Updated: 4 a.m. Jan. 27, 2022
The pandemic has propelled many of us to pivot our gym workouts to home or worse, quit them altogether.
But Houston fitness professionals are here to keep us on target or make us fit again. We’ve rounded up some of Houston’s favorite fitness pros: Fitness trainers and instructors who inspire, motivate and push their clients to get fit, stay fit and have fun, especially during these stressful times.
Chris Quintainia
Padi Sadr
Age: 30
Studio/Gym: Title Midtown, 3100 Fannin, #110, and owner of Body by Padi
Specialty: Personal training and boxing
What clients say: “On top of being a certified personal trainer, Padi’s background as a chiropractor provides her with an extensive knowledge of the human body’s physiology and anatomy, biomechanics, movement and structural balances of the body. When you train with Padi, people will inadvertently learn more about their body.”
Chris Quintainia
Amelia Rose Photography
Larissa and Nick Perales
Age: 31, 32
Studio/Gym: The Transformation Project, a Houston based remote Nutrition coaching company
Specialty: Nutrition and exercise advice
What clients say: “They walk with you every step of the way, not only giving nutrition advice but also advice on exercises one can do while working on their particular goals, while at the same time, helping people build confidence in themselves.”
Amelia Rose Photography
Melisa O’Neal
Justin Nelson
Age: 41
Studio/Gym: Oak Fitness, 4620 Center.
Specialty Personal training, biomechanics, sports performance
What clients say: “Justin has opened my eyes to a whole new world of exercise … He makes me more aware of my body, my posture, my foot placement, the way I sit. He’s opened my eyes to it all.”
Melisa O’Neal
Brett Coomer, Staff / Houston Chronicle
Wooch Graff
Age: 47
Studio/Gym: Almost anywhere outdoors
Specialty: Personal training
What clients say: “Wooch was put on this earth to help motivate people physically, spiritually and mentally. When people are living their purpose, they shine …and that is what Wooch is doing every day with his clients.”
Brett Coomer, Staff / Houston Chronicle
Manolo Grajeda / Lux Photography Houston
Roz Jones
Age: 37
Studio/Gym: SPENGA at 13540 University, Sugar Land.
Specialty: Group fitness, yoga, indoor cycling, rowing
What clients say: “I first met Roz at a 5:30 a.m. workout that she was teaching at SPENGA. She was so welcoming that I almost forgot how early it was and how tired I was before starting the workout. It didn’t take long for me to realize just how incredibly knowledgeable she is as an instructor.”
Manolo Grajeda / Lux Photography Houston
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Tien Nguyen
Age: 43
Studio/Gym: FS MMA Fitness, 2020 Katy Hockey Cut Off Rd Set. 2D, Katy
Specialty: Mixed-martial arts, Jiu Jitsu
What clients say: “He teaches a variety of classes including kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu to children and adults. He is incredibly patient with the kids, helping them learn discipline through martial arts while having fun too. When it comes to his adult students he is great at motivating everyone during tiring workouts and through difficult martial arts lessons. He’s always changing up his workout plans and making each class a great workout.”
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Tchalla Hawk
PJ Martinez
Age: 40
Studio/Gym: Bridgelakes CrossFit, 16698 House & Hahl Road, Cypress
Speciality: CrossFit
What clients say: “PJ has an astute understanding for fitness and health. Her eagerness to help others goes far beyond the gym. We recently had a Squats for Tots event where we dedicated a WOD(Workout of the Day) to the collection of Toys for Tots. I’ve never seen PJ not give 110 percent in any aspect that she is involved in.”
Tchalla Hawk
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Tim Neckar
Age: 60
Studio/Gym: Various locations, including Memorial Park
Specialty: Running and conditioning coach
What clients say: “I recommend Tim to anyone I know who runs, wants to run, or wants to improve their running. Tim has helped me learn the difference between paces, set a few half marathon PRs, and stay consistent and excited about training. And, working with Tim, the results in both speed and distance have been both evident and sustainable.”
