To empower individuals to realize their inherent strength and live longer, healthier, happier lives through safe, sustainable strength training, personalized nutrition, and holistic wellness.

We envision a world where all individuals have the strength to reach their full potential.

Meet Our Team

We’re proud to introduce our exceptional team of personal trainers in our Pasadena gym, Echo Park/DTLA gym, and Beverly Grove/Mid-City gym. Each instructor is highly qualified and specializes in The Strength Shoppe’s uniquely effective slow-cadence strength training method. Whether you’re training at our Pasadena studio or Echo Park/DTLA location, you can trust you’re in expert hands. Using state-of-the-art equipment and their extensive knowledge, our trainers are dedicated to helping you achieve transformative results efficiently and safely. Meet our team on this page—we look forward to learning more about you and guiding you on your journey to strength and wellness.

Melinda Hughes, MSHN, opened The Strength Shoppe in 2011 to bring the benefits of high-intensity strength training to Pasadena, California. In 2017, she expanded The Strength Shoppe, opening a second location in Echo Park/DTLA. Melinda discovered SuperSlow® strength training as a client. After experiencing more energy during the day and a more restful sleep each night, she realized her knee pain had disappeared and her back was stronger. In fact, her scoliosis wasn’t as pronounced because she had been able to safely correct muscular imbalances.

Working with hundreds of clients in tens of thousands of sessions as an instructor of slow-cadence training, Melinda attributes her passion for this method to the impact she has seen on the health of her clients. She loves to see clients of The Strength Shoppe significantly improve the quality of their lives, whether regaining the ability to walk unassisted, decreasing the amount of insulin necessary to control a diabetic condition, or simply fitting into a smaller pant or dress size.

Melinda graduated from Denison University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts magna cum laude with an Honors diploma. She earned a certification as a Nutrition Consultant from Hawthorn University, an accredited holistic health institute dedicated to the ongoing education of health professionals, before returning for a Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition (MSHN). Melinda is a certified American Council on Exercise (ACE) instructor and received her Power of Ten certification from Adam Zickerman in his Manhattan studio. She is a certified Mind Body Eating Coach through the Institute for the Psychology of Eating and advocates a balanced, active lifestyle with a whole foods diet and slow-cadence high-intensity strength training as the foundation for optimal health.

Melinda combines her expertise in holistic nutrition, exercise science, and the mind/body connection to coach clients all over the world into healing the relationships they have with their bodies so they may more easily shift into behaviors that positively contribute to the overall health they desire. Melinda helps people cultivate total health: mind, body, and spirit– and lead healthier, happier lives!

She invites you to join the Free Facebook group by clicking HERE!

As an executive producer in the television industry for over a decade, Arjen’s superpower is creating compelling content. Arjen creates The Strength Shoppe’s content with the intent to educate through an entertaining and enjoyable experience. He crafts our educational content in a way that is easy to understand, extremely motivating, and compelling to open the minds and hearts of our clients so they may be able to love themselves and create their best possible lives. 

Through Arjen’s career in the entertainment industry, he experienced firsthand how the stress of a demanding schedule and long hours could negatively impact a person’s health. His slow-cadence, high-intensity strength training sessions his energy, relieved chronic pain, and even helped him regain his strength after a fall that shattered his heel in lieu of traditional physical therapy. He improved his muscle definition and overall health so dramatically and with such a small weekly time commitment, he knew he had found a solution that really worked for him. 

Arjen was born and raised in The Netherlands where he studied business and graduated with a B.A. in Business, specializing in business management, before immigrating to America to study film. His education and expertise in the entertainment industry serve The Strength Shoppe well in how expertly and clearly he communicates our messages in marketing content as well as course and program materials.

Jazzy has always had an interest in physical training and nutrition.  After moving to Los Angeles from Texas in 2013, she started researching strength training for her own workouts which led her to study for and acquire her certification as a Personal Trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She was introduced to the concept of Super Slow then became a certified instructor after seeing how transformative the method is for everyone.

