Meet the Trainers

Hi! I’m Ariana, founder of Core Effects Personal Training. I opened Core Effects in 2011 after earning my certification as an American College of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer. Before that, I worked as an Emergency Medical Technician, trained to help people on some of the worst days of their lives. Now, I help people prevent injuries, manage chronic pain, and build lasting health and strength through personalized coaching.

After suffering a back injury, I struggled to find relief from traditional care. Frustrated by the lack of compassionate treatment and relying on medications that didn’t work, I almost gave up hope of ever being pain-free.

In 2008, when I joined Nokesville Fire and Rescue Department as an EMT, I was introduced to weight lifting and proper exercise techniques. With guidance from experienced lifters, I learned that strength training—done correctly—can relieve pain, improve mobility, and build confidence, even for those with chronic conditions.

That experience shaped my approach: movement is medicine, and with the right guidance, anyone can safely build strength and improve health.

With over 15 years of experience, I’ve helped clients:

• Lose hundreds of pounds and improve body composition
• Reduce or eliminate prescription medications
• Recover from injuries and prevent future ones
• Build confidence, energy, and self-esteem
• Learn sustainable nutrition and exercise habits
   

I combine medical knowledge, exercise science, and compassionate coaching to create programs that are safe, effective, and tailored to your individual goals.

I believe fitness should be empowering, not intimidating. My goal is to help every client develop strength, mobility, and habits that last a lifetime, while making the process supportive and enjoyable.

Let’s work together to make movement and wellness a part of your life.

I am a trainer who designs personal exercise programs focusing on rehabilitation and injury prevention. My background is as a Certified Physical Therapist who has worked in Colombia and Switzerland in both Spanish and French for over 20 years. My specialty has been rehabilitating patients who have suffered from orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and lymphatic medical conditions. Here in the United States my medical background has enabled me to become a personal trainer able to handle clients with difficult medical histories. Many of my clients have tried various alternatives over the years but have found success through the combination of physical training and medically based therapeutics, specifically myofascial release.

Some of the professional credentials I have earned throughout my professional career are:

· American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer

· Personal Training C.S.C. Summa Cum Laude NOVA Community College

· Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (MLDT), Norton School

· Certified Kinesiotaping Instructor (CKTI), Kinesio Taping Association International

· Certified Physical Therapist, Croix-Rouge Suisse (Switzerland)

· B.A., Physical Therapy, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

I believe exercise is the best medicine available for the body, mind, and soul. My aim is to understand each unique individual, listen to their goals and concerns, so I can design a healthy exercise program based on their special needs. I take the time to listen to each client because I believe good communication enables a better understanding between us and best promotes healthy principles and actions. As we begin the training, we can modify the routine according to the rate of the client’s progression and any new findings. Focusing on proper form and technique enables clients to perform their workout routines at an optimal level. As I expect my clients to work hard, I always give my best effort as well. For me, improvements in my client’s health are very rewarding and motivating.

Personally, I have long practiced techniques such as Pilates, Yoga, hypopressive exercises, and High Intensity Interval Training. These experiences have helped me to understand the healthy principles of each technique in order to be able to better explain them to my clients. I have also performed flexibility exercises along with cardiovascular and strength training. Currently, I hike, bike, and perform workouts combining exercises from the techniques above.