The Best San Francisco Personal Trainers

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An eclectic fitness enthusiast from the other side of the world, Samuel Neagu was born in Bucharest, Romania and grew up watching national heroes like Nadia Comaneci in the Olympics and George Hagi in the World Cup. After immigrating to the States, he developed his competitive spirit and love for fitness by joining both the swim team and wrestling team in high school, balancing that out with a lifelong passion for the violin, piano and guitar. Soon after graduating, and looking for the next challenge and opportunity to grow, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps, where he excelled in the Marine Corps Martial Arts program, attaining the rank of Sergeant before finishing his five year enlistment. After serving, he attended college at UC Berkeley, where he joined the Cal Ski Team for 3 years while majoring in English Literature and Creative Writing. During college and continuing into “adult life” Samuel continued to pursue many martial arts disciplines like boxing, muay thai, karate, kung fu and brazilian jiu jitsu. After a few years in the corporate world, Samuel felt a calling to pursue fitness full time and transitioned to personal training. With over 13 years of full-time one-on-one coaching, he has found what he was always meant to do; to help people realize their potential, achieve their goals and feel their best. Today Samuel spends most of his time either being active or working on his music and ambitions as a novelist.  He is extremely excited to be a part of not just a gym but a full wellness club at Live Fit and looking forward to joining you on your journey to a life of health and wellness!

Certifications:

National Council on Strength & Fitness Certified Personal Trainer
Bulgarian Bag West Coast PT Train
Boxing/Martial Arts, West Wind Schools

Specialties:

Boxing
Muay Thai
Karate
Kung Fu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

With over a decade of experience in fitness and a strong athletic background, Malique is certified by the International Sports Science Association (ISSA) in exercise, strength and conditioning, powerlifting, bodybuilding, & nutrition. Malique’s journey began with Calisthenics, where he trained independently, gradually noticing significant progress in muscle size & weight within just six months.

Malique’s athletic roots include wrestling, football, track, and Muay Thai, all of which have shaped their understanding of strength, discipline, and resilience. The pursuit of knowledge led Malique to become certified so he could craft personalized plans for themselves. After gaining confidence in their expertise, he felt compelled to share their knowledge with others. Malique’s mission is to help individuals achieve their fitness goals through customized training & nutritional guidance, ensuring they have the tools and support to transform their lives. Whether someone is just starting or looking to take their fitness to the next level, Malique is here to guide them every step of the way.

Certifications:

International Sports Science Association (ISSA) Certification
Exercise, Strength & Conditioning
Powerlifting
Bodybuilding
Nutrition

Specialties:

Calisthenics
Wrestling
Football
Track
Muay Thai

Bristy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from N.C Wesleyan College, where she competed in Tennis and Cross Country. She brings both academic knowledge & practical experience to her role as a Personal Trainer. Coming from a family of athletes (who have also transformed into trainers), Bristy has been immersed in the world of sports and fitness from a young age. This background, combined with 15 years of instructing and coaching tennis in environments such as camps, clinics, schools and privately, has honed Bristy’s ability to develop personalized training programs that cater to the unique needs of each client.

Bristy specializes in functional fitness training, strength and conditioning, sports performance and weight loss. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practices designed to enhance overall fitness, improve athletic performance, and achieve specific health goals. Whether you are looking to improve your sports performance, build strength, or lose weight, Bristy is dedicated to guiding you on your fitness journey with tailored programs and expert support while having FUN!

Certifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, North Carolina Wesleyan College

Specialties

Being a Bay Area native, Donovan has lived in San Francisco all of his life. With a passion for sports, he has played & mastered baseball, basketball, football, boxing as well as a handful of others. Which led him to pursue & love athletic training. Donovan has very unique work history with one of his first jobs working at an endocrinology office. He got the opportunity to learn and develop skills on the nutrition side of things, as well as the functions of hormones and how genes play a role in overall health. Donovan is very outgoing and can hold a conversation with anyone, one of his sayings is “You should always keep a smile on your face no matter what”. He loves to motivate and keep people striving to their next goal. He loves to work with clients focusing on weight loss, functional training, stabilization, & form training. Donovan specializes in kettlebells and any type of free weights. He also has special cardio exercises that distract your brain from wanting to give up. Donovan is Puerto Rican, Italian, Salvadorian, & Native American. Having a very big family with many different personalities Donovan knows how to be compassionate and handle any situation in a good way. He is certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Certifications

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Personal Trainer

Specialties
Weight loss
Posture Correction
Corrective Exercise
Powerlifting
Weightlifting
Body Development
Athletic/Sports Training
Nutritional Assistance
Kettlebell/Dumbbell Training

Amanda moved to the Bay towards the end of 2023 from New Orleans. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with a degree in Exercise Science & Psychology. Her journey into fitness began with deciding to obtain a 200 hr Yoga teaching certification coming out of high school, and from there the rest fell into place. She has been active as a group exercise instructor, personal trainer, & program assistant to clients of various ages and fitness backgrounds. From athletes to post-cardiac event clients, she is always grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside her clients in their fitness journey. Amanda’s priority is training clients with a holistic perspective, keeping longevity & sustainability at the forefront. 

Outside of the gym, she loves spending time outside with her pup or doing creative hobbies like pottery.

Certifications

ACE Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fit
ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Physiologist
200 hrs Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), Barre & Above, Schwinn Cycle

Specialties

Athletic performance
Strength training
Nutrition specialist
Corrective exercise

Coming from a family of athletes, with an ultra-endurance athlete dad & a wrestler mom, Russel was thrusted into the realm of sports and fitness at an early age. He himself swam for college from which he graduated with a BSc in Sports Science.

Russel started as a strength & performance coach for a high-profile performance facility back in the Philippines pre-pandemic, providing trainings for individual and team-sport athletes ranging from youth, high school, collegiate, semi-pro, & professional level. He even worked as a strength and conditioning affiliate for the Philippine National Ice Hockey Team during the 2019 South East Asian (SEA) Games. Off the field, he dedicated most of his time back then dabbling in the world of sports data and research as well, from wearables used for health monitoring and velocity-based trainings (VBT), to pain management & exercise as a form of therapy in a clinical-based environment.

Post-pandemic, Russel has shifted more into community engagement, corporate wellness, and general population health and wellness promotion roles. Using his experience both on-the-field and in-the-labs, his distinct hybrid-style flair shows in his personal training and group classes. Big on the San Francisco rave scene, you can catch him in different EDM events racking up his step count ranging from 20-40k by dancing to house, drum and bass, techno, & riddim.

Certifications:

Bachelor of Science, Major in Sports Science – College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Santo Tomas
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) – National Academy of Sports Medicine
Performance Specialist (XPS) and EXOS Performance Mentorship Phase 1 – EXOS
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Professionals – American Heart Association

Areas of Specialty:

Strength and Conditioning
Health and Wellness Management
Return to Play / Return to Sport
Functional Fitness

Simon is certified by Precision Nutrition and the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and Corrective Exercise Specialist. He designs personalized workouts and tailors holistic wellness plans for individuals who want to develop their mind-body connection. Whether the goal is toning, weight loss, strength gain, or simply enhancing overall well-being, Simon focuses on sustainable results for lifelong health and wellness.

Simon has extensive experience guiding clients with diverse backgrounds and bodies. His personalized approach integrates strength training, mobility work, mindfulness, and recovery techniques. These include optimal sleep and nutrition, self-myofascial release, heat therapy, and other modalities for developing a life of sustained success. 

Your journey with Simon’s support will always be progressing towards lifelong habits to keep you moving towards your best self. Contact the Hayes Valley location to talk about how coaching will work for you and start your journey today!

