Our Staff

sarah

trainer

As a participant in recreational and competitive sports throughout the years, including a two year varsity softball player at Whitworth Universtiy, I am equipped with the knowledge to understand just what an individual at any level needs to have an advantage, always starting with a solid fitness base.

I use my dual degrees in Psychology and Health, Fitness, & P.E., to develop exercise and life strategies to meet individual goals, whether they are personal fitness health or athletic goals.

If it is weight loss or weight management I can tailor programs to meet the needs of your busy lifestyle. I strive to empower my clients with the knowledge of health and fitness, hoping to spread the importance of healthy lifestyles. Goals, large and small, will be achieved with a combination of innovative ideas and a positive outlook on fitness!

Sarah earned a BS and BA from Whitworth University, in Psychology and Health, Fitness, & P.E..  She has been a FT team member since 2011.

darius

trainer

paul

trainer

Fitness became an integral part of my life ever since I played sports as a little kid. I played football, baseball, and even tried some track and field. The drive to become a better athlete was one aspect that convinced me to learn more about the human body. As I got older I thought it was amazing that I could study about the human body to the point where I could actually see results by changing my diet and exercise routine. With this epiphany, I was eager to share my knowledge to help people achieve their own fitness and health goals.

My approach to training is about challenging the client at the perfect intensity. That means finding exercises that are physically and mentally challenging. When I train clients I want them to be focused on the exercises for that 45 minute session and ignore all the other stresses in their life.

At Fitness Together the environment is nonthreatening so that the client doesn't feel like they are being watched by other club members during their workout. This makes for a truly one on one training session where you can forget about everything except your own workout.

Paul has a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Oregon State University and has also obtained a CSCS certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He brings two years experiece as a Functional Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist in a physical therapy setting as a benefit to the clients of FT Mercer Island.  Paul has been a team member since 2008.

ashley

trainer

My passion for health and fitness stems from my childhood and years of competitive soccer, basketball and track. Being active and constantly challenging myself became a way of life for me and that drive for a challenge has followed me into adulthood, leading me to compete outside of organized sports by participating in full and half marathons. By using my own experience as a competitive athlete, I want to help individuals set realistic goals that can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Fitness to me means overall health, including a balanced and nutritional diet. I want to help clients transform from the inside out.

Coming into the fitness industry with two years of experience working in the field of physical therapy, I understand the importance of focusing on the fundamentals of proper movement and form, often beginning with the core. By focusing on these fundamentals, I am able to provide clients with a solid foundation to avoid injury and set them on the right track for achieving their fitness goals in the future. My experience in the clinical setting also allows me the opportunity to work with clients who might otherwise think a strength training routine is not possible due to prior or current injuries. To me, the foundation of any good relationship should be one of trust and encouragement. The relationship that I aim to establish with each of my clients in the fitness setting is no different. Although beginning something new can be intimidating, and the fear of failure overwhelming, the feeling of success is something that cannot be paralleled. It is my goal to motivate and challenge each of my clients to accomplish something they once thought unattainable. I hope to use my knowledge and passion for fitness to allow each of my clients to feel the overwhelming excitement that health and happiness can provide in their life!

Trainer Ashley earned her BS in Psychology from WSU, has her Personal Training Certification, and completed a working apprentice program with FT.  Ashley has been an FT team member since 2011.

danielle

trainer

My passion for fitness started at a young age. Growing up, my Dad was very active to the point that our dining room was full of exercise equipment. After dinner, he would let me work out with him and by the time I had reached high school, I was waking up for 6:00 am lift sessions with the football team. Once graduation rolled around, I was featured in a strength-training magazine and also offered a choice between a full ride scholarship for volleyball or for track and field. The motivational fire was lit and has been burning ever since. I chose track and field at the University of Idaho and went on to become a two-time All American with three school records. 

As a former athlete I personally understand dealing with and over-coming mental and physical barriers, and as a new mom I have an expanded perspective and understanding for the challenges of balancing all that life demands. 

Today, I take pride in sharing all the information, ideas, skills, and experience with others to help them achieve their fitness goals. When it comes to goals, I firmly believe that the road is not easy, but it will be worth it.

Danielle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Idaho. She has been an FT team member since 2011.

jim

lead trainer

I've been a personal trainer with Fitness Together since 2004 and am a firm believer that the FT model of "1 Client, 1 Trainer, 1 Goal" is the best and most effective way to achieve results. The client's entire experience in the Studio is always on my mind. Not only am I dedicated to helping clients achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but I enjoy helping them enjoy and take ownership of the process.

Jim has a B.A. in Geography from the University of California, Berkley, CA and holds a 1st class National Federation of Professional Trainers certification. He also spent 10 years as a Tennis Professional after his official competitive days were done. Jim's current passion is his wife, son, and golf! As the Lead trainer Jim helps with internal trainer development and ensuring that the clients' experience is always improving.  Jim has been a team member at FT Mercer Island since 2007, and started at an FT in MI in 2004.