Meet Our Trainers

Michael Montefusco

President/CEO/Master Trainer/Strength Coach

Mike prides himself on his goal of helping 100% of his clients 100% of the time. He strongly believes that with proper guidance, hard work and determination, the average client can achieve above average results. His philosophy is simple: give the client what they want, give the client what they need, get it fast, and make it fun! Michael forged his training chops in the fierce and fit city of Los Angeles where he was aptly dubbed, “Trainer to the Stars.” He worked for several high profile clients such as: Brad Pitts’ agents’ nanny, and the woman who managed the Starbucks that once served Charlie Sheen

On a more serious note, “Michael is certified in the Functional Movement Screen a system for analyzing and correcting faulty movement patterns which have been proven to predict injury. He is also a certified Youth Speed and Agility Specialist through the International Youth Conditioning Association. He is extremely passionate about molding today’s youth into not only better athletes, but better people through his emphasis on hard work and perseverance. Michael is certified through the prestigious National Academy of Sports Medicine and reads and studies basically every piece of fitness related material he can get his hands on. He has 5 years of experience of not only training his clients but also working as Master Trainer for the Charlotte areas largest training company. He oversaw the development and continuing education for over 35 trainers in 8 locations. Michael received his Performance Mentorship Certification from the world famous Athletes’ Performance in Arizona. He studies the methodologies used to prepare the #1 draft pick in the NFL draft for 6 out of the last 7 years, the German National World Cup team, U.S. Women’s soccer star Abby Wambach, 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia, Tom Lehman and countless others.

Michael is certified in the Functional Movement Screen a system for analyzing and correcting faulty movement patterns which have been proven to predict injury.

 Whether you compete in sport or the game of life, Mike salivates at the opportunity to help you reach your fullest potential.

 

 

Melissa Montefusco

Co-Owner

Melissa graduated Cum Laude from Messiah College, obtaining her BA in Sport & Exercise Science. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer with the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) and a Certified Nutrition & Wellness Consultant through the AFPA (American Fitness Professionals & Associates). Her passion is training children and adults who fall into the obese/morbidly obese category, and those who suffer from a wide variety of diseases including Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, and even those with old sport injuries. Her approach to wellness is all-encompassing; not only does she make her clients sweat, but also gives them nutritional recommendations, addresses issues leading to their current state of health, and talks about ways to improve their overall well being. Melissa’s “no excuses” approach has undoubtedly made her very successful with clients she trains. Her impressive retention rate with current clientele speaks to this success, and in effect, she is a very sought after trainer in the University area.

Crystal Sain

 

Personal Trainer/Sports Performance Coach

Crystal considers herself a fitness enthusiast and a true student of the exercise science industry.  Her personal commitment to continuing to push herself to be the best trainer she can translates directly in to her effort with pushing her clients to stretch beyond their perceived comfort zones.  Crystal’s own personal battle with weight loss that began when she was just eight years old has forged a deep and very personal passion to work with clients that wish to lose weight, get fit, and accomplish goals and activities they once felt well out of reach.  After losing just over one hundred pounds herself, as a trainer Crystal has incredible empathy with those who feel like a “lost cause.”  However, Crystal is no “push over “trainer in the gym.  While she was training women in a year round fitness program in San Diego, her clients dubbed her “Julian” due to her ‘No Excuses” mentality and tenacious workout routines.

 

Crystal has a diverse athletic background.  Although overweight, she enjoyed being active and staying competitive through organized sport.  She has experience with basketball, softball, soccer, cross-country running, track and field, and rugby.  During her four-year collegiate career at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, she played Division 1 Women’s Rugby and continued her career as a rugby player when she moved to California where she played for the San Diego Surfers Women’s Premiere League team and won a National Championship in 2010.  Crystal is a certified personal trainer, boot camp and group fitness instructor, and just completed her USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coaching certification.  After spending the last 4 years living and fitness training in California, Crystal is excited to be back in her native state of North Carolina and ready to serve you in any way she can!  Whether you desire to finally get rid of that extra weight that’s holding you back, or whether you are an athlete looking to gain a competitive edge, she is ready to make it happen! “In life there is no such thing as ‘option’- only opportunities to be better!”

Josh has his Master’s degree in Exercise physiology. Originally from Hope Mills, NC, Josh began his fitness journey playing football, baseball, and basketball, but realized early on that his true talents were in long distance running. After being named to 2 NC state championship teams in cross country and track Josh went to UNC at Greensboro where he continued to run, as well as get his degree in Exercise Science. Here Josh earned Division 1 All-Conference Honors in Cross Country and attended multiple leadership conferences.
During his undergraduate career Josh began working at a weight loss and fitness camp in La Jolla, California where he found he truest passion; helping children realize they could do things they never thought possible. After numerous running awards Josh claims being named most motivational counselor in his first summer his proudest accomplishment.
Upon finishing at UNCG Josh took a semester off to substitute teach and coach track at his former high school. He then continued his education at California State Universtiy-Northridge. Here he completed at pilot program instating an after school physical activity program at no cost to the school. After completing his masters Josh spent a year switching jobs from personal training to working at a weight loss academy to moving to San Diego and doing corrective stretching with Navy SEALs.
Josh now is back to personal training so that he can continue to help other achieve their goals and realize their true potential.