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Juliana Jade, studio owner

Once in a while we get a sense that we just absolutely have to do something… it may be a hunch or it may be a calling.  Since my very early years I had a tremendous interest in everything that had to do with human body and its capabilities along with a passion for helping people.  Though I had chosen a carrier in literature, translating and editing books, in the back of my mind there was always a nudge to do something with a more direct outcome, that which would help people live better now.  As I considered going to med school, I decided to take a slightly different route and apply my passion to help you live better through improved health and functionality, and the positive psychological ramifications of feeling better about yourself.

We all know that better health and fitness lead to improve performance and hormone function which elevates mood and enhances your quality of life, giving you more energy, making you a better parent and helping you enjoy life at work and play for years to come. For me, living in a society set up for a sedentary lifestyle, exercise is a necessity.  Everyone seems to acknowledge the need for cardiovascular activity and fortunately there is more and more awareness of the need for strength training which not only makes you stronger, more fit and toned, allows you to work around injuries and improves bone density, but most importantly gives you a tremendous metabolic advantage.  The goal is not to make you into a competitive athlete (unless you want to be one) but to take you wherever you are at and make sure that you move towards sustainable results.

One of the least constructive conversations I ever had with myself started with “what if…” I invite you to choose a different path and take action now.  After all, “the things we regret most are the chances we never took.”

Certifications & Accomplishments

Certified Personal Trainer with American Fitness Professionals Association
Strength Conditioning Specialist with extensive experience in Body Sculpting
CPR and First Aid certified
Ballroom Dance Enthusiast
Judo Brown Belt
National Level Figure Competitor


Mitch Thormodson, studio manager

I moved to Washington 3 years ago from the Midwest and have enjoyed every minute of it.  I love to downhill ski, water ski and rock climb and Washington gives me the opportunity to do it all.  I am a teacher at heart and enjoy working with people to help them learn new things and realize their goals and dreams.

My philosophy of training is that not everyone can win a race, but everyone should be able to run.  Too many people miss out on so much that life has to offer when they really don't have to.  I think Michelangelo summed up the problem best when he said "The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

Certifications

First Aid & CPR
AFPA Certified Personal Trainer


Karen Nolting

I am excited about sharing my experience and life long passions for sports, fitness and an active lifestyle with my clients.  I am an avid distance runner and triathlete.  I also enjoy backpacking and day hikes, cycling, skiing and team sports.  I have coached my children’s teams and currently coach triathletes.

I enjoyed police work for many years before I took time off to raise my young children.  When they grew older I worked in special education and behavior modification classrooms at the elementary level. Then I found my “fun job” and passion as a personal trainer at Fitness Together. I love creating individual programs that are appropriate for the goals of my clients and sharing their satisfaction as those goals are attained.

My motto for life is a quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt who said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”  I remember this quote to inspire me to try things I normally might shy away from due to fear of failure or lack of commitment. It forces me to grow outside my comfort zone.  It takes courage to fully commit to the idea of making a fitness goal, creating a plan to achieve the goal and committing to it. I am here to support your goals and see them achieved!

Certifications & Accomplishments

CPR and First Aid certified
Lake Stevens 70.3 Ironman age group winner
World Championships Clearwater Florida 70.3 Qualifier and participant
Boston Marathon finisher
Numerous marathons, half marathons, 10k, 8k and 5k races
Numerous Sprint and Olympic distance triathlon finisher
Mount Rainier Summit 2008
American Council of Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer


Jason Price

I graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.  I am currently working towards my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification through National Strength and Conditioning Association.

I have always had an interest in sports and have played competitively in soccer, golf, basketball, baseball, tennis, bowling, and rugby.  I enjoy an active lifestyle that consists of hiking, sports, weight-lifting, and nutrition.  I feel that every person is different and will require personalized training methods to reach their goals.

I always knew I wanted to be in the fitness industry and have always had a passion to help people.  I love seeing people reach their goals, just the smile on their faces is so rewarding - it makes me happy to be part of that!

Certifications & Accomplishments

Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise from Central Washington University
CPR and First Aid Certified
Head Coach for Forest Ridge Tennis
5th Grade Soccer Coach
High School J.V. Soccer Coach
7th Grade Basketball Coach


Becky Pashelinsky

My decision to become a personal trainer stems from my desire to learn how to take care of myself and to teach others how to do the same. I graduated from the University of Washington in 2005 with a Political Science major and soon realized that it just wasn't my thing. I was also out of shape and dealing with neck and back pain from a car accident in 2004. This was new to me because I had participated in many sports my whole life up until 2002. I rowed and ran cross country and track for 2 years in high school; and played basketball for six years before that. I was recruited to row for the UW but during my first year I realized how burned out I had become from playing sports.

