Recognized Functional Training Leaders 2025

George Mazzella is the founder of No Tomorrow Athletics, a performance training brand built for adults who want to train hard, move well, and build bodies that hold up for decades. With more than 20 years of training experience across football, boxing, martial arts, CrossFit, strength training, and hybrid conditioning, George brings a practical, no-nonsense perspective to fitness, longevity, and athletic development. His work focuses on helping busy adults move beyond outdated gym advice and build real-world strength, conditioning, mobility, and resilience. George is especially interested in the intersection of strength training, mobility, recovery, metabolic health, and long-term performance. He frequently speaks about why muscle is one of the most overlooked drivers of healthspan, why mobility should be trained rather than treated as an afterthought, and how everyday adults can use athletic training principles to stay strong, capable, and pain-resistant as they age. As a founder, father, and competitive athlete training toward the CrossFit Masters division, George brings both lived experience and practical coaching insight to conversations around modern fitness, hybrid training, longevity, injury prevention, and the mindset required to perform at a high level while balancing work and family life.

Movement professional with a trained eye for detail. Curious, getting a little better each day, and focused on delivering a specific, motivational, and educational training plan. A hard worker, natural leader, and true believer in the phrase "knowledge is power."

Marc has over 20 years experience training: in a sports medicine/rehab setting, as a group exercise instructor, and as an independent personal trainer. In that time, he has worked with a diverse clientele with a wide variety of physical abilities, and has gained extensive knowledge of orthopedic injuries and their treatments. Along the way, he has developed an intuition for helping clients dial in complex exercises and accessing pesky muscles notorious for insubordination, earning him the nickname ‘The Glute Whisperer’. Additional experience includes weight training (Olympic lifting, power lifting, and otherwise), group exercise training, TRX, HIIT, and he has been running ski conditioning exercise groups for most of his career. My approach to training is founded on the ideas that workouts should be functional, straightforward, and efficient - think less ‘Instagram exercises’ involving various contraptions and weird equipment, and more functional, repeatable, and economical exercises that replicate your sport or activities; that they should be comprehensive - looking at the body as a whole, rather than focusing on specific parts or movements; that they should be educational - teaching the client to use his or her body correctly and efficiently in both sport and everyday activities; and lastly, that they should build confidence as well as strength, and that making a workout fun is as important as all else. Education: BS Kinesiology with Emphasis in Exercise Testing, Analysis, and Prescription Certifications: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Level 1 USA Weightlifting Coach (USAW-L1) Certification in Applied Functional Science (CAFS) Level 1 and 2 Certifications in Functional Movement Systems (FMS)

Domenic Angelino is FitCraft's Chief Exercise Scientist and a frequent expert source for major consumer media. His commentary has appeared in TIME, Newsweek, Forbes, GQ, Self, Women's Health, Men's Journal, TODAY, Parade, Runner's World, Yahoo Life, and 20+ other publications. He holds an MPH from Brown University and an MS in Kinesiology (4.0 GPA), with NSCA CSCS and ACE CPT certifications. His peer-reviewed research has been published as first author in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and as co-author in Frontiers in Physiology and the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. He has also consulted with researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Before launching FitCraft, Domenic was Lead Exercise Scientist and Head Coach at FitnessAI. He has scripted YouTube content for top fitness creators that has accumulated over 50 million views, written a fitness and nutrition textbook for a school system, and developed certification curriculum for Penn Foster. He specializes in the science of exercise adherence, strength training, behavior change, and AI fitness technology. He's a strong source for stories on why most people quit workout programs, what actually drives long-term consistency, how AI is changing personal training, and evidence-based answers to everyday fitness questions.

