Third Line Health & Fitness
Who we are
Here, workouts go beyond sweat and reps. They’re invitations to disconnect from the city’s pace 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 here, and what started as casual outdoor exercise sessions quickly became a calling: fitness in the fields, under open skies, with barn walls and animals as your backdrop. Their vision came to life in 2018 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 off Ottawa’s noise and into something more reflective—without giving up accessibility.
Meet the Team
Founder, B.A., Certified Personal Trainer
Christopher Ward
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.”
Founder, B.Sc., M.ScPT, Registered Physiotherapist
Aneeka Bhalla (Ward)
Aneeka earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Queen’s in 2010 and spent 15+ years in private practice as a Physiotherapist before co-founding Third Line. 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 Rapid Neurofascial Reset, ensures your body—and your story—are both heard and healed.
Aneeka is a strong believer in the importance of continuing education to ensure her patients receive the best quality of care. She has completed a variety of post-graduate courses in:
Manual Therapy, Functional Dry Needling Levels 1 & 2 (KinetaCore/EIM), Craniosacral Therapy (Upledger), Acupuncture (AFCI Level 1), Therapeutic Taping (Athletic & K-Taping), McKenzie Method, Concussion & Vestibular Rehabilitation , Rapid Neurofascial Reset (Upper Body & Lower Body in 2024, Core in 2025 ), is currently taking their Rapid4 & Autonomic Nervous System, Concussion & Trauma Courses. Learn about Rapid here.
She considers herself to be a lifelong learner and is continually researching new techniques to implement into her practice. Expect to see her rifling through various anatomical texts and books to explain what it is we are working in our sessions.