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.
Esteban Gutierrez – Personal Trainer & Wellness Expert
Esteban Gutierrez – Strength & Conditioning Coach in Richmond –
I was born in chihuahua Mexico, but I went to college at Northern Michigan University where I’ve got my bachelors in Sport Science and my masters in Physiotherapy (ATC).
- I hold several certifications, such as licensed and certified Athletic trainer, first aid responder, IASTM therapy, Strength and conditioning, and injury prevention. I have 5 years of experience as a personal trainer and 4 years as a physiotherapist.
- I’ve coached and interacted with clients one on one from different disciplines such as soccer players, swimmers, football, and strength athletes. As well as developing multiple rehabilitation protocols for different types of clients and settings.
- I always loved physical activity, from a very young age I swam for many years, to later be introduced to strength and condition training.
- Throughout my years of experience, I have interacted with a vast number of injuries from different sport related activities, which motivated me to develop and follow a more science based and injury free training.
- I started my natural bodybuilding career 4 years ago, looking to compete in my first OCB show this upcoming September.
- My goal is to help you not just only achieve the physical body you dream, but most importantly to help you set the foundations of a healthy lifestyle with the proper tools and educations.
- ¡Ven y Conócenos! Let’s train together, have fun and achieve your dreams together!!
Jeff Meszaros – Body Transformation Personal Trainer
Jeff Meszaros – Body Transformation Personal Trainer – With over 25 years of fitness expertise, I specializes in body fat reduction, weight loss, strength training, and contest prep. Certified by ACE, IRONMAN, and more, my holistic approach to fitness ensures personalized plans for every client, balancing exercise, nutrition, and mental health. As a dedicated parent himself, I understand the challenges of juggling family and fitness, making me the perfect coach for your journey.
| What is your Training Specialty? | |
Body Transformation
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John Elswick – Personal Trainer
My fitness journey began at James Madison University, where I earned a degree in health sciences and cultivated a love for health and wellness. My personal battles with injuries, weight loss, and mental health fuel my drive to help others achieve their own fitness goals.
I’ve faced significant physical challenges, including ACL/meniscus tear in my left knee and two back surgeries for a herniated disc that was causing major sciatic pain and muscle atrophy. After gaining a lot of weight from those injuries, I lost about 80 pounds through consistent resistance training and macronutrient tracking. Overcoming these obstacles was not just about physical recovery but also a mental and emotional journey that reshaped my perspective of health and fitness.
Through my recovery process, I discovered the power of exercise, not just as a means of losing weight or building muscle, but as a vital tool for rehabilitation and overall well-being. My journey has equipped me with a unique understanding of the struggles that come with injury, recovery and weight loss, and it’s this empathy that drives me to support my clients in overcoming their own challenges.
I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve their fitness goals, regardless of where they start or the obstacles they face. My approach to personal training focuses on building strength, improving mobility, body transformations, and enhancing the overall quality of life. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, recovering from an injury, or simply wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, I’m committed to providing personalized guidance and support every step of the way.
My mission is to empower others through fitness, helping them to not only transform their bodies but also to build confidence, resilience, and overall positive mindset needed to truly be happy. I am dedicated to helping my clients find their own strength and achieve lasting change, just as I did on my own journey.
