Fitness

Certifications:

• NASM-CPTRYT
• 2OOHR

Specialties:

• Hatha, Vinyasa, and Power Yoga
• Strength training
• Calisthenics
• Weight Loss

Dali is a student of social work at MSU Denver, a yoga instructor and a personal trainer. It is Dali’s mission to guide others towards health and confidence both physically and mentally. Dali began to discover the transformative effects of fitness and self-care while dealing with chronic sciatica and mental health challenges. Through practicing yoga/meditation, strength training, and prioritizing nutritious-rich foods, she was able to cultivate a balance of strength and ease in her body and mind. In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking with her friends and re-watching Adventure Time. Quote: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” -African proverb

Trainer Dali (she/her/hers)

Certifications:

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• NASM Certified Nutrition Coach

Specialties:

• Weight Loss
• Hypertrophy
• Military Background

Blake has always had a passion for fitness and strongly believes in the correlation between taking care of our physical health for our mental health. The discipline that you learn in the gym will show up in other parts of your life. Being able to teach that foundation of self-care and self-love through physical fitness is why she loves coaching so much. She has worked as a group fitness coach at F45 and has had a variety clients.  Blake grew up playing sports and joined the Air Force right after high school. She recently moved to Colorado and is now getting her degree in Exercise Science at MSU Denver.

Trainer Blake (she/her/hers)

Certifications:

• ACSM CPT
• ACE GFI
• Barre Above Certified Instructor
• Schwinn Indoor Cycling Instructor
• Stairmaster HIIT Instructor

Specialties:

• Weight Loss
• Flexibility
• Stamina

Jason's background in fitness began his freshman year on the Auraria Campus, after participating in a group fitness class, he was hooked and became an employee for Campus Rec by the end of that week. Jason's involvement with the dance program here at MSU Denver and his background as a competitive ice skater has helped fuel and let him gain knowledge when it comes to flexibility, stamina, and mobility. Outside of fitness Jason enjoys playing a couple of musical instruments, learning about languages, writing systems, and nights out with friends. Quote: “Stay hungry. Stay foolish” - Steve Jobs

Trainer Jason (he/him/his)

Certifications:  

• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• TRX Suspension Trainer

Specialties:  

• TRX Functional Training
• Kettlebells
• Strength Training

Before becoming a trainer, Vinny was an advocate for being the best that he could be, and through that, Vinny disciplined himself with high intensity training and educating himself on exercise. The moment Vinny got certified, he had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, differing in age, sex, social-economic background, and status on campus. Though Vinny’s sessions are individualized based on clients and their goals, the one common denominator that he has found is the need to become self-motivated and confident, which health and fitness is a great start. Outside of fitness, Vinny loves to network and meet other like-minded individuals, as well as explore the world. Quote: "Mastering others is strength, mastering others makes you fearless." - Lao Tzu

Trainer Vinny (he/him/his)

Certifications:

• ACE Personal Trainer
• Exercise Science major, Sports Coaching minor
• Black belt in Tae Kwon Do

Specialties:

• Strength Training
• Bodybuilding
• Martial arts
• Military background and training

For as long as he can remember, Omar has loved being active. From snowboarding at the age of 5, to training and competing in Martial Arts throughout his teenage years. After high school Omar joined the U.S. Army, where he found his passion for strength and conditioning training. Omar is currently pursuing an exercise science degree at MSU Denver with which he hopes to be a coach for professional weightlifting athletes.

Trainer Omar (he/him/his)

Certifications:

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• Corrective Exercise Specialist
• Performance Enhancement Specialist
• Fitness Nutrition Specialist

Specialties:

• Muscle Building
• Foam Rolling
• Adaptive Fitness

Zavon was a personal trainer at a few commercial gyms as well as a few physical therapy offices for about 4 years before coming to MSU Denver to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist. His reason for getting into this field is to help anybody, and everybody achieve their goals no matter where they are in their fitness journey. Zavon is a Colorado native, so outside of fitness, he loves hiking with his dog and going on adventurous camping trips. Zavon is also an avid hockey player and little league coach! He is super friendly and always hanging out somewhere around Campus Rec or the Fitness Center so if you see Zavon come say hi! Quote: "No person has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame to grow old without seeing the strength and beauty which the human body is capable of." - Socrates

Trainer Zavon (he/him/his)

Certifications:

• ACE CPT
• ACE GFI
• REB3L Strength
• REB3L Groove

Specialties:

• Beginner Level Fitness
• Group Fitness
• Active Aging

Kyle is always excited to share his passion for fitness and wellness. He has worked within the local city recreation centers teaching group fitness, personal training, and guest services. Before that, he worked as a CNA on an Alzheimer’s unit, and his passion for active aging sparked. Kyle wants to make fitness fun, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. He always has an inspirational quip handy, and is happy to share a smile! Quote: Exercise is a celebration of what the body can do, not a punishment for eating.

Trainer Kyle (he/him/his)

Certifications:

• Schwinn Cycling Mpower
• Barre Above

Aimee is a Colorado native, and a former student on the Auraria Campus. Her passion for fitness comes from her physically fit parents, and a 30-year background in dance. Her ability to understand music, tempo and beats come to life when she teaches! Aimee loves to stay active with strength training, HIIT workouts, yoga, and indoor cycling! She is also passionate about cooking and nutrition, especially after the birth of her two children, when providing nutritious food for her family became extra important to her. When she’s not running the Starbucks in the Tivoli, or running after her kids, Aimee spends her time performing in a local dance troupe, and riding on her other two-wheels - a vintage 1971 Vespa scooter. Aimee hopes to inspire people’s passion for fitness and health, regardless of age or fitness ability. Quote: “The Summit is for the ego, but the Journey is for the soul.” -Unknown

Instructor Aimee (she/her/hers)

Certifications:

• Certified Exercise Physiologist, (formerly Health and Fitness Specialist), American College of Sports Medicine, 2004
• Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise, 1992
• Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist, American Council on Exercise, 1999
• Certified Post Rehabilitation Conditioning Specialist, American Academy of Health and Fitness Professionals, 1998
• Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist, American College of Sports Medicine, 2014
• Certified Aerobics Instructor, Aerobic and Fitness Association of America, 2000
• Certified Kickboxing Instructor, Aerobic and Fitness Association of America, 2001
• Certified Weight Room and Resistance Instructor, Aerobic and Fitness Association of America, 2000
• Certified Fitball Instructor, Ball Dynamics, 2001
• Certified Mind/Body Personal Trainer, American Aerobic Association International/ International Sports Medicine Association, 2004
• Certified Beginning, Advanced and Intermediate Mat Pilates Instructor, American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association, 2004, 2005

Julie has her Master of Science in Sport Medicine. She has been a group ex instructor for over 30 years; personal trainer for over 25 years. Julie has worked with many populations from competitive athletes to senior citizens to children to first time exercisers. She particularly enjoys working with women, people with physical and mental challenges and people who have struggled to maintain an exercise program or who have been told they can’t exercise. Julie loves to “bring out the best” in each person and allow them to succeed in whatever goals are important to them. She is creative and accomplished at modifications, making the workout more or less challenging. In her classes, everyone has options. Safe, fun and effective has been Julie’s mantra for years. Julie is also a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, loves to ride her bike and her push scooter and she has a 2-year-old corgi named Odysseus (Ody). One of her twin boys is a student at MSU Denver and the other is at Dartmouth College. Quote: “Always preach the gospel; if necessary, use words” -Mother Theresa

Instructor Julie (sher/her/hers)