Alexandria Smith – ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Expert
Hi everyone! My name is Alexandria Smith, and I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. I hold a B.S. in Exercise Sport and Health Education and a Master of Education. I have a full comprehension of what it takes to lead people in development of Wellness and fitness goals. I pride myself on making training sessions fun, challenging, but effective! Having grown up in a military home where fitness and health was a priority; the only choice for me was to continue and build upon those wellness traits and remain dedicated to them.
I am a firm believer that no matter what age, your fitness journey matters and I’m here to help you turn those dreams into realities. Beginner, Intermediate, Expert; no matter where you’re at in your fitness journey, I want to meet you there and help you to become a better, healthier, and stronger YOU! Your first time? No sweat! Together, we’ll walk the fitness floor and initiate conversations with other clients, co-workers, and management, helping to create an open atmosphere of positivity and camaraderie. As you begin your journey of fitness and growth alongside me, you’ll have opportunities to receive one-on-one fitness instruction, group exercise instruction, and daily motivational encouragement to achieve your fitness goals. Each of my clients receive conducted initial assessments and have time set aside to partake in goal discussions. Our conversation will help me to create and develop customized fitness programs that are specifically tailored to you and your objectives!
Although my own fitness journey continues, fitness has become a powerful force in my life that has graced me with the opportunity to help guide and uplift my clients to grind hard and feel just as good about themselves. BETTER EVEN! With me, you have nothing to worry about. I’m driven to train, motivate, and inspire clients to reach fitness goals and self-achievement.
Alyssa Laudon – Certified Personal Trainer Multi-Specialized
Alyssa Laudon – NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and Physique & Bodybuilding Coach | SMTF RVA
Hi, I’m Alyssa Laudon, a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, and Physique & Bodybuilding Coach at Self Made Training Facility Richmond (RVA). I specialize in corrective exercise, functional training, body recomposition, mobility, and stability, with a passion for helping clients build strong, capable bodies that perform as well as they look.
For me, fitness is about more than aesthetics—it’s about enhancing your quality of life and making everyday tasks feel effortless. By focusing on functional strength, body recomposition, and hypertrophy, I help my clients achieve long-term results that improve both their physical performance and overall well-being.
My training philosophy is rooted in science-backed methods and tailored to your unique goals—whether you’re focused on fat loss, muscle growth, or optimizing movement patterns. I believe fitness is a lifelong journey, and I’m here to guide and support you every step of the way, helping you build confidence, strength, and a renewed sense of self.
What drives me as a coach is witnessing my clients break through barriers, achieve their goals, and transform their lives. Whether it’s improving your movement patterns, reshaping your physique, or building unshakable self-belief, I’m committed to helping you create lasting change.
Being part of your fitness journey is my greatest joy, and I can’t wait to see everything you accomplish. Let’s work together to unlock your full potential and take your health and fitness to the next level!
MEET THE TRAINER
Anastacia “Big Staci” – Bodybuilding Coach
Meet Coach Staci – Your Bodybuilding Coach at SMTF Richmond
Early Start in Fitness
Hi, I’m Anastacia, but everyone calls me Coach Staci, also known as Big Staci. I’m a dedicated bodybuilding coach at SMTF Richmond. My fitness journey began when I was 16, working at the Manchester YMCA in Richmond, VA. I pursued my passion for fitness by earning dual degrees in Sports Management and Exercise Science & Kinesiology from Old Dominion University, completing my studies in less than four years.
With 17 years of experience in the fitness industry, I’ve had the privilege of working at top gyms like Gold’s Gym, American Family, and Planet Fitness. Throughout my career as a bodybuilding coach, I’ve learned three guiding principles that shape my approach to training:
- No one is coming to save you, so get up and get to it!
- Excuses are just reasons stuffed with lies.
- The only easy day was yesterday.
After taking time off to raise my children, I rediscovered my passion for bodybuilding and began competing nearly five years ago. My hard work paid off in March 2024 when I earned my IFBB Pro League status by winning the 2024 Arnold Amateur OVERALL Bikini Championship. Not only did I achieve this goal, but I also set a rookie record by placing 4th at my pro debut just weeks later.
Now, my mission as a bodybuilding coach is to help others achieve their goals, whether it’s preparing for competitions, improving overall health, or achieving personal fitness milestones. I believe that no dream is too big, and no goal is out of reach when you take that first step.