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Logan Crofford
Age: 31
Studio/Gym: PrimalFit7 & Texas Athletic Club, 217 E.28th
Specialty: Personal training
What clients say: “Logan takes the time to learn each person and their goals and outcomes and works with them during each session to maximize the results. Her energy is also through the roof and is extremely infectious.”
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David Tran Nguyen
Age: 41
Studio/Gym: Temple Construction Movement, 11020 Katy Fwy #106
Specialty: Personal trainer and coach. MMA fighter.
What clients say: “Coach David consistently checks in and genuinely cares about your progress and he continues to inspire me by walking the walk, and the passion that shines through in each demo of the exercise before our workouts. Having him lead by example makes me want to be better and do better. It keeps me going for sure.”
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Carolyn Duran
Age: 36
Studio/Gym: Karma Cycle, a mobile cycling experience that partners with local gyms, facilities and nonprofit organizations
Specialty: Indoor cycling, HIT, group fitness
What clients say: “Truly, she is one of the most transparent and genuine fitness professionals I have ever met. Her story of being 280+ pounds and journey into a healthier lifestyle is a pivotal moment she shares that is inspiring and yet relatable to others like myself who struggle with a healthy lifestyle.”
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Sean Mata
Age: 34
Studio/Gym: Covenant Gym, 9200 Hempstead Hwy Ste. 144
Specialty: Personal training, indoor cycling
What clients say: “Coach Sean truly changed my life. I’m 35 and in the best shape I have been in the last 10 years. He’s an incredible coach and sincerely cares about every person that walks into his gym.”
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Calvin Cooks
Age: 27
Studio/Gym: All Fitness U, 16920 Kuykendahl Road
Specialty: Personal training
What clients say: “Calvin has seriously helped me pull myself out of a dark hole. He has given me the strength physically and mentally and been an amazing friend along the way.”
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Sally Le
Age: 38
Studio/Gym: DUO Coffee & Pilates, 2147 Westheimer
Specialty: Group fitness, Pilates
What clients say: “Sally is magical behind the mic. Her Pilates class is challenging but approachable and her playlists are fire. She has a way to connect with anyone. This quality separates her from the rest.”
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Allan Powell
Age: 48
Studio/Gym: One2One, 6322 Richmond
Specialty: Personal training and coaching in track, bodybuilding, fitness
What clients say: “I met Allan at One2One when I was in high school almost 15 years ago. I was trying to put on mass from the skinny little high schooler I was. I saw how he looked and we started talking. … Allan has a focus on doing the right exercises for the person, varying it, and getting the technique right. He is super friendly and always has great things to say.”
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Mimi El-Messisi
Age: 34
Studio/Gym: CycleBar Houston Heights, 1533 N Shepherd, Suite 210
Specialty: Indoor cycling
What clients say: “When you first meet Mimi, you feel like you are meeting a best friend. And when you end your workout with Mimi, you feel like you are a part of the family.”
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Cookie Miller
Age: 31
Studio/Gym: Virtual, in person
Specialty: Personal training
What clients say: “Cookie knows the fitness journey well as she has personally lost over 100 pounds and has kept the weight off for more than five years. She is a success story, she believes in lifting as she climbs, helping others achieve their goals!”
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Jennifer Yuhas
Age: N/A
Studio/Gym: The Atrium Yoga, 3733 Westheimer
Specialty: Yoga
What clients say: “Jen is extremely encouraging, confident and inspiring. I love, love, love her classes and make my way into Houston when I can to take a class and refresh my own spirit as a teacher and student.”
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Alexis Stovall
Age: 22
Studio/Gym: Equinox River Oaks, 4444 Westheimer; owner of The Perfect Pilates
Specialty: Pilates
What clients say: “Alexis has her own proprietary program that works the entire body in 50 minutes and shows amazing results. I love this trainer because she is rigorous but not pushy. She gives excellent corrections and leads clients gently to results.”
