I have done a little of everything. I’ve been a 1st grade teacher, an art teacher, a business owner, a florist, and an office administrator, and I’ve learned something about myself in each of these roles. Mostly, what ultimately fulfills me is meeting new people and making new connections.
What motivates you in your role at Gymnazo?
I had already been a Gymnazo member for 3 years before getting this opportunity to join the team. To come to a workplace that is brimming with enthusiasm, positivity, and a strong sense of community is the best I could ask for. I am excited to do my best and add to this team of excellence.
What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?
Outside of the gym, I am big on home renovation, gardening, and time with my family. My husband and I have been slowly remodeling our home for 7 years, and we might finally be able to see a (tiny) light at the end of the tunnel. My happy place is outside, in the garden.
Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?
The sledgehammer! I like the coordination that is involved, but I really love slamming that huge hammer with full force.
Since 2008 I worked in medical billing for a local doctors office. During my time there I managed the staff schedule, delegated tasks, ran payroll, and ultimately oversaw all insurance billing. I even assisted on the medical side, taking vitals, drawing blood, give injections, etc. During this time I really enjoyed helping patients and helping comfort them no matter the health issue. I also loved tracking down the details and geeking out on data analysis.
What motivates you in your role at Gymnazo?
I really enjoy customer service where I can make a member smile and help them with whatever they need. Whenever they thank me for helping them and being pleasant; it makes me feel warm inside. I also love assisting our coaches and making their lives easier because they do so much for other people.
What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?
Outside the gym, I love riding horses, it’s very therapeutic for me. I also love being outdoors whether it’s hiking or riding my motorcycle.
Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?
I like any exercises that incorporate sled pushes or the double end bag.
Paden Hughes
Top 5 Strengths from StrengthFinders 2.0
Activator, Strategic, Communication, Learner, Woo
Business Experience
As the President and co-owner of Gymnazo, I oversee strategic planning, customer service, company finances, marketing and manage our team of talented trainers and office staff. I’m most passionate about planning Gymnazo’s growth, measuring it and guiding it to be the most effective business model it can be. I enjoy seeing people realize their health and fitness goals and the role we play in their accomplishments. To sustain my passion for entrepreneurship and small businesses, I currently work with several clients as a small business consultant. I work with entrepreneurs and business owners who are seeking to improve and adjust their strategies to position themselves for larger long term growth.
What motivates you in your role at Gymnazo?
My biggest motivation for my role in Gymnazo is finding solutions and seeing results whether it’s growing our talent base to expanding our services to monetizing a large space. Like many of our members, I love setting goals and working hard to achieve them. I’m blessed to work with some of the most amazing innovators in fitness. I’m also thankful my husband and I have the opportunity to grow Gymnazo together and combine our passions.
What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?
I love anything competitive, from golf to board games to Tough Mudder events. I also love exploring new places and trying new things. I also enjoy traveling, tropical vacations, and coffee dates with good friends.
Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?
Agility exercises specifically with the speed ladder. It reminds me why I loved soccer and dance growing up: foot/eye coordination.
Kai Barrett
Top 5 Strengths from StrengthFinders 2.0
Relator, Belief, Empathy, Input, Developer
Education
B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Health and Society
Minor in Exercise and Sport Studies from Cal Poly
MS: Exercise Science & Wellness: Fitness & Performance from Liberty University – In Progress
MDMC (Multidimensional Movement Coach) Certified
Coaching Experience
Growing up, I fell in love with baseball and softball at just four years old, eventually dedicating myself fully to softball by age 11. That passion led me to play Division 1 softball at Cal Poly, where I was a five-year starter. Beyond competing, I’ve always been fascinated by the world of fitness and athletics—how the body moves, the demands of sport, and what it takes to reach peak performance. Over the years, my focus shifted from not only improving myself but also helping others unlock their full potential. During college, I coached a local youth softball team in San Luis Obispo and worked with young athletes through private lessons. I also gained valuable experience coaching athletes from youth to collegiate levels while interning at Hawaii Optimum Performance back home. Coaching fuels me because I see firsthand how movement and training build confidence, strength, and resilience. I’m always eager to try new things, challenge myself, and explore different ways to grow as a coach and athlete. More than anything, I love making a real impact—helping people move better, feel stronger, and discover what they’re truly capable of.
What motivates you in your work/role with Gymnazo?
What drives me is the ability to help others break through barriers—both physically and mentally. I love guiding others through movement that not only enhances performance but also builds confidence and longevity along with seeing the transformation that happens when people realize what they’re truly capable of. I thrive on continuous learning and pushing my own limits so I can bring the best to those I coach. Being part of a community that values functional movement and personal growth makes every session fulfilling, and I’m driven by the impact that even small improvements can have on someone’s overall well-being.
What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?
