Congress Plans Incentives for Healthy Habits – NYTimes.com.
Just a few days ago, I posted information about two bills that have been introduced in Congress that would incent employers and individuals to adopt/maintain a healthy lifestyle. The next day, the NY Times had a great article about many others in our legislature who are attempting to move prevention and wellness to the center of health care reform. The ball is finally rolling so please take a moment to find the contact information for your representatives in congress (http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/) and let them know that you support legislation that would put America back on track to be one of the world’s healthiest nations.
Kira Vargas
Personal Trainer
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Kira brings a unique perspective to fitness coaching, combining her engineering background with a passion for movement and community. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a B.S. in Materials Science Engineering, Kira spent five years in the tech industry before pivoting to fitness. Over the past four years, she has honed her coaching skills at a CrossFit gym in South San Jose, specializing in group classes, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, gymnastics, and functional fitness. Her clients range from young adults to seasoned athletes in their 80s.
Kira’s own journey in fitness has been transformative—she’s lost 25 pounds since starting CrossFit and gained a deep appreciation for how consistency and patience unlock personal potential. In an age of instant gratification, she advocates for small, consistent steps, helping her clients build strength, resilience, and self-respect. Her philosophy is simple: show up, work hard, and anything is possible.
When she’s not coaching or training, Kira enjoys competing in CrossFit, exploring new sports, experimenting with ice baths, and indulging in great food.
What I love about FiT: FiT is more than a gym, it's a place where you can transform your entire life. The leaders and staff here have their heart in the work, and truly care about creating positive change in the lives of our members.
Certifications:
•CrossFit Level 2
•ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
•USA Weightlifting Level 1 (expected January 2025)
Christian Lee
Personal Trainer
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Christian Lee has been a personal trainer since 2009 and also has over 7 years of experience using exercise and lifestyle-based interventions in the care and management of type 2 diabetes through the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. He holds certifications through the ISSA and the NSCA including the Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach certification. He holds Master's Degrees in both applied exercise science and fine art and is currently pursuing a PhD in kinesiology. He also holds black belts in taekwondo and hapkido and has competed internationally for Guam in taekwondo. He has also been competing in powerlifting for the last 13 years.
Christian is passionate about strength and conditioning as well as corrective exercise and fine-tuning individual movement mechanics. He believes that one's outlook and training philosophy takes precedence over the small details of a particular exercise program. Mindset is key to making a program successful. He also believes that one should try to appreciate the process along with being excited to reach their objectives. Happiness often lies in the process rather than just the other side of the goal.
Christian spent most of his time growing up on the South Pacific island of Guam. Since then, he has moved around the west coast residing in Washington, Nevada, and California. He is the father of two spunky kids and is very much a dog person. He enjoys strength training and nerdy stuff in general such as fantasy and sci-fi books and anime. Christian's favorite quote comes from a powerlifter named Scott Yard who said, "You do something that matters to no one else but yourself. It may be silly. It may be stupid. However, in that moment, it encompasses everything you want to be."
What I love about FiT: The supportive energy and environment. The staff is legitimately there to help when it comes to just about anything. It helps that they are all extremely capable as well. Another thing that I love about FiT is its approach. FiT's philosophy centers on more than just exercise and nutrition. It focuses on an all-around emphasis on health and well-being that include sleep and stress management strategies.
Nick Weigel
Physical Therapist
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Nick graduated from The Ohio State University in 2010 with a degree in English. His focus at that time was to continue rowing competitively, which brought him to the Boston area. There he completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in 2018.
In Boston Nick worked at a clinic well known for treating professional runners and other endurance athletes. He enjoyed working with high schoolers and their parents the most. It was here he developed a passion for treating tendinopathy. Having had his own experience with a high hamstring tendinopathy he found it helpful to be able to empathize with others going through this uniquely frustrating condition. It also was here that Nick first started to learn about bike fitting and he has since gone on to obtain his Level 1 International Bike Fit Institute certification.
Nick has enjoyed being a competitive endurance athlete for 17 years. He has gone from world championship trials as a rower, running 5ks to half marathons to ultra trail runs in the White Mountains, to racing UCI cyclocross as a category 2 cyclist. Nick no longer races competitively due to a heart condition but you can now find him olympic weightlifting, mountain biking or gravel riding, taking photos of bike races, or hiking with his wife and 2 dogs.
