Exercise Specialists

Michael Brazeal, M.A.

Exercise Physiologist
Director of Fitness

Michael Brazeal has been working in the health and fitness industry since 1982. He began his career in a premier Los Angeles area health club as a fitness trainer and program director. A short time later, he joined a team of health/fitness professionals and nutritionists in a start up company providing fitness testing, health and weight management counseling. In 1985, he began his own private personal training and consulting business and later branched into the corporate fitness sector. A B.A. in Physical Education along with an M.A. in Physical Education with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology from California State University Northridge, Michael is certified as a Health and Fitness Instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine.

Laurie Streff

Exercise Specialist

Laurie Streff entered the fitness profession in 1990. Offering innovative, enthusiastic and cutting edge training techniques, her wide range of experience in the greater Los Angeles area include group exercise development, instructor training and management, corporate wellness management, and fitness event planning. Her unique fitness concepts and exercises have also been featured in various health magazines such as “New Woman,” “Shape” and “Men’s Fitness.” Laurie holds a certificate in Fitness Instruction from UCLA and is certified as a Health and Fitness Instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

James Kohler, M.S., CSCS

Exercise Physiologist

James Kohler became a certified trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 1997. James comes from a professional bodybuilding background, and in 2007 he competed in the “Mr. Natural California” contest and won the overall title. His focus is to successfully help clients achieve their individual potential and goals through customized fitness programs and personal training sessions. James holds an M.S. from California State University Northridge in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology.  His master’s thesis about core muscle activation patterns using electromyography was published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.  James has taught health and fitness courses at CSUN and UCLA, and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Linda Shelton, M.A.

Exercise Physiologist

Linda Shelton is a certified trainer, speaker, and health writer with extensive experience in the fitness industry.  She was the Fitness Director for Weider/AMI fitness publications, including SHAPE, for 23 years.  Linda has authored eight books and is currently the Fitness Director for VIVmag, a digital women’s lifestyle and fitness magazine.  She is also an Executive Advisory Board Member, Elite Trainer, and Communications Director for Beamfit™, a multi-faceted fitness program and online store.  Additionally, Linda is a full partner of Worksite Wellness™, a corporate wellness company.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in March, 2007.

Susan Vezina

Exercise Specialist

Susan Vezina began her career in the fitness industry in 1982 at the Sports Club/LA, where she was an aerobics instructor, facility manager, and director of activities over ten years.  In 1993, she managed Warner Brother’s fitness center and later became a fitness consultant for the Motion Picture and Television Industry’s Wellness Program.  By 1998, Susan developed a national fitness coaching program called “Fitness by Phone”.  She has been featured as an expert on exercise adherence in various publications and television shows, including The LA Times, Chicago Tribune, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  Susan holds a degree from UCLA in Kinesiology and Business Administration, and has been a faculty member for the American Council on Exercise since 2000.