Penn Campus Recreation

My name is Murvin English and I am a Philadelphia based NASM Certified Personal Trainer. I love helping clients improve their strength and overall well being. My training style is functional, incorporating traditional strength modalities with multi-plane movements with goals to improve balance, core strength and stability. This style of training is beneficial for everyone, from young aspiring athletes to our senior population. For the past 7 years, I have put together safe exercise programs backed by science that help my clients, improve strength, recover from injury and move through life with less pain. My goal as a trainer is to help clients develop a positive relationship with training so that it becomes a lifestyle. Second, inspire clients to set goals and enjoy the process as they work towards them without being so focused on the end result. Lastly, give my clients the knowledge and confidence to know how to use the gym equipment with good form and technique. After training with me, my hope is that you have a healthy relationship with fitness and exercise, food and nutrition, and a good life balance being free of guilt when you do decide to "enjoy" yourself. 

As a former collegiate athlete over 20 years past my days of competing, I am still very active. I participate in events like Spartan Races, Hyrox, I run 5k's and half marathons, and have run 1 Full Marathon. I am currently learning and training the martial art of  Muay Thai and looking forward to competing in that in the near future. My philosophy is to stay active, keep setting goals and continue to impress yourself. 

My specialties are in Performance Enhancement and Nutrition. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with you and doing amazing things together on your fitness journey.

Questions? Reach out to me! menglis@upenn.edu

Hello all, my name is John and I am NASM Certified Personal Trainer with Penn Rec.  My background competing in several sports and exercise modalities lead me into studying Exercise Science and Entrepreneurship at Temple University.  While there and following, I was active in the snowboarding and gymnastics club, trained in martial arts and competed in several free running competitions outside of school. 

Following my studies, I predominantly worked in the renewable energy industry doing technical installations, teaching others and helping grow several solar companies.  I gravitated back into the Fitness industry because I really love helping people transform into their best selves!

Despite being highly active my whole life, like many of you, I have experienced the perils of prolonged desk work, which turn out to be pretty bad for our bodies.  It’s imperative that we invest in ourselves with specific exercises and movements to counterbalance.   Also, having formally experienced and recovered from debilitating injuries and severe health issues, I wholeheartedly understand the journey of starting anew, again and again.

I’m happy to guide you wherever you are within your fitness journey.  Once we identify your goals, our personalized sessions will be appropriately challenging, rewarding and designed to progress sustainably.  Whether you are brand new to exercising or a celebrated athlete, my mission is to help you move better, gain confidence and feel energized during and after each session.

Looking forward to connecting!

My name is Matty Reid and I am a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with Penn Rec. I focus on all aspects of health including the connection between fitness and mental health, providing you with all the tools necessary to be successful on whatever fitness journey you embark on. I believe fitness should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and I am dedicated to creating a welcoming space where you can feel comfortable and empowered to reach your goals.

Coming from an aquatic fitness background, I discovered my passion for fitness right here at Penn Rec. Before the gym became my everyday setting, I worked multiple office jobs so understand the struggle of the 9 to 5 hectic work schedule, which is why I decided to leave the office and help busy professionals and students create sustainable healthy lifestyles. 

I am passionate about working with those seeking a gender-affirming and weight-neutral approach to training. My approach to training is based on “progress not perfection” in a come-as-you-are space, welcoming all emotions and bodies. We’ll have upbeat and fun training sessions, usually jamming out to whatever punk band I’m listening to!

Through personalized and rewarding training sessions, I aim to help clients achieve sustainable fitness habits that can be utilized beyond our sessions. Join me on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant life through training!

Hi all! My name is Ori and I am an ISSA certified personal trainer. I’m a student in Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences on the pre-med track.

I’ve always loved fitness since participating in my Bronx community 5ks at 10 years old. I then went on to run cross country throughout high school. At that same time, I started getting into the gym, and my goals have changed a lot since then. I’m a cross country runner turned weight lifter, who trains mainly for strength now. 

I specialize in strength and aesthetic training. And I can tell you personally, there’s no better feeling than crushing your PRs! I’d love nothing more than to help you guys get there. 

Everyone who has ever made progress in the gym started from nothing. We all do. And I know what it’s like to walk into a gym feeling like you don’t what to do. So, whether you have never picked up a dumbbell or are trying to hit a new max bench, I’m happy to help. My goal is to help you feel good about your progress and help you achieve your goals. So, what are your goals?

My name is Arlo, I am a NASM Certified Personal Trainer as of August 2020 and I am excited to be here working with members of the Penn community, especially those seeking a gender-affirming and weight-neutral approach to training. I also have specialized training working with older adults and disabled people. 

Through resistance training, I found a deeper connection to my body and mind which motivated me to pursue a personal training certification so that I could help others find their strength, access movement with confidence, and gain mental and physical benefits. I like to incorporate variations of balance/stability, plyometrics, agility and speed into strength training plans depending on each individual’s goals and interests. I aim to help clients achieve sustainable fitness habits through collaborative planning, intentional progressions, incorporating recovery, and sharing knowledge that can be utilized beyond our sessions together. Let’s get started!

Hi everyone! My name is Gia Sofia, and I’m a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Spin® Instructor with a passion for helping others build strength, confidence, and a positive relationship with movement. I’m currently a graduate student at American University pursuing my M.Ed. in Health and Wellness. I also hold a B.S. in Health Sciences with a focus in Exercise Science, and played lacrosse for 15 years. Lacrosse is how I first discovered my passion for the fitness and wellness field.

I’ve been coaching Spin® classes since 2022 and began working as a personal trainer in May 2025. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for helping people discover what their bodies are capable of and supporting them as they build sustainable, healthy habits.

