Hi, I'm Katy!

Certifications:
ACSM Exercise Physiologist, Eleiko Strength Coach, TRX, Battleropes, and more. B.S. Kinesiology
 
Bio:
I found my love for movement and fitness in college where I switched from an Accounting Major to an Exercise Science major. I was inspired to become a fitness professional because I find great joy in helping others reach their goals, find success and develop healthy lifestyles. I have over twelves years experience in the industry as a trainer, group exercise instructor, and fitness leader developing coaches and trainers. I have competed in an NPC Bodybuilding competition where I took 2nd place in my class and now find happiness in continuing to weight lift for functionality and keeping up with my toddler son!

When working with clients, I think its important to establish a baseline using assessments so I can meet them where they’re at and we can create measurable goals. Movement and exercise can be fun, so its important to find activities you enjoy, so you’re more likely to stick with them! Exercises should target all components of fitness (strength, endurance, flexibility/mobility, balance) and translate to whatever activities an individual is doing outside the gym!

I enjoy working with all ages and abilities but really enjoy functional strength and bodybuilding programming.

Likes and interests:
Reading, Hiking, Snowboarding, food and time with my family

Favorite quote:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”
-Hunter S. Thompson

Interested in training together?
Reach out to me directly at kyates@ymcaeastbay.org

Hi, I'm Daniel!

Certifications:
NASM Personal Trainer

Bio:
For as long as I can remember, I have challenged myself in a variety of physical activities. Whether it is running a little faster, cycling a steeper climb, or lifting a heavier weight, I’ve always enjoyed both the physical and mental aspects of exercise. In college, I was an NCAA athlete and competed in the sport of gymnastics for the University of California Berkeley. About 5 years ago, I joined the Berkeley YMCAwhen my niece challenged me to take up barbell weights. I was inspired to become a certified personal trainer after being approached by fellow members for help with their form and technique. I found assisting others to achieve their fitness goals to be incredibly fulfilling. I like to keep things simple and enjoyable. Each client should have a progressive, fulfilling, and sustainable program created for their needs. The journey should be as enjoyable as achieving the goal. I aim to program workouts with functional fitness in mind. I would like members to be physically fit for whatever they enjoy in life, whether it’s a particular sport, activity, or living life. I prefer to keep things simple with the use of free weights and bodyweight movements.

Likes and interests?
In the gym, I enjoy training the Olympic lifts and various gymnastics movements. Outside the gym, I love to cycle and run in the Berkeley hills. Woodworking and my next trip to
Japan are also high on my list.

Favorite quote:
“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” 
-Buddha

Interested in training together?
Reach out to me directly at dsperber@ymcaeastbay.org

Hi, I'm Minh!

Certifications:
NASM Personal Trainer

Bio:
I believe in an evidence based approach to educate clients on exercise to support their fitness goals and overall well-being. Every client is unique and at different points in their fitness journey. It is important to me to meet them where they are at and create a distinctive individual workout plan that is both challenging and sustainable.

I enjoy all styles of training but I gravitate to the body builder and functional body approach. Many people have trouble feeling connected to their body, whether in a sport, training in the gym, or going about their daily activities. I believe building a strong mind-muscle connection will build a great foundation towards any style of training, whether it is strength, power, endurance, mobility, etc. 

I have always been active and loved playing sports and running but never took care of my body outside of those activities. Once I began strength training more consistently, I noticed all the tremendous benefits, not only physically but mentally as well. I became inspired to become a trainer because I enjoy guiding others in their fitness journey and helping them receive all the benefits and lessons from it, not just in their physical well-being but in all facets of life.

Likes and interests:
Basketball, outdoors, music, hiking, and food

Favorite quote:
"I want to see if I can. I don't know if I can. I want to find out. I want to see. I'm going to do what I always do: I'm going to break it down to its smallest form, smallest detail, and go after it. Day by day, one day at a time."
-Kobe Bryant

Interested in training together?
Reach out to me directly at mhang@ymcaeastbay.org

Hi, I'm Tupaq!

Certifications:
NASM Personal Trainer

Bio:
Fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I remember - playing sports, running around with friends and exercise as a whole. During the COVID-19 lock-down, I became interested in learning and researching exercise. In April 2021, I started working out at the Berkeley Y. As I got more into working out, I developed an interest in helping people reach their own goals alongside me reaching mine. I get the best of both worlds as a trainer - helping people and exercise, both of which I feel passionately about.

When it comes to training philosophy, my core values are:
1. Progressive overload is the best way to improve in lifts
2. Doing an exercise at a lower weight with full ROM (range of motion)
is 100x better than doing an exercise at a high weight with little
ROM (ego lifting)
3. Over-training a lift (ex: bench, 5 times a week) isn’t going to improve
your strength and rest is just as important

All training is interesting to me and I love learning new methods. I specialize in training that I focus on for myself — this type of exercise consists of strength and hypertrophy training for power lifters, power and body builders. This training consists of compound lifts (squat, bench, deadlift), doing a specific workout until muscular failure, utilizing full ROM (range of motion), etc.

Likes and interests?
I like anything that involves exercise — like swimming, hiking, biking. I
also enjoy being social, cooking, watching and playing most sports.

“If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it”
-Mary Engelbreit

Interested in training together?
Reach out to me directly at tperes@ymcaeastbay.org

Hi, I'm Ian!

Bio:
I'm experienced with power-lifting training, calisthenics and bodybuilding style, and many forms of resistance training.

I first will ask a client what their goals are and what styles of exercises they enjoy performing. I'll also teach an assortment of new movements for full body training and craft a plan based on what the client enjoys and is responding to.

I think training style should dictated by individual goals and will likely shift over time as progress and goals change. My goal with clients is to incorporate different training styles initially for a full body workout and narrow the approach as goals and progress become more well defined.

Likes and interests:
I enjoy exercising, cooking food, grocery shopping, playing video games and raking leaves!

Favorite quote:
"Don't let them stop your gains!"

Interested in training together?
Reach out to me directly at ipierce@ymcaeastbay.org