Recreation

What is personal training?Personal training session

Personal training is one-on-one fitness instruction that incorporates fitness assessments, goal setting, and exercise education. Following an introductory session, your trainer will guide you through challenging workout routines specifically designed for your fitness needs.

How can a personal trainer help me?

  • Goal setting and maintenance
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Learning how to use the gym
  • Sport-specific training
  • Injury prevention

New Clients

Introductory Session $62 Employees / $50 Students!

*Please add yourself to the waitlist so we can email you when there are openings. *

Mandatory for new clients! This introductory session with your trainer will give you a detailed analysis of where you should take your fitness program. Throughout this session, expect basic assessments such as info-gathering and potential physical fitness tests.

Purchase online now!

Current Clients: Your personal trainer will contact you when she/he has been notified by the fitness manager of your purchase. Please allow three business days for the trainer to be notified. All clients are required to purchase additional training sessions prior to scheduling more sessions.

Session pricing:

Student

Single Session: $50.00*

4 Sessions: $190.00*

8 Sessions: $375.00*

12 Sessions: $560.00*

UW employee/Plus One

Single Session: $62.00*

4 Sessions: $235.00*

8 Sessions: $465.00*

12 Sessions: $695.00*

*Washington State Sales tax is not included and will be applied at checkout.

Customized Exercise Programs

Are you looking for some structure in your fitness journey? Our certified personal trainers will provide you with a four-week plan that will help you reach your fitness and wellness goals in a timely and realistic manner!

Frequently asked questions

What is included?

A four-week exercise plan with up to three days a week customized to meet your health and wellness goals!

Who can purchase a program?

Members and non-members can purchase a program!

If you have never worked with a personal trainer at the IMA before:

Once you have purchased your customized exercise program, you will then need to complete the new client session. This is our “fact-finding” session that will help the trainer understand your goals. For new clients who wish to purchase the new client session, follow this link and add yourself to the waitlist. You will be manually added once that is completed.

If you are already working with a personal trainer at the IMA:

If you are already working with a trainer, you do not need to purchase the new client session again. Our trainers will have one week to send you your program.

What does it cost?

Students: $60 per plan
Faculty & Staff: $75 per plan

 

PURCHASE CUSTOMIZED EXERCISE PROGRAMS HERE

Partner Personal Training

Don’t want to go it alone on your workouts? Now you can have a friend join your personal training session!

Meet the Trainers:

Alani

Relocated from sunny California, Alani is an ACE-certified personal trainer. Her passion for an active lifestyle started at an early age through cheer, dance, track & field, and soccer. Alani’s experience coaching gymnastics strengthened her love for teaching and supporting others through movement. She enjoys helping her clients set and reach their goals, specifically working towards sustainable healthy habits.

As a student at the University of Washington, she is studying Informatics to understand how the use of data and knowledge can improve areas such as human health and wellness. While not in the gym or class, she spends her time chasing sunsets and sunrises, listening to island reggae, and spending time with her family and friends.

Specialties

  • Beginner Programs
  • Sport Performance
  • Functional Movement
  • Weight Loss and maintenance

Education & Certification

  • Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise (ACE)
  • University of Washington, Informatics

Alysha

headshot of Alysha

Alysha is a first-year graduate student in the University of Washington’s Physical Therapy program. Alysha moved from North Dakota, where she completed an Associate of Applied Science Fitness Trainer Technician program as well as her Bachelor in Exercise Physiology. Alysha has served in the Army National Guard for six years and is an Army Master Fitness Trainer.
Although Alysha played many Varsity sports in high school, such as Softball, Volleyball, Hockey, and Dance! In her free time, she races on the National Guard Endurance team, competing in Spartan races and other OCR endurance events! Alysha has experience and knowledge in many areas, including lifting, HIIT, endurance training, and stretching/recovery.

