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Personal Training + Fitness Coaching

At the Tucson J, our qualified personal trainers create customized fitness and nutrition plans designed specifically for you. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your fitness to the next level, we work with individuals of all ages, experience levels, and physical abilities.

Our friendly, professional trainers offer expert guidance, motivation, and support to help you reach your goals, whether that’s gaining strength, improving mobility, building endurance, or just feeling your best.

Prefer to train with a friend or small group? We also offer small group training sessions for a fun, social, and energizing way to stay fit together.

Fitness is always more fun with friends! Join us each week for personal-trainer-led small group fitness sessions designed to help you crush your goals, stay motivated, and build a supportive community along the way. 

Packages Available
Join us for Fit Strong and take a holistic approach to meeting your wellness goals! Participants meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8-9:15am. Participants who attend at least 8 out of 12 sessions within a 12-session block will receive one complimentary JWellness Collective Massage. Build strength and endurance and improve energy and confidence with expert...
January 4th, 2025 – December 20th, 2026
Saturday, Sunday
Weekend Warrior offers a dynamic fitness program with one strength-focused day and one cardio-intensive day each week. Led by qualified trainers, these two weekly classes provide a focused approach to help participants achieve their fitness goals through a balanced combination of strength and cardio training.
January 4th, 2025 – December 20th, 2026
Saturday, Sunday
Weekend Warrior offers a dynamic fitness program with one strength-focused day and one cardio-intensive day each week. Led by qualified trainers, these two weekly classes provide a focused approach to help participants achieve their fitness goals through a balanced combination of strength and cardio training.
January 7th, 2025 – December 17th, 2026
Tuesday, Thursday
NO CLASS MAY 15 or 20 Ladies who Lift programs guarantee to teach you how to lift with confidence and leave you feeling like you know exactly what to do next time you enter the gym. Workshops will range in a variety topics-from barbell deadlifts and squats, to bench-press and overhead-press, to breathing and bracing,...
January 7th, 2025 – December 17th, 2026
Tuesday, Thursday
Ladies who Lift programs guarantee to teach you how to lift with confidence and leave you feeling like you know exactly what to do next time you enter the gym. Workshops will range in a variety topics-from barbell deadlifts and squats, to bench-press and overhead-press, to breathing and bracing, and even pull-ups, core training, and...

Achieve your fitness goals faster with personalized guidance, expert support, and a plan tailored just for you through personal training. Go solo, bring a buddy, or bring the whole crew! No matter how you train, we’ll help you stay motivated, accountable, and on track every step of the way.

Packages Available
Receive a personalized workout profile including two personal training sessions. Follow this program for up to three months and track your results. Check in emails with your trainer are available for participants
Packages Available
Semi-Private Training is still individualized training but is more affordable. Bring of 3 or 4 of your friends to work out together, support each other and still experience individualized guidance from a JCC Personal Trainer. Expires 12 months from purchase; price is per person. Full session = 50 min
Packages Available
Grab a friend and get a program designed just for you to help you meet your specific health and wellness goals. Expires 12 months from Purchase, non-refundable and non-transferrable Half Session = 30 minutes Full Session = 50 minutes Buddy Training allows you to workout with a friend while still receiving a personalized training program...
Packages Available
One-on-One Personal Training provides you with direct access to a highly qualified JCC Personal Trainer who will design a program to help you meet your specific health and wellness goals. Expires 12 months from purchase Half session = 30 min Full session = 50 min Non-refundable, non-transferable

Welcome to the J Wellness Collective! Enhance your fitness routine with a range of add-on services, from acupuncture to yoga therapy, designed to reduce strain, improve mobility, and support your overall well-being.

