Meet our Fitness Instructors
Fanja M.
Dance Classes, Pilates, Body Pump, Les Mills Core
When I was a young mom, going to the gym wasn’t accessible. I wanted to be able to participate, to take fitness classes, and really dive into what I was doing. As a fitness instructor, I get to do all of that. I started as a fitness instructor in 2017, receiving my certificate in U-Jam Fitness. I received my certification for Group X Fitness Classes and also taught classes at the YMCA of the USA. I was introduced to the Les Mills program while attending an SRAC workshop and was able to grow as an instructor, thanks to all the knowledge and valuable classes they offered. Since then, I’ve worked on my fitness classes to help students and the campus community get stronger and get active. I love to interact with students and to see people return for repeat sessions. I like to start classes by asking people what they are looking for, ensuring that their fitness and their activity is in their hands. Nothing feels better than when people attend a class, whether it’s with low energy or high energy, and they walk away feeling satisfied and happy with their workout.
Fun Fact: I love K-Pop, I have 3 kids, and I speak French!
Grisel M.
Yoga
I've always loved yoga, especially the aspect of connecting your mind and body together. During quarantine, I got into yoga as a way to destress, and I started researching certification programs. Yoga certification was expensive. I discovered a scholarship program for BIPOC instructors, and got my certification in Core Power Yoga, in addition to my B.S. in Public Health with a Minor in Nutrition Science. I started teaching yoga in Fall 2021. I love to teach about the history and importance of yoga. Typically, everyone thinks about yoga in terms of physicality but it is absolutely about mind and spirituality. I encourage my students to focus on how each yoga posture feels rather than how it looks. Yoga eases the mind, cleanses the body, and provides a great workout.
Fun Fact: I used to have a pet pig, I’ve studied abroad in Australia, and I’m a coffee addict.
Kelsey C.
Les Mills Body Pump, 1 Hour Strength-Training
My journey as a fitness instructor began as a student in December 2018, taking fitness classes in the former Sport Club. I signed up for Body Pump and fell in love with the engaging atmosphere, encouraging instructors, and the energetic pace. Soon after, I was approached by my instructor to consider becoming an instructor myself. After a year of classes, I signed up. I completed my Body Pump Certification in August 2019 and have been an instructor at the SRAC ever since. I strive for my classroom atmosphere to be a welcoming environment for those who may have never been to the gym or to a fitness class before. I want people to come to my class knowing it is a safe space with no judgment, for people of all fitness levels, at any stage of their fitness journey. I love to see everyone push themselves and to bond over sweat. You can have so much going on in your life, but once you step into the fitness studio, you can forget about it all and sweat it out.
Fun Fact: I’m commissioning into the military after graduation.
Billy (Arty) M.
Boxing, Boot Camp, Martial Arts, Body Weight
I’ve always enjoyed boxing; when I was younger, I participated in several amateur and professional flights. Eventually, I got into personal training and group exercise classes, incorporating my boxing style into fitness classes. Rather than teach a typical bootcamp class, I enjoyed creating hybrids of different exercises, adding my own flair into what I did and what I thought. I’ve been teaching for over 10 years and have a personal training certification along with an AA in Liberal Arts, Emphasis in Mass Science. I love to teach class and I love the way I feel afterwards, the endorphins. I love to hear from students about how fitness has improved their life through sleeping better, handling relationships, and better diet. I love to work with people of all fitness levels, shapes, and sizes. Fitness transforms a person mentally and physically, and I want everyone to be active and feel that endorphin effect throughout the whole day.
Fun Fact: I have a gift for motivating people to workout.
Alexis C.
Cycle, Cardio
For most of my late teens and early twenties, I’ve been a competitive endurance athlete. I've competed in a few Iron Mans and marathon runners, but everything changed when I hurt my ankle. I couldn’t quite run anymore because of the impact, which is when my doctor suggested cycling. I loved it and got my certification in Schwinn Cycling. Ever since then, I’ve been teaching fitness classes. My passion for teaching extends beyond fitness, as I had the opportunity to teach English at SJSU as an undergraduate student as well. A lot of people don’t like cardio, which is why it’s so rewarding to see people come to my class with that dislike, and walk out of it, smiling and wanting to do it again. A lot of people who don't like cardio end up coming out of my classes smiling and wanting to do it more. I love fitness; it sets you on a good path every day, and it is one of the best motivational tools. The most successful people are really good at being bad at themselves. You’ll never get better at something if you’re not open to it; it’s about building capability and personal progress. Be a bit better today than you were yesterday; compare your progress to yesterday’s, not to the person next to you.
