COACHES

TJ Belger

Founder/Owner

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TJ hails from New Jersey. Those who know him best would say that the Jersey in him makes for some of the most appealing aspects of his character, including a powerhouse work ethic and an ability to relate effortlessly to people from all walks of life. A lifelong athlete who took time to grow into his large physical frame and excel at sports, TJ has always had a foot in the fitness realm. After college, he taught PE at a school in his hometown. While he liked the job, he decided there was more to explore; he moved west, landing in Marin County in 1992. After many years as a personal trainer, TJ opened his own gym in San Rafael in 2002, shortly before the birth of his first daughter. At that time, it was a place where he and other personal trainers could work with clients without the hassles of larger, less personal facilities.

While TJ loved his work as a personal trainer, by 2007 he found himself itching to expand his knowledge and recharge his training batteries. This happened when he found CrossFit, an exercise program involving functional body movements executed at high intensity and with great variety. TJ credits CrossFit for introducing him to a new way of thinking about fitness, and he still incorporates many elements of the methodology with his own clients and the thousands of Marin County people he has welcomed into the gyms over the years, creating his own brand of fitness and community.

Like that of many small business owners, TJ’s success can be attributed to a number of factors. However, those closest to him emphasize the same interpersonal qualities that allowed him to retain his first clients over 30 years ago. Although TJ holds certifications in various aspects of fitness training, he finds that it is his independent learning that has been most applicable to the success of his gyms. A driven researcher, TJ's goal is to constantly delve into smart science behind fitness, health, medicine, nutrition, psychology, in order to adapt and innovate for the benefit of his members. His passion is helping people set goals, stay accountable, and lead better lives. He meets individually with everyone who walks through the doors of the gyms, a practice reflecting his deep desire to connect with each of his members and help them succeed in their fitness and lifestyle goals.

TJ feels fortunate to mentor and work with other fitness professionals who love their jobs and bring their own personalities and interests to his gym. He is most proud of the amazing community of people he and Allison have been fortunate enough to bring together at TJ’s Gym. While life is sometimes stressful and always very busy, TJ is inspired by the athletes in his classes, his personal coaching clients, and the daily opportunities he has to help people live longer, more fulfilling lives.

**NICK LAPLANT**
**HEAD COACH AND PROGRAMMER**

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Nick grew up in Marin County and attended Tamalpais High School. He moved on to Humboldt State University, where he graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science. Nick earned a collegiate scholarship, competing in Cross Country and Track and Field (800m,1500m & steeple chase). During his senior year, he completed an internship at TJ's Gym to earn hours for his undergraduate degree and was immediately drawn to the functional fitness program TJ's Gym. Nick was especially intrigued by the mix of endurance training and strength development included in our approach and recognized that part of what makes it works so well is the strong community supporting positive life-changing habits--both in and out of the gym. A student of various other strength-training methodologies who is passionate about his ongoing learning and development of expertise, Nick is a sought-after asset to the TJ's coaching staff. He is known for his exceptional attention to individual members' needs, especially as they get started with a new exercise and lifestyle program. He is our Head Coach, programmer and also runs our Running Strong program.

In addition to coaching, Nick programs the workouts for all classes at TJ's Gym and also works with clients via our Individual Design program. He is meticulous about the process of designing workouts for groups and individuals, alike.

Nick holds a Health Fitness Specialist Certification from the American College of Sports Medicine. *CrossFit Level One

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A long-time TJ’s member, Dana took some time over the past few years to dive into training and earn various certifications, including a CrossFit Level 2 certification. In another life, Dana won two NCAA Division One titles as a member of the Penn State gymnastics team.

Dana has a Master’s degree in chemistry and an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, so she gets the science behind what fitness! Mom of two boys and wife of TJ’s San Rafael staple, Dave, Dana is committed to her craft and is thrilled to be coaching at TJ’s giving back to a community that has given her and her family so much.

2x all American NCAA Division 1 CrossFit Level 2 certification CrossFit Mobility certification ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) personal trainer ACE (American Council on Exercise) group fitness instructor Certified in Kinesiology Taping and RockTape FMT1 (Fascial Movement Taping Level 1)

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Having worked out at TJ's Gym throughout her high school years, Tatum graduated from UC Davis in June 2020. A former soccer and basketball player, Tatum enjoys running and biking and is an especially strong endurance athlete. A competitor by nature, Tatum also enjoys pushing to reach fitness goals and helping others become stronger and fitter in their own lives. An outdoor lover, Tatum also loves animals, especially dogs!

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Samantha was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey.

She was an English major at St. Lawrence University and has since been a Project Manager by trade.

Sam's athletic arc post-college = ski bum (Alta, UT), marathons, triathlons, Ironmans, mountain biking/racing, CrossFit, trail running/racing,and outrigger paddling/racing. She does it all!

Sam loves encouraging people, making people laugh, and sharing anything she's ever learned in a sport with other people. She also loves putting together playlists, which comes in super handy as a class coach!

Sam loves Hazy IPAs, skiing, books, writing, the gym, and anything outdoors! She's especially proud of being an Athlete of the Year for TJ's Gym Corte Madera!

Sam has a CrossFit Level One Certification.