“If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”
AREAS OF SPECIALTY.
Injury Recovery & Pain Management
Overcome chronic pain
Get back to doing what you love
Staying active through injury
Strength Training
Developing advanced body awareness
Compound movements + powerlifting
Bodyweight + foundational gymnastic skills
Flexibility & Mobility
Resilient joints for a pain-free life
Longevity-based training
Sport Preparation
Train Olympic Weightlifting movements for strength and speed
Build agility + balance
Surfing, Jiu Jitsu, baseball, tennis and rugby
Nutrition & Wellness
Finding a healthy relationship with food
Stress + anxiety management
Body acceptance + appreciation
BRENDAN’s BIO.
HE/HIM/HIS
From a young age, my life has been driven by a deep passion for health and fitness. Yet, it wasn't until confronting chronic back and neck pain at the age of 20 that my passion evolved into a mission. My aim is clear: to empower individuals to reclaim control over their physical well-being and vitality.
Navigating my personal journey through chronic pain ignited a desire to understand the intricacies of the human body. I pursued an intensive educational path, culminating in a degree from UC Berkeley's prestigious Interdisciplinary Studies program, and receiving my certification for personal training in 2011. This provided me with invaluable insights into holistic health practices across various disciplines.
Fueled by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, I sought mentorship from esteemed experts in the field. Immersing myself in firsthand experiences, I trained under the guidance of renowned coaches at premier facilities. My journey led me to the Cal Strength Olympic Weightlifting team, where I refined my skills alongside Olympians under the mentorship of Dave Spitz. Following this, I interned at Max Aita's renowned gym, absorbing wisdom from a master coach to some of the nations top strength athletes. Additionally, I worked for years with Steve Pan of Catalyst Athletics, a leading authority in weightlifting education.
A pivotal shift in focus brought me to Acrosports gym in San Francisco, where I trained under expert coaches in disciplines such as tumbling, hand balancing, trampoline, and contortion. This diversified my expertise and enhanced my understanding of physical movement and control.
Combining my knowledge in weightlifting, gymnastics disciplines, and injury rehabilitation, I've had the privilege of guiding numerous clients on transformative journeys towards optimal health and vitality. Rooted in empathy and tailored to individual needs, my approach is driven by an unwavering dedication to empowering others to thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
Join me on this journey to unlock your fullest potential and embrace a life of strength, vitality, and boundless possibility.
EDUCATION.
Bachelor’s Degree | Interdisciplinary Studies: Health and Society | UC Berkeley
NASM | Senior Fitness Specialization
NASM | Certified Nutrition Coach
USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach | Level 1
CrossFit Level 1
TESTIMONIALS.
I highly recommend Brendan as a personal trainer! I have worked with him for almost 10 years now, both in person in the Bay Area and remotely from NYC. He has really helped transform my body and overall fitness level. Previously I had never done regular strength training but now I swear by his workouts at least 3 times a week. I have lost a lot of weight, toned up my whole body and boosted my energy levels, thanks to his fantastic strength/cardio sessions. Brendan also has a really nice easy-going style, is highly dedicated, flexible and responsive. I look forward to continuing working with him for many years to come!
— Dr. Pavithra K,
Senior VP and Strong Mom
My wife and I have been working with Brendan for several years now. We started off slowly and now train with him for an hour 2 times a week. At this point we are now in better physical shape than we have been for decades. Don’t be afraid to talk to Brendan about your aches and pains before or after workouts. He can adjust your training program to work and resolve them, making you stronger in the process.
— Steve and Lisa Martell,
Dog Parents and Handstand Enthusiasts
Brendan is one of the best coaches I’ve had in over ten years of weightlifting and strength and conditioning training. He is incredibly knowledgeable and very thorough in correcting body position. Brendan is terrific with older clients too. He always expected me to work my hardest and I always felt seen and respected. Can’t say enough good things about Brendan.
— Flo H,
78 years old, Badass Baker, Weightlifter and Dancer