In our specialty training gym, we're not about the ordinary. Our premium trainers are a league of their own, going beyond the norm to bring you an exceptional fitness experience. What's the secret sauce? While others might just skim through the rulebook, our trainers immerse themselves in the science and principles, integrating them into every move they make. It's not about generic workouts here – it's about crafting routines tailored for bodies that might need a little extra care, especially those of the mature crowd. We're all about gains, but not at the cost of injuries. So when you train with us, you're not just lifting weights, you're lifting the potential of what your body can achieve – all in the hands of our capable experts.
How we got here- The origins of fusion fitness
In 2001 I made the decision to become a personal fitness trainer and began a journey of self-education and professional development and have since earned certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and American Council on Exercise (ACE). I studied at Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey institute of Touch and Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA.
I am an avid learner and continually seek out the latest scientific breakthroughs to help you achieve your maximum potential. I pay attention to how your body moves and provide postural analysis, neuromuscular re-education, full body and core strengthening, advanced core conditional, sports performance and clinical and therapeutic massage.
When clients meet me today they have no idea that I started out in life as a fat kid. Most girls my age were beanpoles, but I always ran on the heavier side and puberty really pushed me over the edge. I remember approaching back-to-school shopping my sophomore year with such disdain as nothing in the stores fit me. I was too big to fit into regular clothes and Plus Sized clothing wasn’t available.
My parents tried everything they could to get me to be athletic and lose weight, but I resisted every step of the way and eventually they gave up trying to convince me. As a kid I excelled at reading and playing piano, not very athletic endeavors! In gym class, I was the one who walked while everyone else ran and was the last one picked for teams. I hated pushing myself and I hated to exercise!
After graduating high school, I married and moved up to the bay area. At 20 when my cholesterol ballooned to 291 I finally decided to diet and lose weight. Terrified and ready to do whatever it took to get healthy a friend and I joined a gym. We went religiously for about a year. Then, I hurt my knee and had to have it surgically repaired. I didn’t go back to the gym but vowed that if I ever did, I would hire a personal trainer.
Fast forward five years to 1998. After quitting smoking and building an engineering career, I found myself fatter than ever. When I found myself wearing my overweight mother in-law’s pants I realized I was in big trouble. That wake-up call finally got me back in the gym. I bought a year-long membership and the largest personal training package available. I was ready to lose weight, get in shape and NOT get hurt again!
I hated it! I only went because I knew I needed it and had made a huge financial investment in it. Many times I wanted to cancel but I begrudgingly went three times a week because I wanted to know the “secret” to getting fit. To start I had zero stability and core strength. I couldn’t do squats because of my previously injured knee.
Rasheed, my trainer, initially worked mostly on isolation exercises with me to build muscle strength. Finally, two years later, I could do squats and lunges. It took me that long to get my glutes working and to undo the damage that being sedentary most of my life had done to my body.
Today, I work with many clients who are recovering from illness and injury. I empathize and understand first-hand the challenges they face because of the weight issues, traumas and injuries I have experienced. I use and perfect the techniques that worked for me to help others through the recovery process.
My name is Zach, and I am a dedicated fitness trainer with a passion for helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. With two years of experience at Fusion Fitness, I have had the privilege of transforming lives and guiding individuals towards their desired fitness outcomes. Holding a NASM certification obtained in 2021, I specialize in strength training, rehab work, and promoting overall longevity of health.
My personal fitness journey began at the age of 16 when I discovered the importance of exercise for sports performance. Even after my involvement in organized sports ended, I still wanted to maintain my fitness and strive for strength and better health. This drive led me to the world of working out, which I have been committed to for the past 11 years.
The reason I embarked on a career in personal training is because I witnessed firsthand the numerous benefits exercise had on my own life. Growing up, I struggled with being overweight, and it was through exercise that I was able to regain control over my weight and make a positive impact on my well-being. Recognizing the profound effects exercise had on me, I felt a strong desire to give back to others in any way I could. Personal training emerged as the perfect avenue to help individuals lose weight, recover from injuries, and alleviate pain, particularly when working with clients who have pre-existing conditions. Witnessing the joy and satisfaction my clients experience when they notice the positive changes in their own bodies and lives fuels my enthusiasm and happiness.
What began as a hobby gradually transformed into my chosen profession. I have always had a deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, and personal training allowed me to fulfill that aspiration. I firmly believe that any form of exercise can be beneficial and tailor my training programs to suit the unique needs and goals of my clients.
During the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Selina offered me an opportunity to work as an assistant trainer at her facility. Over the course of a year, I honed my skills and acquired valuable tools under her guidance. This experience greatly influenced my training style and has contributed to the successful position I find myself in today.
One of my strengths as a trainer lies in my ability to connect with my clients on a personal level. By truly understanding their individual needs and desires, I am able to provide them with the guidance and support necessary to achieve their goals. The relationships I have built with my clients extend beyond the training sessions, as I genuinely value the role of being a people person in addition to being a trainer.
While I hold a degree in business economics, I discovered that my true passion lies in the fitness industry. The business knowledge I gained during my studies allowed me to realize that a career in personal training aligns more closely with what I truly desire in terms of professional fulfillment.
I am committed to helping individuals lead healthier, happier lives through exercise and fitness. Whether you are looking to lose weight, recover from an injury, or improve your overall well-being, I am dedicated to guiding you on your fitness journey and helping you unlock your full potential. Together, we can achieve greatness and make a lasting positive impact on your life.