Certifications:

NASM CPT
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
Precision Nutrition Coach
Over 20 Other AFAA and NASM Mini-Certificates

Areas of Specialty:

Nutrition for Weight Loss, Muscle Growth and Performance
Meditation, Mindfulness, Mindset, and Breathwork
Habit Formation and Modification
Calisthenics
Weight Training
Mixed Martial Arts
Mobility Assessments
Catered Corrective Exercise
Self-Myofascial and Mobility Techniques
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Assisted Stretching
Phasic Muscle Activation
Injury Recovery Techniques
Alternative Exercises for Pain and Injury Prevention

Julio (JR) is an endurance athlete. He participates in triathlons and is a boxing instructor. He is certified by the International Sports Science Association as a personal trainer, nutritionist, and strength and conditioning coach. His holistic approach to fitness is a lifestyle. Transform your body and achieve your fitness goals with JR’s adept guidance. He will work with you to create a customized fitness plan that meets your unique needs and helps you reach your full potential. He will help you build strength, power, and muscular endurance with resistance training. Gain explosive athletic performance by training in sport-specific workouts. When it comes to fat loss, sculpt your best physique with intense cardio training. Last but not least, tie it all together with mobility programming.

JR can help you by teaching you how to reduce the risks of health decline, providing safe and reasonable exercise programs, and advising trainees about proper physical form. train with JR and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger, and happier you!

Certifications:

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) – Certified Personal Trainer
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) – Nutritionist Coach
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) – Strength & Conditioning Coach

Areas of Specialty:
Strength & Conditioning
Nutrition
Fat Loss
Endurance
HIIT
Functional Fitness

Originally hailing from Ireland, Leona recently made the exciting move to San Francisco in September 2023.
Leona’s love for sports began at a young age. She excelled in cross country, track & field, and various team sports (GAA). Today, she remains actively involved in Gaelic Football and Camogie, showcasing her unwavering commitment to athleticism.

Leona’s mission is simple yet profound: to inspire others to love and enjoy movement just as much as she does. She prioritizes safe practices and helps clients build consistent, healthy habits.

Leona holds a BSc in Sports Science with Exercise Physiology from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Midlands. Her comprehensive education included nutrition, sports injuries, kinesiology, and psychology.

Certifications

BSc in Sports Science – Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Midlands
Certified Personal Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
CPR/AED
Emergency First Response (EFR)

Areas of Specialty

Senior care specialist
Women’s/ prenatal health training
Muscle gain/building
Group/ partner training
Sport specific training/rehabilitation
Weight loss
Nutritional guidance
Resistance Training
Endurance
Plyometrics

Certified by the American Council on Exercise in Spring of 2022, Akira spent the whole of their youth active. Eventually, they found and fell in love with combat sports like jiu jitsu and may thai. Akira was often made to feel unathletic by a health system that prioritizes weight above everything else.

Through powerlifting, they found benefits beyond weight loss. They gained confidence, a supportive community, and a stronger, more capable body. Those are things that they want to share with everybody.

Akira specializes in Strength & Conditioning, powerlifting, calisthenics, and agility training. They’re currently studying Injury Prevention & Management, to better help serve those with chronic pain.

“After you realize that you’re improving at the gym, it frees you to improve at everything else.”

Certifications:

American Council on Exercise, Certified Personal Trainer

Areas of Specialty:

Santiago has a deep passion for weightlifting, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, & helping others do the same. He’s currently in the final stages of Chiropractic school, building on his certification with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a focus on Exercise Science. Education, fitness, & assisting others in achieving their wellness goals are at the core of Santiago’s passions. His specializations lie in various aspects of health & fitness, particularly in weight loss strategies, muscle building techniques, nutritional guidance, bodybuilding methodologies, & powerlifting training. These areas of expertise, combined with his education in Chiropractic care & Kinesiology, allow him to offer comprehensive support to individuals seeking to enhance their physical well-being & achieve their fitness goals.

Certifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology & Exercise Science
Doctor of Chiropractic (In Progress, final year)

Areas of Specialty:
Weight Loss
Muscle Development
Nutritional Guidance
Bodybuilding
Powerlifting

From San Diego, California, Elijah stands as an exceptional athlete excelling in both track and field and Division 1 football. His journey encompasses triumphs, including clinching Big 10 championships, culminating in his graduation from the University of Nebraska with a degree in psychology and a minor in ethnic studies. While initially drawn to pursuing further athletic feats, he discovered a deep passion for personal training, channeling his expertise towards empowering individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles. In early 2021, he solidified his commitment by earning his National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)personal training certification and founding his own training enterprise. Elijah’s mission revolves around guiding individuals to achieve their fitness aspirations while steadfastly chasing his own athletic dreams.

His specialized expertise spans with plyometrics, speed enhancement, weight management(gain/loss) core strengthening, corrective exercise, and sprint mechanics.

Certifications:

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Areas of Specialty:

Rachael recently moved to the SF Bay Area from South Florida. She found her love for fitness after being involved in sports–particularly kickboxing & weightlifting. Rachael became passionate about helping people reach their fitness goals after working with a group fitness program at a local kickboxing studio. From there, she pursued a certification in personal training through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Some of her specialities include strength training, circuit training, HIIT, & weight loss. In her free time, she like to go on hikes and explore new places.

Certifications:
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
CPR/AED

Areas of Specialty:
Strength Training
Circuit Training
HIIT
Weight Loss

Charles is purpose driven with a strong passion for creating personalized fitness experiences. With over a decade of combined experience in physical therapy, fitness, health & wellness, he has empowered patients and clients of all levels of fitness. He understands the importance of creating an engaging and personalized fitness experience that keeps you motivated and excited to achieve your goals. Fitness is not just about the physical benefits, but also about creating a memorable and meaningful experience that you can enjoy and feel motivated by. As a life-long learner, Charles is constantly seeking out new knowledge and techniques to improve clients’ experiences. He is a friendly and approachable trainer who believes that a welcoming and supportive environment is key to success. Charles is also a Bay Area Native and an avid supporter of professional Bay Area sport teams. He’s had the pleasure and pain to run numerous Marathons and loves outdoor recreational activities. Whether you are just starting out on your fitness journey, need a gym buddy to chat with or are looking to take your current fitness level to new heights, Charles is here to help you reach your goals. If you see him around Live Fit Gym, please come say hello! Charles looks forward to meeting you and guiding you through your fitness journey.

Certifications:

Masters in Science-Sport Management, University of San Francisco
Bachelors in Science- Kinesiology, San Francisco State University
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), Certified Personal Trainer
TRX, Certified Training Professional
CPR/AED

Areas of Specialty:
Strength Training
Mobility Training
HIIT & Circuit Training
Body Fat Loss
Core Strengthening
Injury Recovery
Corrective Exercise
Work Conditioning
Functional Training
Therapeutic Exercise & Aquatic Therapy

Patrick, a former competitive bodybuilder in Thailand with three competition appearances to his credit, brings a wealth of athletic experience to his role as a personal trainer. He made the move to San Francisco to pursue his passion for fitness and has since dedicated himself to helping clients reach their fitness goals. With a commitment to empowering individuals and a deep love for his craft, Patrick is a skilled and dedicated personal trainer, ready to help you achieve your fitness objectives. Whether you’re looking to shed fat, build muscle, or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle, Patrick is here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Certifications:

NASM, Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED Certified

Areas of Specialty:
Fat Loss
Muscle Building
Strength Training
Functional Training
Body Transformation

Jeremiah is a passionate soul who is dedicated to helping his client’s transform into their personal best: physically & mentally. His expertise is in paying attention to nuances of movement—helping even clients who experienced disability or injury to reclaim their strength. And to feel their empowerment & dignity come back. Jeremiah helps one-on-one and in group classes: anyone who has taken his class knows the precision in his technique. He considers his style of Personal Training an art, a lifestyle, & a whole transformative experience. With his insightful values, motivational support, & extremely warm demeanor—Jeremiah will take you to the next level of your fitness journey. He brings his personal lived experience, and years of professional expertise, to help those in need. Including having helped and worked with marginalized people, his warmth, compassion, & passion is an energy that you won’t forget!

