Athlon Elite takes immense pride in the education and experience of its personal trainers. You won’t find a more knowledgeable, passionate, driven, ELITE team of fitness professionals on the central coast. In fact we’re so confident in our abilities to get you the results you desire that we GUARANTEE it… or your money back!!
See the individual biographies of our trainers below…
Ryan Joiner, MS, CSCS
Qualifications:
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 2001
Master of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Biomechanics and Motor BehaviorCalifornia State University, Fresno 1996
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise PhysiologyCuesta College, San Luis Obispo 1993
Associate of Arts and Associate of Science DegreesAmerican College of Sports Medicine
Certified Health/Fitness SpecialistNational Strength and Conditioning Association
Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistUSA Weightlifting
Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach
Personal Profile:
Ryan is the founder of Athlon Health & Fitness and now Athlon Elite. He draws from 19 years of experience in health and fitness, orthopedic rehabilitation, sports performance, and the martial arts. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and a Master’s degree in Movement Behavior. He maintains three certifications from the most prestigious organizations in the field, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and USA Weightlifting.Over and above his academic training, Ryan has excelled in sports and the martial arts. A black belt in Shotokan Karate, Ryan competed as a kickboxer achieving a ranking of #3 in North America by the International Kickboxing Federation. He continues to train in the martial arts and pursue outdoor sports. A popular instructor and trainer, Ryan’s goal and passion is to be a true leader and innovator in the health and fitness industry!
Travis Harwood, CSCS, CPT
Qualifications:
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - Pending
Master of Science in KinesiologyCalifornia Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - 2006
Bachelor of Science in KinesiologyNational Strength and Conditioning Association
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Certified Personal TrainerRussian Kettlebell Challenge
Certified Russian Kettlebell InstructorPersonal Profile:
Travis was recruited to Athlon Elite after a year of working as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and he holds the very prestigious qualification of Certified Russian Kettlebell Instructor. Travis received his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology in 2007 and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Kinesiology, both from Cal Poly.Travis was a walk on to the Cal Poly Football team in 2006 where he gained his interest in exercise prescription, program design, personal training and coaching. Throughout his career at Cal Poly Travis has designed exercise programs and nutritional guidelines that allowed him to lose 100 pounds of body fat and compete, athletically, at the Division I level.
George Beckham, CPT
Qualifications:
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - Pending
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Human Movement & SportInternational Sports Sciences Association
Certified Personal Trainer
Personal Profile:
George came to Athlon Elite from a personal training position at the Cal Poly Rec Center. He has a background in topics ranging from sports performance to general health and weight loss. George is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Cal Poly. He his certified as a Personal Trainer by the International Sport Sciences Association.George has also excelled as an athlete. He was a successful high school wrestler, and currently competes in Powerlifting, with best lifts of an 804 lb. squat, 617 lb. bench press, and 611 lb. deadlift. Known for his ability to inspire hard work and create unique programs that lead his clients to success, George is a very sought-after and well-liked trainer.
Lindsay Bartsch, CPT
Qualifications:
Cuesta College
Associates of Science in KinesiologyAmerican College of Sports Medicine
Certified Personal TrainerLes Mills Certifications
Body Pump Certified
Body Combat CertifiedPersonal Profile:
Lindsay grew up here on the Central Coast and is currently attending Cuesta College pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. She will soon be transferring to Cal Poly to continue her training. She has worked in the fitness industry for over 3 ½ years; working as personal trainer, physical therapy aide, and a group fitness instructor. Lindsay’s goal is to go on to get her masters and become either a Pediatric Physical Therapist or a Sports Therapist. She is certified as a personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine, which is considered to be the “Gold Standard” in today’s Fitness Industry.Lindsay is a fitness enthusiast who loves staying active herself. She always says, “Even if you don’t think you like working out at first, keep on doing it, you’ll become an addict once you start feeling and seeing the results!” She loves her family, racquetball, playing with children, camping, photography, Bodycombat, blackberry pie, basketball, Body Pump, singing off pitch, a good book, the sunshine, smiling faces, and watching football.
Amy Kistler, CPT
Qualifications:
California State University, Chico 2007
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise ScienceAmerican Council on Exercise
Certified Personal TrainerEFI Sports Medicine
Certified Group Exercise LeaderPersonal Profile:
Amy grew up in Jamestown, California before moving to Chico, California to complete her degree in Kinesiology. She has been involved in sports most of her life. As a young girl she competed in gymnastics and dance, and in high school she added volleyball and soccer to her list of accomplished sports. In college she was active on the Chico Sate Dance Team, Expression, performing many shows at art events, sports games and festivals, and she danced/performed at a higher level for the Fusion Dance Company doing shows all over California, including regular performances at NBA games.She has been professionally involved with personal training and group exercise instruction for over four years now and has truly found it to be her passion. Her certifications through the American Council on Exercise and EFI Sports Medicine are just the beginning of a long and successful future in exercise and health instruction. She focuses on creating fun and unique exercise systems and believes that the systems at Athlon Elite are the best in the industry.