Fun Fact: My favorite hobby is art and pencil is my favorite medium.
Gus A.
Personal Trainer - General Fitness, Weight Loss
When I first started attending school, I wanted to become a firefighter. As I began training with other firefighters, I realized my passion was in personal training as well as general fitness. Six years ago, I started to explore this passion further and eventually got my B.A. in Kinesiology and M.A. in Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology. Now, I’m a personal trainer, and I love to help people who don’t quite know where to start to help themselves. My favorite part about personal training is when I get to see people nejoy exercise and let go of all the bad associations that they have with exercise, especially with P.E. The rush you get after working out is one that can keep you sane and help you feel better. I always try to remind people that exercise isn’t as scary as it seems.
Fun Fact: I broke my leg as a kid, so one leg is shorter than the other.
Barani W.
Yoga
Yoga has always been a part of my life and my family. Three of my siblings teach yoga. It’s become a passion of mine as well. I love to see people enjoying themselves and sharing new moves as well as materials. I became motivated to teach when I took some classes at DeAnza College. From there, I explored yoga further by getting my National Certificate with the American Fitness Aerobics Association. I love to teach others how to find a sense of balance. I have so much fun as an instructor helping individuals improve their overall life. Transforming lives for the better by allowing for people to destress, sleep better and eat better as well. What’s most important to me when people come to my yoga class is that they really try to enjoy themselves and put their hearts into it.
Fun Fact: 3 out of 4 of my siblings also teach yoga.
Susan D.
Yoga, Body Pump, Body Combat
From a young age, being active is something that excited me. I remember being 7 years old, doing yoga and various stretching exercises. It was instinctual for me to the point that yoga felt ingrained in my DNA. Over the years, I got more involved in movement to music, step aerobics, body sculpt, Les Mills, Body Pump and Body Combat. I’ve been a fitness instructor for 27 years now. My favorite part about being an instructor is the people. I’m a very social person and love all things movement through music. I always try to make sure that people attending my class have a positive experience that brings happiness, calm, and release of good endorphins. I’m a strong believer that you can be strong at any age.
Fun Fact: I love hiking and camping.
Travis H.
Personal Trainer, General Fitness, Resistance Trainer
I first got into fitness helping my friends train when they were struggling with achieving and maintaining their fitness goals. After attending SJSU for two years and witnessing the grand opening of the SRAC, I realized it was the perfect opportunity for me to become a trainer. I’m truly passionate about all things having to do with personal training, general fitness and resistance training. My favorite part about being a trainer is getting to help people with their goals and see their progress. Grinding, setting after your goals and achieving them is the best feeling. It really helps you feel better overall. Fitness has given me the confidence to do other things in my life such as playing the bass and harmonica. My own personal goal after teaching classes is to get my clients to a point where they don’t need me anymore, that they are able to enjoy fitness, and feel confident in their own journey.
Fun Fact: I can play bass and the harmonica.
Jose G.
Personal Trainer, Weight Loss Training
Fitness has always been something that I’ve been passionate about. My sophomore year I had an internship with a company called FitTrack where I worked with an older demographic and a bootcamp training program that they had. This internship opportunity motivated me to be a personal trainer that focuses on weight loss training. I first started working as a personal trainer in 2020. I had never been very good academically but training and pushing myself has always been a strong suit of mine. My favorite part about being a personal trainer is helping people push their limits and achieve their goals. A lot of individuals come in with a negative mindset and I try to help them push through these barriers. My goal after a session is that they leave with more confidence than when we started.
Fun Fact: I am missing a tooth.
Kat T.
Groov3, Jam, Mixed Fit, Dance Aerobics
Dancing has always a part of my life; I was a street dancer in Memphis, Tennessee. After relocating from Tennessee, I hoped to find a fitness regimen that was fun and allowed me to condition my body back into movement. I discovered Zumba and U-Jam fitness and eventually got certified in U-Jam as well as other fitness programs. I first worked at American Barbell, a gym that I still hold near and dear to my heart. Eventually, I got the opportunity to work at SJSU with the intention of transferring to SJSU in Spring 2022. My favorite part about teaching classes now is seeing timid students open up and embrace the moment. It’s important to remember that fitness isn’t just a solo venture and the main focus of fitness shouldn’t be on the imitating the body movements exactly as the instructor does it. Dance, and fitness, is about being yourself and adding your own personal swag on it. I want students who take my class to know that fitness isn’t all about body improvement; it’s about being comfortable in your own body.
Fun Fact: I am a book geek and influencer.