I decided to attend Lake Washington Technical College and I have earned a Fitness Specialist Certificate. I enjoyed the anatomy and physiology classes. I slowly built my endurance back up and with the encouragement of my classmates, I did my first triathlon. It was a blast and I have done many more since. Doing a triathlon is not necessary comfortable! It involves swimming in cold and murky lakes, sitting on a bike for a while and after that, running! Training can be grueling and many times I have wanted to give up, but crossing that
finish line is what makes it worth all the work. This is kind of like life; it can be hard at times but if you don't give up and persevere through the challenges, great lessons will be learned and relationships will grow stronger.

I currently am training for my second half marathon, an Olympic distance triathlon and two sprint triathlons this year. My goal is to do a Half Ironman in the future and to start a triathlon training team with the goal of raising money for Hope Worldwide. Training has been such a joy because of the relationships built, goals reached and changed lifestyles.

Certifications & Accomplishments

American Council on Exercise
Heart Zones Training
Outdoor Action Fitness
Fitness Specialist Certificate from Lake Washington Technical College
Numerous Triathlons participant


Russ Giordano

I am Russ. When I was growing up I wasn't always what you would call the "athletic type." As a child I was severely overweight and under-motivated to do anything related to working out or anything more then sit and play games. As I got older I realized exactly what being sedentary had done to my body, but I had no idea exactly what toll it took until I finally decided to do a P.E class and had to get a physical. At the age of 13 my serum cholesterol measured 224, SCARY! It was that day that I decided I was going to make a change, that was the day I met the person I believe changed my life.

I have always been a strong believer in the saying "One person can make a difference."  For me that one person was Coach Haynie, a body conditioning coach in school. This man was the kind of person that didn't let you make excuses or quit, and if you did he made you never want to do it again. I learned so much from him that it birthed my love for fitness, this began my quest to do all things athletic. I became a Starting Varsity Linebacker on my high schools football team, it was a dream come true!

My goal with each and every client is to be that coach that makes you wake up the next day and say "I'm glad I am doing this!" When it comes to results, the fact is, and always has been, you get what you put in to it!

Some people ask me why I chose this career, it is very simple. When I grew up I was always that kind kid who would rather help somebody then harm them. For me there is no better joy than seeing somebody be happier with themselves and enjoying what they have accomplished. When it comes down to it, the results you get are because of what you did, I just guide you to that side of yourself that knows how to stay motivated!
 
Certifications & Accomplishments

NPTI- Certified Personal Trainer
NPTI- Certified Nutrition Coach
Florida All-State High School Linebacker


Glen Dosono

I am an innovative trainer with extensive experience training privately and in group settings.  I strive to bring fun and creativity into every workout I designs, and my circuit style workouts are an excellent fit for anyone who wants to burn fat and attain peak physical condition.  I have a CrossFit Certification.  CrossFit is a strength and conditioning system built on constantly varied, if not randomized, functional movements executed at high intensity.

My love for sports and fitness has helped me motivate others to believe that they can achieve their desired goals.  I am passionate to work at Fitness Together with committment to providing the highest level of services to each and every client. 

Certifications & Accomplishments

CrossFit Level 1 Certification
 Bachelor of Arts – University of Washington
Youth Soccer Coach


Paul Schmidt

After working IT in the wireless industry for 10 years, I realized I had to do something I was more passionate about.  I've always been into athletics and fitness, and I love helping people, so I knew Personal Training was my calling.  I have worked with athletes, cancer survivors as young as 6, and adults well into their 70's, and I love it.

Keeping fit and healthy is very important to me, and should be a priority for all of us.  I encourage my clients to have a long-term goal in mind, while setting short-term, attainable goals, and making diet and exercise changes that are realistic and they will stick with.
My wife Holly and I, who both grew up in the Seattle area, wed in Maui in 1999, and currently live in Sammamish with our beautiful daughter Savannah who was born in 2003.

In my spare time I like to stay active.  I'm an avid fly fisherman, and a total basketball junkie.  In 2006 I completed the Seattle to Portland bike race and will play rec-league basketball until I die or they drag me off the court.

"Me only have one ambition y'know.  I only have one thing I really like to see happen.  I like to see mankind live together - black, white, Chinese, everyone - that's all."   Bob Marley

Certifications & Accomplishments

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through National Strength and Conditioning Association
University of Washington graduate


Berlin Maza

I grew up around sports as a child. My passion since I was young was in the area of fitness and I love to help others reach their goals in fitness as well. I graduated from Lake Washington Technical College with a degree in Exercise Science. I also have a degree from the Northwest School of Massage in Kirkland and am a certified firefighter.  In my free time I enjoy to play basketball and golf.

Certifications & Accomplishments

American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer
National Strength and Conditioning Association Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer
CPR and First Aid certified
Youth Basketball Coach