CREDENTIALS
A.S.S. Kinesiology, Sports Rehabilitation, and Communications
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
Hey there, I'm Gwendolynne, but most of my friends call me "The Beast." It's a badge of honor I earned for my dynamic rock climbing style. I have been a personal trainer for a little over 20 years now, which isn't surprising given my background.
I grew up exploring the outdoors with active parents who loved to run, climb, and backpack. Naturally, I fell in love with adventure! As soon as I was old enough, my dad signed me up for climbing lessons, where I learned valuable skills I still use with clients and in my own life today.
By 16, I was working as a rock climbing instructor at the gym, eventually transitioning into the role of a private rock climbing trainer. I spent 10 years as an outdoor adventure sport trainer and guide, helping people conquer challenges like mountaineering, kayaking, Spartan races, and more! Track was also part of my younger years, but one trail run with a friend ignited a new passion. My early twenties were filled with exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Nevada and Colorado mountainscapes, all climbing, hiking, and running.
Life, however, can be unpredictable. A wakeboarding accident left me with a fractured spine and partial paralysis in my left leg. Recovery was a long road, but I threw myself into it, diving deep into biomechanics, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. This arduous period shifted my perspective on fitness training. When clients started requesting injury rehab and recovery, I realized mobility and injury prevention were my calling.
To solidify my knowledge, I enrolled in the Kinesiology and Athletic Training program at Cabrillo College. Working with college athletes with various injuries, strength, and mobility issues equipped me with a wealth of skills in prevention, rehabilitation, and sports-specific movements. My personal trainer certification came in 2015, leading me to launch my own mobile and adventure sport training business. I also worked with boutique gyms as an instructor and personal trainer, teaching a variety of classes like HIIT, weight training, and core. But commuting to multiple gyms became exhausting. Finding 3FIT in 2020 felt like coming home – a place with knowledgeable, experienced, and supportive trainers.
The years of experience have equipped me with a vast knowledge base, one I'm always looking to expand. I'm excited to build unique programs focused on strengthening core, pelvic floor muscles, spine, and hip muscles – all while improving flexibility in areas that often suffer due to our Bay Area lifestyles (think hours spent sitting in front of a computer!). Sharing this knowledge and empowering clients to reach their fitness goals, while instilling preventative measures in their routines, is something I do everyday. And, it makes me truly happy!
INTERESTS
In my free time, you'll likely find me somewhere in the mountains – scaling sheer rock faces, reaching new heights through mountaineering, or enjoying the adrenaline rush of mountain biking or trail running. I have a creative side too that I love to express through painting and drawing whenever I find a spare moment. I also love catching up with friends and family or simply taking my dog for walks and hikes in nature, these moments truly recharge me.