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Stephanique Smith
Age: 30
Studio/Gym: BeneFit Training, 10516 Katy Fwy
Specialty: Personal training
What clients say: “She’s a trainer that will push you, but not in an overbearing way. My goal was to never lose but gain, and we do that. We have been working on building strength and muscle. Now I’m able do things I could have never when we first started. Niqki will forever have me as a client.”
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Jonathan Flores
Age: 35
Studio/Gym: Be Fit Gym, 2420 Rusk; Stretch Lab Bellaire, 6702 Ferris
Specialty: Strength and conditioning, indoor cycling
What clients say: “Jonathan is an incredible trainer. Both my partner and I have worked with him. He met both of us where we were at and differentiated his programming for our specific needs and goals. Jonathan works with clients all across the gender spectrum and is inclusive of all body types and sizes. He trains clients of all different levels of ability.”
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Gregory Zermeno
Age: 28
Studio/Gym: Memorial Park, in-person, virtual
Specialty: Personal trainer, coaching and bootcamp group courses.
What clients say: “I recently started my fitness journey and have always struggled with keeping fit, healthy and a cleaner lifestyle. Greg has truly motivated me and others to push ourselves and remind ourselves how mentally strong we are, and anything is possible.”
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Danny Arnold
Age: 40
Studio/Gym: Plex, 15250 Hillcroft, Missouri City
Specialty: Athletic trainer
What clients say: “Danny Arnold is literally the best strength, agility and conditioning coaches that my son has been with. He’s trained under Danny for the last four years and I don’t think he would be where he is today without him. He challenges and motivates his athletes to be the best that they can possibly be.”
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Dean’na Mitchell
Age: 52
Studio/Gym: Infinity Fitness Solutions, 311 S Houston Ave, Humble
Specialty: Personal fitness training
What clients say: “Dean’na is a great inspiration to so many by first achieving her own personal weight loss, losing over 80 pounds, then getting her personal training certification, starting her own personal training… ultimately, competing in multiple Global Bodybuilding Organization competitions. She reaches out to many ladies through social media with her ‘Embrace Fitness’ platform.”
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Michelle Krantz Gendron
Age: 39
Studio/Gym: Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA, 808 Pease
Specialty: Group exercise instructor, certified clinical exercise physiologist
What clients say: “I am a 65-year-old grandmother who has never enjoyed working out until I met Michelle. Michelle challenges, encourages and inspires me every day. She makes me believe that I really can be strong and capable. But most of all, she makes me want to work out!”
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Bryan Reyes
Age: 29
Studio/Gym: CrossFit Maxzero, 5130 E Sam Houston Pkwy N Suite E
Specialty: Personal training, coaching
What clients say: “Bryan is full of many great qualities, but his biggest one would have to be patience. Bryan doesn’t only coach me but also my two children. Bryan has come into our lives and changed it for better. He has guide us to a better lifestyle. For that my family will forever be grateful.”
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Shaunna L. Sterling
Age: 50
Studio/Gym:Infinity Fitness Solutions, 311 S. Houston Ave., Humble
Specialty: Personal training
What clients say: “Shaunna is an amazing trainer. Simply with her help I was able to achieve my goals. Even when I felt like giving up, her encouraging words help. She really helped me by giving me the tools to grow.”
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Sierra and Ronnie Bookman
Age: 30, 35
Studio/Gym: Owners of All Inspired Fit, 2222 Studewood
Specialty: Personal training
What clients say: “This fit couple brings their unique personality to each workout. Sierra stays true to her Bronx origins and Ronnie brings an intense yet charismatic workout to his clients. They truly live up to the gym name by inspiring their clients to put in work!”
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Shawn Harris
Age: 36
Studio/Gym: Facet Seven, 1005 Ennis
Specialty: Personal training; HIIT training
What clients say: “His training is tough and I would talk to myself trying to find every excuse to quit. But Shawn Harris does not give you time to quit. He reminds you of your why. He reminds you of how far you’ve come! He reminds you of how happy and proud you feel after each class. I’ve lost pounds, I’ve lost inches, but gained motivation and gained a training family of all shapes and sizes.”