I’m someone who enjoys both quiet moments and deep connections. At first, I might be a little shy, but once I break out of my shell, I love having conversations about anything and everything. Meaningful relationships are so important to me, and I find so much joy in connecting with others, whether it’s through coaching, friendships, or simply sharing experiences. I also love expressing myself through painting and drawing, finding inspiration in nature and the world around me. When it comes to movement, I’m always up for a challenge—whether it’s a competitive game of pickleball, a round of golf that tests my patience and precision, or, of course, anything related to softball and baseball. No matter what I’m doing, I’m happiest when I’m learning, growing, and pushing myself to try new things.
Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?
I’ve grown to love anything with either the kettlebell and macebell. It’s something different than the typical barbell, so I love to find new movements that my body can discover!
Lou Ferreira
Top 5 Strengths from StrengthFinders 2.0
Positivity, Achiever, Futuristic, Strategic, Woo
Education
BS Biology, IIN Certified Nutrition Coach,
CAFS (Certification in Applied Functional Science®)
3DMAPS® (3D Movement Analysis & Performance System) Certified
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Concept 2 Certified
Neo Shamanic Society Certified Energy Work Practitioner
US Soccer D License
Athletic Experience
I grew up playing almost every sport possible, and most of those were with boys. The one sport that I chose to pursue was soccer. I played exclusively with boys until I was 15, then played for my first high level select girls team. That team went on to win the U16 National Championship. I then got recruited to play for the #1 Women’s College Team, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I won 4 NCAA Division 1 National Championships. My senior year at UNC I got called up to play with the US Women’s National Team, 1992-93.
What motivates you in your work/role with Gymnazo?
What I enjoy most about my soccer coaching, is it gives me the opportunity to give back to the sport of soccer what it has given me, and even more. I love being able to make a difference in young player’s lives. I love to inspire and motivate them to not only become better soccer players, but also to become better human beings, and help give them the tools to live successful and fulfilled lives.
As far as coaching adults, it’s not too different. I love simply helping people continue to be inspired and motivated to live healthier and happier lives. And it is a wonderful feeling to see someone achieve their goals and know that you were a part of helping them to do so.
What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?
Activities that bring me joy in my life: I really enjoy playing pickleball. I love playing the guitar. I love hiking with my dog. I love listening to live music with friends. I love spending quality time with my awesome son Joseph. I love backpacking and being in nature. I love to travel and see new places.
Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?
I just love training my body in 3 dimensions!
Jayne Crabtree
Top 5 Strengths from StrengthFinders 2.0
Relator, Positivity, Developer, Achiever, Learner
Education
MDMC (Multidimensional Movement Coach)
A.A. Registered Nursing, Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo
B.S. Registered Nursing, California State University, Monterey Bay
B.S. Journalism, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association
Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
What motivates you in your work/role with Gymnazo?
My passion lies in coaching our community! Getting to play a role in helping people move better for the rest of their lives is such a dream. A friend recommended Gymanzo to me in 2018 and I fell in love after my first class. There was no going back! From the creative functional workouts to the positive, community environment and the hilarious and knowledgeable coaches — I was hooked. After a few years of enjoying being a member, I kept feeling in my heart that I had this unwavering desire to learn more and be able to help others in the way our Gymanzo coaches helped me. I am so thankful now to have had the opportunity to train with my amazing coworkers at Gymnazo while I continue my RN position part time as well.
What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?
My absolute favorite activity now is hiking in the mountains — anywhere and everywhere. When I’m not hiking, you can find me playing disc golf, board games with my close friends, enjoying ocean dips, or getting lost in a book.
Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?
Any kind of kettlebell flow and the ab dolly are some of my top favorites!
As a child, I was an active gymnast, basketball player, and club soccer player. I continued soccer throughout high school and experienced the weight room for the first time. It was love at first lift! I was fortunate to have really incredible coaches that invested so much time and passion into all of us. Those experiences have given me a great understanding of the impact a coach can have on someone. I believe these experiences along with training as an inquisitive athlete with the coaches at Gymnazo for several years has allowed me to get a head start on reaching my full potential as a coach. I have a huge passion for people, health, and movement and I can’t wait to spread it around.
What motivates you in your work/role with Gymnazo?
The people! I have so much love for the people and I feel inspired every day when they walk through the doors. They push themselves to improve and become stronger even when it’s hard and they might not want to show up. I love seeing our athletes grow physically and mentally. They often surprise themselves with great success. Witnessing the growth that our athletes experience is incredible and it becomes part of my experience too.
What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?
I love so many things! Hiking, biking, roller skating, and cruising around on my Onewheel are a few. I’ll try almost anything at least once! If I’m enjoying some downtime, I’ll most likely be drawing. I love to spend time with my family. During the summer we’ll head to the beach for surfing or paddleboarding. In the winter, when it gets dark early, I’m all about getting people together to play laser tag or kick the can.
Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?
I love rotational med ball throws and the barbell landmines. You can get some good power in with both and powerful explosives moves are my favorite.
