All of our trainers are highly knowledgeable in fitness, training, and nutrition. Each is either certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine or is working towards this goal. Our trainers come from varied backgrounds and each offers a unique experience. But at Pendola Training we all work as a team encouraging everyone to reach their goals. All of our trainers continue their education by working out together two hours a week and attending a weekly hour long continuing education meeting.
As a teenager, Matt trained for the Olympics as a distance runner and was nationally ranked as a scholastic athlete. While in the Americorps NCCC he began training others in running and strength training. A few years after beginning a career as a forest firefighter and developing physical training programs for fire crews across the U.S., Matt decided to move to Reno to begin his career as a personal trainer.
His unique personality and dedication to his clients has made him a success in a very difficult business. This gym is a realization of the philosophies and techniques Matt has developed for his clients over the years.
Matt is an accomplished runner, cyclist and tennis ball boy.
Amy Burkett has lived in the Reno/Tahoe area all her life. She knew she wanted to be in the fitness/healthcare industry since she was in high school. Immediately out of high school Amy began working out at a gym and taking fitness classes. In 1998, she decided to become a fitness instructor and was certified by AFAA. Since then she has been teaching kickboxing, spinning, step and training classes 3 to 6 times a week.
In 2001, Amy decided to take her career to the next level with Massage Therapy. She attended Bauar Healing Arts Center in Carson City, NV, and was licensed in May 2003. Since then she has been combining her knowledge of fitness and the human body to specialize in injury and rehabilitation therapy. Amy will be attending an intense CranioSacral Workshop in 2005. She is pleased to be able to bring her massage practice to Pendola Training.
Recently, Amy has taken on personal training. Her expertise in the human body make her uniquely qualified for the challenges that face a trainer. Her passion and dedication to helping people achieve their health goals makes her a valuable asset and an intuitive trainer.
An Olympian and Pan-Am games medal winner in Taekwondo, Robert owned his own martial arts studio in the Virgin Islands before coming to Reno. Once in Reno he began a career as a correctional officer and is certified as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, in Instructor Development, Edge Weapons Offense and Defense, Grappling for Law Enforcement, is a 1st degree Black belt in Judo and a 4th degree Black belt in Taekwondo, as well as a top level personal trainer. He hopes to one day open a yarn shop and raise kittens.
Mike's fitness and conditioning career includes a three sport prep career that continued as a college football player. Post university, he began coaching both football and basketball in the Reno area at the high school level where he continues to be involved. Married with a daughter in junior high (both pictured quite prettily at right), he has a particular view on preparing youth and adolescent athletes to gain optimum balance and performance for their individual sports. Mike is also an Xterra triathalon competitor.
Chad originally entered PT as the designer and artist (graphic, logo, website, murals) but through his Homeric internal journey realized that he couldn't leave the place. Luckily, Pendola Training also needed someone to oversee the business activities. Through Chad's cunning use of misdirection and slight-of-hand card tricks he convinced Matt (his best friend of 10+ years) that an artist is the best person to run his business. Within the gym Chad does everything but train clients, including creating his own art in his studio housed in the gym as well as being a NESTA certified nutrition coach. Visit his art and design work at www.designitsweet.com.
Cass been involved with the fitness scene since high school, but when she came to Pendola Training as a client in 2005, things just clicked. She decided to take her training a step further, and became NASM certified in February 2008. She's currently working on the Adult and Children's NESTA certification and NASM PES. She's finally found my life's calling!