Whatever your fitness goals—whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced—I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s work together to make your fitness journey a success and help you grow stronger, healthier, and more confident.
Kelly Ferguson – Personal Trainer in Richmond, Va
Kelly Ferguson – Personal Trainer in Richmond, Va –
Hi everyone it’s Kelly. Group fitness has been my passion for over two decades. I love what I do and could not imagine anything different. I am an AFAA certified instructor as well as a Cancer Exercise Specialist. I believe in body positivity, helping others become the best versions of themselves and learning to love the power it takes to move through life’s challenges. There is no way to train for life but I believe that, through sweat and hard work, we can prepare and heal when necessary. It is my mission to help as many people as possible feel strong, amazing and to know that they can achieve any goal that they set. I specialize in high energy, intense and focused classes.I am a dog mom and wife to my incredible husband. Our life is filled with adventure and laughter. My family is has always encouraged me to work hard and to appreciate the little things. I can’t wait to see how many lives we can change through our IGNITE Total Body Conditioning and Strength classes! Let’s Go!
Kia Williams – Elite Personal Trainer
Kia Williams stands out as a distinguished personal trainer, whose expertise extends beyond the conventional realms of physical training. Her holistic approach to fitness is rooted in a profound understanding of the crucial connection between physical activity and overall well-being. Her extensive experience in public health and the pharmaceutical sector provides her with a unique perspective on fitness, allowing her to tailor programs that are not only effective but also scientifically grounded.
Her own personal journey through health challenges has deepened her understanding of the vital role that physical activity plays throughout one’s life. This personal insight fuels her enthusiasm for fitness, which she passionately imparts to her clients, encouraging them to embrace a healthy lifestyle as a natural part of their daily routine.
Kia’s training methodology is comprehensive, encompassing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) suitable for all fitness levels, whether in individual sessions or group settings. She emphasizes the importance of proper technique, stretching, and conditioning to prevent injuries and enhance athletic performance.
Her focus on proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits further complements her fitness programs, providing an all-inclusive blueprint for her clients to achieve and maintain optimal health. Her training repertoire includes functional and traditional strength training, athletic conditioning, and programs focused on weight loss and toning.
Kia is committed to continuous education in areas such as corrective exercises, nutrition, performance enhancement, and flexibility, ensuring that her clients receive the most current and effective guidance. With Kia’s expertise, achieving S.M.A.R.T. goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that provide clear direction, becomes an attainable and enjoyable journey.
If you are searching for a path to optimal health that is as mentally and emotionally rewarding as it is physically transformative, Kia’s commitment to inclusivity and her broad expertise makes her a true asset to anyone seeking to improve their health and fitness. Get in touch today to start your fitness journey with a trainer who understands what it takes to be successful!
Athletic Performance
boot camp
flexibilty and mobility
functional training
group fitness
health and wellness
HIIT
Injury Prevention
Mind Body Fitness
Nutrition Coaching
Online Training
Private Training
Rehab and Injury Prevention
Senior Fitness
Strength and Conditioning
Weight Loss Management
LeQuanda McDuffie – Personal Trainer in Richmond, Va
Strength and Conditioning, Kickboxing and Tactical Conditioning
LeQuanda McDuffie also known as Coach Duff is not your average single mother. Juggling the responsibilities of raising two energetic boys, aged 2 and 5, she knows a thing or two about the chaotic yet rewarding lifestyle of parenthood. Born into a military family, LeQuanda’s upbringing as an Army brat instilled in her a sense of discipline and resilience that she carries with her to this day.
Growing up, sports were LeQuanda’s passion and escape a long side music. From football to basketball and softball, she thrived in the competitive environment of the playing field. However, life took an unexpected turn after high school, leading her down a path of trouble that culminated in a stint behind bars. It was during this challenging period that LeQuanda realized she needed to make a change – not just for herself, but for her children.
Determined to turn her life around, LeQuanda immersed herself in the world of fitness. Drawing upon her background in athletics, she became a certified Personal Trainer, specializing in kickboxing, tactical conditioning, and strength and conditioning. With a commitment to helping others achieve their fitness goals, LeQuanda found solace and purpose in guiding her clients towards healthier lifestyles.