Nick enjoys taking an active treatment approach with an emphasis on play and variability, he believes movement is the best medicine, and often complex problems have simple solutions.
Kristin Pampeyan
Trainer
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Growing up, Kristin swam competitively and played competitive softball. Her journey to strength and conditioning started when she decided to not pursue sports within college. Instead, she did strength and conditioning for a variety of collegiate athletes. This led her to specialize in sports performance and eventually acquire her NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach certificate.
After moving back to the Bay Area, she's worked with a variety of clients ranging from high school to over 80 years old. She's found that her background transfers well to functional fitness as she aligns work done in the gym to daily activities enjoyed by her clients. Her training style emphasizes learning because she wants her clients to understand why each exercise is important to them and their goals.
Beyond the gym, Kristin is currently pursuing her Master's in Exercise Physiology and in her free time enjoys exploring new places and activities. Her favorite activities currently revolve around the circus arts particularly those in the air and those with fire!
What I love about FiT: That everyone is invested in the community whether it's by hosting additional activities or sharing knowledge. It's all to make each other better and help out the clients.
Favorite sports: Swimming and Softball
Dae-Von Bishop
Personal Trainer
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All the way from East Palo Alto, Dae-Von was an avid basketball player and fan since the age of 10. From Eastside College Prep to Sonoma State to Foothill where he received his AA in psychology. Dae-Von developed a passion for training and helping others stay active and healthy after a bad ankle sprain in high school that occurred during the basketball season. Dae-Von received training the following summer at The Riekes Center, leading him to have a healthy senior year season as well as making 2nd team all league.This is what inspired him to become a trainer and help other athletes stay in great shape. At 20 years old, Dae-Von’s personal training journey began at The Riekes Center, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Dae-Von holds certifications in personal training through NASM, archery, as well as speed and agility and weightlifting both through NSPA. He even will do some basketball skill development on the side for young hoopers. His goal is to help people stay as fit and active as possible with little to no complications. I love training groups of athletes in either middle or high school. Those age groups tend to be the best time for athletes to get faster and stronger, as well as they begin to understand movement patterns which allow them to perform at an elite level. There is also a natural competitive aspect of training in groups that pushes kids to go harder during drills.
In his free time, you can find Dae-Von shooting hoops, working out, playing video games, spending time with friends, trying new foods(as long as there is no avocado), or hanging out with his frenchie, Trouble.
What I love about FiT: The embodiment of teamwork that is displayed on a regular basis, as well as the encouragement to constantly get better as trainers.
Favorite sport: Basketball and Football
- Personal Trainer (NASM)
- Certified Speed and Agility Coach (National Sports Performance Association)
- Certified Weightlifting Coach (National Sports Performance Association)
- Archery Lvl. 2 (USA Archery)
Jon Angeles
Trainer
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Jon is from San Jose, CA and has always considered himself an athlete. After playing soccer at West Valley College he began working at Stanford University as a personal trainer. Jon went on to pursue a Masters degree in Kinesiology, multiple certifications and now has over 7 years of experience. When it comes to his training philosophy, he likes taking a strength approach. In his experience, when clients focus on getting stronger and increasing muscle mass, other aspects of their fitness journey fall into place. Helping the general population find their confidence through this type of exercise is truly rewarding.
Outside of the gym, he enjoys spending time with his wife and dog wherever that may be. He makes sure there’s always a travel vacation booked or being planned for the future.
What I love about FiT:
FiT's philosophy around the 5 tenets of optimal health aligns well with my beliefs surrounding how best to care for my clients and myself. When clients subscribe to FiT's services, they are signing up for a training program that includes learning about how to live better for longer. Who wouldn't love that?
James Frederick
Trainer
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James Frederick is a Personal Trainer at FiT and certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. His top three strengths are relationship building, executing and strategic thinking. In order to be of better service to his family, peers and clients James believes self love is the quickest way to lead a more enjoyable and productive life.
