Every client I work with brings a different history, set of goals, and relationship with exercise — and I treat each one accordingly.

My coaching blends strength training, corrective exercise principles, and progressive programming. I pay close attention to how you move, how you recover, and how training fits into your lifestyle.

You’ll always know why you’re doing what you’re doing. Sessions are designed to feel challenging but manageable, and programs evolve as you do — so progress feels steady and sustainable over time.

How I coach — and why

About Sophie

Personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and nutrition coach based in San Jose, CA.

My Approach

I didn’t get into coaching because I loved counting reps or chasing intensity. I got into it because I care deeply about helping people feel capable, confident, and supported in their bodies.
Over the years, I’ve seen how overwhelming and intimidating fitness can feel, especially when programs aren’t built for the individual. My work is grounded in the belief that training should be thoughtful, intentional, and adaptable to real life.
I focus on helping clients build strength and consistency in a way that feels sustainable, not punishing. Progress doesn’t come from extremes, it comes from understanding your body, showing up consistently, and having the right support along the way.

About my Background

  • My coaching is grounded in formal education and evidence-based training principles.

    I hold the following certifications and credentials:

    • NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

    • NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)

    • NASM Nutrition Coach

    • B.S. in Applied Nutrition (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo)

    This background allows me to design training and nutrition guidance that prioritizes movement quality, safety, and long-term progress, not guesswork or trends.

  • My understanding of training comes not only from coaching, but from years of personal experience in structured, long-term athletic environments.

    I’ve been strength training for over a decade, which has given me firsthand insight into progression, plateaus, recovery, and the importance of sustainable programming.

    Before lifting, I spent 12+ years as a competitive swimmer, an experience that shaped how I think about movement, technique, consistency, and athletic development over time.

    I’ve also competed in natural bodybuilding, earning first place in my division. While competitive physique training requires a very specific and disciplined approach, it deepened my understanding of structured programming, nutrition strategy, and what it truly takes to push toward a defined goal, without expecting clients to live at that extreme.

    These experiences inform how I coach today: with intention, realism, and respect for the individual.

  • I believe training should be thoughtful, intentional, and built around the person, not the program.

    My philosophy centers on:

    • Training smarter, not just harder

    • Prioritizing movement quality before load

    • Building strength progressively and sustainably

    • Creating consistency that fits real life

    I don’t believe in extremes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Progress comes from understanding your body, showing up consistently, and having the right support along the way.

  • I’ve worked with a wide range of clients, each with different goals, backgrounds, and relationships with exercise.

    This includes individuals who are:

    • New to strength training

    • Returning after injury or time away

    • Managing movement limitations or imbalances

    • Looking for more intentional, higher-quality coaching

    I take time to understand each client’s needs and adjust programming accordingly, so training feels challenging but manageable, and progress feels steady and sustainable.

    Above all, I aim to create a coaching environment where clients feel supported, educated, and confident in their training.

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