Vive Fitness

Hey Vive Fam!

You’ve probably seen the news — SNAP benefits have recently expired, and with no relief on the horizon, many families in our community are feeling the strain.

That’s why starting tomorrow (Monday, November 3rd), we’re rallying together for a cause close to home — helping stock the food banks that support students and families in our local schools by aiding the Northeast Emergency Food Program.

We’re collecting canned soups, chili, and other nonperishable items to help fill shelves and ensure no one in our community goes without a warm meal this season.

Let’s show what the Vive community is all about — strength, compassion, and taking care of our neighbors. 💪

You can drop off donations at the gym anytime during your workouts starting tomorrow — we’ll have a designated drop-off area ready by midweek. Every can truly makes a difference!

Let’s fill those bins and fuel our community — together!

— The Vive Fitness Team

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Another new face… Please welcome Coach Alec! ()

MS, SCCC, USAW

Email: [email protected]

With over a decade of experience in sports performance and strength training, Alec brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help clients achieve their fitness goals. Currently serving as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Portland State University for Football and Women’s Golf.

Previously, Alec spent three years as an Assistant Sports Performance Coach at Western Oregon University, where he directed training for Women’s Volleyball, Track and Field, Women’s Basketball, and Men’s Soccer. There, he implemented an innovative athlete load monitoring program to track daily wellness and optimize stress management. Alec’s career also includes time as a Football Strength and Conditioning intern at the University of Iowa, honing his skills in large-scale program ex*****on.

Alec’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in social science and exercise science from Western Oregon University and a master’s degree in biomechanics from Illinois State University. During graduate studies, Olson led strength and conditioning for Women’s Gymnastics, Men’s Tennis, and Women’s Golf while also contributing as the primary assistant for Football and other sports. He developed recovery and wellness tools, including a gymnastics recovery survey, tracking sleep, nutrition, and stress.

Certified as a Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCCA) and an Advanced Sports Performance Coach (USAW), Alec combines technical knowledge with practical expertise. As a competitive weightlifter and outdoor enthusiast, Alec leads by example, balancing strength training with paddleboarding and exploring mountain landscapes.

Originally from Albany, Oregon, Alec’s passion for training began as a three-season football player at WOU and continues today as a dedicated mentor and athlete. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor, Alec is ready to elevate your fitness journey

Please give a very warm welcome to personal trainer Steve Kassner! ()

Personal Trainer (ISSA), CPR/First Aid/AED, TRX Coach, USATF Level 1.

With over 11 years of experience in the fitness and athletic training world, Steve is committed to helping individuals of all ages and skill levels achieve their full potential. From ages 13 to 80, Steve specializes in weight loss, functional training, strength development, and sports performance, guiding clients toward their goals one step at a time.

Steve holds certifications as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), TRX instructor, and USATF Level 1 trainer. As a Fitness Director and Master Trainer at 24 Hour Fitness, Steve focuses on creating programs that enhance both fitness and overall well-being. His approach is centered on building strength and functional fitness through athletic-style HIIT and strength progression, with a special emphasis on empowering female clients.

In addition to his extensive fitness background, Steve also brings personal experience as a four-sport high school athlete in football, track, wrestling, and baseball, as well as a collegiate football player and professional arena football player. Steve’s foundation in sports performance is complemented by a background in psychology, which allows him to understand and motivate his clients in unique ways.

Steve’s coaching philosophy is simple: progress is personal, and it is about giving your best in every moment. No matter your starting point, he is here to help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Whether you are aiming for peak athletic performance or simply seeking a healthier lifestyle, He will be there every step of the way, guiding and supporting you on your journey.

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🚨 NEW CLASS 🚨

Longevity w/Steve Kassner — (BEGINNING 2/24) is a circuit training/boot camp style class that combines training techniques to help participants build muscle, increase athletic performance, prevent injuries, and improve health. The goal is to enhance both strength and conditioning for better overall physical performance for all ages and fitness levels.

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Vive Fitness community— please give a warm welcome to personal trainer Salwa!

Bio below:

B.S. Exercise Science, Strong First Elite Coach, Plant Based Nutrition Certified Coach, Oxygen Advantage 1, USAW, FMS.

Instagram:

Salwa Al Bicyclechi is a certified StrongFirst Elite Instructor with additional certifications in Functional Movement Systems Level II, Oxygen Advantage Level II, Precision Nutrition Level I, Plant-Based Nutrition Coaching, and USA Weightlifting Level I. Her journey to becoming a fitness coach is as inspiring as her approach to health and wellness. Growing up in Baghdad during the 2003 war and subsequent civil unrest, she turned to exercise as a sanctuary. Amid the challenges of those times, Salwa found peace exercising on the roof of her home, where fitness became an essential outlet for her mental well-being. After moving to Indianapolis with her family in 2009, she discovered her passion for Exercise Science at IUPUI and earned her degree from Indiana University.

As a top trainer at a high-end corporate gym in San Francisco, Salwa set records as the highest-producing female trainer in the club’s history. Her dedication to continuous improvement led her to achieve her elite certifications and actively engage in innovative workshops like Animal Flow to stay at the cutting edge of fitness trends.

Salwa’s science-based philosophy focuses on helping clients reach their fitness goals while cultivating a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle. Her commitment to ensuring her clients move well, age gracefully, and live joyfully is at the heart of her coaching approach.

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We’re thrilled to announce our sponsorship of the Beverly Cleary Girls Middle School Basketball Team! As a community-focused organization, we believe in empowering young athletes and fostering a spirit of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship.

We’re excited to support their journey both on and off the court.

Here’s to a fantastic season ahead filled with growth, achievement, and plenty of memorable moments. Go team!

This is how we Vive.

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Join us in welcoming Personal Trainer, Kayla Starker!

NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Master’s Degree Sports Performance & Conditioning w/minor in Nutrition, CSCS, ATG Coach,

Kayla’s love for strength training began during her time as a basketball and track and field athlete. The hours spent on the court, in the gym, and on the track instilled in her a deep passion for movement and personal growth that now translates into her career as a trainer. She specializes in designing personalized training programs that prioritize strength, sports-specific movement, mobility, and holistic wellness. Kayla’s training approach is centered on mindful movement to enhance physical strength while promoting functional mobility, greater openness, and fostering overall well-being.

As a q***r woman of color, navigating spaces hasn’t always been easy. Through strength training, Kayla discovered a source of empowerment that transcends the gym, boosting her confidence through life’s challenges. Kayla’s mission is to guide you towards feeling empowered and owning your space with strength and confidence.

Kayla is dedicated to establishing an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone is seen, heard, and valued at all levels of their fitness journey. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or new to fitness, she will tailor a program to your unique needs, helping you establish a strong foundation and achieve your specific goals.

This is how we Vive.

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This month we said goodbye to one of the best to walk through our doors ❤️

It has been an absolute joy to witness Carlee’s incredible journey of growth, both personally and professionally. From her early aspirations to her current achievements, she has continually impressed with her unwavering dedication and determination. Her resilience in the face of challenges and her ability to turn setbacks into opportunities are truly commendable. As she continues to soar to new heights, we have no doubt that she’ll will achieve even greater success and happiness. Here’s to her continued prosperity and fulfillment in all her endeavors.

This is how we Vive.

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The new knitted hats have arrived just in time for the winter season — 4 colors — Limited inventory. 🥰

Grab yours before they’re gone!

$30

This is how we Vive.

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Come enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend at Vive Fitness!