James has a diverse background of skills and attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has been an educator in the specialty coffee industry, practiced applied stretching theory at Stretch Lab, and as a personal trainer, he has helped people of many different backgrounds improve their quality of life through strength training and behavior change.
Residing in the Bay Area for over 20 years, James currently lives in Campbell with his wife and son. In his free time he enjoys cooking, reading, playing guitar, kettlebell training and going for walks with his family and dog Ziggy.
What I love about FiT: FiTs health hierarchy provides a holistic and scientifically founded model unlike any I have seen in the fitness industry. People don’t just need workouts to stay healthy, they need solutions to modern day problems. I feel like FiT provides the framework to bring about long term positive change in its members. The staff is amazing and I love the opportunities for continuing education.
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Dynamic Variable Resistance Training (DVRT) Level 1 Certification
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Certificate in Nutrition (FAB Academy)
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Certificate in Applied Stretching Theory and Practice (FTP)
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NASM-CPT
Hannah Golden
Trainer
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Hannah has been working as a trainer since 2015. She has a masters degree in Sport and Exercise Science, is certified through both NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and the NATA (National Athletic Trainers Association). Hannah has extensive experience in corrective exercise and rehabilitation having spent the better part of 5 years working within collegiate athletics.
Helping clients correct movement dysfunctions and optimize how their bodies move enabling them to lead healthier lives is where Hannah leverages her expertise. She is also a BIRTHFIT coach who supports women through the motherhood transition with education, support and fitness training.
In her free time, Hannah enjoys hiking around the bay area, visiting with family, and hanging with her two cats Simba and Nala.
What I love about FiT: I love the community that FiT provides and how quick it takes to feel right at home.
Favorite sports: Cheerleading
Serena Earwicker
Operations Manager
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Serena manages the day-to-day operations at FIT. If you need help with something apart from training, she is the one to get it done.
Outside of FIT you will find Serena hiking, biking and playing at the beach with her family.
What I love about FiT: FiT is welcoming and supportive to all. It feels like a hug, a sweaty one. Haha
Favorite sports: Anything I get to see live! Love the energy.
Tracey Downing
Owner
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Tracey Downing has dedicated her life's journey to empowering individuals to discover newfound confidence in their physical abilities and take command of their long-term well-being. Together with her husband, Thom, she established FiT, a health promotion company, in 2000, impacting numerous lives by guiding them towards positive lifestyle shifts and instilling the importance of prioritizing their health.
Her academic journey at the University of Michigan, where she graduated with a degree in Kinesiology, was complemented by a vibrant period of exploration. Tracey's adventures took her across the globe to live in places like New Zealand, Ireland, and Scotland. These enriching experiences allowed her to indulge her passion for travel while simultaneously nurturing her professional growth, with roles in clinical and professional sports settings.
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Tracey treasures her role as a mother to two wonderful children. Outside of her business endeavors, she has completed an Ironman Triathlete, a testament to her unwavering determination, had the incredible honor of being an Olympic Torch Bearer for the Salt Lake City Olympics, and is a 20 year survivor of breast cancer.
In Tracey's world, fostering physical wellness is not just a profession; it's a lifelong vocation driven by a genuine desire to inspire and uplift others on their unique journeys toward lasting health and vitality.
What I love about FiT: Seeing people change: doing more than they thought they could, learning more than they thought they would, and showing up to make themselves better.
Favorite sports: Playing tennis and watching anything my kids are playing
Kendra Wagers
Massage Therapist
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Kendra Wagers has been a Massage Therapist since 2001. A native to California, she began her massage career in the Central valley working with various injury and chronic pain methods under experienced Chiropractors and physical therapists. In 2003 she relocated to Las Vegas, NV to attend the Nevada School of Massage Therapy’s accredited massage program which led to obtaining her National certification from NCBTMB. For over 13 years she worked as a licensed massage therapist in Nevada, including employment at top rated Spas on the Las Vegas strip. Receiving training in various modalities over the years including; Hawaiian Lomilomi, Thai, Sports and Shiatsu. In January of 2017 Kendra decided to return to California and is currently enrolled in the Traditional Chinese Medicine program at Five Branches University, furthering her education on overall health and wellness. With more than 17 years of experience and over 1500 hours in training Kendra has been able to hone in on her passion for healing while combining multiple techniques to provide a personalized and detailed massage to every guest. Her serene approach combined with her roots in structural techniques, offers harmony, balance, and ease to injuries or everyday stresses.