Specialties

  • Military Fitness
  • Endurance Training
  • Weight Lifting
  • Stretching and Recovery

Education & Certification

  • ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
  • School of Physical Therapy, University of Washington

Anika

Headshot of Anika

Growing up in California, Anika found herself participating in a wide range of extracurricular sports. However, it was not until her early college years that she discovered her true passion for the gym. During her free time, she cultivated a deep love for weight training and sharing her knowledge with friends, who benefited from her guidance throughout their fitness journeys. Eventually, Anika made the decision to pursue her personal training certification, allowing her to further her enthusiasm for fitness.

Currently in her third year as an undergraduate student, Anika is pursuing a double major in Biochemistry and Anthropology. Her educational journey reflects her commitment to unraveling the complexities of the human body and understanding the unique cultural aspects that shape our lives and fitness goals. Anika’s distinct background in these fields equips her with a holistic perspective on fitness, integrating scientific knowledge and well-being principles into her personalized training approach.

Specialties

  • Beginner Programs
  • Lifestyle Changes
  • Strength Training
  • Weight Management

Education & Certification

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • CPR/AED/First Aid certified

Becky

A photo of Becky.

Becky studied kinesiology in college with the intention of becoming a physical therapist. After volunteering at various physical therapy clinics, she realized she enjoyed preventative training more than treating and releasing. She shifted her focus from physical therapy to personal training, initially training athletes, and now works with all types of exercisers. She is quick to notice inefficient movement patterns along with muscle imbalances and weaves in exercises to improve both.

Growing up, Becky was a competitive gymnast and switched to rowing in college when she successfully walked on to Western’s women’s rowing team. She has coached rowing at Pacific Lutheran University, worked as an Exercise Specialist at Valley Medical Center, and most recently, was one of the trainers at Eastlake Performance.

In her free time, she rows on Lake Union, rock climbs, runs, crochets, and reads. She loves to try new things and isn’t scared to struggle through the learning process.

Specialties

  • Functional Training
  • Rowing
  • Sport-Specific Training

Education & Certification

  • B.S. Kinesiology, Western Washington University
  • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), American College of Sports Medicine
  • USA Rowing Level 2

Chris

A photo of Chris Wang

In the classroom, Chris is a Biochemistry/Nutrition student and an aspiring Clinical Dietitian/Nutritionist. Outside of the classroom, Chris is a certified personal trainer, competitive USA Powerlifting powerlifter, and Marvel enthusiast.

Chris has not looked back since stepping foot in the gym in 2018. Chris recently became NASM-certified, intending to not only help others achieve their goals but also further develop as a fitness professional himself.

Regardless of where you may currently stand in your fitness journey, Chris is ready and determined to empower you as a lifter and as an individual.

Specialties

  • Powerlifting
  • Bodybuilding
  • Beginner programs
  • Weight Loss

Education & Certification

  • Certified Personal Trainer—National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
  • CPR/AED—American Safety Training Institute (ASTI)

Dante

A photo of Dante

Although Dante is a WSU alumnus, but don’t hold that against him—he was a huge Husky fan growing up and is excited to work at UW. He’s trained a range of clients, including professional athletes, weekend warriors, desk jockeys, and the elderly. He believes exercise is fundamental to living a well-balanced life and truly enjoys helping people. He is confident an inner athlete lives inside everyone, and it’s his job to motivate clients to unlock their physical potential.

Dante incorporates functional training in his workouts, making sure that each workout helps clients improve physical performance outside the gym. He strives to make each workout a challenging learning experience with a focus on optimal range of motion and proper mechanics. Ensuring each client reaches their potential and is inspired to pursue a healthier and more physical lifestyle.

During his free time, he enjoys reading anything sports or health-related, working on his car, and spending time outdoors. He’s an avid basketball player and enjoys football and baseball as well.

