Recognized Functional Training Leaders 2025

Movement professional with a trained eye for detail. Curious, getting a little better each day, and focused on delivering a specific, motivational, and educational training plan. A hard worker, natural leader, and true believer in the phrase "knowledge is power."

Marc has over 20 years experience training: in a sports medicine/rehab setting, as a group exercise instructor, and as an independent personal trainer. In that time, he has worked with a diverse clientele with a wide variety of physical abilities, and has gained extensive knowledge of orthopedic injuries and their treatments. Along the way, he has developed an intuition for helping clients dial in complex exercises and accessing pesky muscles notorious for insubordination, earning him the nickname ‘The Glute Whisperer’. Additional experience includes weight training (Olympic lifting, power lifting, and otherwise), group exercise training, TRX, HIIT, and he has been running ski conditioning exercise groups for most of his career. My approach to training is founded on the ideas that workouts should be functional, straightforward, and efficient - think less ‘Instagram exercises’ involving various contraptions and weird equipment, and more functional, repeatable, and economical exercises that replicate your sport or activities; that they should be comprehensive - looking at the body as a whole, rather than focusing on specific parts or movements; that they should be educational - teaching the client to use his or her body correctly and efficiently in both sport and everyday activities; and lastly, that they should build confidence as well as strength, and that making a workout fun is as important as all else. Education: BS Kinesiology with Emphasis in Exercise Testing, Analysis, and Prescription Certifications: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Level 1 USA Weightlifting Coach (USAW-L1) Certification in Applied Functional Science (CAFS) Level 1 and 2 Certifications in Functional Movement Systems (FMS)

I'm an experienced business founder, exercise & mobility coach, and health & fitness writer who has worked in the industry since 2009, helping people move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free lives. My career has been defined by a deep commitment to personalized coaching, strategic business growth, and creating systems prioritizing performance and longevity. As the Founder of Motive Training, I've opened and operated two movement-focused personal training studios—one of which I successfully sold after establishing a strong foundation and brand. Today, I lead our thriving Austin location and oversee Motive Mobility, our online platform focused on joint health, mobility, and pain-specific programming. Across both, my work centers on improving how people train by focusing on what actually matters: joint function, movement quality, and long-term results. My day-to-day includes everything from developing evidence-based training systems rooted in Functional Range Conditioning and mobility science to managing operations, building digital content strategies, and ensuring every part of the business—from CRM workflows to client communication—is efficient, intentional, and aligned with our core values. Core Competencies: - Functional Mobility & Strength Coaching - Business Operations & Strategic Leadership - SEO & Content Development (EliteFTS, Motive Training) - Program Design Informed by Assessment & Data - CRM/System Implementation & Automation - Team Development & Adaptive Communication I'm known for my practical, no-fluff leadership style, ability to simplify complex systems, and obsession with improving everything I touch—from client outcomes to internal processes. Let's connect if you're passionate about fitness, mobility, meaningful content, and building better businesses.

William Liveman is the founder of BestRebounderTrampoline.com, a resource dedicated to making fitness fun, low-impact, and evidence-based through rebound training on mini trampolines. His commitment to rebounding began during a personal health crisis—after being diagnosed in 2015 with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Stage IV and Follicular Lymphoma, William used daily rebounder sessions to help maintain strength, mood, and resilience throughout treatment. That experience shaped the site’s mission: reliable guidance, verified reviews, and practical education so anyone can “bounce back” to better health. At Best Rebounder Trampoline, William leads a team of fitness writers, health professionals, and experienced rebounders who produce fact-checked reviews, comparisons, and tips for home users, seniors, and professionals. The editorial approach is simple: prioritize safety, biomechanics-informed technique, and lymphatic-friendly protocols, then translate that into clear buyer’s guides people can trust. William’s work bridges product testing, user education, and community building, helping readers choose safer rebounders, protect joints, and improve balance and cardio with minimal impact. He’s an advocate of progress over perfection and an active voice in the rebounder community—sharing practical routines, gear advice, and up-to-date deal alerts to make high-quality equipment more accessible.

