Skip to main content

Building a solid body and mind have always been two of Ara’s most important focuses. For as long as he can remember, he worked hard to overcome physical and mental challenges and strived to learn, grow, and get stronger. He has helped hundreds of adults and athletes achieve their fitness goals since 2008. He opened The Strong DNA in 2020 during the pandemic to build a strong and healthy community. He has built an excellent reputation based on his work ethic, character, loyalty to his clients, and dedication to improving himself as a coach. Ara is also a Kinesiology professor at Los Angeles City College, and he shares his years of experience with the next generation.

Credentials

Ph.D. Candidate at Concordia University of Chicago in Exercise Science for Sport Leadership and Human Performance.
  • NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
  • APC: Applied Performance Coach
  • Functional Movement Screen – FMS1
  • VBT – Velocity Based Training Certified Coach
  • CFSC: Certified Functional Strength Coach
  • NSPA – Certified Program Design Specialist
  • PN Level 1 Sleep, Stress Management, and Recovery certified Coach
Master of Science in Exercise Science & Health Promotion; Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention
  • ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
  • Precision Nutrition Level I Certified Nutritionist
  • National Association of Speed and Explosion Certified Coach
  • Rock Tape FMT Performance Certified
  • DVRT Ultimate Sandbag Master Trainer
  • Strong First Elite (Kettlebell, Barbell, Bodyweight)
  • TRX Course Instructor

My name is Lucy! I am one of the coaches at The Strong DNA. My passion is to help people become stronger and to learn that they can still exercise even with injuries. In my entire life, I have always been very active. At an early age, I started swimming and became a professional swimmer. After high school, I focused on interval training, and after a few years, I became a spinning instructor, but I always felt that something was missing till I began strength training. I soon fell in love with weightlifting and decided to compete as a bikini athlete. One of those days, when I was on my way to the gym, I got hit twice by a reckless driver, caused me severe injuries and back surgery. During my last follow-up visit with my doctor, I was told that I would not be able to lift weights anymore and that I should only focus on light cardio and walking in the pool. The day I left the office, I was heartbroken and very frustrated that due to someone else’s negligence, I must stop doing what I love. A year passed, and I decided to push my fear back and start over and not let anyone or anything stop me from training. Since then, I learned that I could train bright, even with injuries, and still get stronger. Today, I am stronger and happier than before. After years of following a strict diet, I also learned how to make better relationships with food and live a happy, healthy life. I learned that a healthy lifestyle is much more than just dieting. It is about a well-balanced lifestyle that will minimize the risk of future health-related issues.

What I went through is one of the reasons that I care deeply about my clients, and there is nothing of more value to me than helping somebody go through an experience that makes them happy, confident, and strong.

Credentials

Certified ISSA Personal Trainer
  • Certified nutrition coach
Certified Corrective exercise specialist
  • BS in Science Physiology

Hi, I’m Korelle, I’m one of the coaches at The Strong DNA. My passion is coaching and supporting people over the age of 40 make long term lifestyle and behavior changes that promote longevity, strength and overall wellness.

My philosophy is that it is never too late to get started and there is always time to build the best version of yourself at any age and that you’re worth it.
 I know this from personal experience and why I’m so passionate about fitness and nutrition. It’s literally why I became a coach. In 2017 I was pre diabetic, had hypertension and borderline high cholesterol. I was going through a divorce, was unhappy and weighed in at 250 lbs. My doctor was getting ready to put me on medication and I asked her to give me a year. I came back in 2018 having lost 52lbs, and with normal blood levels. I did this by becoming active and eating healthy. I also found my happiness again. Today my bloodwork is better than it was in my twenties.
In 2019 I fell in love with weight training, and in 2021, I became a certified coach. In 2023 I obtained my nutrition certification. I’m currently studying biomechanics and functional anatomy.
Nothing brings me more joy than helping others succeed on their fitness and nutrition journey. I will always be your biggest cheerleader.

Credentials

NASM certified personal trainer
  • NASM certified nutrition coach
TRX STC