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Matthew earned his B.S. in Kinesiology—the study of human movement—from California State University, Monterey Bay. He is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and a Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) Mobility Specialist.
An active lifestyle has always been central to Matthew’s life. Growing up, he competed in TaeKwonDo, martial arts, and soccer, later expanding his interests to badminton and cross-country running in high school. In college, he was a member of his university’s men’s club volleyball team, further solidifying his passion for movement and performance.
In 2020, Matthew faced one of his greatest challenges when a car accident left him with a broken back. The grueling recovery process gave him a newfound appreciation for the power of strength and mobility in rehabilitation. This life-changing experience has shaped his approach to training, emphasizing resilience, functional strength, and enhancing overall well-being. He is passionate about helping clients build strong, capable bodies that can meet the demands of everyday life with confidence.
Before becoming a trainer, Matthew honed his skills in the kitchen, spending seven years as a chef in restaurants. Outside of the gym, he enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling, and indulging in a good horror movie.
Certified Personal Trainer, ACSM | Mobility Specialist, FRC
What I love about FiT: There is a big emphasis on collaborating and learning between all the trainers, which I really appreciate.
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)
Personal Trainer
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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.
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.
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Zach was born and raised in St. John, USVI and while never considered himself an athlete growing up, has always had a passion for physical culture and movement.
What I love about FiT: I love the sense of community and camaraderie between staff and clients alike.
Trainer
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
Personal Trainer
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.
Favorite sport: Basketball and Football
Trainer
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.
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?
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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.
Favorite sports: Cheerleading
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.
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
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
Personal Trainer
Strength and Wellness Coach
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.
Favorite sports: Functional bodybuilding, weightlifting, swimming, boxing, biking, and volleyball
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.
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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
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
Trainer
Shaun prides himself on having a strong work ethic, being positive, and enjoying life. You have to have fun.
Favorite sport: College football and basketball, pull ups
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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
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
by Tracey Downing | Oct 17, 2022 | Awareness, Health, Self Care, Trainer Interview, Uncategorized, Women's Health
Every October I feel compelled to do something, to share something, to acknowledge, that like it or not, I am a representative of a community of which I would never have chosen, but am very grateful to be a part. While public speaking does not come naturally to me, I...