My name is Archna Sharma, and I have been working in the fitness field for the last nine years. Fitness has always been a big part of my life, and I love helping people become healthier and more confident. In 2022, I started Fitness Fasto so I could share easy-to-follow workouts, simple nutrition tips, and practical fitness advice that anyone can use in their daily life. Today, I have a strong online community, including 90K+ followers on Instagram, active followers on Threads, and fitness content shared on Medium and Pinterest. My business is also listed on Google, and my website fitnessfasto.com is where I share my programs and fitness guidance. My goal is to make fitness simple, enjoyable, and possible for everyone—no matter their age or lifestyle.

As the founder of Embrace Your Fitness, my dedication to creating tailored health and wellness programs spans over 15 years, with a focus on fostering fitness that is both enjoyable and sustainable. My work has empowered a broad spectrum of clients, ranging from corporations to sports teams, to embrace a healthier lifestyle through customized, innovative solutions. My recent publication, "Yes! Commit. Do. Live," encapsulates my approach to redefining aging and promoting brain health, integrating personal training with mindfulness meditation. This reflects my commitment to guiding clients on a transformative journey towards achieving their wellness aspirations and living their most authentic lives.

Karl Mergille is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach with 10+ years of experience coaching online. An NPC natural bodybuilding competitor and former athlete, he specializes in working with men and women over 30, former athletes getting back in shape, and busy professionals who want real results without crash diets. Karl has helped hundreds of clients transform their bodies through sustainable nutrition, smart programming, and consistent accountability. He is available for quotes on fitness, fat loss, nutrition, body recomposition, training for busy people, former athlete comeback stories, and overall health.

Entrepreneur. Personal Trainer. Interested in connecting with individuals to share knowledge on personal and business development.

Richard Bennett is the founder of Calibre Performance Coaching, providing personal training, strength and conditioning, and boxing coaching in Redditch, UK. With over 15 years of coaching experience and a strong background in combat sports, Richard has worked with general population clients, amateur athletes, and professional fighters. Richard holds extensive qualifications including a Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (CIMSPA), Level 3 Personal Training certification, England Boxing Level 1 Coach certification, and a 1st Dan Kickboxing Black Belt. He has competed in boxing, Muay Thai, and kickboxing competitions, giving him firsthand understanding of training demands and performance optimization. As a training educator, Richard mentors others in the industry while continuing to expand his expertise through his own ongoing education.

For over 3 decades, my life’s work has centered around one powerful idea: when people become physically strong, every other dimension of their lives improves. Their confidence grows. Their energy multiplies. Their mood stabilizes. Their work performance rises. Their stress tolerance expands. Their presence as leaders deepens. Their capacity to enjoy life increases. Strength transforms people—and I have dedicated my career to teaching busy, high-performing professionals how to build that kind of strength in the safest, most efficient, most scientifically grounded way possible. At Rock Solid Fitness, we do this through our proprietary High Intensity Safe Strength Training methodology. As the Owner and CEO of Rock Solid Fitness, a boutique elite personal training studio serving the Tampa Bay area, I lead a team that helps executives, attorneys, physicians, business owners, and leaders elevate their health and performance through 25-minute, high-intensity, data-driven strength sessions. Our approach is personal, intentional, and effective—rooted in exercise science, accountability, and a philosophy of excellence we bring to every client. But while the studio is where individual transformations occur, my mission extends beyond its walls. I believe that strong people create strong companies, organizations, families, and lives and thrive when their leaders and teams have the physical and mental capacity to perform at their peak. That belief drives my work as a corporate wellness speaker, educator, and advocate for SelfHealth and strength in the workplace. Through keynote talks, workshops, and executive wellness sessions, I teach busy professionals how to: Build a stronger, healthier body in less time Prevent burnout with science-backed methods Increase energy, focus, and productivity Develop resilience in both body and mind Create a culture of well-being Make strength simple and sustainable My presentations are engaging, energetic, and rooted in decades of coaching real people juggling careers and full lives. I understand that time is the most valuable asset for high achievers, and I’ve built a model that honors that truth. If your company values the connection between health, performance, and culture, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic speaker, a wellness resource for your team, or a strategic partner in bringing more strength and joy to your workplace, I’m here to help. Stronger people create stronger companies. Let’s build both—together.

