Rachel
Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito and Carpinteria
Rachel is a strength and conditioning coach with extensive knowledge in training, biomechanics and advanced strength conditioning. Her experience extends beyond athletics into clinical practice, where she served as the Program Director for a functional neurology clinic. In this role, she gained valuable experience working with clients facing complex neurological disorders, chronic pain and recovery from traumatic injuries.
Rachel has extensive experience working specifically with seniors, providing compassionate and personalized care. She has supported individuals with various conditions and injuries, focusing on promoting mobility, enhancing independence, and improving overall well-being. Rachel’s approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each senior, ensuring that they feel supported and empowered throughout their fitness/wellness journey.
Rachel has developed educational content for Bodybuilding.com, and contributed to Strong Magazine as a holistic health columnist.
She initially pursued nursing, earning an associate’s degree, before shifting her focus to personal training. Rachel is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Certified Personal Trainer and also holds certifications in Yoga and CPR/AED. Rachel’s foundational knowledge was built through hands-on experience in school, clinical settings and mentorships, enabling her to train impactful programs that address both physical and mental resilience.
Rachel’s journey to health and strength began with significant challenges. As a child, she battled a metabolic disorder that left doctors predicting lifelong struggles with weight and energy management. At 12-years-old, she had her thyroid removed, which posed additional obstacles. Despite medical professionals suggesting that achieving optimal health and fitness would be nearly impossible, Rachel proved them wrong. She dedicated herself to learning how to care for her body, build strength and reclaim her health. This relentless pursuit not only defied expectations but fueled her desire to push her limits in mind, body and spirit, leading her to a professional training career that provided profound insights.
It All Begins With a Consultation with Lori
Kind Words from our Clients
Cameron Edward Benton
- Cameron Edward Benton
Sherri
As a Personal Trainer, I appreciate that you trust my skills and give me the freedom to create the best personalized training programs for our clients. Since you too are an excellent Personal Trainer, and stay up-to-date with current trends and fitness education, we're able to collaborate to determine the best approach for our clients. It's a great working team! Thank you for the opportunity to work with you.
- Sherri
Miriam Brauner
Now I can walk better. Also before I was going up the stairs one step at the time. Now I can go up and down by holding from both rails without a problem. I can go up 120 steps and more.
I continue doing all the exercises and they have given me more strength in all my body.
There aren't any words to say how much Lori and her trainer, therapist changed my life forever. Until today, I do the exercises they taught me.
I will thank them forever.
They changed my life. They can change your life too.
- Miriam Brauner
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
Ann (Maine)
-Ann (Maine)
Ann
Gratefully,
Ann
Rebecca
After my mom’s strokes, we knew we needed to help her become active and improve her balance. She didn’t have a good habit of any exercise and none of the local senior classes were appropriate for her.
I’m so glad we called Lori Michiel Fitness. Lori came to the house, met with my mom, listened to her needs, took a careful medical history and matched her with a trainer. He is a wonderful trainer who comes to the house three times a week to help support mom’s recovery. The trainer really understands senior fitness. He gives the whole family peace of mind that we are doing what we can to prevent another fall and keep mom active. Lori checks in with us regularly to make sure the therapy continues to be appropriate for mom. We’re very grateful to her.
- Rebecca, San Marino
Mary-Austin
We are grateful for your help in getting her to this place and sustaining it.
- Mary-Austin
Eileen ED PRO
I just wanted to send the biggest thank you for joining us at The Variel. You put on such an excellent class and I know our contact at The Variel was really impressed.
I can't say enough good things about your class. You were knowledgeable, engaging, and FUN! I've worked with a number of fitness instructors over the years -- some are good and some are standout, and you quickly revealed yourself to be standout.
I look forward to working with you again in the future, and thanks for donating your time to our special community this past Saturday.
Thanks,
Eileen, Executive Director Parkinson's Resource Organization
Julia Nelson
- Julia Nelson, CA Licensed Professional Fiduciary
Kimberly
- Kimberly, Personal Assistant
Dr. Kaloostian
- Dr. Kaloostian
Ethel
- Ethel
Rico
My mom is doing very well. She’s getting back into her ceramics studio and making more stuff and seeing her friends.
- Rico
Bryan
- Bryan
Jill M. Brink
- Jill M. Brink, Ph.D, Geriatric Care Management, Aging Interventions
- Jill M. Brink, Ph.D, Geriatric Care Management, Aging Interventions
Debbi, Trainer
- Debbi, Trainer with Lori Michiel Fitness
Scott
- Scott
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
Sheri L.
- Sheri L.
- Sheri L.
Grace
Thank you so much for your patience, persistence and passion in serving clients like my mother. You and Kim are amazing.
Blessings, Grace
Charles Savinar
- Charles Savinar
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
Mary
Lori's principles of dynamic stretching revolutionized the way I approach stretching. I've seen a great increase in flexibility and have even built additional strength using her techniques.
- Mary
- Mary
B
Thank you! Linda is proof that the right medication plus the right exercise can create miracles!
- B
Rolanda
– Rolanda
– Rolanda
Tristan
- Tristan
Rebecca
- Rebecca
Jackie
– Jackie
– Jackie
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.
D.P.
- D.P.
Steven A. Vasilev
- Steven A. Vasilev MD MBA FACOG FACS FACN ABIHM ABOIM
JL
- JL
Mary
- Mary
Deb
- Deb