I'm an experienced business founder, exercise & mobility coach, and health & fitness writer who has worked in the industry since 2009, helping people move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free lives. My career has been defined by a deep commitment to personalized coaching, strategic business growth, and creating systems prioritizing performance and longevity. As the Founder of Motive Training, I've opened and operated two movement-focused personal training studios—one of which I successfully sold after establishing a strong foundation and brand. Today, I lead our thriving Austin location and oversee Motive Mobility, our online platform focused on joint health, mobility, and pain-specific programming. Across both, my work centers on improving how people train by focusing on what actually matters: joint function, movement quality, and long-term results. My day-to-day includes everything from developing evidence-based training systems rooted in Functional Range Conditioning and mobility science to managing operations, building digital content strategies, and ensuring every part of the business—from CRM workflows to client communication—is efficient, intentional, and aligned with our core values. Core Competencies: - Functional Mobility & Strength Coaching - Business Operations & Strategic Leadership - SEO & Content Development (EliteFTS, Motive Training) - Program Design Informed by Assessment & Data - CRM/System Implementation & Automation - Team Development & Adaptive Communication I'm known for my practical, no-fluff leadership style, ability to simplify complex systems, and obsession with improving everything I touch—from client outcomes to internal processes. Let's connect if you're passionate about fitness, mobility, meaningful content, and building better businesses.

William Liveman is the founder of BestRebounderTrampoline.com, a resource dedicated to making fitness fun, low-impact, and evidence-based through rebound training on mini trampolines. His commitment to rebounding began during a personal health crisis—after being diagnosed in 2015 with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Stage IV and Follicular Lymphoma, William used daily rebounder sessions to help maintain strength, mood, and resilience throughout treatment. That experience shaped the site’s mission: reliable guidance, verified reviews, and practical education so anyone can “bounce back” to better health. At Best Rebounder Trampoline, William leads a team of fitness writers, health professionals, and experienced rebounders who produce fact-checked reviews, comparisons, and tips for home users, seniors, and professionals. The editorial approach is simple: prioritize safety, biomechanics-informed technique, and lymphatic-friendly protocols, then translate that into clear buyer’s guides people can trust. William’s work bridges product testing, user education, and community building, helping readers choose safer rebounders, protect joints, and improve balance and cardio with minimal impact. He’s an advocate of progress over perfection and an active voice in the rebounder community—sharing practical routines, gear advice, and up-to-date deal alerts to make high-quality equipment more accessible.

Hi, I’m Cheryl — a certified Medical Fitness Specialist and Health Coach with 40+ years of experience helping people stay strong, mobile, and energized at every stage of life. I help executives over 40 reduce joint pain, boost energy, and move confidently through midlife using functional movement and strength training. My approach blends rehab, functional fitness, and wellness coaching to support high performers and midlife women navigating the physical and emotional demands of modern life — from burnout and hormonal changes to injury recovery. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing hormonal shifts, or just tired of plans that don’t fit your real schedule — I’ll help you build a sustainable, personalized strategy. Specialties include: * Functional training & rehabilitation * Menopause support & women’s wellness * Longevity coaching * Speaking, consulting & program design I work virtually with clients across the U.S. and collaborate with medical offices, wellness brands, and fitness centers. If you're looking to improve health without hype — I’d love to connect. Email: cheryl@cherylapatella.com | cherylapatella.com

My name is Archna Sharma, and I have been working in the fitness field for the last nine years. Fitness has always been a big part of my life, and I love helping people become healthier and more confident. In 2022, I started Fitness Fasto so I could share easy-to-follow workouts, simple nutrition tips, and practical fitness advice that anyone can use in their daily life. Today, I have a strong online community, including 90K+ followers on Instagram, active followers on Threads, and fitness content shared on Medium and Pinterest. My business is also listed on Google, and my website fitnessfasto.com is where I share my programs and fitness guidance. My goal is to make fitness simple, enjoyable, and possible for everyone—no matter their age or lifestyle.

As the founder of Embrace Your Fitness, my dedication to creating tailored health and wellness programs spans over 15 years, with a focus on fostering fitness that is both enjoyable and sustainable. My work has empowered a broad spectrum of clients, ranging from corporations to sports teams, to embrace a healthier lifestyle through customized, innovative solutions. My recent publication, "Yes! Commit. Do. Live," encapsulates my approach to redefining aging and promoting brain health, integrating personal training with mindfulness meditation. This reflects my commitment to guiding clients on a transformative journey towards achieving their wellness aspirations and living their most authentic lives.