Specialties

  • Sport-Specific Training
  • Conditioning
  • Functional Training
  • Core Strength
  • Proprioception/Balance Training

Education & Certification

  • B.S. Kinesiology, Washington State University
  • Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength & Conditioning Association

Dylan

A photo of Dylan

On top of studying business at UW and pursuing a career in law, Dylan is also an NFPT-certified personal trainer eager to help others achieve their goals through the most efficient and studied methods of health and wellness.

Dylan grew up in Washington playing a variety of sports but was mostly focused on baseball. It was here that he developed a passion for weightlifting and bodybuilding through his commitment to athletics. While researching ways to improve himself, his passion grew to help his friends and family achieve similar goals until personal training presented itself as a potential calling.

Specialties

  • Bodybuilding
  • Strength Training
  • Speed and Agility
  • Sport Performance
  • Weight Loss and Maintenance

Education & Certification

  • NFPT Certified Personal Trainer

 

 

Effy

Headshot of Effy

As a multimedia designer turned personal trainer, Effy brings an unparalleled blend of creativity, discipline, and precision to the fitness world. Hailing from Sichuan, China, and now residing in Seattle, Effy’s fitness journey began amidst societal beauty standards. However, the COVID-19 pandemic propelled a shift from aesthetics to health and resilience. Integrating resistance training and kickboxing into her lifestyle, Effy not only built a stronger, healthier body but also gained a profound understanding of the importance of wellness. She delved deeper into the world of fitness, exploring the principles of Iyengar Yoga and the intricacies of nutrition. Her training experience is as diverse and dynamic as her life journey, deeply intertwined with her passion for design, fitness, and her beloved cats. Effy’s approach to training is as detailed and meticulous as her design work. She recognizes the importance of sustainable healthy habits and dedicates herself to helping her clients achieve their goals.

Specialties

  • Beginner Programs
  • Weight Training
  • Functional Movement
  • Mindful Movement

Education & Certification

  • Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise (ACE)
  • Masters of Communication in Digital Media, University of Washington

Emme

A photo of Emme

Armed with problem-solving skills, a goal-oriented mentality, and empathy, Emme is eager to help people of all backgrounds move toward healthier lifestyles. She deeply values fitness and recognizes that exercise enriches our lives with joy.

Emme’s athletic career highlights include competing in varsity, soccer, basketball, and track and leading her cross-country team to the podium at the State Championships for two consecutive years. Since then, she has competed in numerous obstacle course Spartan Races and begun a self-initiated strength training program to promote body confidence, strength, and optimal health.

Stemming from a diverse background in exercise, Emme’s training philosophy incorporates a holistic, balanced approach. Additionally, she recognizes the importance of mental training in improving athletic performance and reaching goals. With her clients, Emme incorporates various strategies to improve mental resilience, including visualization and breathing techniques. Outside of the gym, she loves mountain biking, hiking, writing in her journal, and exploring different cuisines!

Specialties

  • Running Performance and Technique
  • Muscular Hypertrophy
  • Speed and Agility Training
  • Lifestyle Improvements

Education & Certification

  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Certification
  • CPR and First Aid Certified

Grace

A photo of Emme
Born and raised in Washington, Grace is a NASM-certified personal trainer passionate about helping others embark on their fitness journey with confidence and excitement. Her mission is to help you reach your goals while fostering a positive, supportive, and fun environment.

Grace grew up playing competitive soccer and is now a UW Women’s Club Soccer Team member. Coupled with that, she is now an avid fan of weightlifting. She remembers walking into the weight room for the first time, terrified, not knowing how to work the machines correctly. However, with proper training and consistency, she became more confident and saw drastic changes in her physique and overall health. Grace wants to help others become 1% better every day and prove to themselves what their body can achieve!

Whether you are a complete novice or someone looking to elevate your fitness routine, Grace creates personalized programs to help you achieve your fitness aspirations and build a healthier, more confident version of yourself.

