Nominee for the prestigious YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the category of Health & Wellness and one of Canada's most sought-after consultants and trainer of trainers, Sharon is owner of Banyan Thai Massage ~ a division of The Art of Fitness in Vancouver Corp.  She has made numerous guest appearances for television shows, including BCTV's "Body Moves" and CBC's "Alive!". 

Her work has taken her to communities across Canada and the United States to provide specialized training for fitness and spa bprofessionals alike. 

With a background in Professional Dance (Perfomances in New York State, Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Banff School of Fine Arts & Vancouver), Kinesiology & Gerontology (Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton & SFU, Van., BC), Spa Therapies (Langara College), Foot Reflexology & Traditional Thai Massage (ITM, Chiang Mai, Thailand) , she continues to enjoy a fulfilling and active career as Thai Masssage & Reflexology Instructor & Practitioner, Fitness Club Lifestyle Director, Personal Trainer, Yoga and "Bellyfit"TM Instructor.

"I wholeheartedly believe that the practice of Thai Massage has greatly enhanced the quality of my life and look forward to sharing my knowledge and the practice of this wonderful holistic method of body work with many others in the years to come."  

              - Sharon Brown-Horton

Who We Are

The lines that separate the Spa business and the Fitness, Health and Wellness industries in North America are becoming more and more blurred.  Canadian trends indicate that eastern ayurvedic-based treatments are "in".  In 1999, when looking to build on an existing 15+ year professional fitness career, and being a devoted spa-goer myself, I took note of these developments and promptly began working on my business plan to launch "The Art of Fitness ~ a Mobile Spa & Personalized Fitness and Education" service. 

In 2004, I began my studies of the Traditional Thai Massage method in the south of Thailand, on Phi Phi Island.  After practicing the method for 1 year, I returned to Thailand - this time to Chiang Mai - to continue my studies and attain my Teacher Certification with the ITM School.  Having a 15 year background in teaching Anatomy, Physiology and Fitness Certification courses, it seemed to be the most natural thing to do - to do more of what I love to do - that is, to teach others what I love to do!

After returning to Canada, I felt I needed to add a new division to my existing company, therefore, I created Banyan Thai Massage.  I chose the name, because I equate the holistic qualities and Ayurvedic roots of Thai Massage itself with that of the Banyan Tree.  Often a landmark and gathering place for the community members of a village, the Banyan Tree is well known for its purported spiritual qualities as well as its very deep and grounding roots.  

Since 2004, I have greatly enjoyed teaching Fitness Professionals, Massage Therapists and Spa Practitioners, Traditional (Nuad bo Rarn) Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology, as well as Assisted Stretch Therapy Methods of the Thai Yoga Massage series. 

Sharon Brown-Horton, Owner & Trainer

Instructor Sharon Brown-Horton, (fourth from left) with students from a recent "Thai Foot Reflexology" course in held in North Vancouver, BC

Us In the News -

In addition to her television appearances as one of Canada's leading Health, Wellness and Fitness specialists, Sharon has been featured in numerous articles regarding both her Spa as well as Fitness-related expertise.  She has also been a contributing writer for the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) Newsletter in additiona to serving as a volunteer Executive Committee Member for 4 years.

Did you know?  Thai Massage Practitioners follow the traditional Buddhist Philosophy of imparting loving kindness on others as they perform Traditional Thai Massage.

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