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
Lannce Darr – Personal Trainer in Richmond
Lannce Darr – Personal Trainer in Richmond –
| Transformation, Meal plans, Bodybuilding and Figure training. Men and women over 40 health. And a motivator |
I’m coach Lance Darr, proud owner of REDEMPTION FAITH & FITNESS and also a proud family member at this iron paradise here at Self Made Training Facility. I specialize in bodybuilding, weight loss, meal plans, as well as strengthening and conditioning with over 20 years of weight training experience. I am a former United States Marine and I have brought the same core values that the most feared and respected fighting force in the world still use to this day into my training philosophy for my clients. Honor, Courage and Commitment along with attention to details is how I treat my clients, along with the attention to details that you deserve, combining that with a no excuse just execute mentality is what I want to instill in you. I also guarantee structure; integrity, accountability and most importantly I bring you a fire and passion to motivate you to push beyond what you thought was possible to get you the results you deserve. I sincerely care and want you to be successful not only in the gym but in life and you will see that in our training. My purpose here on earth is to make a difference in people’s lives. If I did not have which is most important to me, my faith and the grace, mercy and strength given to me by my Lord and Savior, along with my gym family and the opportunity that the Self Made family has humbly blessed me with, I’m not sure where I would be. You see I am a recovering alcoholic and I know what it’s like to be in those dark places and maybe it’s not from an addiction but just from a tragedy or trauma event that has you stuck in that dark place, I understand and I know what that is like to not Love yourself and not feel like you have value or purpose. But I’m here to tell you I’m a living, breathing proof of a transformation; physically, spiritually, and mentally. I’m also here to tell you that you are worth it and you do matter. I know you can do anything if you have a passion and a vision, I’m a living proof of that. I want to help you see that as well and together we kick down walls and open doors to what you’re called to do because if you take care of the physical, the mental and emotional part will follow. . So come and see me at Self Made Training Facility and together as a team and family reach your goals.!!!! YOU GROW THROUGH WHAT YOU GO THROUGH !!!!!
Melanie Rouse – Sport Performance & Functional Strength Trainer
Melanie Rouse – Sport Performance & Functional Strength Trainer –
Meet Coach Mel, a true Richmond native, born and raised, and owner of GrindTime Fitness and Sports Training. With over 4 years of training experience, she’s no stranger to the game; she’s been an athlete all her life, and her journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
As an athlete, Coach Mel’s story took a unique twist when she decided to lace up her cleats and hit the field for the Richmond Black Widows, a women’s tackle football team in the Women’s Football Alliance. It was here that her passion for training took root and flourished into something truly remarkable. She realized that true athleticism isn’t just about brute force; it’s about mastering the art of strength, explosiveness, speed, and most importantly, preventing those injuries that can sideline a career.
But Coach Mel’s wisdom doesn’t stop at the physical. No, she understands that real transformation goes beyond the weights and reps. It’s about embracing a lifestyle that’s sustainable, healthy, and fulfilling. She’s here to guide you through nutrition, lifestyle choices, and provide unwavering support to ensure you achieve not just your fitness goals, but a better quality of life.
And here’s where Coach Mel truly shines – her focus on mental performance mastery. She knows that success isn’t just about the physical; it’s about conquering the mental game as well. Coach Mel will push you to unlock your full potential, helping you build mental resilience, focus, and confidence that will extend beyond the gym and into every facet of your life.
Whether you’re a newcomer just stepping onto the path of fitness or an athlete with dreams of greatness, Coach Mel is your guiding light. Her knowledge, experience, and unbridled passion for fitness, both physical and mental, make her the guiding force that’s well on its way to becoming legendary. Don’t wait any longer; join us and let Coach Mel ignite the fire within you!
Scott Taylor – Personal Trainer & Performance Enhancement Coach
Scott Taylor – Personal Trainer/Performance Enhancement Coach – With over 7 years personal training busy professionals of all walks of life, I’ve noticed it is hard leading a successful career and maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle. Especially when you add family/kids into the mix.
Most people aren’t able to stick to a diet to lose any weight(let alone keep it off if they did lose it), or a workout regimen to put on muscle tone. This is mainly due to the fact that we introduce such a drastic change in the foods we eat and training regimen we take part in; that it becomes extremely unsustainable short and long term for people.
This is why I focus on MOLDING HEALTH AND FITNESS TO YOUR LIFE INSTEAD OF THE OTHER WAY AROUND! That way, it’s a lot easier to succeed whether your goal is to lose a few pounds or build a nice toned physique. It’s a lot easier losing weight and building muscle eating the foods you are used too on a regular basis. It’s a lot easier getting a workout plan that molds around your busy schedule(and not trying to fit your schedule around your fitness).