Karl Mergille is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach with 10+ years of experience coaching online. An NPC natural bodybuilding competitor and former athlete, he specializes in working with men and women over 30, former athletes getting back in shape, and busy professionals who want real results without crash diets. Karl has helped hundreds of clients transform their bodies through sustainable nutrition, smart programming, and consistent accountability. He is available for quotes on fitness, fat loss, nutrition, body recomposition, training for busy people, former athlete comeback stories, and overall health.

Richard Bennett is the founder of Calibre Performance Coaching, providing personal training, strength and conditioning, and boxing coaching in Redditch, UK. With over 15 years of coaching experience and a strong background in combat sports, Richard has worked with general population clients, amateur athletes, and professional fighters. Richard holds extensive qualifications including a Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (CIMSPA), Level 3 Personal Training certification, England Boxing Level 1 Coach certification, and a 1st Dan Kickboxing Black Belt. He has competed in boxing, Muay Thai, and kickboxing competitions, giving him first hand understanding of training demands and performance optimisation. As a training educator, Richard mentors others in the industry while continuing to expand his expertise through his own ongoing education having studied a DipHE in Sport & Fitness at The Open University and currently enrolled on Bsc Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition at University College Birmingham.

Angela Fuller is a 46-year-old mom, fitness instructor, competitive gymnast, inspirational speaker, and American Ninja Warrior, redefining what’s possible in midlife. After stepping away from gymnastics at age 14, Angela navigated severe back injuries and postpartum depression before making an odds-defying comeback to the mat 27 years later. Since her comeback, she has represented the USA at the Masters World Cup, completed back-to-back 14-event NAIGC National Omnithons, and been featured in PEOPLE, AP, Women’s Health, Business Insider, and The New York Times. Today, Angela empowers others to step past fear, rebuild their confidence, and realize it’s never too late to begin again.

Entrepreneur. Personal Trainer. Interested in connecting with individuals to share knowledge on personal and business development.

Bervin Manoharan built his career over a decade running personal training and gym operations for major commercial fitness chains in Singapore, most recently as District General Manager at PURE Fitness Singapore. In that role he led personal training across multiple 25,000 to 30,000 square foot clubs, personally hired and trained more than a hundred personal trainers, and oversaw a personal training business generating more than SGD 8 million a year in revenue. He left the corporate gym model to co-found Catalyst Performance, a longevity-focused personal training studio in Singapore's CBD, where he co-developed the Catalyst 4-Pillar Healthspan Assessment. As a business owner, Bervin runs Catalyst as an AI-forward operation, personally building out the studio's website, marketing systems, ad campaigns and client operations using AI. He regularly comments on the muscle-loss risks of GLP-1 weight-loss medications and the role of strength training in protecting long-term healthspan.

For over 3 decades, my life’s work has centered around one powerful idea: when people become physically strong, every other dimension of their lives improves. Their confidence grows. Their energy multiplies. Their mood stabilizes. Their work performance rises. Their stress tolerance expands. Their presence as leaders deepens. Their capacity to enjoy life increases. Strength transforms people—and I have dedicated my career to teaching busy, high-performing professionals how to build that kind of strength in the safest, most efficient, most scientifically grounded way possible. At Rock Solid Fitness, we do this through our proprietary High Intensity Safe Strength Training methodology. As the Owner and CEO of Rock Solid Fitness, a boutique elite personal training studio serving the Tampa Bay area, I lead a team that helps executives, attorneys, physicians, business owners, and leaders elevate their health and performance through 25-minute, high-intensity, data-driven strength sessions. Our approach is personal, intentional, and effective—rooted in exercise science, accountability, and a philosophy of excellence we bring to every client. But while the studio is where individual transformations occur, my mission extends beyond its walls. I believe that strong people create strong companies, organizations, families, and lives and thrive when their leaders and teams have the physical and mental capacity to perform at their peak. That belief drives my work as a corporate wellness speaker, educator, and advocate for SelfHealth and strength in the workplace. Through keynote talks, workshops, and executive wellness sessions, I teach busy professionals how to: Build a stronger, healthier body in less time Prevent burnout with science-backed methods Increase energy, focus, and productivity Develop resilience in both body and mind Create a culture of well-being Make strength simple and sustainable My presentations are engaging, energetic, and rooted in decades of coaching real people juggling careers and full lives. I understand that time is the most valuable asset for high achievers, and I’ve built a model that honors that truth. If your company values the connection between health, performance, and culture, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic speaker, a wellness resource for your team, or a strategic partner in bringing more strength and joy to your workplace, I’m here to help. Stronger people create stronger companies. Let’s build both—together.