Packages Available
Add relaxation to your wellness routine at the Tucson J! Book a one-hour massage with massage therapist Nathan Silva where he will help you unwind, release tension, and fee refreshed. The Massage studio is in a private room in the Fitness Center. Upon booking, Nathan will contact you to set up your appointment. Nathan Silva...
Packages Available
Add relaxation to your wellness routine at the Tucson J! Book a one-hour massage with massage therapist Tammi Defelice on Wednesdays, where she will help you unwind, release tension, and feel refreshed. The massage studio is in a private room in the Fitness Center. Upon booking, please contact Tammi at (520) 370-3018 or tdefelice@tucsonjcc.org to...
Packages Available
The Alexander Technique is recognized as one of the most effective ways to change negative habitual patterns of movement, posture and function. Addressing the health and function of the feet as we age is also essential for experiencing proper body mechanics from the ground up. Are you standing on your feet or are you distributing...
Packages Available
Work individually, with a buddy, or in a small group, with trainer Emily Ellis, certified pre- and post-natal yoga specialist, for low-impact strength sessions to help improve stability, posture, balance, bladder control, and every day movement. Book sessions to work with your schedule and individual needs–whether you’re healing after pregnancy or looking to maintain strength...
Packages Available
Work individually, with a buddy, or in a small group, with trainer Emily Ellis, certified pre- and post-natal yoga specialist, for low-impact strength sessions to help improve stability, posture, balance, bladder control, and every day movement. Book sessions to work with your schedule and individual needs–whether you’re healing after pregnancy or looking to maintain strength...
Packages Available
Work individually, with a buddy, or in a small group, with trainer Emily Ellis, certified pre- and post-natal yoga specialist, for low-impact strength sessions to help improve stability, posture, balance, bladder control, and every day movement. Book sessions to work with your schedule and individual needs–whether you’re healing after pregnancy or looking to maintain strength...
Packages Available
Add relaxation to your wellness routine at the Tucson J! Book a massage with Rita Madrid, LMT, MMP. Rita is available Mon, Tue, Thu and weekends. Upon booking, please contact Rita at 520-987-1946. Rita is a licensed massage therapist practicing for over 20 years. She is passionate about helping people feel their best to promote...
May 29th, 2026 – December 17th, 2026
Friday
Flow 1: Active Recovery Enjoy an active yet refreshing practice that enhances your already active lifestyle. Providing a mix of strength, mobility, flexibility, and injury prevention. Working from the ground up, to balancing postures, building a strong mind-body connection with the breath that nourishes the body. Made with the athlete in mind, yet everyone is...
June 1st, 2026 – December 27th, 2026
Monday
Flow 1: Active Recovery Enjoy an active yet refreshing practice that enhances your already active lifestyle. Providing a mix of strength, mobility, flexibility, and injury prevention. Working from the ground up, to balancing postures, building a strong mind-body connection with the breath that nourishes the body. Made with the athlete in mind, yet everyone is...
July 19th, 2026 – November 15th, 2026
Sunday
Join Emily Ellis, certified pre- and post-natal yoga specialist for a nourishing Pre-Natal Yoga class. The class will meet monthly every third Sunday running August-November from 4:30-5:30pm. This well-balanced yoga class is suitable for all trimesters during pregnancy. The class will include breathwork, stretching, gentle strengthening, and meditation to connect with your baby.
August 8th, 2026 – October 23rd, 2026
Join Emily Ellis, certified pre- and post-natal yoga specialist for Postpartum Strength + Stretch (wearable babies 8 months and younger can come, too!). The class will meet weekly for four weeks on Saturdays at 2pm beginning August 8, and Fridays at 2pm for the October session beginning October 2. This functional exercise class is focused...
November 7th, 2026
Hands and feet are important to the function, mobility, balance, and coordination of our entire bodies, but they often don’t get the attention they deserve! Join Stephanie Sohns, multi-certified body practitioner, for a one-day workshop on Saturday, November 7 from 10am-12pm. Participants will learn how to unwind and open these areas of the body by...

Personal Training Pricing

Personal Training Sessions expire 1 year from purchase, non-refundable and non-transferable. Personal Training to be paid before services.

Session Type
Length of Session
Description
Single Session (Member/Guest)
Five Session Package (Member/Guest)
Ten Session Package
Twenty Session Package
One-on-one
Full (50 Minutes)
1 Trainer + 1 Client
$81/$102
$366/$490
$732
$1463
One-on-one
Half (30 Minutes)
1 Trainer + 1 Client
$54/$81
$243/$387
$485
$969
Buddy
Full
1 Trainer + 2 Clients
$119
$567
$1133
N/A
Buddy
Half
1 Trainer + 2 Clients
$74
$340
$680
N/A
Semi Private
Full
1 Trainer + 3-5 Clients
N/A
$191/$248 (price is per person)
$361/$469 (price is per person)
N/A
Template Training
Half
1 Trainer + 1 Client
$237 for two sessions Members Only
N/A
N/A
N/A

Meet the Trainers

Get started on your path to a better you! Contact any one of our personal trainers below to discuss your fitness goals and we will develop a training program around your individual needs.

Personal Trainers + Nutrition Coaches

Clive Roberts

Clive Roberts

Personal Trainer

319.800.9310

About

  • Get to know Clive:

    Clive was born in Georgetown, Guyana in South America. His family immigrated to Toronto, Canada when he was ten years old, then relocated to the United States for college and came to Tucson in 2022.

    Clive has succeeded the last 20 years in developing NCAA athletes at the Division 1 level. He has coached a World Silver Medalist in the 200m dash, a European championship competitor. Clive strives to make his clients a healthier, happier, stronger version of themselves.