He first worked with Selina Sahba, owner of Fusion Fitness, when he was injured playing sports at 16. Selina was the impetus behind his successful rehabilitation. When the opportunity to work with her professionally presented itself, he jumped at the chance. Zach loves the sense of community he finds at Fusion Fitness and enjoys working with a variety of clients, but specializes in working with mature populations, nutritional counseling and bodybuilding.
I’m Shelley, a fitness professional dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall well-being. My journey in the world of fitness began later in life, but it has been a transformative experience that has shaped my perspective and career.
In my early twenties, I was overweight, uncoordinated, and awkward. However, everything changed when I was introduced to the gym and had my first encounter with a personal trainer. This experience was life-giving and empowering, as it not only improved me physically but also mentally and emotionally. It was a turning point that ignited my desire to establish a similar connection with others and have a positive impact on their lives.
To enhance my knowledge and expertise, I pursued certification through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and obtained my AFAA certification. While working as a physical therapist’s aid for six years, I witnessed firsthand how exercise programs could make a profound difference in people’s lives. It was during this time that everything I had learned up to that point finally clicked for me.
Continuing my educational journey, I expanded my skills with a NASM personal training certification. Recognizing my ability to work effectively with mature populations, I gravitated towards serving this demographic, as I am currently within that age bracket myself. I find that I have a unique understanding of their needs and challenges, enabling me to guide and support them in ways that younger trainers may not fully comprehend.
When working with mature individuals, I know how to strike the perfect balance between scaling back exercises for safety and challenging them to surpass their own expectations. It brings me great joy to witness their breakthrough moments when they say, “I can’t do that,” only to realize that they are capable of far more than they initially believed. Witnessing their newfound confidence and empowerment is immensely fulfilling, and I take pride in being part of their transformative journey.
Throughout my career, I have worked with clients facing various conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, early-onset dementia, and joint replacements (such as shoulders, knees, and hips). These experiences have further solidified my expertise in developing tailored fitness programs within the scope of their specific needs.
In my current role, I work with individuals in Pebble Beach, offering a range of classes designed to improve balance, mobility, and overall fitness for the mature population. My dedication to ongoing education ensures that I stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and techniques in the field, enabling me to provide the highest quality of care to my clients.
I am passionate about helping individuals reclaim their health, regain confidence, and lead fulfilling lives through fitness. If you’re looking for a compassionate and experienced trainer who can guide you towards your goals while respecting your unique needs, I am here to support you every step of the way. Let’s embark on a transformative journey together.
From riding the waves of California to conquering the snowy slopes, I’ve embraced the life of an athlete and competitive surfer. Pro-am competitions in both the USA and Central America have shaped me, while my role as an ISA Surf Coach, NASM Personal Trainer, and Viking Ninja Steel Mace Certified professional fuels my passion for helping others excel.
Movement has been my lifelong love affair. Spartan races, grueling challenges, and the pursuit of self-improvement have been my companions on this journey. Yet, I’ve discovered that the heart of my fitness philosophy lies in the blend of challenge and enjoyment.
In my workouts, you’ll find a fusion of strength-led intervals and dynamic compound movements. These aren’t just exercises; they’re the very elements that empower me to thrive in my sports and activities. You see, my belief runs deep – whether riding waves or coaching surfers, true mastery starts with mastering your own body.
I’ve stood atop the waves and guided students, always emphasizing the importance of building a foundation of strength on solid ground. It’s the art of understanding that strength training is the cornerstone of success in any sport. My approach is a symphony of speed, power, athleticism, endurance, stability, and stamina – carefully woven into every session.
Join me on this journey, where the joy of the challenge and the thrill of growth come together. No hard sells or inflated promises – just a genuine commitment to helping you become the best version of yourself. Let’s work hard, laugh often, and discover the incredible feats your body and spirit are capable of.
Brianne (Bree) has been practicing the Yoga Asanas since she was in High School. Along with studying health and nutrition, she received her first 300 Hour certification in 2018. Then she recently graduated with a 200 hour certification in June of 2023
She accredits the practice of Yoga to being life-saving and healing for various adversities in human existence. Her love and appreciation for the Eight Limbs of Yoga has blossomed into her desire to learn and evolve as a lifelong student and teacher of Yoga.
Bree has experience with various styles of Yoga including Therapeutic Hatha, Restorative, Yin, Bikram, Vinyasa, and Kundalini Yoga. Her classes are a balance between a mellow Vinyasa flow and the concentrated and focused nature of a Therapeutic Hatha class. She likes to theme her sequences around the Chakras and weaves these themes into her instruction. Additionally Bree enjoys creating playlists that pair perfectly with the class flow.
Raised in the town of Pacific Grove, Sophia is a dedicated fitness professional who is passionate about helping others and staying active. Her connection to her hometown is reflected in her approach to fitness, where she emphasizes the joy of movement and the power of a strong community.
As a Schwinn-certified indoor cycling instructor with over three years of experience, Sophia brings a unique blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and a love for music to every class she leads. Her sessions are more than just workouts; they are immersive experiences designed to energize the body and uplift the spirit. Sophia’s philosophy is centered around the belief that fitness should be inclusive, enjoyable, and holistically transformative, guiding her clients to discover their own love for movement.
Sophia’s academic background in psychology at UCLA further enriches her understanding of the mind-body connection. She firmly believes that true transformation begins from within, integrating psychological principles into her fitness approach to help her clients achieve lasting change.
Tenacious, inspiring, and always ready with a motivational playlist, Sophia is committed to helping others unlock their potential and find joy in movement. Her classes are a testament to her passion, creating an environment where fun meets fitness, and every session leaves participants feeling empowered and invigorated.
Copyright © 2024 – Fusion Fitness PG – Pacific Grove’s Premier Gym & Fitness Center
