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SISSY ZOGRAFOU

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

I became a trainer at Fit Buddha because I believe that in life everything happens for a reason! I was at a phase in my life where I wanted to find a new studio closer to my house and not have to drive downtown for my work. Eva, the owner of Fit Buddha, was trying at the same time to find new instructors for the Ventura studio! We met, we talked and we discovered that we have so many things in common such as the way of thinking, culture and even the same Greek friends!

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

The things that my clients must expect in my class are: Be ready to do a non-stop full body work out, build their stamina and endurance and have fun!

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and soul!

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

The moonwalk exercise

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

Sweet Dreams from Beyoncé!

TERRANCE BROWN

Hello, my name is Terrance Brown . I am a personal trainer and fitness instructor in Santa Barbara, California . My goal is to transform people's lives into a better lifestyle. I love utilizing my natural gift to encourage people to get and stay in shape both as a fitness instructor and as a motivational speaker. My ultimate goals are, to teach and inspire individuals to transform their lives while having fun doing it.

I understand that being fit isn’t just about the number on the scale: it’s about a lifestyle. It’s about believing that you deserve to be healthy. Therefore, dedication and hard work is the key. I bring this infectious passion for health wellness, and most importantly, self-love, to every class that I teach and every person that I encounter.

Browns "Soul Cycling"- is a rhythmic dance/spinning class...accompanied with great music!!! It is a group-exercise session in which participants ride stationary bicycles at varying speeds and resistance settings. Just imagine transferring your dance moves from the dance floor to the spinning class!

Benefits of attending Terrance's Soul Cycling class:

There are numerous benefits and improvements with this spin class: burning calories, building muscle tone, increasing cardio endurance, relieving stress, reducing risks of injury, and super important > having fun!

REBECCA FISCHEL

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

I love the family atmosphere, friendly clientele and, of course, the kick-ass workouts. I love that I have always been encouraged to be, unapologetically, my loud and crazy self. Fit Buddha has felt like home since the moment I wandered in 7 years ago and I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to share and grow with the community in this sacred space. 

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

Loud Music, Laughter, and Lots of Sweat ?

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

The path to happiness is discovered through compassionate service and generosity ?

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Jackknife!! ?

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

Make it Bun Dem by Damien Marley and Skrillex ?

CARINNE HAWLEY

My journey into physical fitness began with a dog. I did not grow up playing sports or doing anything more active than walking the mall, but after I got married my husband and I got a dog and someone had to walk it; that someone was me. But the dog didn’t want to walk, the dog wanted to run. So I chased the dog. Then I caught up to the dog and we started running together and slowly I began to build endurance and became a distance runner. I have completed 10 marathons and many half-marathons, and shorter distance races over the years. Part of my cross-training became Pilates and I found that while I do not enjoy mat classes I love the reformer and the changes I can see and feel in my body. I’ve been practicing the Lagree method for about 6 years and absolutely love it! It never gets easy…why doesn’t it ever get easier?! I’ve only recently become certified as a trainer and I hope I can help the clients of Fit Buddha get as much joy out of their classes as I do. 

Professionally I trained as a dental hygienist locally at Oxnard College and got my B.S. from Northern Arizona University. After working private practice for a few years I began teaching dental hygiene at Oxnard College and USC. After receiving a Masters degree in Public Health form UCLA I left dentistry for a while and worked as a research coordinator for the VA and UCSD. I eventually found my way back to dentistry and started a dental hygiene school in San Diego and worked as the director there until I gave birth to my son Saul. Our family then moved home to Ventura County and I have since given birth to another child, a little girl we call Samira. 

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

Though I started practicing the Lagree method while living in San Diego, it wasn’t until I came to Fit Buddha that I really fell in love! All the trainers bring their own experience and personality to the workouts and Eva and Marcus are so warm and welcoming that as a client I never felt intimidated. Fit Buddha has helped me get back in shape after the birth of both my children and I love when my body feels strong! Maybe it’s the endorphins, but over time I felt like I wanted to share my passion and enthusiasm with others as a trainer and so became certified. 

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

Some knowledge of kinesiology, a warm smile and hopefully a slow burn!

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

Flock with the Eagles! 