Specialties

  • Strength Training
  • Beginner Programs
  • Muscular Hypertrophy
  • Weight Loss and Maintenance
  • Mindset and Discipline

Education & Certification

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • CPR/AED/First Aid certified

JP

A photo of JP
Juan Pablo, also known as JP, was born and raised in Washington, where he currently resides. He is a third-year student at the University of Washington, majoring in Medical Anthropology with a focus on Pre-Physical Therapy.
As a personal trainer, JP is dedicated to being in his clients’ corners and working with them at any stage in their fitness journey. He finds great joy in watching people achieve their goals and celebrating with them, whether they are a beginner or an experienced athletes. JP is committed to helping his clients be the best version of themselves and believes that with the right mindset and guidance, anyone can achieve their fitness goals.

In addition to his academic pursuits, JP is also an avid extreme sports enthusiast. He enjoys skateboarding and regularly competes in Judo and Karate tournaments. Through these intense sports, JP has learned the value of proper training and recovery for longevity and to continue enjoying these sports at any age.

Specialties

  • Functional Training
  • Martial Arts
  • Weight Training Education & Certification

Education & Certification

  • ISSA Certified Personal Trainer

Kari

A photo of Kari.

To Kari, exercise is an important, meaningful part of daily living. Although our schedules are busy, she believes exercise should be incorporated to become routine. Kari is an ardent supporter that exercise can prevent health problems and improve quality of life, and she looks forward to helping everyone achieve their fitness and lifestyle goals.

Kari’s love of fitness started at an early age with team sports. She grew up playing volleyball, basketball, and soccer, and since then, she has added snowboarding, surfing, running, and yoga. A native Canadian, she ran her own personal training business in the Vancouver area for six years before moving to Seattle, working with a wide variety of clients.

Kari loves to craft, read health books (non-fiction, of course!), and travel around the world, particularly to Vancouver, to visit friends and family. An obvious Canucks fan, she enjoys eating poutine and drinking Canadian beer.

Specialties

  • Rehabilitation
  • High-Intensity Training
  • Sport-Specific Training
  • Circuit Training
  • Functional Training

Education & Certification

  • B.S. Human Kinetics, University of British Columbia
  • Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength & Conditioning Association
  • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology

Lauren

*not accepting clients at this time*

A photo of Lauren

Lauren grew up in the Cleveland, Ohio area, with sports consuming her interests and time, enjoying the social and competitive aspects but not always the exercise components. She oftentimes found exercise too daunting to keep up with every day. Obtaining a degree in Kinesiology during her undergrad at the University of Tennessee (go Vols!!), she was opened up to a full new understanding of what fitness means for leading a healthy life and achieving goals, as learning the science and blocking out the Instagram “fitspo” made it all seem manageable, even enjoyable.

From here, Lauren set out on a journey to expand her knowledge of exercise, studying methods of concurrent training (cardio and strength training combined) and debunking the fads of the fitness industry. She wants to give people the science-backed tools to create their own desired, exercise-filled lifestyle. Specifically, she loves introducing clients to strength training and getting people on board to lift smart and heavy, just like her! As someone that understands the difficulty in carving time out to exercise, Lauren is all about incorporating fun ways and strategies to stay active! With a passion and motto of looking at movement as medicine and prevention of disease, coupled with studying to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy here at UW, Lauren wants to share her knowledge and aid in your fitness journey by reframing your perception of exercise and fitness!

As someone new to Seattle from Ohio, Lauren is ready to hear about your favorite local food spots, breweries, and things to do! She enjoys hiking and outdoor activities in her free time, including rowing, leisurely SUPing, and biking. She loves to cook, listen to exercise science podcasts, pretend to be a photographer, shop way too much for her own good, play piano, and watch Cleveland sports (don’t get her started on how hyped she is for the Browns or you’ll never hear the end of it).

