As a personal trainer specializing in running, Jason Karp has created a unique niche for himself. He encourages others to do the same. Jason’s teaching style has been called strong, but subtle, by others, but he claims to focus mainly on intrinsic rewards. “Running is unique in that it has the power to reveal things in us, so I use that as a way to motivate and inspire my clients to find out what those things are,” Jason says. He also invests in making changes in the relationship between the fitness industry and the medical field. Jason is pushing for exercise physiology to become a requirement for physicians in the future.
Danielle Vindez’s 17 years in the fitness industry have been very rewarding. She believes that celebrating others’ wins is the greatest reward. “When an 83-year-old Parkinson’s-challenged client regains the use of his legs, it is a glorious moment,” Danielle says.
Personal trainer Michael Saiz likes to think out of the box and keep his clients on their toes. He was inspired by his high-school football coach to integrate drive and determination into his training regimen, and he passes on that wisdom to his clients.
Karin Singleton’s passion and enthusiasm for fitness remain undeterred despite not starting her personal training career until age 40. Before coming to the fitness industry Karin worked in the corporate world, which she believes gives her a better idea of where her clients are coming from.
As a sports performance and injury prevention trainer and a licensed attorney with a concentration in health care, LaRue Cook strives to get his messages about health and wellness into the world through enthusiasm and by example.
Shawn Connolly is a physical therapist and a stunt performer in Sirens of T.I.® at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. He hopes to encourage others by promoting, teaching and living a healthy lifestyle. Shawn is also very involved in giving back to the community. He regularly volunteers or participates in several charity races in his hometown of Las Vegas.
Shawn Fears enjoys proving that nothing is impossible. He has had shoulder surgery, three epidurals for a herniated disk and two knee surgeries. Despite these setbacks, he set a personal record of back-squatting 420 pounds.
After overcoming her own struggles with eating disorders and body dysmorphia, Terri Lynn Cole decided to help others who also struggle with these issues.
Patti Komara, gymnastics expert and owner of Patti’s All-American, opened her first fitness-based preschool in 1969. The center now has six schools: Tumblebear Gym, Karate, School-Age Champion Gymnastics, The Dance Connection, The Swim Connection and Gym-N-Learn Educational Preschool. She teaches kids aged 1–18 to have fun with fitness.
“I believe that no one is too busy for fitness or healthy eating—it’s just a matter of learning the basics and practicing them until they become routine,” explains Luci Gabel, founder and CEO of LuciFit LLC. Luci prides herself on the high standards she has set for herself and believes others will succeed if they do the same. “Be the best professional you can be.
