07/24/2026
Meet Conner Ealy, the newest member of the Exercise Institute team!
Conner was born in the Pacific Northwest and raised right here in Coeur d’Alene, but he joins the Exercise Institute team by way of Scotland. While living abroad, he and his wife studied at Glasgow University, and Conner spent three years training and rehabbing clients at Nuffield Health. Following the birth of their son, Ewan, they decided it was time to move back home to be closer to family.
Though he stands as a formidable presence in the gym, earning him the nickname "The BFG" (Big Friendly Giant) Conner is known for his incredibly welcoming and approachable coaching style.
As a certified Personal Trainer and Rehab Specialist, Conner has worked with a wide variety of clients, but he specializes in helping people in the 40–80 age range build confidence and regain their vitality. He understands that maintaining strength is the ultimate key to injury prevention and longevity, and he knows exactly how to tailor a workout so that it feels safe and accessible for everyone.
Conner means serious business when it comes to strength. He has spent nearly two decades training and competing in weightlifting, strongman, powerlifting, and the Highland Games—with his personal best being a massive 350 lb stone lift.
His mantra? Use your muscles, not your joints! Because of his background in rehabilitation, Conner’s philosophy of isometric training goes hand in hand with the Exercise Institute’s slow strength training methodology. By focusing on smart, controlled movements that protect the body, Conner helps his clients build serious strength without the wear and tear.