Testimonials

---

"Maria brings a beautiful combination of kindness, patience, and expertise to every session at the gym.  Whether it’s yoga or personal training, her approach creates a space where you feel supported, and her guidance and teaching builds strength—both physically and mentally." 

-  Laura, St. Helena, CA

"Maria has a rare ability to meet people where they are while also encouraging them to grow beyond what they thought possible. Her strength training sessions reflect the same intentionality and care that define her yoga classes, blending physical challenge with encouragement and clarity.

What sets Maria apart is not just her expertise across disciplines, but the way she helps her students believe in themselves. I can confidently say that my growth—both on and off the mat—has been shaped by her guidance.

I wholeheartedly recommend Maria to anyone looking not only to build strength, but to build confidence and a lasting connection to their own well-being."

- Linda, St. Helena, CA

“Through her education and personal training experiences, Maria has incredible knowledge of anatomy. She uses this knowledge to match my needs for fitness, strength, and flexibility. Having worked with many trainers over the years, she is the best at listening to what my needs or injuries are, and adjusting the workout immediately. Today was a good example because I tweaked my low back last night. Maria made an easy pivot this morning to exercises and stretches to relieve my back pain while also offering me a great workout. She is a wonderful person and a joy to train with over the years."

- Paul Asmuth, Hall of Fame Open Water Swimmer

“I started exercising with Maria almost two years ago following a visit to a Dr. that suggested getting in shape as my balance was not at its best.

Since then Maria as also been in contact with my physiotherapist on a regular base adapting the training depending on my physical needs.

Maria is always on time, cheerful and smiling every time at 6.30am !

I shouldn’t say this, but it’s always a pleasure to do the workout with her every morning.

The exercises are always different and varied, and specific to whatever my need can be at that time, like for skiing or tennis.

She always asks at the beginning of the lesson if I have any issues or soreness resulting from the previous class.”

- Patrick Nayrolles, General Manager of Meadowood Napa Valley 

"Working with Maria has been a steady and positive part of my workout routine.

She has a remarkable ability to read the room and understand what each person needs. One small adjustment she gave me, placing a block under the hip to move more easily into Mermaid Pose, completely changed my yoga practice. It was simple, but it unlocked something that had felt out of reach, and she offers those kinds of insights again and again.

With her calm voice, deep knowledge, and background in education, she guides people to become stronger, more balanced, and more confident on the mat, in the gym, and beyond.

She brings a quiet confidence and an energy that elevates everyone around her.

I feel incredibly fortunate to train with her."

-Brigit Shotts, St Helena, CA

"Maria is so great at putting together a fitness program that caters exactly to my specific needs. Taking into account my busy work schedule, she sent me a few Tabada-style workouts to do at home that were so easy to follow and challenging for my fitness goals. I look forward to her weekly workouts, and I love how she checks in on me to make sure I am keeping up with my goals and feeling good."

Mia, Redondo Beach, CA

"Maria is an incredible trainer who is as kind and attentive as she is knowledgeable. What sets her apart is how she remembers my specific long term goals and seamlessly weaves them into every session. Her workouts are creative, novel, and perfectly balanced; she knows exactly when to push me and when to dial it back. Between her programming and realistic, helpful nutrition guidance, I’ve never felt more energized or enthusiastic."

- Diana, San Francisco, CA

"Training with Maria has completely changed my relationship with strength. I started wanting more balance, stamina, and confidence in the gym; now I’m lifting weights I never imagined I could, moving with more awareness, and feeling stronger in every part of my life. Maria is precise, encouraging, and deeply attuned—she knows how to push me just enough while keeping the work smart, safe, and sustainable. I’m so grateful for the strength and confidence she’s helped me build.”

-Catherine ,  San Francisco, CA