Our Staff

Julian Kaufman

BA HES/M.ED/NSCA-CSCS
Owner, Fitness Together Frazier Avenue

Julian Kaufman earned his B.A. degree in Health and Exercise Science from Furman University. He went on to earn a master's degree from Covenant College in curriculum and instruction. Julian is certified through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). The NSCA (www.nsca.com) is the world's leading authority on strength, conditioning, and fitness. The NSCA distinguishes itself from the hundreds of other certifying organizations because its foundation is rooted in scientifically reliable research. The NSCA bridges the gap between the lab scientist and the fitness practitioner. Julian also holds certification from USA Track and Field.

Julian has worked in several diverse health related fields over the last sixteen years. His technical experience includes working alongside exercise scientists in human performance (vital capacity, stress test, heart rate, blood pressure, body composition, flexibility), exercise physiology (max VO2, O2 deficit, hydrostatic weighing, anaerobic threshold), biomechanics and motor development. Additionally, he has experience working as a wellness teacher, personal trainer, sport specific trainer, strength & conditioning specialist (at the high school & college levels), and coaching varsity high school sports (football, wrestling, track). He enjoys working with individuals of all ages and at all levels of physical fitness.

Julian's personal philosophy is centered on the idea that health is holistic in it's nature. Spiritual, intellectual, emotional, relational and physical health should be viewed in an integrated manner. As an individual deals with the physical aspects of their health, they should also be careful to care for the other, more complex components of their overall health. As the physical is worked on and developed, it must focus on substance versus image. This substance is whole health with the goal of preventing disease, increasing potential for longevity, and improving and maintaining quality of life.

Kyle Johnston

Manager

Kyle Johnston, a Chattanooga native. He holds certifications through NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) and Fitness For Life.

Before assuming management responsibilities at Fitness Together Chattanooga, Kyle worked as a trainer. Kyle has a great deal of experience working with a diverse variety of needs.

Prior to joining the Fitness Together team, Kyle worked at the YMCA in the fitness and wellness department, where he began personal training. Since then, he has also worked with athletes in Olympic weight-lifting, plyometrics and speed training.

Kyle’s passion is people. He loves to help people fulfill their potential through the setting and achieving of goals. This desire to see others improve their lives in all facets has found a natural outlet in the health and fitness industry; Kyle has excelled because he cares about his clients, seeing them not only as clients but also as friends. Making their bodies more functional and thus improving their quality of life. Kyle’s affability, energy, and generosity have made him a great trainer.

Rachel Reeves

Trainer / Assistant Manager FT North Shore

Rachel Reeves was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and has worked in the fitness industry in South Florida for eight years. Within this culture she experienced the vanity that the majority of the fitness industry encourages. She now understands the importance of motivating clients to focus on their over all health and quality of life, instead of finding their identity in an ideal body image. Rachel's passion for health and fitness was born out of a love for tennis and bodybuilding and grew into a variety of fitness-related opportunities including tennis coach, aerobics coordinator, general manager of L.A. Fitness in South Florida, and nutritional counseling at Physicians Weight Loss Centers.

Rachel was the previous owner of Fitness Together Gunbarrel and is now excited to join the Fitness Together team at North Shore, which is equipping her to encourage, educate, and motivate clients for better quality of life. She is involved in a local church, and has a passion for coaching and mentoring inner city teens. She currently enjoys a variety of sports, including tennis, running, lifting, and roller blading and is embarking on new local challenges, such as rock climbing and trail running.

Becky Conrady

B.S. Psychology, Trainer

Becky Conrady attended Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC on full tuition scholarship where she graduated with a B.S. in psychology. It was there that she became a certified aerobics instructor through Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFFA) and began her part-time career in fitness.

In 1992 Becky married college basketball coach David Conrady, and they now have two children, Andrew (10) and Faith Ann (7). It was after having her first child that Becky began further education in fitness instruction. Over the past ten years she has obtained certifications from the YMCA in group exercise instruction, core body training, circuit training, nutrition and flexibility. She has also attended numerous AFFA and ACE fitness workshops. Becky is currently working toward her ISSA certification in Personal Training.

