Our Team
Travis Splettstoesser, head personal trainer
With over 9 years of nationally accredited experience in personal training, I am certified by the National College of Exercise Professionals (NCEP) and have pursued continuing education in TRX, ViPR, StrongFirst Kettlebell, StretchLab Mobility, Hypervolt therapy, and pre/postnatal fitness. My background also includes hands-on work as a physical therapy assistant, which has shaped my corrective, ground-up approach to posture and movement. I’m passionate about helping clients move and feel better in their everyday lives—safely and effectively working toward their fitness goals.
Growing up playing football, soccer, baseball, track (100m), cross-country, and wrestling, health and fitness have always played a major role in my life. These experiences instilled in me the importance of recovery, balance, and building sustainable habits both inside and outside the gym. Outside of training, I’m an artist who enjoys working in charcoal and black-and-white realism. I have a deep love for music and a strong connection to the outdoors—anything that gets me moving or inspires creativity.
Valerie Carstens, PERSONAL TRAINER/client onboarding coordinator
I’m a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer and CNC(Certified Nutrition Coach) through NASM. I have over 5 years experience with personal training and 3 years experience with nutrition coaching. My love for movement came from years of physical hobbies from dancing doing jazz, ballet and hip-hop classes to gymnastics and swim lessons. I grew up pretty active! My love for lifting weights started in high school. Once I moved to the Bay Area I started my career as a personal trainer working with a range of ages from 30 to 85 years old. I’m passionate about helping my clients achieve their health goals through exercise and nutrition as I believe both aspects are important for improving everyday life and longevity. My approach is to help my clients understand the why behind what exercises we do and how it improves their quality of life, as well as educating my clients on the importance of eating the right amount of macronutrients and micronutrients to feel good and see lasting results. When I’m not working with my clients, I enjoy spending time with my husband doing workout classes, going to our family lake house and wake surfing/swimming, adventuring to the mountains, snowboarding, and going on long walks/hikes. We love going out to dinner with family or enjoying a quiet night in with our two cats, Frosty and Blaze.
Zach Padlo,
PERSONAL TRAINER
I am a NASM certified personal trainer with specialization in Corrective Exercise. I have been in the industry for nearly a decade, with an extensive dance background in Ballet and Folk Dance.
I trained with San Francisco Ballet, City Ballet of San Francisco, and as a former company member of Pacific Ballet Dance Theater in Burbank, CA . As a younger dancer, I toured with a pre-professional folk dance group Presidio Dance Theatre in San Francisco for 20 years. I am glad to be a part of the Core total Fitness team!
Certifications: NASM CPT, GPTS, BCS, CES, TRX specialist
Val Pryor,
group class instructor
I’m a strength and conditioning specialist, born and raised in the Bay Area Peninsula. I’ve played and participated in many sports and athletic activities throughout my life. Original personal training certification from NASM and strength and conditioning certified from ISSA way back in 2004. I’ve worked with top fitness facilities and clients for over 20 + years. My classes combine dynamic pylometrics, resistance training, calisthenics, cardio and combat drills. I believe hard work brings great results, but if you don’t like it, you won’t keep doing it. So I’ve created a unique fitness style that mixes superb fitness movements with great music from all genres and generations. You should enjoy your workouts, not just endure them.
Marissa Alvarez, personal trainer
I’m an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer who recently transitioned from a career as an RN/NP to pursue my passion for health, movement, and helping others feel confident in their bodies. As a former collegiate athlete, I have a lifelong connection to athletics and I believe that movement is a powerful form of medicine. I take a supportive, holistic approach to training, helping clients accomplish their goals and build strength, confidence and comfort in the gym. Whether someone is new to fitness or returning after time away, my goal is to create a positive, sustainable experience that fits real life. Originally from the area, I recently relocated back from New York City. I enjoy hiking, adventuring, staying active, and spending time with family, friends and my dog.
Justin Tiu, personal trainer
I was born and raised in Daly City and have worked in the fitness industry since 2016. I currently hold certifications for; NASM Certified Personal Trainer, NASM Group Fitness Instructor, and NASM Golf Fitness Specialist. My own training background has been in powerlifting, strength & conditioning, & martial arts. I am a big believer that health and movement are the keys to achieving whatever your goals are, inside and outside of the gym. When we move and feel better, we can make better decisions and keep the momentum of growth going forward. Let’s get after it!
ELLIOTT SPEAR, OWNER
AMY TRUEL, OPERATIONS MANAGER