Stop trying to fit a square peg into a round hole when it comes to your health and fitness. Find a nutrition and fitness regimen that fits into YOUR ALREADY ESTABLISHED LIFESTYLE!
✅With my specific style of coaching, most people I work with tend to lose 8-10lbs a month on average(with my most recent clients losing 5-9lbs in 2 weeks!). Additionally, ALL are able to keep their weight off long term! ALL WHILE ENJOYING THEIR FAVORITE FOODS EVERY DAY!
✅Also with my coaching, people see consistent strength and muscle growth every month despite how busy their schedule is on a week-week basis!
🎆Don’t let your Career/Personal life hold you back from the health and body of your dreams. Reach out to me and we can solve this problem…… PERMANENTLY!
Taurean Edwards – Personal/Boxing Training
Taurean (TeeJay) Edwards
Boxing Coach, Personal Trainer
TeeJay Edwards , your local personal trainer with a punch and owner of Do It Fitness, LLC! Hailing from the heart of Richmond, Virginia, I bring a powerhouse combination of skills to the fitness scene. With a background as a former professional boxer and over a decade of personal training experience, I’m your go-to guide for achieving peak fitness. My expertise lies in refining overall functional movement, ensuring your body moves with efficiency and precision in all your daily activities.
Experience the ultimate fusion of fitness and well-being with my innovative training approach at Do It Fitness, LLC. My program prioritizes the essential approach to health, emphasizing the vital elements of mobility, muscular endurance, core strength, and heart health. My unique training style is dynamic and comprehensive, focusing on a holistic approach to health and wellness. Incorporating a mix of kettlebells, bodyweight exercises, and specialized techniques targeting hip and core strength, balance, and flexibility, I’m committed to enhancing every aspect of your physical performance.
Through a carefully crafted regimen, I integrate dynamic exercises that enhance flexibility, endurance, and stability, ensuring a balanced and functional physique. I am dedicated to guiding you towards optimal performance and longevity, empowering you to not only look great but also feel your absolute best. Join us today and embark on a transformative journey towards a stronger, more resilient you.
Get ready to unleash your full potential and embrace a lifestyle of vitality with Do It Fitness, LLC.
Tytwan Williams – Weight-loss Transformation & Weight Training
Tytwan Williams – Weight-loss Transformation & Weight Training – Meet Tytwan Williams, the owner of NOBLE Fitness Training, LLC. With 7 years in the fitness industry and certified by ISSA, Ty is not only a military veteran but also a weight loss specialist who shed over 130lbs and maintained it for 16+ years! He’s transformed countless lives through mindset coaching, nutrition, and weight training. Whether you are a beginner, a former athlete, or anyone in-between, Tytwan has the knowledge, experience, and passion to help you achieve your fitness goals. Get in touch today to start your fitness journey with a trainer who understands what it takes to succeed. We’re thrilled to welcome Ty and his award-winning business to SMTFRVA to help you become your best self.
Willie Ruffin – ISSA Certified Personal Trainer in Richmond
Willie Ruffin – ISSA Certified Personal Trainer in Richmond –
Meet Willie Ruffin, CFT, a dedicated fitness trainer with over 7 years of experience. Fueled by a profound passion for wellness, he established Afya Njema Fitness LLC. The company’s mission is to make a healthy lifestyle enjoyable, attainable, and sustainable for everyone.
Willie’s journey into fitness began as a first responder, realizing the importance of physical well-being in his demanding career. This led him to become a Certified Fitness Trainer, where he seamlessly integrates nutrition, training, and mental well-being into a holistic approach.
Affectionately known as “Coach,” Willie specializes in Strength and Conditioning, cardio, HIIT, and more. He collaboratively guides his clients, serving as an instructor, mentor, and motivator, empowering them to transition from novices to partners on their fitness journey.
Beyond personal training, Willie is the founder of P.H.I.T. (Professionalism, Health & Integrity Training), a mentoring program leveraging fitness principles to inspire high school students towards health, confidence, and future readiness. The ultimate goal is to enhance the well-being, prosperity, and health of often-neglected communities.