I specialize in personal training and fitness for women, creating supportive and empowering spaces where clients can focus on both physical and mental well-being. I believe that all movement has value, and I enjoy incorporating a blend of functional training, plyometrics, and strength training into my clients’ workouts to help them move better, feel stronger, and build confidence both in and out of the gym. My goal is to help each client feel healthy, capable, and empowered through movement.

Hi everyone! My name is Shariyf and I have been an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer since 2019. I have experience working with an array of clients and specialize in helping clients lose weight, gain mass and muscle, as well as helping clients maintain their current weights. I also specialize in working with those with injuries. The workouts I implement are always fun and creative! I'll make sure that you will not only get a great workout, but I'll be there to motivate you through our sessions! I am a proud graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies. Outside of personal training I am a gym teacher for the School District of Philadelphia, teaching grades K-8! In my spare time I enjoy roller skating as a form of fun cardio! My goal is to train my clients long enough so that they know how to correctly do a number of exercises, feel comfortable inside a fitness center, and eventually be able to do these exercises on their own. So let's begin the process of getting you fit!

I am a dedicated and results-driven Personal Trainer with a comprehensive background in health education, wellness programming, and community outreach. With a Master’s degree in Community Health and extensive experience in both clinical and wellness environments, I have developed a strong foundation in promoting healthy lifestyles, offering personalized fitness plans, and leading group exercise classes. My mission is to empower individuals to achieve their health and fitness goals through safe, effective, and inclusive training techniques. I believe that fitness is not just about physical strength, but also about mental resilience, positive habits, and building confidence. My goal is to guide clients toward achieving their wellness objectives by providing personalized training in a safe and welcoming environment. I strive to make fitness accessible and enjoyable for all individuals, regardless of their starting point, and encourage each person to take ownership of their health journey. My schedule is flexible, and I am always excited to work with new clients who are eager to begin or continue their fitness journey.

Hey family, my name is Markel and I am a NASM-certified personal trainer and AFAA-accredited certified group fitness instructor. I am currently a graduate student at the college of nursing here at the University of Pennsylvania.

My passion for fitness began during my secondary education where I ran track and field and competed in events such as the 800-meter dash. That passion turned into my lifestyle during my Undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida where I taught a range of fitness formats such as cycle, bootcamp, and Functional 45-minute training. I excel in client programming involving high intensity interval training, plyometrics, and powerlifting. 

As a nursing student, I have come to find that fitness and healthcare are one in the same. I want to invigorate the community through exercise and medicine to establish preventative care.

Hey y'all, my name is Rachel Richards and I am a PhD Candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology with a passion for holistic fitness! Growing up, I was athletic and played many sports including soccer and track & field. However, I struggled with maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, which caused me to fall off track early in college. After a study abroad experience in Cyprus, I was exposed to a variety of different meal options and ways to incorporate a steady fitness plan to reach my goals. As an AAAI/ISMA (American Aerobic Association International/Sports Medicine Association) certified personal fitness trainer, I help my clients establish their fitness goals that focus on both short- and long-term health benefits. I specialize in weight-lifting, both strength and cardio endurance, and helping my clients establish a personal fitness program focused on their individual goals and works with their daily lifestyle. If you're ready to look good and feel good, I hope to help you get there!

Hello all! My name is Eva and I am a AAAI/ISMA certified personal trainer and a group exercise instructor at Penn Rec. Since 2023, I’ve been coaching with a passion for holistic fitness. My approach is individualized, incorporating strength, technique, mobility, and functional movements to help you reach your goals. I will motivate you to not only reach your short-term goals, but to also seamlessly integrate fitness into your lifestyle for the many physical and mental health benefits that come with a consistent exercise routine. No matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer I’m here to support you every step of the way!

I got into fitness through an athletic background, playing on 5 varsity teams in high school while strength training and coaching younger teams. I found, I really enjoy helping people achieve their goals which led me into personal training. Like many of you, I have experienced the long hours of desk work, which led me to continue to maintain a hybrid approach to fitness. I implement a variety of modalities in my own workouts, training not only for aesthetics, but also for longevity and sustainability.

I am happy to guide you wherever you are in your fitness journey. In our sessions we will work on setting goals, continuously progressing through challenges, while keeping your motivation high, workouts fun and accessible. Let’s get started! 

My name is Stephanie Ruiz-Torres, I am a second-year dental student at Penn Dental. I am born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Baltimore for my bachelor’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology. There, I got certified through the American Council on Exercise as a Certified Personal Trainer. I have taught F45 and HIIT classes and love teaching group-fitness. I am passionate about achieving balance and empowerment through fitness and overall wellness. I am excited to start teaching and training at Pottruck!

Hey team! My name is Brianna Donnelly. I am an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach, and a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. I hold a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and a Master’s in Exercise Physiology and Applied Sports Performance, along with a minor in Adapted Physical Activity—a specialty that allows me to provide tailored programming for individuals with unique needs or disabilities.

My fitness journey began at age 14 when I transitioned from competitive long-distance running to the weight room. Over the last nine years, I’ve helped clients ranging from ages 14 to 70+ discover that movement is the ultimate form of self-care. My mission is simple: to help you build a healthier relationship with your body. By integrating power, traditional strength, and aerobic conditioning, I help you build a resilient, capable body prepared for the unknowable.

I don’t just train you for the hour you’re with me; I train you so you can move through life feeling energized, confident, and empowered. Everyone starts somewhere, and being a beginner is an exciting place to be. Let’s work together to ensure you leave every session feeling even better than when you walked in.