Welcome to The Huntsville Gym Trainers Page

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Born and raised in the vibrant city of Managua, Nicaragua, I, Karla, have proudly called the Great USA my home for 38 amazing years, with 19 of them spent in the thriving community of Huntsville!

In 2007, I took a leap of excitement and launched my business journey as an esthetician, paving the way for my subsequent ventures into massage therapy and personal training. It has been an incredible privilege to care for individuals of all ages and diverse needs since then.

My business is not just about services; it's about helping you achieve longevity and a high quality of life. From invigorating yoga sessions to dynamic calisthenics and robust resistance training with weights or machines, I am dedicated to providing a unique combination of modalities tailored to your specific goals.

The secret? Well-structured 30-minute sessions that will have you working smart and efficiently towards your health and fitness objectives. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey with me, where we'll achieve incredible results together!

Heading into 2024, my primary focus is an exhilarating expansion of our services, building upon the core training methods of functional movement and calisthenics. We're passionate about tailoring each session to the individual, recognizing that different bodies move uniquely. Get ready for a personal and unique fitness journey!

Excitingly, 2024 brings an extended offering of TRX and TRX yoga, ideal for those seeking improved balance and accessibility in their practice.

As a vibrant 45-year-old woman, I understand the challenges many women face during perimenopause and menopause. My ideal clients are women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s, aiming to enhance their quality of life through longevity. The approach is simple yet efficient – achieve your fitness goals in just 30 minutes. Let me show you that time is on your side, and we can work smart to achieve remarkable results.

Having explored various fitness avenues like bodybuilding, I realized the luxury of time shifted with the arrival of my daughter. This inspired a new perspective on fitness – efficiency and simplicity. I believe in keeping exercise straightforward, mimicking everyday activities, and moving the whole body from top to bottom. The three to five ingredient rule applies – simplicity is key.

A mere 30 minutes multiple times a week is all you need for sustainability. If you desire change, a bit more commitment will make a significant difference. When it comes to nutrition, simplicity remains the theme – satisfying without deprivation. Prioritizing nutritious choices is essential. While cravings for sweets and recreational beverages may arise, let's keep the priority on nutrition.

Get ready to embark on a transformative fitness journey that's simple, efficient, and tailored to you!

Introducing Joseph Ajdarodini – Your Champion Trainer and Mr. Huntsville 2024!

Are you ready to elevate your fitness game? Meet Joseph Ajdarodini, a Huntsville native and recent winner of the 2024 Mr. Huntsville and Mr. Alabama bodybuilding titles. With an impressive 16-year career in bodybuilding and three heavyweight titles, Joseph’s passion, dedication, and expertise are unmatched. His commitment goes beyond his own achievements—Joseph’s mission is to help others reach their ultimate health and fitness goals.

As a father of four and devoted husband to Karla Bunge, Joseph understands the impact fitness has on overall well-being and family life. Together, they live a lifestyle grounded in faith, fitness, and a shared vision of health and happiness. This perspective drives him to create meaningful transformations in his clients, understanding the unique challenges and goals that every individual brings to the gym.

The Huntsville Gym—Joseph’s creation—is more than a fitness center. It’s a supportive community where health, strength, and joy come together. Whether you’re new to working out, seeking to transform your physique, or aiming to break personal records, Joseph will guide you through every step with tailored plans, unwavering support, and a genuine commitment to your success.

With Joseph, you’ll receive expert training rooted in faith, strength, and positivity. He believes in the power of transformation, helping you unleash your potential and discover a life that’s not only healthier but more fulfilling. Together, you’ll forge a path toward vibrant health, triumph, and unshakable confidence.

Ready to train with a true champion? Join Joseph Ajdarodini at The Huntsville Gym and experience how his relentless spirit and “iron sharpens iron” approach will lead you to the best version of yourself.

Start your journey today and see firsthand what a difference a championship-level trainer can make.

Hi there! I'm Tabatha Shepherd, a dedicated and passionate personal trainer at The Huntsville Gym. With 4 degrees and a diverse background, I've explored various fields, but my true calling emerged when I embarked on my fitness journey. As a mother of three wonderful children, I understand the challenges life throws our way. It was during these times that I discovered fitness as a powerful outlet. Initially, I exercised to clear my mind and find solace, but as I progressed and witnessed the transformative effects on my body and well-being, I knew I had to share this lifestyle with others.

Through my own personal growth, I've realized that fitness and nutrition extend far beyond weight loss. While shedding pounds can certainly be a part of the larger picture, there are countless other benefits to be gained from embracing a healthier lifestyle. Alongside getting physically stronger, I've gained invaluable insights into my own identity as a person, a woman, and a mother. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the preconceived notion of fitness primarily focusing on weight loss is far from the truth. So, I ventured into personal training to uncover and share all the incredible advantages that come from taking care of our bodies and minds.

I'm thrilled at the opportunity to work with you. Each person is unique, and I am inspired by the individual journey and potential that lies within you. No matter where you are starting from or what obstacles you may face, I am committed to helping you unlock your true potential and achieve what may have once seemed out of reach.