Certification:

NAFT, Certified Personal Trainer

Areas of Specialty:
Muscle Gain
HIIT
Weight Loss
Mind/Muscle Relationships through Movement

Sandra is a highly skilled and passionate fitness professional who has dedicated her career to helping others achieve their movement goals. Her passion for movement began at a young age, and she went on to compete in various sports such as soccer, swimming, hockey, and athletics. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Sandra decided to further her education by studying and specializing in Personal Training. In 2018, she worked as a Coach Support Trainer at the Community of Adidas Runners Lima, where she was able to apply her knowledge and skills to help others reach their movement goals. Now, she continues to enjoy the opportunity to work in the field that has always been her passion and she is prompt to compete in Calisthenics competitions. Her background as an athlete gives her the understanding and empathy to empower others to believe in themselves, while her expertise in movement programming and design ensures that she is able to provide the best guidance for her clients.

Certifications:
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer
Sports Nutrition from Innovation Hub Barcelona Certified
FMS – Functional Movement Systems from The Functional Movement System Certified
FMS – Functional Movement Systems LEVEL II Certified Professional
CPR/AED Certified

Areas of Specialty:

Personalized Training for Strength & Physique Goals
Movement Optimization & Pain Reduction
Functional Performance & Body Optimization
Calisthenics Skills & Strength Development
Corrective Exercise
Functional Movement System

A certified personal trainer with a passion for transforming bodies and lives, Javier wields a unique blend of HIIT and Metabolic training techniques.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Javier has sculpted the physiques and spirits of thousands. His clients don’t just sweat; they thrive under his guidance, pushing themselves beyond limits they never knew existed. His workouts are not mere routines; they are experiences, blending challenge and entertainment into a seamless journey toward a stronger, healthier self.

Javier’s secret lies not just in his knowledge and skill but in his unwavering commitment to his clients’ success. He is not just a trainer; he is a motivator, a friend, and a relentless cheerleader, always pushing, always encouraging, always believing in the potential of those who join him. Commitment, encouragement, and determination are not just his best arguments to join him; they are the cornerstones of his fitness empire, where dreams become goals and goals become reality.

Certifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education & Recreation
TRX Suspension Trainer
NASM, Certified Personal Trainer

Areas of Specialty:
Injury Recovery
Kick Boxing
HIIT & Circuit Training
Muscle Development

NASM, Certified Personal Trainer
Associates Degree in Science, Behavioral Science

Areas of Specialty:
Postural Correction
Weight Loss & Maintenance
Core Strength Training
Corrective Exercise

Before Ernest became involved with training, he was involved in various sports including cross country, track, basketball, and martial arts. He began training with highly experienced coaches and trainers to become stronger and eventually became inspired enough to pass this knowledge to others.
Ernest creates a holistic view in helping his clients become the best versions of themselves. His passion grows as he watches his clients succeed and remain accountable inside and outside of the gym. What clients can take away from him is creating the mental capacity to accomplish their fitness goals.
His main skill outside of fitness is drawing and enjoys barbering and doing car mods in his spare time. Ernest developed many of his skills through the military and is a proud veteran.

Areas of Specialty & Background:

Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology: Exercise and Fitness Specialist

Victor started his fitness journey entering college. His own progress and development led him to pursue a degree in exercise and fitness. His newfound passion is to apply his knowledge to guide others on their fitness journey. Victor listens to your goals, recognizes your needs, and will build a path for you to succeed. Coming from a group exercise and boxing background, his workouts are challenging but well worth it!

Areas of Specialty:
Strength and Conditioning
Muscle Development
Weight Management
HIIT
Boxing