Personal Training

Alani

Relocated from sunny California, Alani is an ACE-certified personal trainer. Her passion for an active lifestyle started at an early age through cheer, dance, track & field, and soccer. Alani’s experience coaching gymnastics strengthened her love for teaching and supporting others through movement. She enjoys helping her clients set and reach their goals, specifically working towards sustainable healthy habits.

As a student at the University of Washington, she is studying Informatics to understand how the use of data and knowledge can improve areas such as human health and wellness. While not in the gym or class, she spends her time chasing sunsets and sunrises, listening to island reggae, and spending time with her family and friends.

Specialties

• Beginner Programs
• Sport Performance
• Functional Movement
• Weight Loss and maintenance

Education & Certification

• Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• University of Washington, Informatics

Anika

Growing up in California, Anika found herself participating in a wide range of extracurricular sports. However, it was not until her early college years that she discovered her true passion for the gym. During her free time, she cultivated a deep love for weight training and sharing her knowledge with friends, who benefited from her guidance throughout their fitness journeys. Eventually, Anika made the decision to pursue her personal training certification, allowing her to further her enthusiasm for fitness.

Currently in her third year as an undergraduate student, Anika is pursuing a double major in Biochemistry and Anthropology. Her educational journey reflects her commitment to unraveling the complexities of the human body and understanding the unique cultural aspects that shape our lives and fitness goals. Anika’s distinct background in these fields equips her with a holistic perspective on fitness, integrating scientific knowledge and well-being principles into her personalized training approach.

Specialties

• Beginner Programs
• Lifestyle Changes
• Strength Training
• Weight Management

Education & Certification

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• CPR/AED/First Aid certified

Becky

Becky studied kinesiology in college with the intention of becoming a physical therapist. After volunteering at various physical therapy clinics, she realized she enjoyed preventative training more than treating and releasing. She shifted her focus from physical therapy to personal training, initially training athletes, and now works with all types of exercisers. She is quick to notice inefficient movement patterns along with muscle imbalances and weaves in exercises to improve both.

Growing up, Becky was a competitive gymnast and switched to rowing in college when she successfully walked on to Western’s women’s rowing team. She has coached rowing at Pacific Lutheran University, worked as an Exercise Specialist at Valley Medical Center, and most recently, was one of the trainers at Eastlake Performance.

In her free time, she rows on Lake Union, rock climbs, runs, crochets, and reads. She loves to try new things and isn’t scared to struggle through the learning process.

Specialties

• Functional Training
• Rowing
• Sport-Specific Training

Education & Certification

• B.S. Kinesiology, Western Washington University
• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), American College of Sports Medicine
• USA Rowing Level 2

Dante

Although Dante is a WSU alumnus, but don’t hold that against him—he was a huge Husky fan growing up and is excited to work at UW. He’s trained a range of clients, including professional athletes, weekend warriors, desk jockeys, and the elderly. He believes exercise is fundamental to living a well-balanced life and truly enjoys helping people. He is confident an inner athlete lives inside everyone, and it’s his job to motivate clients to unlock their physical potential.

Dante incorporates functional training in his workouts, making sure that each workout helps clients improve physical performance outside the gym. He strives to make each workout a challenging learning experience with a focus on optimal range of motion and proper mechanics. Ensuring each client reaches their potential and is inspired to pursue a healthier and more physical lifestyle.

During his free time, he enjoys reading anything sports or health-related, working on his car, and spending time outdoors. He’s an avid basketball player and enjoys football and baseball as well.

Specialties

• Sport-Specific Training
• Conditioning
• Functional Training
• Core Strength
• Proprioception/Balance Training

Education & Certification

• B.S. Kinesiology, Washington State University
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength & Conditioning Association

Effy

As a multimedia designer turned personal trainer, Effy brings an unparalleled blend of creativity, discipline, and precision to the fitness world. Hailing from Sichuan, China, and now residing in Seattle, Effy’s fitness journey began amidst societal beauty standards. However, the COVID-19 pandemic propelled a shift from aesthetics to health and resilience. Integrating resistance training and kickboxing into her lifestyle, Effy not only built a stronger, healthier body but also gained a profound understanding of the importance of wellness. She delved deeper into the world of fitness, exploring the principles of Iyengar Yoga and the intricacies of nutrition. Her training experience is as diverse and dynamic as her life journey, deeply intertwined with her passion for design, fitness, and her beloved cats. Effy’s approach to training is as detailed and meticulous as her design work. She recognizes the importance of sustainable healthy habits and dedicates herself to helping her clients achieve their goals.