Jazzy has experience working with clients of all ages and varying injuries. She enjoys working one-on-one with clients and loves helping people stay motivated and consistent with their workouts. Her goal is to make sure her clients have a positive relationship with physical activity by sharing her knowledge and experiences.

Zach Lewis has long been an advocate of healthy living. After graduating from New York University, he became certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and began his personal training career at New York Health and Racquet in Lower Manhattan.

A short time later, a fitness colleague introduced him to the SuperSlow® technique and talked Zach into trying it out himself. Zach was amazed by how safe and efficient his workouts became. A shoulder injury that had plagued him for years became non-existent. He was thrilled with all the free time he had now that he didn’t have to workout 4 days a week anymore. The results he experienced convinced Zach to begin training all of his clients exclusively in this “new” method, which in turn led to his employment and study under two of the leading figures of slow-cadence, high-intensity weight training at their respective NYC-based facilities. The first was Fred Hahn (author of The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution) at Serious Strength. The second was Adam Zickerman (author of Power of 10: The Once-A-Week Slow Motion Fitness Revolution) at InForm Fitness.

Zach is passionate about exercise and truly enjoys helping clients meet their fitness goals. He moved to California in 2012 and began training at The Strength Shoppe almost as soon as his feet touched the ground. He has been a personal trainer in Pasadena ever since and is thrilled to be living and working in sunny So Cal.

 Zorayda Guintu has always loved sports, participating in every athletic endeavor available, from volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, track and scuba diving, to a short stint in wrestling, where she dislocated her knee, bringing her to a new world of chronic pain. Having worked as a massage therapist in both chiropractic and physical therapy offices, she was familiar with rehabilitation procedures and the option of surgery.

Instead of opting for surgery, her path led her to the study of alternative methods of health and wellness. Certified as a yoga instructor, Zorayda found The Strength Shoppe’s super slow training was a perfect fit in training based on body awareness and breathwork. In addition, the science-based training was so thorough and effective, the step to becoming a Power of 10 trainer immediately became a calling.

Zorayda is a graduate of UCLA, with a Bachelor of Arts in History. She is ACE certified with a Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification from NASM, and earned her Power of Ten Certification from Adam Zickerman.

Dustin has been a personal trainer for many years. He grew up enjoying activities that were physically challenging and always knew he wanted a career in fitness. He started his fitness journey with bodybuilding during high school, and soon after, became captivated with powerlifting.

During his time powerlifting, Dustin endured many injuries and learned a considerable amount about rehabilitation. He was introduced to slow training and realized how much safer the slow training method is when compared to traditional weight training.

Dustin’s primary goal is to help others feel as good in their body as he does. He enjoys meditation and energy work and believes physical fitness and embodiment are necessary for people to be happy in their bodies.

Currently, Dustin is a martial artist as he practices Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu. He plans to continue fighting, eventually transitioning to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

As the daughter and niece of doctors, Gabrielle’s after school and summer hours were often spent working at the clinic in San Diego. She fell in love with making people’s lives better and studied with leading professionals in Craniosacral Therapy, Shiatsu massage, Feldenkrais, and Acupuncture/Acupressure.

Armed with a film degree from New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Gabrielle moved back to the west coast. She started personal training in a small Culver City gym while pursuing a degree in psychology. After years of traditional strength training leaving Gabrielle and her clients in pain, she discovered the SuperSlow method and got certified in high-intensity, slow-cadence strength training. It has been a total game changer.

Gabrielle loves pushing clients in the gym to reach their full potential outside of the gym– whether that be hitting a ball harder or hitting a higher number on that bone density score. She wants to help you enjoy ALL of your life in the most pain-free way possible.

Anwar is a NASM certified personal trainer with over 8 years of experience in both high-intensity slow-cadence strength training as well as traditional strength and conditioning. He studied nutrition and fitness at the University of Missouri Columbia before moving to Los Angeles to study music and guitar performance at Los Angeles College of Music.