CA State Massage License #73011
Katie Deangelis
Personal Trainer
Strength and Wellness Coach
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Originally from the Bay Area, Katie graduated from Chico State University with a Bachelors in both Exercise Physiology and Nutrition with an emphasis in Sports. While observing strength coaches during her internship at Norcal Strength and Conditioning, she became fascinated with the human body and its biomechanics.
Shortly after her first year in college, Katie found that excelling her knowledge in both the foundations of functional movement and nutrition was essential in order for her to pursue her career in preventative health care.
Katie enjoys training each client individually tailored to their goals and intentions by incorporating multiple training styles, thoughtful programming and relating exercise to their interests and daily lifestyle. Her mission is to help clients feel physically and emotionally powerful, strong, and pain-free by using an extensive and realistic approach to intentional movement, intuitive eating, and to encourage behavioral change rooted in nourishment for the brain, body, and soul.
What I love about FiT: FiT embodies a comprehensive approach to fitness and overall health so that you can not only envision but become the best version of you. Our priority isn't just about what you can accomplish inside the gym, it's about training for the life you visualize living. It's about showing up as the healthiest, strongest, and most powerful version of you. At FiT, we don't just workout, we train because we see the athlete in everybody.
Favorite sports: Functional bodybuilding, weightlifting, swimming, boxing, biking, and volleyball
- American Council on Exercise
- Crossfit Level One
- NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, In Progress
- Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified, In Progress
Kevin Martin
Strength and Wellness Coach
Personal Trainer
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
OPEX CCP
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Kevin graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX with a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus in marketing. As a student, Kevin was a five-time conference champion in the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard diving events. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
He has a particular passion for rehabilitation and improving overall functional status. He enjoys identifying and correcting areas of the body that are not operating at their full potential so that everyone can live life to the fullest!
Kevin has completed a full ironman, multiple 70.3 triathlons, 2 full marathons, as well as several shorter distance triathlons and road races. In addition to triathlon, he has a background in gymnastics, swimming, diving, and volleyball. He enjoys helping everyone find the athlete within themselves and find a love for movement and exercise.
When Kevin isn’t training at FiT or exercising, he enjoys cooking, surfing, hiking, and spending time with his wife and dog. He especially loves being a father his young daughter Mayley.
What I love about FiT: Community, Hard work, Supportive, Fun
Favorite sport: Volleyball, Surfing, Diving, Running, Cycling, Swimming (triathlon), Weight lifting. I love watching all sports.
Juliana Oliveira
Trainer
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Helping people to achieve a healthy and balanced lifestyle is Juliana’s passion. Originally from Brazil, Juliana grew up playing different sports such as swimming, volleyball, and surfing. She has always had a passion for exercise.
After moving to the US, she decided to turn her passion into a career and obtained her personal training certification. Juliana believes with hard work and determination anyone can achieve their goals.
In her free time, she enjoys swimming, working out, hiking, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
What I love about FiT: I love the schedule flexibility.
Favorite sports: Snorkeling and swimming
Angelo de la Cruz
Orthopedic Massage Therapist & Personal Trainer
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While studying biological sciences at Cal Poly SLO, it became clear that my health was suffering. I was always tired, I couldn’t sleep well, I had digestive issues, and my emotions would swing dramatically at times. The realization came that in order for me to enjoy life to its fullest, I had to get serious about improving the quality of my health.
Since then, I’ve studied with doctors, physical therapists, clinical nutritionists, physical trainers, bodyworkers, and top innovators in the field of health & wellness. Instead of chasing the symptoms of illness, the most effective approaches to well-being are those that work to eliminate things that degrade health AND instill lifestyle habits that allow the natural environment of our bodies and mind to operate as efficiently as possible. In this way, we can be lead lives with less pain & sickness.
My work aims to use the technology of the body to help you live a more vibrant & productive life.