Specialties

• Beginner Programs
• Weight Training
• Functional Movement
• Mindful Movement

Education & Certification

• Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• Masters of Communication in Digital Media, University of Washington

Emme

*not accepting new clients*

Armed with problem-solving skills, a goal-oriented mentality, and empathy, Emme is eager to help people of all backgrounds move toward healthier lifestyles. She deeply values fitness and recognizes that exercise enriches our lives with joy.

Emme’s athletic career highlights include competing in varsity, soccer, basketball, and track and leading her cross-country team to the podium at the State Championships for two consecutive years. Since then, she has competed in numerous obstacle course Spartan Races and begun a self-initiated strength training program to promote body confidence, strength, and optimal health.

Stemming from a diverse background in exercise, Emme’s training philosophy incorporates a holistic, balanced approach. Additionally, she recognizes the importance of mental training in improving athletic performance and reaching goals. With her clients, Emme incorporates various strategies to improve mental resilience, including visualization and breathing techniques. Outside of the gym, she loves mountain biking, hiking, writing in her journal, and exploring different cuisines!

Specialties

• Running Performance and Technique
• Muscular Hypertrophy
• Speed and Agility Training
• Lifestyle Improvements

Education & Certification

• National Academy of Sports Medicine Certification
• CPR and First Aid Certified

Grace

*not accepting new clients*
Born and raised in Washington, Grace is a NASM-certified personal trainer passionate about helping others embark on their fitness journey with confidence and excitement. Her mission is to help you reach your goals while fostering a positive, supportive, and fun environment.

Grace grew up playing competitive soccer and is now a UW Women’s Club Soccer Team member. Coupled with that, she is now an avid fan of weightlifting. She remembers walking into the weight room for the first time, terrified, not knowing how to work the machines correctly. However, with proper training and consistency, she became more confident and saw drastic changes in her physique and overall health. Grace wants to help others become 1% better every day and prove to themselves what their body can achieve!

Whether you are a complete novice or someone looking to elevate your fitness routine, Grace creates personalized programs to help you achieve your fitness aspirations and build a healthier, more confident version of yourself.

Specialties

• Strength Training
• Beginner Programs
• Muscular Hypertrophy
• Weight Loss and Maintenance
• Mindset and Discipline

Education & Certification

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• CPR/AED/First Aid certified

Ivan

Ivan was first introduced to weight training in middle school. At the start of his journey, he was very intimidated, but he soon realized his gym peers were friendly, welcoming and helpful! He was inspired by everyone sharing the common goal of getting better physically and mentally.
As life became more and more complex, going to the gym always provided Ivan with a sense of empowerment and accomplishment. No matter how challenging circumstances were, exercising always made Ivan feel better. He has learned to take these lessons and apply them to his training style.
In his free time, he enjoys doing calisthenics, yoga, competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and traditional bodybuilding. He loves art, music, podcasts and anything science related!
Ivan believes that health and wellness can be a positive outlet for anyone!

Specialties

• program design
• flexibility and mobility
• injury prevention
• strength training
• HIIT training

Education & Certification

• NSCA Certified Personal Trainer

JP

*not accepting new clients*

I am a recent UW graduate whose passion lies in helping clients achieve the lifestyle they desire, ensuring that age, fitness levels, and injuries do not hinder them from enjoying the activities they love.
I train for lifestyle and longevity, believing that a well-rounded fitness routine is key to a fulfilling and active life. My favorite activities that keep me moving are Judo and Skateboarding, which inspire my dynamic approach to fitness and have given me the understanding of training to take care of your body. In addition to my personal training services, I am also a dedicated class fitness and kickboxing instructor, bringing a diverse set of skills and experiences to my clients.
My goal is to give clients their best lives by integrating comprehensive fitness strategies that promote overall well-being and resilience. Whether you’re looking to overcome physical boundaries improve your fitness level, or simply lead a more active lifestyle, I am here to support and guide you every step of the way!

Specialties

• Functional Strength Training
• Lifestyle
• Mobility
• Sports Performers
• Combat sports

Education & Certification

• ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
• ISSA Specialist in Exercise Therapy
• ISSA Nutritionist
• BA in Medical Anthropology & Global Health, University of Washington

Kari

*not accepting new clients*

To Kari, exercise is an important, meaningful part of daily living. Although our schedules are busy, she believes exercise should be incorporated to become routine. Kari is an ardent supporter that exercise can prevent health problems and improve quality of life, and she looks forward to helping everyone achieve their fitness and lifestyle goals.

