"Rachel is the best trainer and coach you will find. I used to hate working out but I really enjoy it now. At first I liked that she made every session fun and interesting. I love that she works in so many types of workouts from HIIT to dance to yoga to boxing moves! No two workouts are the same. But now it’s not just fun but very motivating because I can see the results. I can see that I’m getting physically and mentally stronger. The greatest testament is that after having tried several trainers, I only want to train with Rachel because she is the best. When looking for a coach you need that perfect balance between someone who is encouraging but will push you without discouraging you. Someone who knows your limits and potential and maximizes both. Also I had always wanted to learn how to dance better beyond basics so we have incorporated dancing and real techniques (not cheesy cardio dance) into our sessions. It is so awesome we can take our sessions on so many directions. She is the best of the best."
- Jane
"I was looking for someone to help me 1:1 with mobility and flexibility. Rachel puts together unique and fun sessions to help me work toward my goals while addressing prior injuries. My sessions with Rachel are my favorite each week."
- Eric
"When I first started, I was extremely out of shape, and wouldn't have been able to handle any classes at all. I've really enjoyed working with Rachel, and I can't thank her enough for getting me to the level of a normal gym-goer! I just took my first group class in years, and not only was it doable, but it was much easier than I expected. She's made a huge difference for my fitness and overall quality of life. Now I have no problem climbing stairs, getting groceries, or walking around the city on days that I go out. If my friends ask me to go on a hike, I can say yes without worrying that I'll be the one person who turns back early. And I've stopped having constant back pain all the time."
- Jessica
"I absolutely love Rachel. I’ve tried different modes of exercise, and as a dance teacher, I knew my next push would be personal training. Rachel couldn’t have been a better fit for me, and I know she’d be amazing with meeting you at your personal level. I’ve been with her for the last 3 months, and the variety of exercises she has introduced has shown her knowledge and experience with this expertise. I never feel like a session is repetitive. She goes at just the right pace to create a flow that is fun and has a good burn. Whether you are a dancer, athlete, or beginner at fitness, I can see Rachel meeting your goals, and doing it with so much fire."
- Dana
My training style mixes science and creativity for a balance of effectiveness and enjoyment.
I've worked with clients ranging from performance artists, to FBI agents, to professional athletes, to busy working moms, to people with special physical circumstances, to people who've never worked out before but see the importance in starting.
Once, I heard a story of an Art professor who assigned an open-ended project to "pay attention to something". Some students went on walks without looking at their phones, one keyed into the the smells of their environment, and one eavesdropped on strangers' conversations. Finally, it came time for the last student to share. They were nervous and said, "I think I misunderstood the assignment. I bought a houseplant and just watered it and kept it alive. I guess I interpreted it as: paying attention to something means caring." It was a sweet moment that highlighted a truth about attention meaning care, and care meaning love.
As a personal trainer, the story resonated with me. Our bodies are like that house plant, I thought. When we set aside time to explore the ways in which our bodies move - when we strengthen, stretch and train it - we are caring for it and loving it. That act is powerful, and it benefits our mental and emotional health, too. Exercising in this way is a vital and sustainable form of self-care that supports us though all the ups and downs of our lives (in addition to all the physical benefits we'll reap too, of course.)
I'd love to help you 'water your plant'.
- Rachel
As a child, I was inspired by icons like Janet Jackson and the movers on Soul Train. 🎶
I taught various styles of dance fitness and Barre while attending college at University of California San Diego.
I graduated with a B.A. in Filmmaking - a skill that helps me use storytelling and imagery to communicate movement science in ways that make sense and stick.
While living in New York City I became a full-time trainer, honing my skills in strength training and conditioning as well as becoming certified in pre/post natal (pregnancy) fitness by one of the pioneers in the field.
"I Don't Dance" Leadership Workshops used the dance floor as a metaphor for leadership. We delivered custom workshops to businesses large and small, elementary schools, college universities, non-profits and more.
My latest passions include mobility training, corrective exercise - NASM CES, PCES - 2.0 (pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist)- and mediation facilitation!
I'm involved with the hip hop non profit Culture Shock Los Angeles where I am a teaching artist for youth programs, and live with my husband, two young kiddos and two cats in Pasadena, CA.