B.S. in Animal Science, Minor in Biology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
FAFS (Fellow of Applied Functional Science®)
FMR (Functional Manual Reaction®) Certified
MDMC (Multidimensional Movement Coach) Certified
CAFS (Certification in Applied Functional Science®)
FCR (Female Chain Reaction®) Certified
3DMAPS® (3D Movement Analysis & Performance System) Certified
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Coaching Experience
I began my coaching career in 2006. I started working with high school aged soccer players and haven’t stopped since! I played soccer for Cal Poly’s Div 1 Women’s Soccer Team where I really developed passion for the weight room. I coached Girl’s Soccer at SLO High School for 6 years, in addition to coaching club soccer, and found that I loved helping girls realize their potential on and off the field. I made a career move that ultimately led me to Gymnazo in 2014 and the rest is history!
What motivates you in your work/role with Gymnazo?
Our members and our team. We are truly lucky to work with such an incredible group of individuals every single day. They are so dedicated to themselves and their workouts; it’s inspiring! I want to serve them to the best of my abilities, and that keeps me motivated to continually better myself as a coach. This is a place where members feel like family, and I always want to take care of family. I’m also lucky to work with a staff that challenges and supports each other day in and day out.
What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?
Anything active and outdoors: surfing, golfing, camping, hiking, cooking, good beer, and spending time with friends and family.
B.S. in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
FAFS (Fellow of Applied Functional Science®)
WMQ (WeckMethod Qualified)
FMR (Functional Manual Reaction®) Certified
MDMC (Multidimensional Movement Coach) Certified
CAFS (Certification in Applied Functional Science®)
FCR (Female Chain Reaction®) Certified
3DMAPS® (3D Movement Analysis & Performance System) Certified
CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist)
Coaching Experience
I grew up playing a variety of sports including volleyball, baseball, football and wrestling. As I progressed in my high school career, I developed a strong passion for mentoring and coaching youth athletes. I coached for a local youth wrestling club and youth football program for a few years in Sacramento. When I moved to San Luis Obispo, I coached wrestling at a local high school and headed a local youth wrestling program. I also work with individual athletes to help them reach their full potential through mental and self-discipline. I believe it takes hard work and strong mental toughness to achieve any goal.
What motivates you in your work/role with Gymnazo?
We were all born with the gift of movement, and each of us has our own strengths. I believe we were all put on this world to help one another become the best humans we can be. Health and fitness play a key role in quality of life, and knowing that everyone who walks through Gymnazo’s doors is part of my family keeps me smiling. Gymnazo provides a very rewarding experience for coaches and athletes looking to maximize their lives.
What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?
Anything outdoors makes me happy. We live in a beautiful place, and life is too short to not maximize what it has to offer! I love taking my dog to the beach, BBQing with my family and friends, listening to country music, and roasting marshmallows at the beach. The ocean is my second home, so you’ll either find me surfing or on the sand!
Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?
Sandbell Slams and SFT Push Ups!
Michael Hughes
Top 5 Strengths from StrengthFinders 2.0
Belief, Relator, Learner, Input, Command
Education
B.S. in Kinesiology from California State University, Fresno
FAFS (Fellow of Applied Functional Science®)
FMR (Functional Manual Reaction®) Certified
MDMC (Multidimensional Movement Coach) Certified
CAFS (Certification in Applied Functional Science®)
FCR (Female Chain Reaction®) Certified
3DMAPS® (3D Movement Analysis & Performance System) Certified
Growing up, I played baseball, football and track and field. I started a physical training regimen in the 7th grade which prompted the development of customized workout programs for friends. I was a certified personal trainer from 2004- 2006 at a corporate gym which enabled me to practically apply my Kinesiology studies. When I moved to SLO, I started working at San Luis Sports Therapy, aiding the in-house therapists while simultaneously training individuals at Athlon Elite, a sport performance training facility, and at Kennedy Club Fitness. In 2009, I supplemented my coaching, working at the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy as its fitness director during its inaugural year. While a personal trainer at the Kennedy Club Fitness, I co-founded a group fitness circuit training program which catapulted me into something much bigger! My passionate interest in the fitness benefits of the functional movement style of training led me to the Gray Institute and its Fellowship of Applied Functional Science and I jumped right into its educational program…and Gymnazo was created and formed as a result of it!
What motivates you in your work/role with Gymnazo?
Being blessed with the opportunity to create and build a training environment that encourages transformation in people’s lives! In my previous training roles, when clients would experience pain or movement dysfunction, I desperately wanted to help but couldn’t due to limited knowledge and resources. Because Gymnazo is based on A.F.S. methodology, we now have the tools and the network of resources to not only ease the pain and correct the dysfunction but to significantly enhance physical movement and improve athletic performance.
What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?
Wakeboarding, snowboarding, trail hiking and golf.
Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?
The Jumping Jack matrices! It’s the ultimate ability to simply and completely challenge the entire body in agility, coordination and skill sequencing.
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