From free challenges to holistic programs, Ali’s mission is simple:

Help women of colour embrace a full-circle approach to fitness, self-care, and community.

📍Toronto, Ontario

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Fitness & Wellness Educator | Community Builder | Advocate for Black Women’s Wellness

🌿 Meet Ali

Ali Harris-Saunders didn’t start out in the wellness space. With a background in media production and a calling to help others, she found her way into fitness and wellness in her late 20s—only to realize just how rare it was to see Black women represented authentically in this industry.

“Everyone in this industry seemed perfect—or at least good at pretending. I wanted to come in with a level of honesty I just didn’t see.”

Ali is a proud Black woman of Jamaican descent. She’s candid about her challenges with depression, the complexity of prioritizing wellness, and how joy can still coexist with difficulty. This vulnerability is what makes her work resonate so deeply with Black women and women of colour who are often told—explicitly or implicitly—that they don’t deserve to put themselves first.

The Mission

“Hey y’all! I’m Ali, a certified personal trainer and Mindfulness and Meditation Instructor. My mission is to empower women of colour to elevate their well-being by embracing a holistic view of fitness. I truly believe in the power of holistic health, merging exercise, balanced nutrition, and holistic practices such as mindfulness, meditation, journaling, and fostering a supportive community.

I strive to create a space where health isn’t just about physical fitness but encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual harmony.”

The Passion

“My passion lies in guiding and supporting women through their transformative fitness journeys, emphasizing not just the sweat sessions but also the soul-nourishing aspects of self-care. With both tough love, and even more grace, I invite you to join me in prioritizing your health and discovering a balanced, vibrant life through a holistic lens.”

You deserve to be prioritized.

Certified Expertise

As a Canfit Pro certified Personal Training Specialist and a certified Meditation and Mindfulness Instructor from the School of Positive Transformation, I do my best to bring a unique blend of fitness expertise and mindfulness practices to your wellness journey.

With a specialization in both online and in-person personal training, along with guided meditation instruction, I am here to support you holistically.

💪🏾 Why We’re Spotlighting Ali

Ali’s work is a love letter to Black women and women of colour. Her message is crystal clear:

“We are worthy of all the love and attention we want to give ourselves, but hand over to others so easily.”

Through her platform, Wood & Water Holistic Fitness, Ali creates free and paid resources that help women prioritize their health in a world that often puts them last. She leads with honesty, cultural connection, and tangible tools for lasting wellness.

What Ali is Building

• Free 14-Day Wellness Reset Challenge – Start here if you’re ready to re-centre yourself: wood-and-water.com
• Wellness 360: A Journey to Holistic Fitness – Her upcoming 6-week workout program is designed to help women build strength and confidence without striving for “perfection.”

🗣️ Ali’s Message to You

“Do it. Do it even if you don’t feel ready. Do it even if you’re scared. Your perfectionism is holding you back. Things won’t stop being scary, but you will start being brave. POST THAT CONTENT, BABE!”

Ali’s unapologetic encouragement is why her work continues to uplift women who need it the most.

Connect With Ali

🌐 Website: wood-and-water.com
📱 Instagram: @woodandwater.hf

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