Kari’s love of fitness started at an early age with team sports. She grew up playing volleyball, basketball, and soccer, and since then, she has added snowboarding, surfing, running, and yoga. A native Canadian, she ran her own personal training business in the Vancouver area for six years before moving to Seattle, working with a wide variety of clients.

Kari loves to craft, read health books (non-fiction, of course!), and travel around the world, particularly to Vancouver, to visit friends and family. An obvious Canucks fan, she enjoys eating poutine and drinking Canadian beer.

Specialties

• Rehabilitation
• High-Intensity Training
• Sport-Specific Training
• Circuit Training
• Functional Training

Lauren

*not accepting clients at this time*

Lauren grew up in the Cleveland, Ohio area, with sports consuming her interests and time, enjoying the social and competitive aspects but not always the exercise components. She oftentimes found exercise too daunting to keep up with every day. Obtaining a degree in Kinesiology during her undergrad at the University of Tennessee (go Vols!!), she was opened up to a full new understanding of what fitness means for leading a healthy life and achieving goals, as learning the science and blocking out the Instagram “fitspo” made it all seem manageable, even enjoyable.

From here, Lauren set out on a journey to expand her knowledge of exercise, studying methods of concurrent training (cardio and strength training combined) and debunking the fads of the fitness industry. She wants to give people the science-backed tools to create their own desired, exercise-filled lifestyle. Specifically, she loves introducing clients to strength training and getting people on board to lift smart and heavy, just like her! As someone that understands the difficulty in carving time out to exercise, Lauren is all about incorporating fun ways and strategies to stay active! With a passion and motto of looking at movement as medicine and prevention of disease, coupled with studying to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy here at UW, Lauren wants to share her knowledge and aid in your fitness journey by reframing your perception of exercise and fitness!

As someone new to Seattle from Ohio, Lauren is ready to hear about your favorite local food spots, breweries, and things to do! She enjoys hiking and outdoor activities in her free time, including rowing, leisurely SUPing, and biking. She loves to cook, listen to exercise science podcasts, pretend to be a photographer, shop way too much for her own good, play piano, and watch Cleveland sports (don’t get her started on how hyped she is for the Browns or you’ll never hear the end of it).

Specialties

• Weight Training
• Rowing
• Sport Performance
• Weight Maintenance

Mazen

Originally from Iowa, Mazen moved to Seattle to do pursue a biology degree as a pre-med student. He was an active tennis player, competing in USTA tournaments throughout most of high school. He discovered weight lifting late into high school and fell in love with the gym and strength training. Throughout his fitness journey, he dabbled in a wide variety of fitness disciplines like powerlifting, bodybuilding, calisthenics, and Olympic lifting. Mazen loves to see progress and hopes to apply everything he has learned throughout his fitness journey to helping others reach similar goals. When not training, Mazen loves to spend time in the kitchen making nutrient dense meals and going to farmers markets on weekends.

Specialties

• Hypertrophic programs
• Strength Training Performance
• Bodybuilding Programs

Education & Certification

• Certified NASM personal trainer
• University of Washington, Biology

Nathan

*not accepting new clients*

Nathan is a first-year graduate student in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at the University Of Washington. He completed his B.S.E.d in Exercise and Sports Science and an Entrepreneurship certificate at the University of Georgia. He is a NASM-certified personal trainer and has been training clients for three years now, back where he grew up in Roswell, Georgia. He became a personal trainer because he loves the intricacies of the human body and wants to promote movement and well-being further. He has a holistic approach to personal training and will not only help you achieve your goals but will help you learn the importance of how exercise can improve your quality of life.

He has other hobbies such as Olympic weightlifting, vinyl collections, and listening to music (particularly R&B/Pop and Rap). Some of his favorite artists are Justin Timberlake, Miguel, and Playboi Carti! Lastly, explore all of the new adventures that this outdoor-friendly state has to offer!

Specialties

• Beginner Workouts
• Weight Training
• Athletic training
• Olympic Weightlifting
• Cardio Sport Training

Education & Certification

• Exercise and Sports Science, University Of Georgia
• School of Physical Therapy, University Of Washington
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• CPT/First Aid/Basic Life Support Certified

Sharon- Virtual Training Only

Sharon worked in the tech industry after university but was dissatisfied with her lack of social impact. Driven by herpassion for health and helping others, she became a personal trainer in 2003—a decision she has never regretted. Since then, she has been a fervent advocate for healthy lifestyle choices, inspiring everyone she meets.