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Inner-thigh squats

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

I love music, so hard to choose just one! But this song is heavy in the rotation right now, Somebody Else by Jeff Bridges. I know, weird, he’s a movie star, but when it’s good it’s good!

STEPHANIE CHENOWETH

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

I am a Lagree and nasm certified trainer. I have been a sports and fitness enthusiast my entire life and have tried everything from barre to Pilates to cycling to traditional strength training to yoga. And while I love different components from all of them, nothing  lifts my seat or tones my obliques quite like Lagree! 

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

A client taking my class should expect to work their entire body from head to toe, get a deep burn and hopefully quite a few shakes, and leave the day's stress behind as they focus mind and body on moving with intent and purpose. 

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

My motto in life is to embrace all the little moments and be present (a work in progress ?).

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Can’t pick just one! Heavy squats/skating and French twist to twisted pike to plank.

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

Right now, Sweet Sensation by Flo Rida 

CHINA JONES

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

I joined Fit Buddha back in 2010 before we even had a studio! I responded to a job ad and met Marcus and Eva at Joe's for an interview. We hit it off and they invited me to come down to LA and try out a class with Sebastian Lagree. The Megaformer was different than anything I had experienced -- I loved the slow intentional movements done until failure, and the soreness was next level. I was hooked!

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

Fresh tunes, positive vibes and booty burn  

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

I’m a big believer in having fun, living each day to the fullest and doing more of what makes you happy. My advice: eat whole nourishing foods, train smart, mobilize and take care of your body so you’re capable of living your best life. Don’t be so strict that you neglect yourself a good margarita once in a while, but don’t let it become a daily habit either. Smile and laugh often, count your blessings, express gratitude, and take care of the community and environment around you.

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Side-lying bacon kicks, followed with a burnout of pulse lifts

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

I love bringing fresh new music to class so it changes every week!

ANDREA STRAND

A former competitive athlete and active women’s health nurse practitioner, Drea believes in teaching movement and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Drea has been with Fit Buddha since the studio’s opening and describes herself as a “lifer.”  Always up for a challenge, Drea believes the Megaformer keeps a body able to do what it was born to do, “play outside.”  

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

It seemed like a fun new job. I stayed because I love it. 

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

Humor, honor, humility. 

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

No Rain No Flowers

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

(I invented it) The Can Opener

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

Lodeza

JAMIE HAY

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

I became a trainer because I got to a point where I wanted to do more with what I already knew from taking the classes. Fit Buddha was my home away from home and being around such inspiring people everyday only made me want to be apart of it more. 

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

Good music, challenging routines and lots of booty. 

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

No Rain No Flowers

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

My favorite move(s) would have to be in the well carriage kicks or curtsy squat. I almost always have one of those in my routine. 

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

Lately it has been, So Close by NOTD 

BRITTANY McHENRY

I am a wife and a mother to 4 kids. I am a Lagree Fitness and Schwinn Cycling certified trainer and have always had a passion for exercise and helping others. I LOVE a good workout that makes you work hard and leaves you feeling exhilarated. I have completed 2 century bike rides, 3 triathlons, and a half marathon. You name a workout, I’ve probably done it! I have even held a personal training certification. BUT, I always come back to Lagree Fitness and Fit Buddha! I love the intense athletic workout and the lean muscular results.  As a trainer you can expect a full body workout from me that is intense and athletic with support and encouragement to help you achieve your fitness goals.

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

I love the intense, athletic workout on the Megaformers and the friendly, family atmosphere of Fit Buddha.

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

An intense, athletic workout. Support and encouragement in the form of correcting form and alignment to maximize the workout. And an upbeat, fun, friendly class.

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

You are given enough grace to be your best each day. And with each new day comes the opportunity to be your best. 

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Flying Donkey Kick - it is a FULL body move!

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

Natural by Imagine Dragons or Unstoppable by Sia

CHERYL BAGBY

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

Lagree method was a game changer for me. A 40-minute full body workout that delivered results.

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

I do my best to keep smooth transitions between moves

I stay true to the Lagree method

I provide variations for different strength levels

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

Thoughts become things, choose the good ones.

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Catfish!

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

That changes on the daily