We are not a one-size fits all gym!
Julia Karlstad, M.Ed., NSCA-CSCS, ISSA-SFN
Founder & President, JKFITNESS, LLC
San Antonio Location
I’m Julia Karlstad and I am the President and Founder of JKFITNESS, LLC. I have worked in the fitness industry and specifically the medical wellness community for several years. I hold over fourteen years of experience developing, implementing and directing exercise, education and training programs within medical based programs and facilities. I am extremely passionate about helping people change their lives through fitness. My business, JKFITNESS, LLC, is a specialized personal training and wellness studio. We perform metabolic assessments, provide nutritional programs, outline individualized exercise prescriptions, and lead individualized and small group personal training sessions…all while focusing on a long-term lifestyle approach to complete wellness. I have a Master of Education in Exercise Science as well as a Bachelor of Science in Basic Sciences from the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). I have authored two books about exercise as it relates to weight loss, “Rx Fitness for Weight Loss: The Medically Sound Solution to Get Fit and Save Your Life” and “Bariatric Fitness for Your New Life”. Additionally, I’ve been published in numerous periodicals and was featured with one of my clients on TLC’s “My 600 Pound Life” reality show. In 2013, I was voted Reader’s Choice “Best Personal Trainer” and in 2012 I was the “Featured Personal Trainer” on the cover of San Antonio Express’ Trends Magazine. I have a knack for motivating and excel in speaking platforms. I’ve been a guest speaker for several events and organizations to include: American College of Surgeons Annual Convention, Texas Association of Bariatric Surgeons Weight Loss Summit, Obesity Help Conference, Obesity Action Coalition’s Your Weight Matters National Annual Convention, Baptist Vascular Update Conference, the American Diabetes Expo, Methodist Health for Life Support Group, the Neurology Institute of San Antonio, the American Cancer Society and the Northern Arizona University Athletic Department. Before owning my own business, I personally developed and directed an exercise physiology program that consisted of two bariatric hospitals and three medically supervised weight loss clinics. I also spent ten years active duty in the United States Air Force and was an intercollegiate NCAA Division I athlete for the women’s basketball team at USAFA. I hold three nationally recognized fitness certifications and constantly pursue venues to further my formal education. I’m CPR/AED certified and I’m an active member of the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the American Diabetic Association and the Obesity Action Coalition.
Javier Villagomez, Certified Personal Trainer
Fitness Director
San Antonio Location
Hi, I’m Javier Villagomez. I have been enthusiastic about fitness and performance since high school. Basketball was my passion, but there was unfortunately no focus on sport-performance at my school. This motivated me to find ways of improving my performance, ultimately leading me to pursuing a career in fitness and health. I have over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health from the University of Texas at Austin, with a specialization in strength and conditioning coaching. In addition, I am a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise. While in college, I had the opportunity to work with the UT Men’s Basketball team as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. I hold over 5 years of experience managing fitness facilities, as well as creating, implementing and directing fitness programs. My time in the industry has provided me the opportunity to coach a wide variety of small and large group fitness classes. I’ve also created summer programs for young athletes to enhance their sport-performance and weight-training. My overall goal is to motivate and improve the health and fitness of as many people as I can while educating them along the way.
Leonardo Gonzalez, ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
Health & Fitness Professional
San Antonio Location
Hello, I’m Leonardo Gonzalez. My passion for health and fitness started in high school where I played football and trained in the strength and conditioning programs. Through college, I trained with powerlifting style programs and currently train for and compete in strongman events. I have a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of the Incarnate Word. I am an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer as well as an ISSA Specialist in Strength and Conditioning. I have experience working with and educating various age groups such as coaching youth football, assisting in strength and conditioning programs for high school athletes, and have taught conditioning classes for industrial athletes in a manufacturing setting. I also have experience as a PT technician in a Physical Therapy clinic. I enjoy working with and motivating people to help them achieve their goals.
Leilani Lopez
Health & Fitness Professional
San Antonio Location
Hi, my name is Leilani, I was born and raised in San Antonio. I went to St. Anthony Catholic H.S. where I discovered my passion for fitness. I graduated college from Texas Lutheran University where I was apart of the Womens Track and Field team. This is where my drive for fitness/health flourished. I am a first generation college student, but without my supportive family I wouldn’t be doing what I love. I enjoy spending my free time with my family, my partner, and visiting new places. My favorite part about being a trainer is seeing the growth in clients while encouraging them to strive for more. I love to create a lasting impact and contribute to helping people reach their fullest potential, both in and out of the gym.