But LeQuanda’s transformation didn’t stop there. Embracing a holistic approach to wellness, she focused on nurturing her mind and soul alongside her body. Through faith and self-reflection, she found the strength to overcome her past and embrace a brighter future. Now, as a single mother, LeQuanda is dedicated to instilling the same values of resilience and determination in her sons, teaching them to never give up on themselves or their dreams.
Sarah’s journey from adversity to empowerment has inspired her to pay it forward. Through her platform, “Dream 2 Reality Fitness Club,” she aims to spread hope and positivity to anyone who feels lost or defeated. Whether it’s through personal training sessions, motivational speaking engagements, or simply leading by example, LeQuanda is determined to be a beacon of light for those in need of guidance.
In her bustling life as a mother, athlete, and entrepreneur, LeQuanda remains grounded by her unwavering faith and commitment to living authentically. With each passing day, she continues to prove that no obstacle is insurmountable and that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
MIRIAM TALAMANTES – Personal Trainer & Wellness Expert
My name is Miriam Soto. I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. I have a degree in sport science, and I specialize in strength and conditioning training. I have several certifications, including sports nutrition, strength training, and training for women. I have 9 years of experience as a personal trainer, and I am also a professional high-performance athlete. Throughout this time, my experience has included personalized training (one-on-one). I have worked in 2 women’s gyms, 2 gyms for the general public, and 1 private gym. I have always loved sports. From a very young age I played volleyball for many years before entering the world of bodybuilding. I started competing at the age of 21 in the figure category, and in 2020, I obtained my professional card as IFBB PRO. I made my pro-debut on two occasions. In 2023 I changed to wellness division, and last year, I made my wellness debut. I can say that whenever you do things with dedication and heart, it gives you the opportunity to realize that “everything is possible.” Come to SMTF RVA and discover my personalized and group routines! ¡Yo hablo inglés y español!
Melanie Rouse – Sport Performance & Functional Strength Trainer
Meet Coach Mel: Richmond’s Premier Sports Performance and Functional Fitness Expert
Born and raised in Richmond, Coach Mel is the proud owner of GrindTime Fitness and Sports Training. With over five years of experience as a certified trainer and a lifetime of athletic achievements, she’s built a reputation as a leader in sports performance training and functional fitness coaching.
A lifelong athlete, Coach Mel’s journey took an extraordinary turn when she joined the Richmond Black Widows, a women’s tackle football team in the Women’s Football Alliance. On the field, she discovered her true passion for helping athletes develop their strength, explosiveness, speed, and most importantly, strategies to prevent career-limiting injuries.
But her expertise doesn’t stop with physical performance. Coach Mel believes in a holistic approach to fitness, addressing the key pillars of nutrition, mobility, recovery, and overall lifestyle optimization. Whether it’s improving functional strength, increasing stamina, or building a sustainable fitness routine, Coach Mel is committed to guiding clients to their peak potential while enhancing their quality of life.
What truly sets Coach Mel apart is her dedication to mental performance mastery. She knows that success is not just physical—it’s about unlocking the mental edge that drives resilience, focus, and confidence. Her coaching goes beyond the gym, empowering clients to conquer challenges both in sport and in life.
If you’re an athlete looking to boost sports-specific performance, improve injury prevention, or someone striving to master functional fitness for everyday life, Coach Mel is your go-to expert. Her passion, proven methods, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a trusted leader in the fitness community.
Don’t wait to transform your performance—join GrindTime Fitness and let Coach Mel ignite your potential with her expert knowledge and unmatched drive. It’s not just training; it’s a lifestyle. Dream. Plan. Grind. Repeat.
Shaheedra Mixon – NASM Certified Personal Trainer in Richmond
| My name is Shaheedra Mixon. I’m a mother, a wife and a fitness professional. I started my fitness journey four years ago and haven’t looked back since. This journey comes with challenges and rewards. Being able to move is a blessing in itself and is essential for physical and mental regulation and balance. Experiencing the emotional tole and isolation throughout covid and then experiencing the heavy emotional trauma of postpartum depression practicing fitness has been a healthy way to cope with life’s anxieties for me. I love working with women not only because we share common struggles but because all women have and inner strength and an amazing ability to cope and adapt. I love helping them identify that strength and tap into it in a way they never have before. |