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Sponsored Content

Building Strong Communities at DEEM

Oct 14, 2025 | 3:09 PM

At DEEM Health + Fitness, strength isn’t just about lifting weights. It’s about lifting each other up. DEEM, which stands for Diet, Exercise, Education, and Mindset, is the vision of owner Mikkie Nettles-Pollon, who believes fitness and community go hand-in-hand.

One way that vision comes to life is through partnerships with local nonprofits.

“Stronger communities thrive, right?” said Mikkie. She explained that she’s always had a passion to help others. “So this gives an opportunity to help people who maybe wouldn’t normally be able to afford or access these kinds of programs or classes.”  

DEEM works closely with the John Rudy Health Resource Centre. Together, they offer programs like Stronger Than You Think for people living with disabilities, injuries, or mental health challenges who may not find a regular fitness class the right fit. “It’s about what you can do, not what you can’t,” said Mikkie. “Everyone deserves to feel strong.”

The John Rudy Health Resource Centre also connects people with nutrition through their workshops like Focus on Food, which Mikkie facilitates. These practical sessions show individuals how to prepare healthier meals that fit their everyday lives. The workshops are presented to various groups. Mikkie mentioned caregivers as an example. “They’re so busy caring for someone else, sometimes they don’t care for themselves. So it’s about helping them take care of their own health.”

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These programs’ positive impact shows up in everyday life. Mikkie recalls one participant whose psychiatrist wrote a letter saying that the program she’s in is vital to her health. Another person, living with diabetes, lowered her blood sugar levels by using what she learned in DEEM’s four-week nutrition education program.

DEEM is also the home training facility of Vernon’s Special Olympics powerlifting team. On Sundays, the gym provides the team exclusive use of the space. “It’s not just about fitness,” Mikkie said. “It’s about building a place where people belong, where they’re supported, and where they can thrive.”

And that community includes everyone. DEEM welcomes people of all ages, fitness levels, and health goals. Whether you’re new to exercise, training for a sport, or simply want to feel stronger and healthier, DEEM provides programs and support to help you succeed.

If you’re looking for a home gym, DEEM invites you to be a part of their community that celebrates progress at every stage. Call DEEM Health + Fitness at (250) 541-0411 or book your free consultation at deemhealth.ca.