Some of the things I have fun doing are Olympic Weightlifting, breakdancing, parkour & free-running, snowboarding, creating electronic music, digital art photography/ videography, competing in American Ninja Warrior (My competition run is here) & learning about quantum physics.
What I love about FiT: Uplifting, motivating, supportive
Favorite sport: Martial Arts, ninja warrior obstacle courses, break dancing
- Former Life Science Support Scientist at NASA Ames Research Center
- Certified High Performance Coach
- 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo
- CrossFit – Level 1 Certification
- USA Weightlifting Club Coach Certification
- Intrinsic Coach Certification – Life & Health Coaching
- BS Anatomy & Physiology
- American Massage Therapy Association – Professional Member
- Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
- Certified Hendrickson Method Instructor
- Primal Reflex Release Instructor
- Certified Massage Therapist
- Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner
Shaun Conness
Trainer
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Shaun graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. in recreational resources. Shaun is a Certified Medical Exercise Specialist with the American Academy of Health, Fitness, and Rehabilitation. Member NSCA. He is a C.H.E.K. practioner level one and a C.H.E.K. Certified Golf Biomechanic. He is a Titlist Performance Certified Golf Fitness Instructor (TPI CGFI). Shaun has also completed the BacktoGolf program in Carmel, CA. Through these courses and application, Shaun has gained extensive knowledge about the mechanics and flexibility demands of the golf swing, as well as the strength and conditioning needed to optimize one’s golf potential. Shaun has trained athletes from senior Olympic Sprinters to PGA and LPGA golfers over his career. He has worked in the home, large gym, and private studio settings.
Shaun prides himself on having a strong work ethic, being positive, and enjoying life. You have to have fun.
What I love about FiT: The culture, the environment, and the team.
Favorite sport: College football and basketball, pull ups
- USAW Club Coach
- NASM Certified Trainer
- TPI Golf Fitness Instructor
- CHEK Practitioner Level 1
- CHEK Certified Golf Biomechanics Specialist
Jennifer Mulry
Personal Trainer
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Jen graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S in Psychology in 2005. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a USA Weightlifting Club Coach, and is ACSM Special Populations Certified. In October 2006, Jen started FITBuddies, a training group for individuals with autism and Down syndrome. In 2011, Jen founded BuddiesInAction to expand FiTBuddies programs. BuddiesInACTION now offers 1:1 training, group classes, virtual training and health & wellness consulting services for individuals of all abilities.
Jen’s passion is teaching individuals to not only move properly but also learn to enjoy movement. She enjoys teaching other professionals how to work with the special needs population and loves the creativity of building unique programs that fit every individual’s needs.
Outside of FiT, Jen spends most of her time chasing after her twins. She enjoys long walks with her duo, hiking, reading, uninterrupted dinners with her husband and is always looking forward to the next east coast visit with family.
What I love about FiT: I love the family atmosphere at FiT and the collective effort to all be the healthiest version of ourselves.
Favorite Sport(s): Basketball & Swimming
Jeff Samson
Trainer
Martial Arts Trainer
Assisted Stretch Practitioner
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Jeff has been working with clients in the Bay Area since 2007 and performs personal training, martial arts instruction, and assisted stretching to youth, working adults and retired seniors. Most of his youth was spent as an unathletic chubby kid who found various ways of getting into trouble. It wasn't till he was a young adult that he began to study fitness, train himself and learn martial arts. He entered and won a fitness transformation competition in 2006 which changed his life forever. The personal training he received and positive changes he saw from the competition inspired him to teach others.
Jeff went back to school and earned his Fitness Specialist certification through the Wellness and Human Performance Department of Mission College and has held certifications in Circular Strength Training, USAW Olympic Weightlifting, and Bioforce Conditioning Coach. He currently holds a BA in Humanities from The New College of California, is a Life Stretch Instructor through the Stretch to Win Institute and certified FST (Fascial Stretch Therapy) practicioner.
Jeff is a longtime local having lived in California all his life from San Diego to the Bay Area. When he's not training clients or learning new things about health and fitness he enjoys trying new restaurants, sipping specialty coffee, whiskey tasting, looking for whales in the sea and taking road trips.
What I love about FiT: Great space, staff, clients, ability to pursue my passions
Favorite sport: Jiujitsu
