MEET OUR PERSONAL TRAINERS
Hometown: East Palo Alto, California
Favorite Quote: "You get good at what you spend your time doing." - Unknown
Specializations: Helping clients meet their goals as quickly as possible by maximizing low hanging fruit and being adaptable
Education & Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology; San Diego State University | Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, NSCA | FMS Level 1 & 2 (Functional Movement Screen) | Tactical Strength & Conditioning, NASM | Certification in Applied Functional Science, CAFS
I have been a personal trainer since 2007 and joined UC San Diego Recreation in 2013. As one of the master trainers at UCSD Recreation, I mentor our other trainers for the Personal Training program, teach classes, and train clients.
I was inspired to pursue a career in fitness after working with my collegiate strength coach, Drew Peterson, at Humboldt State University. During this time, I became the fastest and most athletic I had ever been. I was amazed after experiencing how my hard work with his coach paid off. I am passionate about helping people reach their maximum potential in life so they can enjoy life more. I hope to extend this passion to new trainers in this program by helping them gain confidence in being able to guide their clients toward lifestyle improvement.
Brandon Hyatt, M.S.
Hometown: San Diego, California
Specializations: Exercise education, strength and conditioning, post-rehabilitation
Education & Certifications: Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sports Performance, Point Loma Nazarene University | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, NSCA | Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certified | Barbell Rehab Specialist, Dr. John Rusin | Barbell Rehab Method, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Dr. Michael Mash | TRX Suspension Trainer, NASM
I am a fitness professional with over 7 years of experience, holding a master's in kinesiology and many certifications. I specialize in strength training, pain management, and fitness education. I believe in meeting my clients where they are, educating them on exercise science, and creating programs tailored to each of their needs. I’ve been recognized for my hard work, including being titled master trainer and receiving the Instructor Spotlight Award. Book a session with me today! Hablo español.
Hometown: Hercules, California
Favorite Quote: “Judge me by my progress.” - Nipsey Hussle
Specializations: Calisthenics (bodyweight fitness), vertical jump training, beginner fitness
Education & Certifications: Certified Personal Trainer, NASM | American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED | Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology, UC San Diego
My training journey began at home, doing push-ups with my dad and running hills with my brother while training for basketball and martial arts. As time went on, I found myself training friends and family in my free time which eventually led me to getting my NASM Personal Training Certification.
As the instructor for both the Introduction and Intermediate Calisthenics classes, the former Head Trainer of UC San Diego’s Calisthenics Club, and an Active Triton Award winner, I offer extensive teaching experience and a passion for people. I focus on building sustainable fitness habits designed to help clients reach their individual goals.
Hometown: Syracuse, New York
Favorite Quote: “Coloring inside the lines is crass, coloring beyond the page is expression” - My high school band teacher Mr. Dumas.
Specializations: Mobility, youth and senior fitness, corrective exercise
Education/ Certifications: Bachelor of Science, Health and Exercise Science, Syracuse University | Certified Personal Trainer, NASM
I fell in love with wellness when I was very young. My great-grandmother had 19 children, so I grew up in a large family where I was able to see the effects of lifestyle on longevity. Being the inquisitive kid I was, I began to ask a lot of questions. This got me into sports and nutrition. I ran track, and played volleyball, softball, and tennis, but the sport nearest to my heart was — and still is — martial arts. I then pursued a degree in health and exercise science from Syracuse University and did a two-week program in Cuba, where I was able to learn from athletes on the Olympic and Paralympic teams and some of their brightest professors. Between learning some traditional Chinese medicine at my kung fu school, my experiences as an athlete, and my studies at Syracuse, I’ve been afforded experiences that give me a holistic view of health and wellness. My goal while being on this beautiful floating rock is to help as many people as I can be here for a good time and a long time.