Athlete and fitness writer with 15+ years of structured training in track and field, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting and general fitness. My focus is on the intersection of training, evidence-based nutrition, supplementation, and recovery. I founded VitalEdgeFit.com to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical fitness advice.

Longevity Expert | Founder of KinetikChain | Author I help high-performers engineer a "100-Year Body." As a Physical Therapist and longevity specialist, my focus is on Bio-Architecture: the science of building a physical structure that doesn't just survive, but thrives well into its eighth, ninth, and tenth+ decades. I am the founder of KinetikChain in Denver and the author of Adding Insight to Injury. My work moves beyond the "white noise" of standard health advice to focus on the mechanical and systemic "invisible risks" that accelerate biological aging. I specialize in bridging the gap between injury rehabilitation and elite-level longevity, ensuring that a "nagging" knee or back issue doesn't become the catalyst for a long-term physical decline. Areas of Expertise for Media Coverage: The Science of Healthspan: Moving beyond lifespan to focus on maintaining peak physical and cognitive capacity. Bio-Architecture: Using VO2 Max, grip strength, and metabolic testing to create a data-driven blueprint for aging. Tissue Resilience and Injury as an Opportunity: Re-engineering movement patterns after an injury to build more resilience than existed before the "break." The Centenarian Decathlon: Training today for the 10 physical tasks every human should be able to do at age 100. Performance Recovery: Bridging the gap between elite athletic recovery and everyday longevity. Why Journalists Work With Me: I provide direct, evidence-based commentary that cuts through medical fluff. I help readers understand that injuries aren't an inevitable part of "getting old"—they are structural flaws that can be engineered. Whether I’m discussing why grip strength is a proxy for survival or how to maintain a high cardiovascular "ceiling," I provide the clinical data and the actionable "how-to" that makes for a compelling story. Professional Achievements & Credentials: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with over a decade of clinical experience in sports medicine and longevity. Published Author: Adding Insight to Injury, The Ultimate Injury Recovery Guide To Help You Reclaim The Life You Love Clinical Innovation: Pioneer of the "Redefine Your Prime Residency," a diagnostic-heavy approach to human optimization. Media Experienced: Regular contributor to health and fitness outlets, providing quick-turnaround, high-authority written commentary.

As a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) at Same Day Supplements, I specialize in providing science-backed, personalized nutrition guidance to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals. With expertise in dietary planning, supplement strategies, and performance nutrition, I work to empower clients with practical tools for lasting results. My approach blends evidence-based knowledge with real-world application, ensuring sustainable habits that support both everyday wellness and peak athletic performance.

I am a fitness trainer who specializes in field of fitness and yoga more than 10years, and also help to motivate people for fitness. I writes with empathy and accuracy and has a knack for connecting with readers in an insightful and engaging way. I contributes regularly to FreakToFit.

Dirk Jamison is the owner of Lift Silver Lake, a strength training facility focused on structured, performance-based coaching. He began his career in Olympic weightlifting at a young age and transitioned into coaching early, building a foundation rooted in technique, discipline, and long-term athletic development. Since opening his gym in 2008, Jamison has worked with a wide range of clients, from beginners to experienced athletes, helping them improve strength, movement quality, and overall physical performance. His approach emphasizes proper mechanics, consistency, and individualized programming rather than short-term results. Through years of hands-on coaching, Jamison has developed a practical understanding of how people progress in strength training and where common challenges arise. He focuses on creating training environments that support sustainable progress, injury prevention, and measurable outcomes. Jamison is a credible source for commentary on strength training, Olympic weightlifting, coaching methods, and long-term fitness development. He provides clear, experience-based insights grounded in years of direct coaching and gym ownership.