Our Staff

MATT MCKINNIS

Owner, Personal Trainer, & Spinning Instructor
Fitness Together - Alexandria

A globetrotting adventurer, avid bicyclist, and experienced physical trainer, Matt knows first-hand the value of teamwork to accomplish personal fitness goals.

Matt has competed around the world as a semiprofessional adventure racer. Going nonstop for six to 12 days, 24 hours a day, he and his teammates take on rugged 300- to 400-mile courses that include mountain biking, river and open water kayaking, horseback riding, mountaineering, fixed-ropes courses, and navigation skills. Matt has participated in many adventure races, including Eco-Challenge Fiji, Subaru Primal Quest, and the Adventure Racing World Championship.

Matt's success in adventure racing led Phil Kaplan, president of the American Association of Personal Trainers, to ask Matt to coauthor a section about the sport in The Power of Champions, a new book that contains fitness tips from 55 of the world's best personal fitness trainers.

Matt has also been a competitive cyclist since 2000 in both road and mountain bike races. He started his career as a mountain biker, but after his first sprint triathlon he discovered his love for road biking.

Matt has worked as a personal trainer and cycling instructor since 2002. He is certified through Reebok Spinning and the American Counsel on Exercise (ACE). He is certified in CPR and First Aid through the American Red Cross.

JON DARNES

Manager and Personal Trainer
Fitness Together- Alexandria

Jon is a sports enthusiast. Jon has participated in football and lacrosse at the varsity level. He played ice hockey at the collegiate level. Currently, he enjoys most sport and recreational activities. His favorites include ice hockey, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Jon is a local of Northern Virginia. He attended Herndon High School and later graduated from George Mason University with a BS in Exercise Science. Through his athletic career he has trained with a variety of methods. His experience includes working with individuals from the age groups of toddler to eighties. He is certified in the very efficient and safe Super Slow protocol. His mission is to improve the quality of life for others.

KLAUDIA RAISINGER

Personal Trainer

Klaudia Raisinger has five years of experience in training. She got her certification through the National Personal Training Institution. She recently graduated from George Mason University where she received her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science. Growing up with a father who was a soccer coach, she played soccer and continued participating in sports and fitness her whole her life. She is excited to bring her knowledge base and passion for training to the clients of Fitness Together.

Johna Bourbeau

Fitness Coach

My name is Johna Bourbeau. I recently graduated from Philadelphia University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration. Though my field of study was not focused on exercise science I have been studying fitness and wellness for the last six years. In my time at Philadelphia University I worked together with the director of fitness and wellness to implement a personal training program for students. The program was originally designed to educate incoming students about fitness and wellness and to encourage them to stay healthy and active through the transition into college life. In just two years the program evolved and now reaches faculty and staff along with a majority of the student population. Together with the director, I also helped to start group exercise classes including Head to Toe, ABSESSION and a Track and Train cardio-based toning class, all of which I instructed.

I have been certified as a personal trainer by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America since March 2010. I preferably use, but do not limited myself to an intense cardio-based training style that focuses on weight loss and muscle tone. I am an extremely outgoing and energetic individual and I strive to make each of my training sessions as beneficial (and fun!) as possible.
I look forward to working with everyone at Fitness Together!

Sam Lackey

 

Sam’s passion for training comes from a drive not only to better himself, but the individuals he has the opportunity to work with. A former colligate athlete, Sam played football at Abilene Christian University, Tyler Junior College, and Tarleton State University. Sam joins the Fitness Together team with the experience in personal training and sport specific training for athletes ranging from middle school through the professional levels. Sam has also trained at the collegiate level with schools such as the University of Maryland and Georgetown University working with the football and basketball programs.

Originally from Tyler, TX, Sam’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, and listening to Texas Country music. He graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Business Administration. Sam’s goal is to gain the experience and knowledge to become a head strength coach at collegiate or professional level.

Patrick Newhall

Fitness Coach

I have involved myself in numerous athletics since the age of 5, but have a passion for hockey.  I grew up in Springfield, VA; where I played for my West Springfield high school and with the ice hockey team at Hope College.  I played four years as a forward for the Hope College Flying Dutchmen Ice Hockey Team (2005-2009).  With the team, I helped bring the Dutchmen a 9th, 5th, 4th, and 5^th in the ACHA National Tournament.

 

During my time at Hope College I gained experience in sport specific strength & conditioning and rehabilitation.  I believe that sport-specific and agility/balance based training is not strictly reserved for athletes but can benefit all.  I have also worked as a Rehab Specialist, giving me valuable knowledge in rehabilitation and injury prevention as well.  I firmly believe that attitude and understanding the importance of exercise is key to becoming successful in living a healthy life!