    Clive’s responsibility is to develop a program to meet your needs and positively impact your life. He wants to equip you with the tools to be able to go out and conquer each day. This includes the 65-year-old grandfather that yearns to have the strength to pick up his grandson AND the 16-year-old emerging elite athlete that wants to take the next step in reaching her athletic goals. Loving husband and father of two children

    Certifications + Experience:

    • BS in Finance
    • Master of Arts in Physical Education
    • USA Track and Field Level 2 Coach
    • US Strength and Conditioning Specialist
    • Landmine University Specialist
    • Career Highlights include coaching 50 NCAA All-Americans, 29 Big Ten Champions, and a 2019 IAAF World Champion Silver Medalist (Women 200m)
Denise Bermudez

Denise Bermudez
(she/her)

Personal Trainer

520.548.4748

About

  • Get to know Denise:

    Born and raised in Tucson, Denise focuses on specific needs for each of her clients. Her programming builds off foundational movement patterns, core strength work and weight training exercises. With over seventeen years of experience, Denise has worked with a wide variety of clientele that include young athletes to senior adults. Her intent is for her clients to gain confidence and strength to be able to perform everyday activities adequately. Outside of the Tucson JCC, Denise is a mother to Diego and Santi as well as a wife to Alejandro.

    Certifications + Education: 

    • AFAA and ACE Personal Training
    • AFAA Group Fitness
    • AFAA Senior Adults Certification
    • Back and Neck Ergonomics Certification
    • Matrix Cycling Certification
    • TRX Group Fitness Certification
    • Barre Certified
Gabe Parada

Gabe Parada

Personal Trainer

520.390.5727

About

  • Get to know Gabe:

    Gabe was born in Tucson but raised in Tubac, AZ. Gabe’s experience with weight lifting goes back a long time. Gabe is a graduate of PCC as a fitness professional. He enjoys working with young, aspiring athletes looking to excel in their specific sport and with seniors who may have trouble doing general activities of daily living. Gabe loves being a dad to his young baby boy, collecting fitted caps, riding ATVs, and watching football!

    Certifications + Experience:

    • ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
    • Pima Community College Graduate, Fitness Professional
    • TRX Level 1 Certified
    • 15+ Years of Weight Lifting Experience
jamie_high

Jamie High

Personal Trainer

213.817.2315

About

  • Get to know Jamie:

    Jamie was born and raised in Tucson. For many years, Jamie has immersed himself in the world of fitness. Upon embarking on his own personal journey toward a healthier lifestyle, Jamie noticed that every aspect of his life was positively impacted by a regular exercise routine. The profound and positive influence of physical activity became Jamie’s driving force, compelling him to extend this transformative power to his family and community.

    With a foundation built upon coaching a dynamic youth soccer team, Jamie has cultivated a deep understanding of foundational principles like stabilization, strength, and power. His expertise encompasses a diverse array of techniques, including resistance training, plyometrics, and cardio exercises.

    Jamie is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). His ultimate aspiration is to uplift and embolden individuals, guiding them to unleash their fullest potential. Beyond his role as a fitness enthusiast and personal trainer, Jamie thrives as a devoted husband and a loving father to his cherished daughter.

    Certifications + Education:

    • Personal Trainer, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
DSC_5354

Markel Butcher

Personal Trainer

562.362.9410

About

  • Get to know Markel:

    Markel Butcher is from Long Beach California and is a dedicated sports athlete and former Division I Football player with a passion for strength and conditioning. A proud graduate of the University of Arizona, Markel earned a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis on sports. During his four years as a wide receiver for the UofA football team, he developed not only his athletic skills but also a deep understanding of training methodologies.

    With two years of experience as an intern in strength and conditioning at the University of Arizona, Markel has contributed to the training programs of various sports teams including basketball, football, baseball, track and field, tennis, and cheerleading. His expertise encompasses strength training, speed training, plyometrics, and Olympic lifting.

    As a coach, Markel is passionate about challenging athletes to push their limits and demonstrating that with belief and perseverance, anything is possible. He thrives on helping others become the best versions of themselves, both physically and mentally. Markel is also a proud father and enjoys working out to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

    Certifications + Experience:

    B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies

    Interned in Strength and Conditioning at the University of Arizona

Mary Teachey Maher

Mary Teachey Maher, MS
(she/her)

Personal Trainer

520.906.9192

About

  • Get to know Mary:

    Over the past 26 years Mary’s practice has matured into inclusive fitness for everybody; from Ironmen, Senior Olympians, new moms, and great-grandparents! As a Corrective Exercise Specialist, she also trains clients in post-operative recuperation, chronic pain and illness, Osteoporosis, cardiac rehab and movement disorders.