Becky has always enjoyed being active, and as a wife and mother she understands the demands of life make it important to keep physical fitness a priority. Becky’s personal philosophy is that spiritual, emotional and physical factors contribute to the overall physical fitness of an individual. Our culture may try to compartmentalize, but our bodies will tell us otherwise.

Ricky Akridge

Trainer

Ricky Akridge is proud to have been born and raised in Chattanooga,TN. He has a great love for the Lord and always enjoys wholesome competition. While going through the local school systems of Hamilton County he excelled in many sports. Through playing football, wrestling, and running track in high school he learned the importance of keeping a healthy mind and body. Through those experiences and the opportunities which have led to befriending many other people with the same interest; he attended and graduated from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga with a B.S. degree in Health and Human Performance. While attending UTC he worked with the metropolitan YMCA with various roles in aquatics. Ricky is a current member of the Chattanooga Track Club, and The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. He knows the importance of education and plans to return to UTC, but likes to stay active and is also planning to backpack the AT in the near future.

Anneli Uys

Trainer

Anneli Uys was raised in South Africa and moved to Australia at the age of 16.  Growing up with two certified track and field coaches as parents and three sisters actively competing in track and cross country Anneli started running year round at a very young age.  She was recruited to the university of Memphis on a track and field scholarship and transferred to UTC after one year where she obtained her BS in Movement Science and fell in love with Chattanooga. 

 After college Anneli stayed in Chattanooga and started her career as the head track and field coach at Silverdale Baptist Academy. It was there she fell in love with helping people set and achieve their goals and enjoyed playing a part in their success. 

"I love being able to coach and guide people towards a healthy and active lifestyle showing them what they are capable of achieving. The best part about being a personal trainer is sharing in the success of your clients."

Heidi Fary

Trainer

Heidi was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She was home schooled, but knew that she wanted to participate in college athletics. She trained on her own, working toward this goal. She was recruited to play soccer at Kennesaw State University. It was a brand new program at the time. They went undefeated for two years and in their third year, won the national championship. She graduated with a BS in Health and Exercise. During her time at KSU, she also participated in several studies in kinesiology with the athletic department, taught fitness classes for the elderly, coached soccer clinics for kids, participated in Campus Crusade and helped to coordinate the FCA program.

After college she began working as an account representative for a healthcare company in Atlanta. Her love for physical activity and working face to face with people made this a very short lived occupation.

Heidi has been interested in health and wellness her entire life and has always enjoyed challenging herself with sports and outdoor activities. She believes that there are avenues for every individual to enjoy an active lifestyle.

Heidi considers herself blessed to have found Fitness Together. She is continuously impressed by her fellow trainers who always show a genuine concern and excitement for their clients. She feels deeply rewarded by the achievements of her clients and the friendships she has made.

Jody Smith

Trainer

Jody Smith was raised in Copper Basin, Tennessee where he had the privilege of playing football, basketball, and baseball. Thanks to a great family, amazing mentors, and a solid community, Jody developed a passion for physical activity as well as conveying the aspects of health to others. His prior work experiences, such as lifeguarding, construction, and coaching, have left him with a love for people and a desire to help them live healthier and happier lives through education and activity.

Jody is currently studying Health and Human Performance at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He plans to teach physical education and continue his career in the personal training profession. He views his position at Fitness Together as a great opportunity to help people and create an environment in which his clients can succeed and realize their goals in every respect. In the future,  Jody plans to incorporate the concepts of physical activity and the importance of nutrition in all of his classes and training sessions. His activities include swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing, and “any sport or activity that generates excitement and fun.”

“If I can help children lead healthier and happier lives by teaching games, activities, and skills, then I will feel like I have accomplished one of my goals in life. I want to be able to pass on my knowledge and help others realize the importance of health and activity. The same is true in my training sessions. I hope to provide my clients with the opportunities to increases their strength and cardiovascular health in order to lead a better and more satisfying life. Our health is one of the most valuable attributes we have, and it is crucial to take care of our bodies. It’s never too early or too late to begin a program that may add happiness and duration to your life.”

Melissa Parker

Trainer