Athlete and fitness writer with 15+ years of structured training in track and field, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting and general fitness. My focus is on the intersection of training, evidence-based nutrition, supplementation, and recovery. I founded VitalEdgeFit.com to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical fitness advice.

Longevity Expert | Founder of KinetikChain | Author I help high-performers engineer a "100-Year Body." As a Physical Therapist and longevity specialist, my focus is on Bio-Architecture: the science of building a physical structure that doesn't just survive, but thrives well into its eighth, ninth, and tenth+ decades. I am the founder of KinetikChain in Denver and the author of Adding Insight to Injury. My work moves beyond the "white noise" of standard health advice to focus on the mechanical and systemic "invisible risks" that accelerate biological aging. I specialize in bridging the gap between injury rehabilitation and elite-level longevity, ensuring that a "nagging" knee or back issue doesn't become the catalyst for a long-term physical decline. Areas of Expertise for Media Coverage: The Science of Healthspan: Moving beyond lifespan to focus on maintaining peak physical and cognitive capacity. Bio-Architecture: Using VO2 Max, grip strength, and metabolic testing to create a data-driven blueprint for aging. Tissue Resilience and Injury as an Opportunity: Re-engineering movement patterns after an injury to build more resilience than existed before the "break." The Centenarian Decathlon: Training today for the 10 physical tasks every human should be able to do at age 100. Performance Recovery: Bridging the gap between elite athletic recovery and everyday longevity. Why Journalists Work With Me: I provide direct, evidence-based commentary that cuts through medical fluff. I help readers understand that injuries aren't an inevitable part of "getting old"—they are structural flaws that can be engineered. Whether I’m discussing why grip strength is a proxy for survival or how to maintain a high cardiovascular "ceiling," I provide the clinical data and the actionable "how-to" that makes for a compelling story. Professional Achievements & Credentials: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with over a decade of clinical experience in sports medicine and longevity. Published Author: Adding Insight to Injury, The Ultimate Injury Recovery Guide To Help You Reclaim The Life You Love Clinical Innovation: Pioneer of the "Redefine Your Prime Residency," a diagnostic-heavy approach to human optimization. Media Experienced: Regular contributor to health and fitness outlets, providing quick-turnaround, high-authority written commentary.

Domenic Angelino is FitCraft's Chief Exercise Scientist and a frequent expert source for major consumer media. His commentary has appeared in TIME, Newsweek, Forbes, GQ, Self, Women's Health, Men's Journal, TODAY, Parade, Runner's World, Yahoo Life, and 20+ other publications. He holds an MPH from Brown University and an MS in Kinesiology (4.0 GPA), with NSCA CSCS and ACE CPT certifications. His peer-reviewed research has been published as first author in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and as co-author in Frontiers in Physiology and the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. He has also consulted with researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Before launching FitCraft, Domenic was Lead Exercise Scientist and Head Coach at FitnessAI. He has scripted YouTube content for top fitness creators that has accumulated over 50 million views, written a fitness and nutrition textbook for a school system, and developed certification curriculum for Penn Foster. He specializes in the science of exercise adherence, strength training, behavior change, and AI fitness technology. He's a strong source for stories on why most people quit workout programs, what actually drives long-term consistency, how AI is changing personal training, and evidence-based answers to everyday fitness questions.

As a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) at Same Day Supplements, I specialize in providing science-backed, personalized nutrition guidance to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals. With expertise in dietary planning, supplement strategies, and performance nutrition, I work to empower clients with practical tools for lasting results. My approach blends evidence-based knowledge with real-world application, ensuring sustainable habits that support both everyday wellness and peak athletic performance.

