BENICIA TRAINERS
Denise Brazeal
My name is Denise Brazeal and I am the founder and president of Training Loft 714 INC. I've been living and breathing fitness since I can remember but decided to do it professionally about 18 years ago after earning my Graduate degree and realizing that this was my true passion. I am certified in personal training, sports nutrition, group exercise, kickboxing, TRX and power Vinyasa yoga. I am also a former PNBA Professional and NPC Figure competitor.
I am confident that anyone, at any age or fitness level can achieve their goal of losing weight, looking great and being healthy with the right exercise program, eating plan and support system. Change takes a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment but I am certain I can help anyone change their life as long as they are willing to put in the work it takes to get there. Whether you are looking to build muscle, get lean or just want to get healthy and feel better about yourself, I can help you get there...and stay there!
Contact: (707) 319-4158 or loft714@yahoo.com
Mark Rualo
My name is Mark Rualo and fitness is my passion. There is no greater feeling than assisting people in achieving their goals and objectives through exercise. I am an AFAA certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor. I am also a qualified TRX instructor. Come try one of my classes : Cardio Blast Kickboxing & Sculpt Fusion. If you are looking for a personal trainer, I am your guy! I would be happy to help you on your fitness journey.
Contact: (707) 980-9453 or markrualo@att.net.
Kati Elzey

My name is Katie Elzey and I moved here in 2013 from New Orleans when my husband and I relocated to Benica for his career. This opened up the door for me to live my dream of helping others enjoy moving, strengthening, sweating, getting creative with their gym life/training, and challenging their bodies as much as I do.
I believe our bodies were made to be active...and as often as possible! I am a true believer in being adventurous every day whether it’s inside or outside the gym.
My husband Ashton and I love to hike the California hills, travel, and find adventure during our free time.
I am Certified Group Instructor and Personal Trainer with both AFAA and NASM. I am extremely passionate about fitness and look forward to helping others change their lives.
Contact Information: katielzey@yahoo.com or (504) 330-1529
Rami Fernandez

My name is Rami Fernandez and fitness is my passion. Being a busy mother of five and working as a registered nurse, I found that making time for myself to exercise brought me great happiness. Working out is now part of my lifestyle and a few years ago I decided to become a competitive bikini bodybuilder. I have learned the importance of dedication, discipline, and determination and that anyone can accomplish their goals when they put their minds to it with the right support system, instructors and coaches. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with others by teaching group fitness classes at the Loft. I’m ready to encourage and inspire everyone to reach their fitness goals. Come check out a sculpt or cardio class with me at the Loft.
Nicole Nolan

My name is Nicole Nolan, I’m a mother of 4 and have been married for 18 years. I got into group fitness in 2010 as a way to get a break from my young children. I loved feeling strong, confident and making time for myself. From there a passion grew for staying healthy, active and encouraging others to do the same. I started with step aerobics and taught many other formats but I've found my niche teaching kickboxing, strengthening and sculpting classes.
I've battled breast cancer at a relatively young age which has shown me first hand the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle. No matter your age or where you are in your life, its never to late to take a step towards a healthier more active version of yourself. Come join me Thursday mornings for sculpting Bootcamp and invest in yourself and your health.
Wendy DuBois

My name is Wendy DuBois. I am the surgery coordinator for the main operating room and surgery center, as well as the tissue specialist for Marin Health Medical Center. I was previously a surgical technologist, but suffered a back injury on the job nine years ago. I was always an active person growing up playing soccer, softball and running track. But with my injury and having two kids the weight gain made me feel like my light dimmed and all hope was lost. It wasn’t until I stepped through the doors of the Training Loft in October 2014 that I felt that light start to shine through. I felt as if I had finally found my place. “my home away from home.” Denise took me under her wing and begin training me with Modified moves. After a few months I was 70 pounds lighter, able to do more of the complex moves during classes and on my way to compete with Bay Area Knockouts in the bikini division. I have since competed in six different shows, placing top three in a few. The Training Loft taught me self discipline and has brought so much joy back into my life over the years, that I decided to become a AFAA certified group fitness instructor. I wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to me. I want to motivate others to become the best versions of themselves. To give someone time to forget about all the stresses in life and be able to work towards healthier goals mentally and physically. I am so excited to be part of the Training Loft staff and I hope to see all of you soon!
Amy Raupach

My name is Amy Raupach.
Teaching yoga and helping individuals towards a pathway of health is my passion. I have had the pleasure to guide students at many stages in their lives, from beginners to advanced, injured to recovery, prenatal to post natal and more. I use my teaching style to skillfully enable practitioners to find greater depth of understanding and awareness through mediation, chanting, breath work, alignment and anatomy so they may grow and evolve in their practice and beyond.
I am a certified yoga instructor and have been teaching in the Benicia/Vallejo area since 2002.
When I’m not teaching or practicing yoga, you will find me walking, hiking, dancing, telling stories, playing games and spending time with family and friends.
Find out more: http://amy.raupach.com
Karina Oviatt

Hello, my name Karina. I have always been very passionate and enthusiastic about fitness my entire life. I grew up playing soccer along with a variety of other sports from basketball to track. I also love the outdoors and finding new ways to stay fit while having fun. Whether it is rappelling in a cave, zip lining or hiking, I am always up for a new adventure!
I am a certified personal trainer with an NCSF certification. I am Taebo certified and a group fitness instructor for sculpt, cardio kickboxing and circuit training.
I find joy in helping others be passionate about fitness and reaching the goals they have set for themselves. I believe each person deserves a customized workout specific to their individual needs and wants to attain their goals.
Ashley Bennigson

My name is Ashley Bennigson and I grew up here in Benicia.
My love for fitness started at a young age, watching my parents live very active lifestyles. My competitive nature led me to play softball, which eventually landed me a full scholarship to the University of Nevada.
During my college years and thereafter, I trained at a high level, mixing up my workouts with various forms of cardio, strength work and a few competitions/races.
After the birth of my two daughters I found a new appreciation for what the body is capable of. I always want to be a prime example to my children and teach them that we have one body, so we must care for it appropriately through movement and proper nourishment.
I’ve grown to realize after having my children and dealing with a torn meniscus, that incorporating low intensity work into a normally very intense regimen is key to remaining healthy as we age.
I fell in love with Pilates after years of resisting this type of training, due to wrongfully subscribing to the idea of “harder, faster, better, stronger.”
I believe anyone and everyone can benefit by adding Pilates to their regular workout routine. Focusing on core strength, lengthening and a mind-body connection will only help and aid with longevity.
I am a certified mat Pilates instructor with Power Pilates NY and I am continuing to certify on apparatus, such as the reformer. In early 2022 I’ll be graduating from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, which will allow me to practice as an Integrative Nutrition and Health Coach.
I’m extremely passionate about fitness, nutrition and helping others improve their lives, from the inside-out.