Anwar has been an athlete nearly all of his life and began weight training at the age of fifteen. Primarily a track and field athlete, strength and conditioning became an integral part of his routine. During his time in college he took interest in kinesiology and how the human movement system functions. He was fascinated by the direct and tangible correlation between what we do with our bodies and how they respond to a given stimulus.

In 2015 he was introduced to high-intensity slow-cadence strength training while working as a personal trainer. He quickly went on to master the technique and assumed the position of Certification Supervisor where he was tasked with teaching and certifying new trainers in the method. “The thing that I like most about slow-motion strength training is that it is a fantastic way to gain foundational strength, safely. Anyone of any age or ability can be taught how to execute this method and see results”. From clients as young as teenagers to 90+, Anwar has in-depth knowledge and experience and truly enjoys helping people enrich their lives through exercise.

Derek has always been passionate about movement and the science behind it. Growing up in a family of college athletes and playing Division III ultimate frisbee at Emerson College, he developed a deep connection to sports and fitness. After experiencing multiple injuries that led to years of physical therapy, Derek discovered a new appreciation for the power of corrective exercise and injury prevention.

He became certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and spent several years training clients in Chicago, helping them build strength, recover from injuries, and move with confidence. After relocating to Los Angeles, Derek discovered the Super Slow method and was immediately drawn to its science-backed benefits for injury resistance and sustainable strength.

Derek is passionate about educating and empowering clients, and he brings a calm, motivating presence to every session. He’s thrilled to be part of The Strength Shoppe team, helping clients reach their goals and feel stronger in their everyday lives.

Tom discovered High-Intensity Strength Training in 2017 at The Strength Shoppe, initially as a dedicated client seeking personal transformation. This pivotal experience reshaped not only his physique, but also his sense of purpose. Though he didn’t grow up immersed in sports or fitness, Tom recognized—later in his 30s—the need to reclaim control over his health. What began as simple curiosity soon evolved into a deep passion, and eventually, a fulfilling profession.

Today, Tom is committed to guiding others toward strength, confidence, and empowerment. With genuine empathy and personal insight, he remembers what it felt like to step into a gym for the first time—uncertain and self-conscious. His own transformative journey fuels his approach and allows him to authentically connect with clients, helping them overcome doubt and reach new heights in both physical and mental well-being. For Tom, strength training goes beyond exercise—it’s about reclaiming agency, confidence, and vitality. Helping others experience that powerful transformation isn’t just his career—it’s his mission.

Tiffany’s connection to The Strength Shoppe runs deep—her family has been training here for generations. Her grandparents were among the Pasadena studio’s early clients, followed by her parents, herself, and now her son. On some days, you might even find four generations of her family working out at the same time!

She fondly remembers her grandfather bragging about his DEXA scan results—at 85, he had the bone density of a 23-year-old, which he credited to good genes and years of consistent strength training. His pride and results inspired Tiffany’s lifelong belief in the power of this method.

Outside the studio, Tiffany holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and teaches an Advanced Pre-K/Kindergarten class. Becoming a certified instructor in high-intensity strength training was a natural next step for her—a way to merge her educator’s growth mindset with her passion for lifelong health. 

Having witnessed firsthand the impact of this training across generations of her own family, Tiffany is passionate about sharing it with others—helping clients of all ages build strength, confidence, and vitality for life. She believes that trying something new, at any age, keeps us vibrant and alive.

Julia’s early passion for sports set the foundation for a lifetime devoted to health and fitness. Her soccer career spanned 16 years at the recreational, club, high school, and collegiate levels. After hanging up her cleats, Julia turned her focus towards strength training, eventually leading her to the world of bodybuilding. She competed in the NPC federation at both the regional and national levels, placing amongst the top of her class in the Bikini division.

After years of training intensely for hours each day, Julia began to experience the effects of overtraining. At this time, a longtime client of The Strength Shoppe introduced her to our training philosophy. Fascinated by the science of slow-motion resistance training, she discovered a more sustainable approach to fitness for all ages and abilities—one that emphasizes quality over quantity and places recovery at the heart of the process.