Dr. Pietro Emanuele Garbelli (“Dr Garbelli”) is a UK-based physician, healthcare strategist and MedTech advisor focused on assisting healthcare leaders and organisations adopt, navigate, and implement AI/robotics and healthcare automation safely, ethically and at scale. Working at the intersection of clinical practice, technology and executive decision-making, he supports boards, executive teams and MedTech leaders to turn innovation into measurable improvements in patient outcomes, workforce sustainability and operational performance. Dr Garbelli is the creator of the Healthcare Convergence Framework™ (HCF), a practical approach that helps organisations assess AI/Robotics readiness, align leadership priorities and design future-ready care pathways without disrupting frontline delivery. His work typically spans AI and robotics strategy, governance and risk management, clinical adoption and change leadership—ensuring that new technologies strengthen trust, accountability and safety in real-world conditions. As a keynote speaker and author, Dr Garbelli translates complex topics such as AI governance, clinical safety, ethics and system transformation into clear, actionable insights for senior audiences. He is the author of The Doctor’s Future and The Doctor’s Voice, and contributes thought leadership on how medicine is being reshaped by digital transformation and emerging technologies. Known for a pragmatic, clinician-led perspective, Dr Garbelli helps leaders navigate high-stakes decisions such as build-versus-buy, pilot design, evaluation and scaling across multiple sites. His mission is to purposefully transform the future of medicine—one organisation, strategy and physician at a time—with confidence.

I am a fitness trainer who specializes in field of fitness and yoga more than 10years, and also help to motivate people for fitness. I writes with empathy and accuracy and has a knack for connecting with readers in an insightful and engaging way. I contributes regularly to FreakToFit.

After a decade in marketing, I combined my marketing expertise with my passion for fitness and funded Laura Thomas Fitness. I look forward to serving my clients in Cleveland and beyond with virtual and hybrid training.Please note that I am not interested in MLM or lead gen opportunities. LTF is only interested in promoting local and independent companies, and I firmly believe in building authentic trust and connection with clients, prospects, and referral partners. Thank you!

Affiliate marketing manager in the financial and health lead generation space, managing over $200k/month in ad spend on Youtube, Tiktok, Snapchat, & Facebook/Instagram.Personal trainer with an exercise science bachelor's degree, and co-owner of Myphenomfitness.com, a health and fitness website created to help working Americans understand the science behind staying healthy, so they can live happier, more fulfilled lives.

Dr. Shiv Goel, MD is a board-certified physician and the founder of Prime Vitality Care, a physician-led functional medicine and wellness clinic based in San Antonio, Texas, with telehealth services available to patients in all 50 states. Dr. Goel trained in internal medicine and functional and integrative medicine, and has spent his career building a practice model that treats the root causes of poor health rather than managing symptoms in isolation. His clinical philosophy is grounded in the understanding that hormones, metabolism, inflammation, gut health, and mental well-being are deeply interconnected systems — and that lasting health improvements require addressing all of them together. Prime Vitality Care specializes in physician-supervised GLP-1 medical weight loss programs using semaglutide and tirzepatide, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for women, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men, peptide therapy including Sermorelin, BPC-157, and PT-141, and comprehensive functional medicine consultations for patients with chronic fatigue, gut dysfunction, autoimmune concerns, and metabolic disease. Dr. Goel is a sought-after expert on the clinical application of GLP-1 therapies, the role of hormonal imbalance in weight resistance, and the future of physician-led telehealth medicine. He speaks regularly to the gap between what conventional medicine offers patients with metabolic dysfunction and what a root-cause, functional approach can deliver when the right diagnostics and time are applied. Through Prime Vitality Care's HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, Dr. Goel brings the same standard of clinical depth and personalization to patients nationwide that San Antonio patients have relied on in person — with lab coordination through local Quest Diagnostics or CPL sites and all prescriptions compounded and shipped directly to patients.

Matt Phelps is a fitness and body composition expert and the founder of Body Fat Estimator, a repository of tools that analyze body composition using photos and biometric data.