Specialties

  • Weight Training
  • Rowing
  • Sport Performance
  • Weight Maintenance

Education & Certification

  • Kinesiology, University of Tennessee
  • School of Physical Therapy, University of Washington
  • ACSM Certified Personal Trainer

Mazen

Mazen, personal trainer headshot

Originally from Iowa, Mazen moved to Seattle to do pursue a biology degree as a pre-med student. He was an active tennis player, competing in USTA tournaments throughout most of high school. He discovered weight lifting late into high school and fell in love with the gym and strength training. Throughout his fitness journey, he dabbled in a wide variety of fitness disciplines like powerlifting, bodybuilding, calisthenics, and Olympic lifting. Mazen loves to see progress and hopes to apply everything he has learned throughout his fitness journey to helping others reach similar goals. When not training, Mazen loves to spend time in the kitchen making nutrient dense meals and going to farmers markets on weekends.

Specialties

  • Hypertrophic programs
  • Strength Training Performance
  • Bodybuilding Programs

Education & Certification

  • Certified NASM personal trainer
  • University of Washington, Biology

Nathan

Nathan, personal trainer headshot

Nathan is a first-year graduate student in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at the University Of Washington. He completed his B.S.E.d in Exercise and Sports Science and an Entrepreneurship certificate at the University of Georgia. He is a NASM-certified personal trainer and has been training clients for three years now, back where he grew up in Roswell, Georgia. He became a personal trainer because he loves the intricacies of the human body and wants to promote movement and well-being further. He has a holistic approach to personal training and will not only help you achieve your goals but will help you learn the importance of how exercise can improve your quality of life.

He has other hobbies such as Olympic weightlifting, vinyl collections, and listening to music (particularly R&B/Pop and Rap). Some of his favorite artists are Justin Timberlake, Miguel, and Playboi Carti! Lastly, explore all of the new adventures that this outdoor-friendly state has to offer!

Specialties

  • Beginner Workouts
  • Weight Training
  • Athletic training
  • Olympic Weightlifting
  • Cardio Sport Training

Education & Certification

  • Exercise and Sports Science, University Of Georgia
  • School of Physical Therapy, University Of Washington
  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • CPT/First Aid/Basic Life Support Certified

Sharon

(Virtual Training only)

A photo of Sharon Branson

Sharon worked in the tech industry after university but was dissatisfied with her lack of social impact. She became a personal trainer in 2003 and has never looked back, evangelizing healthy lifestyle choices to all who would listen.

Sharon has trained clients ranging from athletic to terminally ill, from highly motivated to highly social. She is a stickler for excellent form and technique, not letting you cheat through your exercises. She knows just how much to push you to get the most out of your workout, safely and without injury. Sharon has also taught indoor cycling classes and has competed in triathlons and open-water swims.

Sharon enjoys cooking (and loves eating!) flavorful dishes from around the world and learning French for her retirement on the French Riviera one day. Sharon also volunteers, speaking to middle schoolers about making positive choices.

Specialties

  • Teaching beginners
  • Strength training
  • Training for life’s activities and passions
  • Senior Fitness

Education & Certification

  • B.S. Computing Science (Kinesiology minor), Simon Fraser University
  • Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength & Conditioning Association
  • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), American Council on Exercise

Tyler

A photo of Tyler

Growing up in Hawaii, Tyler was a four-sport athlete throughout high school. His love for football, outrigger canoe paddling, judo, and track ignited an intense passion for weightlifting and a lifelong commitment to physical fitness. This love was further developed throughout COVID, as he underwent a journey of drastic body re-composition. He believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to participate in safe and effective exercise, and pursued a personal trainer certification to help provide that. Tyler finds immense fulfillment through educating and enabling others to utilize their body to the fullest of its potential. He understands the abundant physical and mental health benefits that exercise can provide, and aims to promote lifelong habits, creating holistically healthy and intrinsically motivated clients. He highly values fun and enjoyment in fitness pursuits, with an aim to make sessions as enjoyable and engaging as possible. Tyler’s purpose is to ensure that everyone can do the activities they enjoy as pain free as possible, for as long as possible.