Hometown: Escondido, California
Favorite Quote: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” - Pablo Picasso
Specializations: Rehabilitation and injury prevention, sports conditioning
Certifications: Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, The University of La Verne | Certified Personal Trainer | Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, ACE | Sports Conditioning Specialist, ACE | Senior Fitness Specialist, ACE | Cancer Exercise Specialist, ACE | Myofascial Compression Techniques, CETI | Trigger Point, Kettlebell Athletics Level 1 and 2 | Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training, Strong First | Advanced Strength and Power, Smart Tools, EXOS
As a former physical therapy student, I gained a love and understanding of the body and how it can grow, adapt, and even cure itself. Through fitness, I have seen how a person can grow physically and mentally stronger. I feel a responsibility to help people bring these two worlds together, with an understanding that the mind, body, and soul are all inner connected. Using fitness as my tool, I love teaching people about one of the most confusing topics out there today. Health and fitness can be scary and intimidating for anyone, but with the right mentor and resources, it too, can be conquered.
Hometown: Small Town, Illinois
Favorite Quote: "Age is no barrier. It is a limitation that you put on your mind." - Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Specializations: Active aging population, post-injury rehab, new to exercise
Education & Certifications: Juris Doctorate, Thomas Jefferson School of Law | Certified Personal Trainer, ACE | Corrective Exercise Instructor, Integrative Movement Institute
After making a career change and entering the fitness industry, I quickly found that I was drawn to work with the active aging population and help them live with independence and confidence. I also began working with the American Council on Exercise (ACE), with whom I am now a spokesperson and subject matter expert. At UCSD, I have come to enjoy helping individuals of all ages who have experienced an injury and helping them move better post-PT with less pain and avoid further injury. Above all, I advocate and cheer on clients to take care of their mental and physical health with self-care in its many forms. For me, hummingbirds are my power animal, music is life, and movement is medicine.
Delaney Fox
Hometown: San Diego, California
Favorite Quote: “I know, I know for sure that life is beautiful around the world” - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Specializations: Corrective exercise, sciatica and back pain, women's fitness & pregnancy
Education & Certifications: Certified Personal Trainer, NASM | Fitness Nutrition Specialist, NASM | Corrective Exercise Specialist, NASM | Balance Training Specialist, NASM | Women’s Fitness Specialist, NASM | Neuromuscular Stretching Specialist, NASM
Hi there! I am from San Diego and have been lifting weights for more than 15 years. I became a trainer in 2019 because I wanted to show people how exercise can help them stay strong, fight illness, and heal injuries. Longevity and sustainability are my mottos when working out. I specialize in injury management and prevention, as well as corrective exercise. Mental health and happiness are also big aspects of my training programs. Learning how to exercise does not happen overnight and I love being a part of a person's health journey!
Hometown: Born in Cedar Falls, Iowa (raised mostly in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area)
Favorite Quote: "You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” - Bob Marley
Specializations: Core and stabilization training, strength endurance training, low back pain
Education & Certifications: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Argosy University | Certified Personal Trainer, NASM | Corrective Exercise Specialist, NASM | Water Aerobics Instructor, ASFA | HIIT Coach, MetaFit | Spin Cycling Instructor, Stages Cycling | Yoga Instructor, YogaFit
I have been a personal trainer since October 2013, a yogi for about half that time, and have worked with a variety of clientele from all walks of life. I was hyperactive as a kid and grew up doing all sorts of activities, including roller skating, cycling, dancing, hiking, track and field in high school, scuba diving, and yoga in college, and I have continued to be active to this day. (Side note: I was finally diagnosed with ADHD when I was 26 and exercise turned out to be a great coping mechanism and career!) I had back injuries and surgeries (two of which were fusions) from November 2019 to September 2023, so I had to take a break from many things I enjoyed in life and focus on healing. I honed in on my spirituality to get my mind right during this dark and slow time of my life and bounced back as a stronger trainer and coach. I share my story to let others know there is life beyond major setbacks. You only need to believe in yourself.
Hometown: Denton, Texas
Favorite Quote: “You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin, Winnie The Pooh
Specializations: Strength and conditioning, movement and mobility
Education & Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Health Promotions, Abilene Christian University | Certified Personal Trainer, ACSM | Movement and Mobility Specialist, The Ready State | FMS Level 1&2, Functional Movement Screen | Exercise and Stress Management, PTA Global
I discovered a passion for health and fitness during my senior year of high school while playing football. My strength and conditioning coach had a big influence on me, as he had us explore more than just lifting weights. After games, he would have us do yoga for recovery as well as soft tissue work with foam rolling and educated us on nutrition. This passion led me to get my degree in kinesiology and pursue a career in health, wellness, and athletics. During my free time, I enjoy bodyboarding, mountain biking, and playing video games. I am excited to get to know and work with the UC San Diego community!
