Chanel
MARIE.
Learn about Chanel, who she is, what she stands for, and how she got her start.
Allow me to introduce myself...
Like many fitness trainers, movement is my passion. My journey began as a naturally gifted young athlete, participating in every organized sport my parents could manage, eventually leading me to compete at the Division I and European professional levels. Fitness has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. For years, I was accustomed to being told what to do, where to be, and when to be there. But when my athletic career ended, I found myself a bit lost. After 19 years of structure and direction, I wasn’t sure what the next step was at just 22.
I quickly realized that a traditional desk job wasn’t for me—my summer internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory during my junior year in college made that clear. Working at Enterprise Rent-A-Car for a year after graduation confirmed I couldn’t handle the monotony of the rental industry, and a brief stint in real estate showed me that the stress of constant demands was overwhelming. Then it hit me: coaching. When you can no longer play, you coach.
Since 2009, starting at Gold's Gym in Simi Valley, I’ve dedicated myself to helping people of all backgrounds achieve their health and fitness goals. By truly listening to their struggles, goals, and personal stories, I’ve connected with each client in a meaningful way. Over the past 15 years, every individual I’ve worked with has left a lasting impression on me. From Gold's Gym to Equinox, to running my own show, I live and breathe health and fitness.
I’ve had my time competing in Figure with the National Physique Committee (NPC), where I proudly placed first in three competitions and ranked in the top five at three others, including the NPC Nationals. Working with youth athletes and teams has been incredibly rewarding, as I’ve been able to encourage strength, teach proper mechanics, and emphasize the importance of speed work. Hosting group training sessions at my son’s school and my golf club has also been a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people. Lastly, Coaching online has expanded my ability to help those who aren’t local, showing me just how far-reaching my impact can be—one client at a time.
The love and support of my husband and two boys keep me grounded and energized. As an active family, we stay busy with youth sports, traveling, beach outings, and always encouraging each other to try new things to grow and evolve.
Bringing joy to movement. Organizing a movement that seeks joy in health and fitness. That's what I am all about.