Specialties

  • Strength training and hypertrophy
  • Weight loss, maintenance, and Body re-composition
  • Sport and athletic performance
  • Injury rehabilitation and prevention
  • Beginner programs
  • Martial arts

Education & Certification

  • National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer
  • Biology: Physiology at the University of Washington

Youseph

While studying both Psychology and Informatics, Youseph is also a NASM-certified personal trainer with a passion for guiding himself and others toward reaching their fitness and wellness goals!

After growing up overweight and always self-conscious about his looks, Youseph realized that things needed to change. But rather than suffer running laps or jumping rope all day, he looked more towards weightlifting as his route to success. One day, Youseph decided to pick up a pair of 40lb dumbbells… And then put them back down and replace them with 15s! While it was a slow and extensive journey, there was never a day when he didn’t enjoy stepping into the gym and working hard!

Physical activity had started as a dreadful part of his day and transformed into something he looked forward to, and wanted to share with others. Whether it’s someone who’s never even been inside of a gym in their life or an aspiring bodybuilder trying to be the next Chris Bumstead, Youseph wants to make the journey easier for those wary of taking the first steps of bettering their lives.

When not at the gym, Youseph still holds on to many unrelated interests, such as video games, fashion, music, and photography

Specialties

  • Powerlifting
  • Bodybuilding
  • Beginner programs
  • Weight loss and maintenance

Education & Certification

  • B.S. Psychology, University of Washington
  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer

 


Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible for personal training?

You must be an IMA member to work with your trainer in person.

Non-IMA members can continue to train virtually.

How long are sessions?

Personal Training sessions are 50 minutes.

What attire should I wear for my personal training session?

Come prepared to each training session in proper workout attire and footwear. Participants arriving unprepared for their workout will lose the session.

What is your late arrival policy?

Clients are responsible for arriving on time for their training sessions. Trainers are obligated to wait only 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the trainer is not required to lead the remaining time of the session, and the session will be lost.

What is your cancellation policy?

Clients are asked to contact their trainer 24 hours in advance of the scheduled training session. You will be charged for appointments canceled with fewer than 24 hours’ notice. 

Do personal training packages expire?

Individuals registering for personal training must complete all personal training sessions by the end of the client’s eligibility to participate in the program (current IMA membership) or by the expiration date of the training package, whichever comes first. All packages are non-refundable/non-transferable.

Who do I contact with questions regarding personal training?

Jeff Palmer, Fitness and Mindfulness Manager
jpalmer8@uw.edu


Your health and well-being are important to us at UW Recreation. The purpose of this disclaimer and notice is to make you conscious of the potential risks connected with any exercise, physical fitness, or training program to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not you should participate in these types of activities.

UW Recreation recommends that you obtain a comprehensive physical examination and consult with a licensed physician before beginning this or any exercise program. When participating in this exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury or illness due to exposure to infectious diseases, including COVID-19. If you engage in this program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release UW Recreation from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising from the use of these video or livestream productions.

Questions About Accessibility?

UW Recreation’s programs, operations, and facilities are intended to be inclusive and accessible. If at any time, you have a need or concern please contact us, we encourage everyone to participate in our department offerings. For accommodation requests connected to a disability or health condition, contact us at (206) 543-4590 or at recinfo@uw.edu. Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance as possible, preferably at least 10 business days.

Request with Disability Services Office

Request Disability Resources for Employees:

Request with Disability Resources for Students

Request Disability Resources for Students:

Insurance

UW Recreation does not provide accident or medical coverage for participants. It is recommended that participants obtain their own personal coverage. Students may obtain additional information on student accident/sickness insurance by contacting:  Insurance & Cost | Husky Health & Well-Being (uw.edu)

Questions About Refunds?

For questions about program or membership refunds, check the Registration page or contact recinfo@uw.edu.