Julia combines her experience with a genuine passion for empowering clients to build strength and enhance mind-body awareness. By focusing on steady growth, consistency, and long-term support, she coaches clients to reach their goals—one slow, controlled rep at a time.

Denice loves being a part of The Strength Shoppe team. From the moment she was introduced to this unique approach to strength training, she was hooked. What drew her in was how gentle yet effective it was—a mindful way to build strength that left her feeling both empowered and deeply connected to her body. As she witnessed her own transformation, and later saw similar changes in her clients, her passion for helping others grow stronger both physically and mentally, continues to deepen.

As a Mind-Body Somatic practitioner, Denice brings a holistic understanding of the connection between physical movement and emotional well-being. She believes that slowing down during workouts allows us to truly tune into our bodies, fostering presence, awareness, and self-compassion alongside physical strength.

Outside the studio, Denice loves spending time with her husband, Ryan, and their two beloved fur babies—Cubby, the sweet and timid dog, and Lea, the spirited and playful cat who keeps everyone on their toes.

Brooke’s passion for health and longevity began at an early age. Diagnosed with celiac disease at just seven years old, she experienced firsthand how profoundly nutrition, inflammation, and movement can affect the body. While navigating related autoimmune complications, including rheumatoid arthritis, she spent significant time in physical therapy rebuilding her strength and reintroducing movement. Those experiences sparked a lasting fascination with nutrition, exercise, recovery, and the body’s ability to become stronger and more resilient.

Brooke earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Applied Nutrition from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nutritional Science at the University of Southern California on her path toward becoming a Registered Dietitian, with a particular interest in aging, healthspan, and longevity.

A NASM Certified Personal Trainer and former barre instructor, Brooke combines her academic foundation in nutrition with a passion for preserving strength and physical function throughout the lifespan. She is especially interested in the role nutrition and resistance training play in maintaining muscle, bone health, metabolic health, independence, and quality of life as we age.

Having experienced her own journey from illness and physical rehabilitation to strength, Brooke understands that health is not simply about how the body looks, but what it allows us to do throughout our lives. She loves helping clients at The Strength Shoppe build stronger, more capable bodies and a foundation for longer, healthier, more active lives.

David is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and holds a degree in Kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona. With more than eight years of training experience, David has developed a deep appreciation for the role intelligent strength training can play in improving physical capability, resilience, and long-term health.

David also works alongside a physical therapist and has experience training clients returning to exercise following surgery or injury, as well as individuals living with chronic illness or disability. This experience has strengthened his ability to thoughtfully adapt exercise to each person’s individual needs, limitations, and goals.

David takes an evidence-based, individualized approach to training, placing a strong emphasis on proper technique, appropriate intensity, and thoughtful progression. Whether working with someone new to strength training or an experienced exerciser, he enjoys helping clients better understand their bodies, build confidence in their physical abilities, and become progressively stronger.

At The Strength Shoppe, David’s goal is to help each client build meaningful strength that supports not only their workouts, but their ability to remain active, independent, and physically capable throughout their lives.

Miles came to strength training by an unusual route: he learned the body by drawing it. Through Art/Design school and years of self-directed study, he trained himself to produce medical-level renderings of human musculature — and to draw a muscle accurately, you have to understand it completely. Where it attaches, how it fires, how it works with other muscles around it to create balance and complex movement.

For the past four years, Miles has studied and practiced across multiple disciplines — traditional weight training, calisthenics, and beyond — turning knowledge that began on paper into physical practice.

Slow-cadence training was a natural fit. Like a careful drawing, it rewards precision, patience, and total attention to form. When Miles coaches a rep, he isn’t guessing which muscle is working — he can picture it, and he helps his clients feel it too. His goal is to give every client the same thing drawing gave him: a real understanding of their own body, and the strength that comes from working with it deliberately, safely, and well.