Melissa
Pasadena and West San Gabriel Valley: Alhambra, San Gabriel, South Pasadena, Pasadena, Altadena, Temple City, Arcadia, Monrovia, San Marino, La Canada, El Sereno, Rosemead, El Monte
Melissa is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer, Senior Fitness Specialist, and fitness instructor, and has been involved in the fitness industry for over 20 years. She is also Arthritis Foundation certified, and holds a certification in Neuromuscular Facilitated Stretching. Melissa specializes in Aquatics, as well as teaching Senior Fitness, TRX Suspension Training, Indoor Cycling and Stability Ball Training. She has taught various group fitness classes at local gyms and the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center. For many years, she did this part-time while working at a full-time corporate job in the entertainment industry.
After nearly 18 years in the very high pressured and stressful corporate world, she often said that the only thing that kept her going was being able to leave the office to go teach her classes and workout. Although she was successful in her corporate career, over the years it became more draining. She knew there was something missing; that she needed to do something more meaningful, with a purpose, where she could help people.
In 2012 Melissa became a full-time personal trainer and fitness instructor. She now works for multiple gyms and senior facilities, and has her own personal training business. She does one-on-one personal training, as well as small and large group fitness classes. Although Melissa’s clients and students range in age from 16 to 90-years-old, she has a passion for working with seniors. The majority of the population she works with is over age 60.
Growing up, she had a very close relationship with her grandparents, and always said they were her favorite people. Some of her fondest memories include having her grandfather teach her how to be an all-star softball player. She also enjoyed playing tennis with her grandmother and helping her in the garden and kitchen. They were always very active together, but as they got older, and began to slow down, Melissa helped take care of them. She wanted to give back the love and support they provided to her in her youth.
As she began her full-time career in fitness, Melissa soon realized that working with seniors, and helping them live healthy, active and quality lives was her purpose. She often tells them that she’s not there to make them look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but instead will help them to be able to play with their grandkids without pain!
Keeping people moving, even when they have limitations, is one of the keys to longevity and quality of life. Melissa has worked with clients and students with issues such as knee and hip replacements, frozen shoulders and rotator cuff tears, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, and both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. She works with them on strength, mobility, balance, flexibility and a range of motion exercises. Since Melissa also has arthritis, she can personally understand the sporadic nature of it, and that people can have good and bad days. She has genuine empathy for them, and will adapt or modify her client’s workouts when needed to accommodate their discomfort or limitations.
It All Begins With a Consultation with Lori
Kind Words from our Clients
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
Kimberly
- Kimberly, Personal Assistant
Bryan
- Bryan
Julia Nelson
- Julia Nelson, CA Licensed Professional Fiduciary
Rico
My mom is doing very well. She’s getting back into her ceramics studio and making more stuff and seeing her friends.
- Rico
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
Ethel
- Ethel
Scott
- Scott
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
Charles Savinar
- Charles Savinar
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
B
Thank you! Linda is proof that the right medication plus the right exercise can create miracles!
- B
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
Rebecca
- Rebecca
Rolanda
– Rolanda
– Rolanda
Tristan
- Tristan
D.P.
- D.P.
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.
Mary
- Mary
Steven A. Vasilev
- Steven A. Vasilev MD MBA FACOG FACS FACN ABIHM ABOIM
JL
- JL
Elena
- Elena, Teacher
Deb
- Deb
Susan M.
- Susan M.
Fabiola
Blessings, Fabiola, Personal Trainer
Rhonda Davidson-Schachter
- Rhonda Davidson-Schachter (from Facebook Reviews)
Julie
- Julie
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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.
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
Ellie Trope
- Ellie Trope (from Facebook Reviews)
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
Nancy
- Nancy