Hello, my name is Marlene and I am the proud owner of MPower!

 

I became a certified personal trainer in 2020 and began instructing group classes, as well as training individuals one on one. After several years as a trainer, I knew I had to share my passion for fitness and group training with the community. My dream was to provide a space where all could feel safe and empowered. I wanted to bring a boutique experience to the cardio and cycling community. 

 

My fitness journey began well before this as a teenager when I took on running as a way to relieve stress. As my love for it grew, I began participating in marathons. There was such a great sense of accomplishment, self love, and empowerment in challenging myself and crossing each finish line. I hope that everyone leaves my cycling and kickboxing classes feeling the same way. I can’t wait to share my passion with you as we ride, or punch, our way into empowerment and strength!

 

Outside of MPower, I try to spend as much time as possible with my family. We love to cook, bake, watch movies, and grab Crumbl’s latest flavors together! I have a huge love for food and travel and hope to share this with them and enjoy many adventures together in the future. 

 

    Hi I’m Valerie Washington, Group fitness instructor & Personal Trainer for the last 16 years. My faith, family and fitness is my great joy and accomplishment. I enjoy working hard but I love being mother and a wife which is one of the hardest jobs out there. My family is very supportive with my spiritual & fitness goals and I try my hardest to provide the same love and support within the home as I do outside with my passion for fitness. 16 years ago I weighed 237lb and I knew I needed to make a change. That was when I decided to try group fitness classes and proper nutrition. Within a year the weight came off.  I lost 90lbs and I’ve never looked back and have maintained my weight ever since!     Specifically, Spin class changed my life - saved my life.  It was the outlet, release, and cardio exercise I needed to dial in a healthier lifestyle.  The music spoke to me and the beat took my legs to a place I would never have gone on my own. Riding with the community, driven by the music continues to be such a force in my life and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to ride with you. Connecting with people and music in all fitness formats is my jam.  I feel proud but mostly grateful to teach and share the exact movement that helped me achieve a healthier lifestyle!

    Hello! I’m Valerie Gonzales. I’m a mama to my five beautiful kids and a wifey to my best friend of 23 years. My family has been my biggest inspiration for why I do what I do. I’m an indoor cycling instructor and certified personal trainer. I’ve enjoyed taking indoor cycling classes for more than 8 years and now I’m excited to teach at MPower.

    One thing I’ve loved about indoor cycling is the ability to be creative through music and choreography. I enjoy all different kinds of music, but you can count on me to make playlists with some Snoop, Dre, Eminem, other 90’s hip hop feels, Pitbull, and reggaeton beats, along with other inspirational music artists. I appreciate that we get to add our unique style through every one of our classes. I encourage everyone to just have fun while they get a good sweat on.

    When I’m not teaching indoor cycling classes or training clients at the gym, I’m going on dates with my hubby, having movie or game nights with my kids, hiking with friends, hosting gatherings, reading a good book, writing creatively, or traveling somewhere new even if it's just for a weekend getaway. As a cancer survivor, it’s important to me to be intentional with who and how I spend time; making sure I give my best in all that I do. Life is short, make each moment extra special and have fun doing it!

    As a yoga teacher for over a decade, I've been on a mission to empower women to heal their bodies, cultivate inner calm, and discover their inherent strength through the practice of yoga while also embracing various fitness modalities. As a certified personal trainer, Zumba instructor, and nutrition coach, I’ve fostered holistic wellness, empowering individuals to thrive physically and mentally. Through a blend of gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques, my classes aim to not only improve physical health but also foster emotional well-being, allowing women to thrive both on and off the mat.

    When I’m not on the mat or working out you’ll find me tending to my 38 chickens, hiking a local trail, enjoying time with my 5 nephews and niece, or exploring new places around the world.

    Hello! I’m Yesenia, and my passion for Zumba started 12 years ago when I timidly joined my first class. From feeling lost in the back to discovering pure joy, I knew this was my calling. Fast forward two years, I became a certified Zumba instructor, and since then, I’ve been sharing my love for dance fitness.

    When I’m not leading classes, I’m busy with my own business, which I’ve proudly owned for over a decade. Beyond that, I’m a devoted dog mom to Camila, my furry companion who brings endless joy into my life. And let’s not forget my role as the luckiest aunt out there, cherishing every moment spent with my niece and nephews. Can’t wait to dance with you in class and share more of life’s beautiful moments!

   

    Hey there! I'm Jen Jaso, a dance enthusiast and instructor currently based on the stunning Central Coast of California. Originally from Bakersfield, CA, I've also had the pleasure of calling San Diego and St. Pete, Florida, my homes before settling here in 2015. My journey with dance began at the age of 2, and it's been my lifelong passion ever since. I've immersed myself in various styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and even cheerleading, finding joy and expression through movement.

    With over 15 years of experience teaching and coaching, I've had the privilege of sharing my love for dance with students of all ages and backgrounds. It's incredibly rewarding to witness the transformative power of dance in others' lives and to help them discover their own rhythm and confidence.

    Beyond the studio, I cherish every moment with my two girls Ruby and Vera. They both are beginning their dance and gymnastic backgrounds at local studios. I also am a huge foodie and like to explore everything the central coast offers. I'm deeply committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels empowered to embrace their passion for dance. Let's connect and share our love for movement and creativity!