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Amanda Jenkins
Age: 34
Studio/Gym: ALJ Fitness, 1853 Pearland Parkway, #123, Pearland
Specialty: Personal training
What clients say: “I have been working with Amanda for almost five years and during this time, I have consistently improved my strength, tone and flexibility. Amanda keeps me focused, motivated and committed to my early morning training sessions. We all know how hard is to get up early to work out, but the improvement that I have seen in my body keeps me going.”
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Brittany Hill
Age: 34
Studio/Gym: YMCA, Define River Oaks, Revolution Studios
Specialty: Yoga, barre, strength
What clients say: “What makes Brittany so great is her amazing energy and enthusiasm for spreading her love of yoga and fitness. She has an effortless way of making yoga seem accessible for everyone, especially those of us who can often be intimidated by fitness programs and exercise.”
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Davina Davidson
Age: 38
Studio/Gym: Virtually and in-person; Stretch Lab Bellaire, 6702 Ferris
Specialty: Personal training, yoga, stretching, wellness advocate
What clients say: “Davina is the most kindhearted and understanding soul I’ve ever met. She is honest and will tell it to you straight. She is also founder of Melanin Moves Project, a Houston based non-profit organization aiming to connect, educate and inspire members of the BIPOC community on the benefits of overall wellness.”
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Melissa and Mike Miller
Age: 42, 54
Studio/Gym: CrossFit Armada, 6009 Cottonwood, Pearland
Specialty: CrossFit
What clients say: “Mike and Melissa Miller are the true example of perseverance and dedication to their community. They have been through so much heartache, but I have never seen them waver from their goals or mission. Tragically, Mike and Melissa lost both of their children in two separate accidents in less than two years. They dedicated themselves to their business and keeping the gym open for their community.”
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Marlene Watts
Age: 33
Studio/Gym: Define Body and Mind
Specialty: Barre, indoor cycling, stretching
What clients say: “Marlene teaches with an intelligence and a dedication to clients that comes from her strong sense of spirituality and compassion for helping others. She will push you to work while educating you on all the benefits of everything you are doing! She’s incredible.”
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Lysandra Brewer
Age: 33
Studio/Gym: SolidCore Pilates, 600 Shepherd
Specialty: Pilates, indoor cycling, group fitness
What clients say: “Lysandra has such a unique way of instructing that pulls athletic potential out of her clients. She has away of inspiring people to preform their best, by simply being the drill sergeant that she is.”
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Curtis Long
Age: 46
Studio/Gym: Performance TLC, Bellaire
Specialty: Personal training
What clients say: “His understanding of the inner workings of the body, what’s connected to what and how injuries in one part of the body can affect other areas is almost on the ‘voodoo’ level. And I mean that as a complete compliment! I’m on the road to feeling better, while increasing my strength, flexibility and mobility with twice weekly workouts.”
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Stephan Hatteberg
Age: 32
Studio/Gym: In-home training
Specialty: Personal training, yoga
What clients say: “I came in contact with Stephan by a simple Google search and never looked back: I have adopted calisthenics for life.”
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Karson Neu
Age: 29
Studio/Gym: Ryde, 2005-D W. Gray
Specialty: Indoor cycling
What clients say: “Karson is one of the best spin instructors I’ve ever had (and I’ve been to many studios). She always brings the energy to exercise and has a great workout planned with amazing music.”
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Zach Brown
Age: 34
Studio/Gym: Illuminate Fitness, 8570 Katy Fwy, #116
Specialty: Personal training
What clients say: “I am 77 years old and living a very active life. People often think I am at least 10 years younger than I am and are surprised by my physical abilities. I owe that to Zach. He knows my abilities and limitations and pushes me to maximize my potential and overcome my limitations.’
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Reported by Joy Sewing
Designed by Julie Takahashi