Sharon has trained clients ranging from athletic to terminally ill, from highly motivated to highly social. She is a stickler for excellent form and technique, not letting her clients cheat through their exercises. She knows just how much to push her clients to get the most out of their workouts, safely and without injury. Sharon has also taught indoor cycling classes and has competed in triathlons.

Sharon enjoys cooking (and loves eating!) flavorful dishes from around the world. She is also learning French for her retirement on the French Riviera one day and ice dancing with her husband at the new Kraken ice rink.

Specialties

• Teaching beginners
• Strength training
• Training for life’s activities and passions
• Senior Fitness

Education & Certification

• B.S. Computing Science, Kinesiology minor, Simon Fraser University

• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength & Conditioning Association

• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), American Council on Exercise

Tyler

Growing up in Hawaii, Tyler was a four-sport athlete throughout high school. His love for football, outrigger canoe paddling, judo, and track ignited an intense passion for weightlifting and a lifelong commitment to physical fitness. This love was further developed throughout COVID, as he underwent a journey of drastic body re-composition. He believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to participate in safe and effective exercise, and pursued a personal trainer certification to help provide that. Tyler finds immense fulfillment through educating and enabling others to utilize their body to the fullest of its potential. He understands the abundant physical and mental health benefits that exercise can provide, and aims to promote lifelong habits, creating holistically healthy and intrinsically motivated clients. He highly values fun and enjoyment in fitness pursuits, with an aim to make sessions as enjoyable and engaging as possible. Tyler’s purpose is to ensure that everyone can do the activities they enjoy as pain free as possible, for as long as possible.

Specialties

• Strength training and hypertrophy
• Weight loss, maintenance, and Body re-composition
• Sport and athletic performance
• Injury rehabilitation and prevention
• Beginner programs
• Martial arts

Education & Certification

• National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer
• Biology: Physiology at the University of Washington

Youseph

While studying both Psychology and Informatics, Youseph is also a NASM-certified personal trainer with a passion for guiding himself and others toward reaching their fitness and wellness goals!

After growing up overweight and always self-conscious about his looks, Youseph realized that things needed to change. But rather than suffer running laps or jumping rope all day, he looked more towards weightlifting as his route to success. One day, Youseph decided to pick up a pair of 40lb dumbbells… And then put them back down and replace them with 15s! While it was a slow and extensive journey, there was never a day when he didn’t enjoy stepping into the gym and working hard!

Physical activity had started as a dreadful part of his day and transformed into something he looked forward to, and wanted to share with others. Whether it’s someone who’s never even been inside of a gym in their life or an aspiring bodybuilder trying to be the next Chris Bumstead, Youseph wants to make the journey easier for those wary of taking the first steps of bettering their lives.

When not at the gym, Youseph still holds on to many unrelated interests, such as video games, fashion, music, and photography

Specialties

• Powerlifting
• Bodybuilding
• Beginner programs
• Weight loss and maintenance

Education & Certification

• B.S. Psychology, University of Washington
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Am I eligible for personal training?

You must be an IMA member to work with your trainer in person.

Non-IMA members can continue to train virtually.

How long are sessions?

Personal Training sessions are 50 minutes.

What attire should I wear for my personal training session?

Come prepared to each training session in proper workout attire and footwear. Participants arriving unprepared for their workout will lose the session.

What is your late arrival policy?

Clients are responsible for arriving on time for their training sessions. Trainers are obligated to wait only 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the trainer is not required to lead the remaining time of the session, and the session will be lost.

What is your cancellation policy?

Clients are asked to contact their trainer 24 hours in advance of the scheduled training session. You will be charged for appointments canceled with fewer than 24 hours’ notice. 

Do personal training packages expire?

Individuals registering for personal training must complete all personal training sessions by the end of the client’s eligibility to participate in the program (current IMA membership) or by the expiration date of the training package, whichever comes first. All packages are non-refundable/non-transferable.

Who do I contact with questions regarding personal training?

Request with Disability Services Office

Request Disability Resources for Employees:

• hr.uw.edu/dso
• dso@uw.edu
• (206) 543-6450 (Voice)
• (206) 543-6452 (TTY)
• (206) 685-7264 (FAX)
• (253) 642-0142 (VP)

Request with Disability Resources for Students

Request Disability Resources for Students:

• uwdrs.uw.edu
• uwdrs@uw.edu
• (206) 543-8924 (Voice & Relay)
• (206) 616-8379 (FAX)