Paula
South Bay: Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Rancho Palos Verdes, Lawndale, El Segundo, West Gardena

A lifelong athlete and fitness advocate, Paula brings both personal experience and professional expertise to every training session. In addition to her professional roles, she has a deeply personal connection to the populations she serves.
As a caregiver to her mother—a stroke survivor of twelve years who lives with both dementia and diabetes—She has gained firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals and families navigating recovery and long-term care. This experience has fueled her dedication to adaptive exercise, functional restoration and holistic wellness, shaping her approach with empathy, patience and a profound sense of purpose.
Paula earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Chapman University in Movement Exercise Science with a double emphasis is in Exercise Physiology and Athletic Training. She went on to earn her Personal Trainer Certification from National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). She received a Cancer Exercise Specialist Advanced Qualification from the Cancer Exercise Training Institute and a Brain Health Trainer Certification from the Functional Aging Institute (FAI), specializing in assisting clients with dementia, Parkinson’s or who have suffered from strokes.
Paula worked in an orthopedic office with patients who had total knee or hip replacements and credits this to leading her down the path to becoming a personal trainer.
Whether working with elite athletes, post-surgery patients, or older adults, she believes that “Attitude is Everything — pick a good one.” She values form and function above all and aims to empower every client with tools to improve their health, movement and confidence.
It All Begins With a Consultation with Lori
Kind Words from our Clients
Jackie
– Jackie
– Jackie
Tristan
- Tristan
Sheila
- Sheila
Karen
Lori,
Thank you so much for your awesome presentation at Senior Congress! Your passion for what you do was clear and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it! We so appreciate the time you took out of your busy schedule to join us and share your insight with our attendees.
With gratitude,
Karen
Steven A. Vasilev
- Steven A. Vasilev MD MBA FACOG FACS FACN ABIHM ABOIM
Deb
My struggle area right now, Lori!
You are such a blessing and like your sign in the video in the background, I do 'give thanks' for you and your dedication to all of us who are trying to do the best we can with our bodies...no matter where we are and at what stage of health we are in!
Love your heart to serve, my friend!
- Deb M.
Rebecca
- Rebecca
TomMac
I am glad that you had the chance to see how I have prospered under the tutelage of your trainer. She has been such a genuine part of my recovery and has become a wonderful friend.
To the both of you, I say take a bow for a job well done.
Love ❤️
TomMac
Deb
- Deb
Susan M.
- Susan M.
JL
- JL
D.P.
- D.P.
Jersey John
Lori,
You're amazing...you can pivot in a moment's flash... if you could bottle that productivity and sell it to seniors you could buy California, despite the fact that you already help many people and make their lives better!! Stay YOU!!!
Love, Jersey John
Julie
- Julie
<
<
Judi G.
Lori and her team provide personal training for my elderly mother who has Alzheimer's and dementia, as part of her overall care. They customized a program addressing her needs, including balance and mobility. She really likes her two trainers and looks forward to her sessions. I highly recommend Lori Michiel Fitness!
- Judi G.
- Judi G.
Fabiola
Blessings, Fabiola, Personal Trainer
Mary
- Mary
Pamela
Warm hugs,
Pamela
Pam
I am very thankful for finding you and for your willingness to work with me! You are a wonderful person and I appreciate you very much.
- Pam
- Pam
Ms. Dailey
Lori, I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have found you. What a gift your work is to the senior community.
- Ms. Dailey
Elena
- Elena, Teacher
B.
- B.
Rene Russo
Your fitness program has really helped my mom!! I saw her this week and she is stronger and her balance has really improved. She got up from her chair so much easier!!!
Best news, she's very happy that she started working out and she adores Sam and Rita.She actually looks forward to it.
It's great to have a job that makes a difference in people’s lives. What a blessing you have been to all of us. Thank you so so much for all you do.
Best wishes to you for a beautiful new year.
Love,
Rene Russo, Actor
Love,
Rene Russo, Actor
Nancy
- Nancy
Rhonda Davidson-Schachter
- Rhonda Davidson-Schachter (from Facebook Reviews)
Rod
Lori did a great job of matching my mom with an excellent personal trainer. It's been close to one year and the trainer has done incredible work with my mother and has shown such care and patience while helping my mom maintain and improve her mobility and strength...Seeing my mom become stronger and more confident as an elder has been wonderful. I am so grateful for the personalized attention and genuine heart of this fitness company. I highly recommend Lori Mitchell Fitness to anyone over sixty-five looking for personal trainers who are empathetic, professional, and truly dedicated to the well-being of their clients.
- Rod
Barb Weitzberg
– Barb Weitzberg
Tammy
- Tammy
Ellie Trope
- Ellie Trope (from Facebook Reviews)
D.M.
Much Appreciation and heartfelt prayers added from one Caregiver to another Caregiver.
-D.M.
Cameron Edward Benton
- Cameron Edward Benton
Sherri
Thanks for all of your support and understanding. As I said on the phone, you are terrific!
Best wishes,
Sherri
Beth Trainer
- Beth (from Facebook Reviews)
Tyler
- Tyler
Sam Strain – Trainer
Customer care is of the utmost concern to her. She is very knowledgeable about personal training and the workings of the functional human body from a bio-mechanical point of view. She is compassionate about all her clients as they all get her personal touch.
I would feel most comfortable recommending her to anyone that is in need of her services.
Respectfully,
Samuel Strain II NASM/CES