I want to work with you because I understand that your goals are personal and deeply meaningful to you. Whether you're aiming to lose weight, gain strength, improve your overall fitness, or enhance your mental well-being, I am here to provide unwavering support, guidance, and motivation every step of the way. Your success is my success, and I am dedicated to tailoring our sessions to your specific needs, preferences, and limitations, ensuring a program that suits you perfectly.

I firmly believe that by working together, we can overcome any challenges that may arise. I will push you beyond your comfort zone, encouraging you to embrace new exercises, try different approaches, and break through barriers that have held you back in the past. With my expertise in personal training and nutrition coaching, I will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make sustainable changes and establish a foundation for long-term success.

But it doesn't stop there. Beyond the physical transformations, I am committed to fostering a positive and empowering mindset within you. I want you to develop a sense of confidence, resilience, and self-belief that extends far beyond the gym. We will celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and I will remind you of your progress and the incredible potential that lies within you. Together, we will create a supportive and motivating environment where you can thrive.

Remember, your journey is not about perfection; it's about progress. With me as your personal trainer, we will celebrate your achievements, learn from setbacks, and continuously push the boundaries of what you thought was possible. Your goals are within reach, and together, we will make them a reality. Let's embark on this transformative journey together and prove that your impossible can indeed become possible.

Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Activity: Dancing / Lifting
Favorite Quote: "Life Isn't About Waiting For The Storm To Pass, lt's About Learning To Dance In The Rain"
Current Fitness Goal: Become A Strict Curl Champion!!!

I am beyond excited to be a part of The HSV Gym family, and I eagerly look forward to meeting you and accomplishing some incredible goals together!

Hello, my name is China Leary, and I'm thrilled to invite you to join me on a fitness journey that goes beyond just working out. I grew up in Huntsville, AL, where my athletic background kept me in the gym or on the court. It was during my college years, however, that I realized how much more athletes—and anyone committed to their health—could achieve with the right approach to nutrition and strength training.

My passion led me to shift from forensic psychology to health coaching and personal training, where I earned certifications from Precision Nutrition and ISSA, followed by a culinary arts degree and a master’s in nutrition. I am now working toward my NSCA CSCS certification, which will bring an advanced level of sports science to my training.

Training with me means working toward your goals together, step by step. Whether you're looking to improve mobility, build strength, tone up, or simply feel better in your body, we’ll make it happen in a way that's enjoyable and sustainable. My aim is to create a one-stop experience for your health and wellness needs, where fitness is a source of both relief and empowerment. Let’s have fun, push boundaries, and celebrate every win along the way. Are you ready to get in shape and achieve your goals together? Let’s start!

Thomas James Amsden is an exceptional coach known for his ability to adapt his coaching style to the individual personalities of his players and clients. With extensive travel and internships with top strength coaches, functional medicine doctors, chiropractors, and biomechanics specialists, he has developed a unique and holistic approach to health and wellness.
 

Having trained and worked with numerous clients and athletes from diverse backgrounds, Amsden has a proven track record of maximizing athletic potential while reducing the risk of injury. Through innovative methods, he consistently improves balance, flexibility, stamina, speed, power, agility, coordination, and body composition.
 

Amsden has been a professional in the fitness and wellness industry since 1998, with over 30 physique show competitions as an athlete. His passion lies in helping individuals take radical responsibility for their lifestyle and health. After retiring from the US Navy, he entered the fitness industry in 1997 and has since worked at various clubs and facilities, always emphasizing the importance of quality knowledge and education.
 

Despite offers from prestigious organizations like Poliquin Performance and The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Amsden followed a calling to Alabama in 2008. He worked at ACA (Athletic Club Alabama) as the head Strength and Conditioning Specialist, serving both older and junior tennis athletes.
 

Driven by a vision to transform the fitness/wellness industry, Amsden joined forces with The Huntsville Gym and Muscled Up Movers, finding the perfect team after years of searching. He believes in a coach-client partnership focused on long-term success in health and wellness, extending beyond the gym and positively impacting all aspects of life.
 

Amsden's expertise spans functional mechanics, mindset, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and dietary needs for all age groups and skill levels. He values understanding clients on a deep and personal level, employing subjective screening tools like the Meyers-Briggs, enneagram, DISC Profile, and Neurotyping Evaluation. By matching clients with compatible fitness professionals, he ensures effective communication and mutual success.
 

His objective screening process includes functional movement analysis, structural balance testing, functional movement screening, muscle activation techniques (MAT), and postural analysis. These assessments provide valuable insights into weaknesses, imbalances, and injury risks, enabling Amsden to design personalized and successful fitness programs.
 

Amsden also specializes in functional rehabilitation, offering effective services for acute and chronic orthopedic issues. By addressing the root causes of pain and injury, he helps clients regain functionality and return to activities they enjoy.
 

