team
Christopher Ward
Founder, B.A., Certified Personal Trainer
Chris is a certified personal trainer with over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry. He is able to draw from his experiences as a former competitive athlete, highlighted by years of competitive swimming and cross country running at both the College and University level, to design programming that is fun and effective for individuals of all fitness levels.
He has worked with many top tier athletes in his time as a personal trainer. Past and current clients include nationally ranked rowers, Ontario Hockey League prospects, National Defence Search and Rescue team members, NCAA hockey and tennis recruits, as well as numerous competitive runners and swimmers. He is a Lululemon Ambassador Alumni and represented their Bayshore storefront from 2022-2024.
Chris’ philosophy is simple, “Our bodies have limitless capabilities. In order to reach your individual goals, it is essential to challenge your body every single day.”
Aneeka Bhalla (Ward)
Founder, B.Sc., M.ScPT, Registered Physiotherapist
Aneeka earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Queen’s in 2010 and has spent 15+ years in private practice as a Physiotherapist. A former NCAA Division II tennis athlete herself, she deeply understands recovery and resilience. Her approach goes beyond symptom relief—she uncovers root causes (even those hidden in fascia or past injuries) and treats them hands-on, with no intermediaries. That personal touch, paired with advanced training in techniques like dry needling, craniosacral therapy, and neurofascial work with Rapid NFR, ensures your body—and your story—are both heard and supported.
Aneeka is a strong believer in the importance of continuing education to ensure her patients receive the best quality of care. She considers herself to be a lifelong learner and is continually researching new techniques to implement into her practice. She continues to expand her expertise, recently diving into courses on trauma & the autonomic nervous system. Expect to see her rifling through various anatomical texts and books to help explain what is being worked on in your session. Her curiosity is as active as her hands.
Committed to staying at the forefront of her field, Aneeka has trained in a wide range of Manual Therapy techniques, including: Rapid Neurofascial Reset (Upper, Lower, Core, R4, TAC), Functional Dry Needling (Levels 1 & 2), Craniosacral Therapy, Acupuncture (AFCI), Therapeutic Taping (Athletic & K-Taping), McKenzie Method, Concussion & Vestibular Rehabilitation.
To book with Aneeka, please use the contact form on the Physiotherapy page.
Matthew Burfoot
Certified personal Trainer
Matthew is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach who believes fitness should improve both performance and quality of life. With a background in soccer and basketball and a passion for calisthenics, running, and cycling, he brings a well-rounded approach to training. Since starting his own fitness journey in 2020, he’s developed a strong appreciation for the discipline and consistency required to achieve lasting results. Whether your goal is to get stronger, improve endurance, or build confidence in the gym, Matthew is dedicated to helping you succeed.
Isabella Fizzard
BHK, M.SCPT, Registered Physiotherapist
Izzy completed her undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics at University of Ottawa before travelling across the pond to earn her Master of Science in Physiotherapy from Brunel University London.
Growing up in Ottawa, Izzy had a sport-focused childhood and spent 14 years playing hockey. Today, she maintains an active lifestyle through a balanced mix of sport, strength training, and running. Her lifelong commitment to movement and wellness continues to fuel her passion for helping others build healthy, sustainable, and active lives.
Izzy’s goal is to create an intentional recovery journey that empowers individuals to reclaim their strength, mobility, and confidence in movement. She combines manual therapy, dry needling, Rapid NeuroFascial Reset, and exercise-based rehabilitation to support long-term functional improvement. Patients can expect an educational, collaborative, and adaptable approach to care — one that values discovering what works best for each individual and their personal goals.
To book physiotherapy with Izzy, online booking is available.