Emily Merrill

by Stacey Pokluda | Dec 12, 2023

EMILY MERRILL

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

I thought this was the perfect opportunity to build more connections in Santa Barbara and just enjoy the new experience.

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

Sweat, challenges, and accolades

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

Go out into the world and be AWESOME!

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Core: Planks and more planks Legs: Fifth Lunge and Floor Lunge Skate Arms: Serve the platter and bicep curls Obliques: Kneeling Torso Twist and scrambled eggs

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

I’ve got eclectic taste in music so there is a broad range. Lately, I’ve been working out to a lot of Thievery Corporation. Madonna is also an excellent choice.

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

TIFFANY LINVILLE

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

My passion is to help each person find their own unique balance of physical and mental wellbeing. I am committed to providing an environment to empower each person to reach their health and fitness goals.

In 2019, I stumbled into my first Lagree Fitness class in LA. That day changed my life! After I injured my back in a car accident in 2007, I never thought I would find a workout I could do again without pain. The slow controlled movements with a focus on form and strength training allowed me to strengthen my core and over time significantly reduce my daily pain! I knew after my first class that I wanted to share this foundation with others. In January 2020, I taught my first Lagree class and feel incredibly blessed by the connections I continue to find with each client.

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

I love empowering each client to find their own mind-body connection to push themselves one step further than they thought they could go. Each class will be tailored to different fitness levels and modified for individual needs. I provide personalized feedback to clients during the class, offering tips for improvement and celebrating individual milestones.

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

Encourage everyone to embrace life’s challenges! I strive to be a source of positivity and inspiration, and let others know that I believe in their ability to overcome obstacles and thrive.

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Anything CORE-related makes me smile!

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

Girl Talk All Day

EMILY MERRILL

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

I thought this was the perfect opportunity to build more connections in Santa Barbara and just enjoy the new experience.

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

Sweat, challenges, and accolades

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

Go out into the world and be AWESOME!

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Core: Planks and more planks Legs: Fifth Lunge and Floor Lunge Skate Arms: Serve the platter and bicep curls Obliques: Kneeling Torso Twist and scrambled eggs

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

I’ve got eclectic taste in music so there is a broad range. Lately, I’ve been working out to a lot of Thievery Corporation. Madonna is also an excellent choice.

MORGAN EALES

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

I’ve always enjoyed situations where I get to teach people new skills or help them expand on existing skills. After taking classes at Fit Buddha for four years, I felt like I had a pretty good understanding of Lagree. I love the genuine positivity of the community at Fit Buddha, and it’s really special to be able to experience it as both a client and a trainer!

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

You can expect a good variety of moves and thorough explanations.

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

Be kind!

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Chuck Norris and leg sweeps!

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

“Dancing on my Own” by Robyn

KELSEY BARDFIELD

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

Since first setting foot in the studio in 2013, Fit Buddha changed my life – in mind, body, and spirit. Each class leaves me feeling stronger, happier, and more confident thanks to the incredible trainers and community. I’m ecstatic to share that passion with others as a Fit Buddha trainer.

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

High energy, a supportive environment, and a lil dancing.

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

You can’t take care of everything else if you don’t take care of yourself first – prioritize your mental and physical health.

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

Bunge kicks – it’s a love/hate thing

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

Wale always brings a good vibe

AUTUMN GRACA

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

I was ready to take my health and wellness to the next level while being of service to others and deepening my relationship with myself. I love a good challenge especially when it comes to personal growth.

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

High vibes, fun, and appreciating our strengths while challenging our weaknesses.

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

I choose to see the Divine in everything. Let go and let God.

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

2 favs! Spider and Reversed Oblique Crunch with Thread the Needle.

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

Flames by David Guetta and Sia

SHERRI SILVA

WHY I BECAME A TRAINER AT FIT BUDDHA:

The reason I wanted to become a Fit Buddha instructor was because of my love for both fitness and community. I enjoy keeping my body strong and fit and would love to help others achieve the same goodness for their bodies. It’s a good feeling to make a difference in another person’s life.

3 THINGS CLIENTS CAN EXPECT IN MY CLASS:

Three things that a client can expect from my class are energy and fun, good tunes, and a workout that makes you feel good all over. (Even if it is a little painful).

MY MOTTO IN LIFE:

My motto in life is 3 B’s: Be Bold, Be Beautiful, Be Better! Coincidently my kiddos are also the 3 B’s: Brooklynn, Blake, and Braden

MY FAVORITE MEGA-MOVE:

The Mega Donkey Kick. It feels soooo good!

FAVORITE SONG TO WORK OUT TO:

Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen or any song that makes me want to get up and rock out or dance!

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!

Emily Merrill

EMILY MERRILL

ANDREA STRAND

TIFFANY LINVILLE

EMILY MERRILL

MORGAN EALES

KELSEY BARDFIELD

AUTUMN GRACA

SHERRI SILVA

SISSY ZOGRAFOU

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