Natalie Arnou
Hometown: Santa Monica, California
Favorite Quote: "There is no elevator to success. You must take the stairs.” -Zig Ziglar
Education/Certifications: Certified Personal Trainer, NASM | CPR/AED/First Aid, American Red Cross
I've always been well-rounded, with a deep love for various sports such as ice skating, rollerblading, and swimming. My journey with weightlifting began in high school, and it has since become a central part of my life. This passion led me to pursue a certification in personal training, as I am eager to share my enthusiasm for fitness and help others achieve their goals. I aspire to become a professional bodybuilder in the future. In my free time, I enjoy reading self-improvement books, spending quality time with my family, and traveling. I am excited to contribute to the UCSD community and support its members in reaching their fitness goals!
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Favorite Quote: "Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be and embracing who we are." - Brene Brown
Specializations: Youth fitness
Education/ Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy, San Diego State University | Master of Science in Kinesiology, Integrative Wellness, Point Loma Nazarene University (in progress) | Certified Personal Trainer, ACSM | Group Fitness Instructor, ACSM | TRX Suspension Trainer | Barre Instructor, S.C.W & BarreAbove | 50-hour Yoga Sculpt Instructor, Corepower | Spin Instructor, Spinning
I discovered my love for fitness and wellness when I was 10 years old playing in tennis and soccer camps. I understood the importance of exercise and was intrigued by all the benefits physical activity offers. Movement and exercise are a way to celebrate your abilities, not a punishment! It's my goal to help others feel confident in their own bodies, strength, and abilities. Along with personal training, I love teaching group classes like barre, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), TRX, and cycling. Let's reach for your goals together!
Randy Bungard, M.Ed
Hometown: San Diego, California
Favorite Quote: "Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be." - by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Specializations: Strength and conditioning, bodyweight circuit training, resistance circuit training, mobility training, speed and endurance development
Education & Certifications: M.Ed Exercise Physiology | East Tennessee State University, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Emphasis in Exercise Science and Sport Management, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) | NSCA, Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach | United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA)
Fitness and wellness has been a passion of mine since my undergraduate days as an exercise science/sports management major. I also hold a masters degree in exercise physiology. Forty one years later the passion is still there. My goal has always been to share the fitness journey and help people aspire, activate, and achieve their fitness and sporting goals.
I have a very diverse background in fitness and sport coaching. As a collegiate track and field coach for 37 years, I have coached athletes to NCAA and Olympic titles as well as fitness and wellness clients from 12 years old to 75 years old. I have truly enjoyed working with different ranges and abilities throughout my career. I have a firm grasp of the differences between elite athletes and fitness/wellness enthusiasts and train each group accordingly to help people achieve whatever goals they desire.
Hometown: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Favorite Quote: “You don’t have to get ready, if you stay ready” - Unknown
Specializations: Strength and conditioning, Biomechanics
Education & Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Springfield College | Certified Personal Trainer, NSCA
After an athletics-focused childhood, I paired physical fitness with mental health by majoring in psychology with a minor in rehabilitation and disabilities. During and after college, I participated in the national and international rugby circuits while relying on my personal training career to maintain my fitness. Eventually, I became a strength and conditioning coach, training athletes, teaching group exercise classes, and collaborating with physical therapists.
I perceive training as a continuum and incorporate various disciplines into my program designs, emphasizing pre-habilitation/post-rehabilitation alongside strength and conditioning objectives and a focus on biomechanics. Wellness is the cornerstone of my life, and I derive immense joy from helping others discover their own passion for it as well. People I've worked with often remark, "You believe in me more than I do!" and my response is always: "For now!"
I lead an active lifestyle, engaging in recreational sports, running/hiking, snowboarding, visiting the beach, and traveling whenever possible. To find balance and solace, I enjoy listening to podcasts and reading books on psychology, spirituality, health sciences, world history, and economics. I also practice mindfulness and meditation while immersing myself in music.
