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
• Massage Practitioner (200 hours)
• Precision Nutrition Coach Level 1
• ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
• Titleist Performance Institute- Golf Fitness Instructor
• Titleist Performance Institute- Junior Golf Coach
• Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist

Coaching Experience

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.

CJ Kobliska

Top 5 Strengths from StrengthFinders 2.0

Maximizer, Adaptability, Command, Strategic, Ideation

Education

• 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!

Kaleena Kashima

Top 5 Strengths from StrengthFinders 2.0

Relator, Analytical, Maximizer, Arranger, Achiever

Education

• 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.

Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?

Anything involving a sled or barbell.

Katrina Ackerman

Top 5 Strengths from StrengthFinders 2.0

Positivity, Restorative, Developer, Learner, Adaptability

Education

• B.S. Psychology, Minor in Anthropology with a focus on biological and cultural aspects from Washington State University, Vancouver
• MDMC (Multidimensional Movement Coach) Certified
• 3DMAPS (3D Movement Analysis & Performance System) Certified
• SMF Level 1(Steel Mace Flow Level 1 Instructor) Certified with Honors

Coaching Experience

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.

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!

Anthony Molina

Top 5 Strengths from StrengthFinders 2.0

Ideation, Input, Intellect, Learner, Individualization

Education

• A.A.T in kinesiology from Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo
• A.A in liberal arts Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo
• MDMC (Multidimensional Movement Coach) Certified – in progress
• Creativity in Corrective Exercise
• The Power of a Proper Warm Up
• NASM Science of Fat Metabolism

Coaching Experience

From an early age I’ve been involved in sports that require mastering the art of movement & developing techniques. Acrobatics , Dance, as well Aquatic Diving called for much discipline however from a social perspective I built progressive friendships with competing athletes. Making friends wherever I went!  From nearby towns to other competitors of different countries.

Prior to Gymnazo coaching, I was involved in the Physical therapy world from 2022 starting from hand therapy to regular full body therapy.

After a rewarding 3 years I decided to push further in my fitness journey eventually landing at a small studio called XGT for an internship that turned into a job for about 6 months. Teaching clients about traditional exercises movements and helping them get closer to their fitness goals like losing fat or building muscle. I branched out from XGT to increase my experience in functional exercise. I’m eager to help athletes overcome pain and reach their goals through challenges and support. As long as you are patient and willing, I’m confident we can achieve lasting results at Gymnazo!

What motivates you in your work/role with Gymnazo?

My passion in fitness is driven by a deep commitment in community, a desire to create lasting value and constantly improve my knowledge and experience for those around. Having an exciting community willing to break a sweat, converse & explore inspires me to bring the best I can to Gymnazo. Being surrounded by talented individuals at Gymnazo that change the world around them instead of being changed themselves is motivational in itself.

What activities outside the gym bring you joy in life?

Anything that involves views, music and increased heart rate I’m THERE ! I will try anything I can at least once if not more when around friends and family!  From puzzle rooms to indoor rock climbing or amusement parks however you can usually find me listening to music biking around or between towns peddling to the tempo, feeling the rhythm & singing along. If not biking, hiking or kayaking are my go to. I like to switch up between upper body work and lower body focused to keep it interesting and stay well rounded in my strength.

Favorite exercise at Gymnazo?

I love getting in the flow with the Macebell,  you can have your balance seriously challenged as well develop fantastic muscle contractions if applied correctly. What is more badass than swinging a weight around your body?

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 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!

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!