    Beginning with the study of dance at age 5, a love of science, and extreme outdoor adventures starting in her teens, Mary promptly transitioned into Fitness and Research careers in college and beyond Graduate School. Her continuing education includes nutrition for Cancer prevention and intermittent fasting for insulin resistance.

    With an Interdisciplinary MS in Physiology and multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals, Mary easily applies the Scientific Method and critical thinking to program design. Her mission is to create optimum health through integrative wellness for her clients.

    Certifications:

    • MS, University of Arizona 
    • Corrective Exercise Specialist, National Academy of Sports Medicine 
    • National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) graduate, Alaska Mountaineering 
Patty Babel

Patty Babel

Personal Trainer

520.204.7982

About

  • Get to know Patty:

    As a lifelong athlete, Patty found strength and fitness training to be key to her health and happiness. She appreciates how much her dedication to fitness has paid off. As she has gotten older, she sees how adapting to limitations that come with aging is important going forward.

    She enjoys working with clients who want to be challenged as we ll as those who are challenged. She has enjoyed working with memory care clients and those with developmental disabilities. For all her clients she likes to keep her workouts interesting, effective, and fun!

    Patty owned a gardening business since moving to Tucson in 2000 but felt she wanted to share her passion for health and fitness with others. In 2012 she returned to school at Pima to enroll in the fitness professional program certification and is certified by ACSM. She’s been a trainer at the J since 2 014. She has continued her education and has added several certifications.

    Certifications + Education:

    • ACSM TRX Suspension Training. ACE Corrective Exercise Specialist.
    • Senior Fitness Specialist. ACE Orthopedic Exercise Specialist
    • Graduate of Pima Community College
Rhina Gerhauser

Rhina Gerhauser

Personal Trainer

520.850.5924

About

  • Get to know Rhina:

    Clients of all ages and abilities work with Rhina. With over 35 years in the Health and Fitness industry, and well-known for her in-depth knowledge of Functional Movement, Rhina is committed to helping clients, including the active ager and older adult, improve balance, strength, flexibility, mobility as well as cardiovascular, cognitive, and mental health.

    Rhina’s credentials include working alongside physicians, nutritionists, behaviorists, and physical therapists at her own Wellness Clinic, Canyon Ranch, and Proactive Physical Therapy. This experience is invaluable particularly when addressing more specialized needs including chronic conditions, neurological disorders, weight loss, joint replacement, and brain health, including dementia.

    An accomplished athlete (52 marathons and 41 half-marathons), avid community volunteer, and fluent Spanish speaker, Rhina was voted Top Instructor (AZ Daily Star) and received the JCCA Zahav award For Excellence in Elder Rehab.

    Certifications + Education:

    • BS, and Master’s coursework Business/Public Health
    • Functional Movement Specialist
    • ACE, TRX, Schwinn & Matrix Cycling, CORE/Resist-a-Ball, Barre Above
Vanessa Hansen Helms

Vanessa Hensen Helms
(she/her)

Nutrition Coach

520.401.7713

About

  • Get to know Vanessa:

    Vanessa has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and is trained in motivational interviewing and behavior change. Vanessa has worked in the helping professions for over 20 years. From case management, to counseling to crisis intervention, her focus has been on working with individuals to identify their biggest concerns and empowering them to make positive changes in their lives. She has now transferred those skills to work with individuals interested in improving their health and wellness. She is a certified nutrition coach and a group fitness instructor.

    Vanessa believes in “approach” goals not “avoid” goals. She thinks adding things to your life and your routines is easier and more realistic than being restrictive. She will meet you where you are NOW and will work with you to make changes you are comfortable with.

    She is excited to get to know you and your goals and help you establish habits that will create a lifelong and deep health!

Jase Colson-2

Jase Colson
(he/they)

Personal Trainer

310.245.3477

About

  • Get to know Jase:

    Jase is from Torrance, California and moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. His passion for fitness began during the pandemic, but he didn’t realize that it could be made into a career until he started going to the UofA Recreation Center. In 2023, he got certified as a Personal Trainer with the NCSF and began working the following year. Now graduated, he is excited to continue his career as a Personal Trainer at the Tucson J.

    Before getting certified, the sport of Powerlifting caught his attention. Jase has 3 Powerlifting competitions under his belt, with more to come in the future. He uses this experience to program for his clients, with a focus on gaining strength and muscle. He makes sure his clients are doing movements that they enjoy, while also doing movements that will benefit get them closer to their fitness goals.

    Certifications and Experience

    NCSF Personal Training

    AFAA Group Fitness

    Powerlifting Competition Experience