Meet the Trainers

My name is Ariana, and I am the owner of Core Effects Personal Training. I opened Core Effects in early 2011, after completing my certification as an American College of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer. As a previously certified Emergency Medical Technician, I was trained to help people with traumatic injuries and emergent medical conditions, essentially on the worst day of their life. Now I work to help people prevent these events from happening by coaching clients to make positive and effective choices to lower their risk of injury and chronic health conditions.

After suffering from my own back injury, and being disappointed in the lack of compassion and care from doctors, I found no relief from physical therapy and refused to be on a steady intake of muscle relaxers and narcotics as prescribed by the doctor. I simply gave up on thinking I would ever be pain free. 

In summer of 2008 when I joined Nokesville Fire and Rescue Department and became an Emergency Medical Technician, I was introduced to weight lifting and proper exercise techniques. Although I was fearful that it would only lead to further pain and discomfort, I gave it a shot because experienced lifters were guiding me. This experience shaped my philosophy and approach towards exercise and its impact on chronic pain. I learned that the saying “if it hurts, don’t do it” has been largely misapplied by people suffering from acute or chronic pain. Our doctors have led us away from the most basic cure for pain: strength training. 

With both the knowledge and skills to work with the most common medical issues, and the compassion and patience for clients who need guidance to make long-term, healthy lifestyle changes, I have successfully helped clients lose 100’s of pounds, slow and reverse medical disease, reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medications, assist with pre- and post- rehabilitation, build confidence and self-esteem, lower chronic anxiety, and learn the basics of exercise science and nutrition. 

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.