Richmond, CA Health and Fitness

With four national training certifications under his weight belt, The Science of Exercise owner John Ellis combines cardio and weightlifting regimens to help his clients build muscle and dodge any fitness obstacles that tumble into their path. Professional ballet dancer Michelle Cooke teams up with John to help students hone and tone flexors and tensors, leading group Pilates sessions on top of shined wooden floors. In addition to offering motivation and gold stickers shaped like success, instructors dispense nutrition information, progress logs, and customized program packets.

The certified National Strength and Conditioning Association trainers at Accelerate Sports Performance design sports-specific training programs around increasing athlete agility, speed, movement, and strength inside a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Before clients begin training, a seven-movement FMS screening identifies movement inefficiencies and areas to recalibrate muscle memories. During 90-minute small-group trainings, the Dartfish video-analysis system offers real-time reviews that superimpose efficiency progress over flat-screen displays of former habits. Shock-absorbing plyorobic floors, air-pressurized Keiser racks, and 25 meters of turf optimize pursuits of gridiron glory or speed landscaping trophies. Post-workout, athletes can kick back in front of the lounge's 55-inch plasma TV, or use iPads to update a social-media page for their budding bicep muscles.

Grass Fed Girl Personal Training and Nutrition Services' founder and certified personal trainer Caitlin Weeks draws on her experiences with weight loss and nutrition to help clients achieve their personal fitness, health, and lifestyle goals. After struggling with weight, crash diets, and nutrition from an early age, Caitlin took arms against unhealthy habits and ultimately lost more than 80 pounds. After experimenting with several low-calorie, high-protein, and vegetarian diets, Caitlin discovered holistic nutrition, and now offers holistic nutrition coaching, personal training, and boot camps to help her clients take control of their health without ugly threats or blackmail.

After a college career playing Division I soccer and earning a BA in sports sciences from the University of the Pacific, Catherine Betts developed a passion for proper physical fitness that she shares with her clients. During an internship at Athletes Performance, a premier professional conditioning facility, Betts worked with both the men's and women's U.S. national soccer teams, as well as athletes from professional leagues including the NBA, NFL, and Justice League.

The experienced fitness guide adapts her individual and group workouts to the specific conditioning needs of seasoned sportspeople and casual exercisers alike. Trainees learn how to manage body weight and engage in corrective exercises through progressive programs that work into existing routines. Workouts take place at a variety of gyms and outdoor locations, including Marina Green Park and the Lyon Street steps. Betts often tailors personal-training sessions to aid in wedding preparations, maternity fitness, or productions of Pinocchio staged with TRX suspension equipment.

Before founding The Altschuler Center for Weight Loss & Wellness, Dr. Gail Altschuler had her own struggles with the bathroom scale. Not only was she able to lose 50 pounds but she kept the weight off and wanted to share her newfound confidence and insight with others.

Today, Dr. Altschuler addresses the root of chronic illness by helping patients lead healthier lives. She helps people decrease their BMIs and fight obesity with physician-supervised diet plans, appetite suppressants, and Lap-Band maintenance. Those who are looking to trim a stubborn area can opt for Lipotron, which sculpts bodies with radio frequencies rather than invasive surgery or sticky clay.

Dr. Orcutt devotes his career to helping people heal without drugs or surgery. He specializes in treating carpal tunnel as well as injuries of the hands and wrists, which typically result from finger-puppet fights, but his knowledge extends to fitness, nutrition, and stress management. In addition to speaking at corporate events, Dr. Orcutt imparts his wellness wisdom to sports teams and fitness clubs. When he's not adjusting Olympic athletes or keeping his practice's patients healthy, he's serving on the board of directors for the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce.