The J is excited to welcome three new trainers to our nationally-certified team. Nick Lathrom, Denise Miano and Carlos Rijos-Soto add a variety of backgrounds, interests and experiences to our personal training roster. Learn more about our new trainers below and say hi the next time you see them at the J! Nick, Denise and Carlos are excited to meet our members.
Certifications & Degrees
• ExpertRating Certified Personal Trainer
• Crossfit Certifications in Level I, Power Lifting, Olympic Lifting & Crossfit Endurance
• Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science – Lindenwood University (May 2018)
Nick became a certified personal trainer in February 2015, however, his passion for fitness and helping people began much earlier in his life. Nick knew at a young age that he wanted to join the Army, and he knew that being as fit as he could be would help get him through basic training and further his military career. Due to his fitness, Nick’s commander made him his unit’s fitness coordinator after his first deployment. After his service in the Army, Nick knew he wanted to continue helping people improve their lives through fitness. He knew that poor health was one of the leading causes of death in our country, and his desire to help people prolong their lives steered him to become a personal trainer. We’re excited to have Nick and his passion for helping people here at the J!
“I chose the J because the clients and community are what the staff genuinely cares about. I wanted to be at a place where I can do my best to help people and know that I have a team around me who is doing the same thing.”
Certifications & Degrees
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
• NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration – Lindenwood University
Denise’s journey to becoming a personal trainer was a result of her own fitness experience. Frustrated with gaining a pound or two a year in spite of eating relatively healthy and hours of cardio a week, she knew she needed something different. Through working with a personal trainer and making minor changes to her nutrition, Denise discovered women aren’t destined to a life of chronic fatigue and weight gain! She lost 30 lbs., her energy level soared, she was able to both manage stress, and she was in the best shape she’d ever been. Training was so physically and mentally life-changing for Denise, that she knew she wanted to use her passion to help other people improve their lives. Welcome to the team, Denise! We’re excited for you to share your experience with our members.
“Training was so physically and mentally life-changing for me that I wanted to use my passion to help people improve their lives.”
Certifications & Degrees
• ISSA Certified Personal Trainer (International Sports Sciences Association)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish & Special Education
Carlos has been involved in sports and fitness the greater part of his life (he has more than 26 years of experience). He lives to make a difference in the world and the lives of others, and he loves to coach, teach and motivate people to become the best they can be. He sees his role of a trainer as something that helps put people on the right path to make a difference in their lives. Carlos loves family and community, and he chose to work at the J because of its role and reputation in the community. If you see Carlos at the J, ask him about his interests. Carlos competes in powerlifting and strongest man competitions around the world, and he also plays chess and basketball. He enjoys movies, reading, traveling and more. We’re excited to add another friendly face to our facilities, and we want to make sure you get to meet Carlos on your next visit.
“I believe every person has the right to develop his or her full potential – mentally, spiritually and physically. When people have the right coaching, discipline, determination and faith, they can achieve and become more than they could have ever imagined.”
Interested in reaching your fitness goals through personal training at the J? Contact Fitness Director Bernie Suddarth, 314.442.3452, with questions or to be matched with a personal trainer