Amsden's commitment to improving the fitness/wellness industry is evident in his recently published book, "JACKED AND THRIVING, THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GETTING THE BODY YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED WITHOUT KILLING YOURSELF." The book serves as a foundation for his live workshops and upcoming online pre-recorded seminar.
 

As a dedicated visionary, Amsden seeks to collaborate with your organization and become an integral part of your health and wellness team. With his extensive experience and unique approach, he believes he can exceed expectations and produce superior results for both your organization and its members.
 

Sincerely,
Thomas James Amsden Phone: 256-288-5100  Email: ThomasActivation@aol.com
HHP, Published Author, and Wellness Coach
 

Born and raised in the vibrant Bay Area of California, Steven discovered his passion for weightlifting during his high school wrestling days. He also participated in various other sports and activities including baseball, volleyball, backpacking, and Scouting eventually attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating high school in 2006, he then went on to hone his knowledge of strength training and exercise science earning a BS in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology from the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cal Poly SLO in 2010.

Steven’s fitness journey took a brief hiatus when life led him to Los Angeles for four years after college where he welcomed his now 12-year-old daughter, Rebel, into the world. Returning to the Bay Area, he reignited his love and passion for weightlifting with the help of one of his best friends. It was that experience that helped Steven realize the potential impact of his kinesiology expertise so he transitioned from a sales career to become a dedicated personal trainer. He’s now made a career as a health and wellness coach, helping his clients achieve their best selves through expert training, nutrition, and wellness practices.  

For Steven, personal training is more than a profession; it's a gateway to the incredible feeling that accompanies sculpting and strengthening one's body. Having conquered personal challenges, Steven finds fulfillment in sharing the transformative power of fitness with others. His approach is not just about physical well-being; it's a sustainable addiction to the positive, lasting effects of a healthy lifestyle. With a decade of personal training under his belt, Steven continues to inspire others on their fitness journeys, unlocking the potential for enduring well-being, balance, and happiness. 

Achieve Your Best. Break Through Limits. Defy Expectations.

Hi, I’m Brandon Welch, a certified personal trainer with the International Sports Sciences Association, proudly dedicated to helping clients go beyond what they thought possible. Since earning my certification in August 2023, I’ve been immersed in the journey of fitness and well-being—and I love every moment of it.

As a husband, father of two, and a dog dad to an American Bully named Kane, I understand the balancing act of family, life, and personal goals. My background in sports, including playing football at the junior college level, has shaped my drive and passion for fitness. With over a decade of personal experience and commitment to fitness, I know what it takes to overcome challenges. (And yes, while fitness is my passion, I still occasionally indulge my sweet tooth!)

My approach goes beyond standard training sessions. I design each program to help you exceed limits, overcome obstacles, and redefine what you thought was possible. I offer both 1:1 and group training sessions, each lasting an hour—a powerful timeframe to drive progress, stay motivated, and reach your goals without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re ready to invest in yourself, push your boundaries, and start seeing real results, I’d love to work with you. Fitness is about more than just physical gains—it’s about strengthening your mind and building resilience that extends into every area of your life.

Thank you for considering me as a part of your journey. I look forward to helping you redefine your potential and achieve the results you’ve always wanted. Let’s get started!

Lacey has been a personal trainer since 2018, training both small group classes and one-on-one private clients. In addition, Lacey completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training curriculum in 2020 and subsequently finished an additional 50-hour training focusing on the hip girdle. She also completed meditation training in 2020.

Prior to becoming a personal trainer, Lacey attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine, receiving her MD in 1998. She completed her pediatric residency at LeBonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where she became a board-certified pediatrician. As her family grew, she chose to stay home to raise her children. Her role as a personal trainer is a natural offshoot of her passion for helping others live their healthiest life.

As a personal trainer, Lacey believes the cornerstone of health lies in strength training. Age-related declines in health begin as early as the 30s, and she believes strength training is the most important tool for health and longevity. As a physician, she knows the benefits of strength training are numerous: preservation of muscle mass and strength, improvement in body composition, flexibility, mobility, and balance, maintenance of bone strength/density, improvements in cardiovascular health, injury/fall prevention, prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Beyond the physical benefits of strength training are the mental benefits of improved mood, confidence, and even the prevention of age-related decline in cognition. Lacey believes stronger truly equals healthier.

To that end, Lacey's classes are carefully designed and encompass a holistic approach to health and fitness. Her classes are appropriate for any level of fitness, from beginner to experienced. She believes the program design for her classes should translate into strength in everyday movement patterns and activities. Her classes incorporate all six foundational movement patterns (push, pull, hinge, squat, lunge, and locomotion/carries) with an emphasis on safety, injury prevention, and proper form. Each class also has components to improve speed, power, agility, and mobility in a way that translates into her clients' everyday lives. Applying the principle of progressive overload, she seeks to challenge her clients with each and every workout so that they achieve meaningful results in overall fitness and health. Her classes have enough consistency to produce meaningful results yet enough variety to keep her clients interested and engaged.