Tracy Garcia
Health & Fitness Professional
San Antonio Location
Hi, I’m Tracy! I’m a proud single mom, and my kids are my whole world. Born and raised in Texas, I spent some time in Savannah, Georgia, where I discovered my passion for health and wellness. For the past 12 years, I’ve worked as a personal trainer, helping people reach their fitness goals while building meaningful relationships along the way. I love using fitness as a way to connect with people from all walks of life and empower them to become stronger, healthier, and more confident versions of themselves.
Adin Cook
Health & Fitness Intern
San Antonio Location
Hi, my name is Adin Cook. I’ve been involved in sports and fitness from a young age, growing up around the gym my parents owned. I competed in track and field and cross country before starting weight training at 14. I’ve always had a love for exercise and the science behind it, which led me to start working with my first clients at 17. I’m certified through the American Council on Exercise and currently pursuing a degree in biochemistry. I’ve developed a passion for personal training by seeing each client’s progression and helping them achieve their individual fitness goals.
Michelle Baglio, MS, RDN
Dietitian & Nutrition Specialist
San Antonio Location
I’m excited to return to JKFITNESS to support the nutrition piece of your wellness program! I’ve had a connection with nutrition and fitness as integral parts of maintaining good health for many years, even before I started the training that would lead me to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) almost 25 years ago. Since becoming an RDN, I’ve worked in a variety of settings but mostly in counseling people in sustainable nutrition practices to feel your best and prevent and manage chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Although I have moved from the San Antonio area, I called it home for about 10 years. I met Julia when I first moved to the area and we worked together for several years before she opened JKFITNESS. I was happy to be part of the JKFITNESS family for about 7 years ago and am pleased that I can be part of the team once again virtually. There is no other studio in San Antonio that provides a more holistic approach to wellness!.
Casara Northrup
Massage Therapist
San Antonio Location
I’ve been a licensed massage therapist for 13 years, and I’m incredibly passionate about helping people feel their very best. I believe everybody is unique, which is why I strive to create a personalized, therapeutic, and healing experience for each person who walks through my door.
My goal is simple: to provide a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable, cared for, and able to truly relax.
When I’m not in the treatment room, you’ll usually find me spending time with my kiddos and pups, watching movies, or listening to records with my husband. One of my favorite things in life is laughing—I love a good chuckle! And if I’m being completely honest… I also have a soft spot for naps.
Juliet Moreno, E-RYT-500
Yoga Professional
San Antonio Location
With a mission to inspire deep self-connection through Svādhyāya (self-study), Juliet brings a thoughtful blend of traditional and dynamic movement to every class. Her teaching honors the diverse yoga styles studied, offering a unique and healing experience on and off the mat. Specializing in vinyasa, yoga therapy, beginner-friendly chair yoga, and restorative practices, Juliet creates accessible, empowering sessions for students of all levels. She is an E-RYT 500, having completed both of her certifications through Authentic Movements, and has been teaching yoga for five years.
Rhonda Graff, YTT-200
Yoga Professional
San Antonio Location
Hi, my name is Rhonda. I am a certified yoga teacher specializing in vinyasa,
slow-flo chill, and trauma informed yoga with emphasis on nervous system regulation and mindful awareness. I hold a degree in Speech and Hearing Science which gives me a background in anatomy and communication skills for a client-centered teaching style. My approach focuses on improving strength, mobility, balance, and joint stability while respecting each client’s physical history. I work closely with clients to modify poses so movement feels accessible and sustainable. Safety, trust, and consistency guide every session. My goal is to help clients move with confidence, mindfulness, yet having fun! Namaste, my friend! I’ll meet you on your mat.
Laurel Dierking, RYT-500
Yoga Professional
San Antonio Location
My name is Laurel Dierking and I am from Bastrop, Texas. I have a Master’s degree in Health Education from Texas State University and an undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Athletics have played a key role in developing my approach to health and well-being. I competed on the UTSA’s Division 1 women’s soccer team and played an integral part in leading our team to our first conference championship and NCAA appearance. Yoga is a true passion and has become a way of life for me; I thrive on the opportunity to share the inner peace that it provides. I love to teach and coach people about the countless benefits of practicing self-awareness and leading an active lifestyle in order to achieve true happiness.
Llorye Flores
Bookkeeper
San Antonio Location
I received my BS in Recreation Administration from CSU Sacramento and my MBA from the University of Phoenix. My husband and I moved our family from California to Texas in 2005 in hopes of finding a better life for our children.
I started working for JKFITNESS in 2012 as the Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper. I left after a year and a half to focus on my family. In 2014 I started Timberwood Bookkeeping and JKFITNESS was my first client.
Starting my business has allowed me to spend time with my family which is very important to me. I travel and homeschool my youngest. During our travels we visit my son who is in the Coast Guard. My business also allows me to spend a lot of time with my daughter and grandson.
Carolyn Karlstad
Client Outreach Specialist
San Antonio Location
I’m Carolyn Karlstad, I received my Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from Kaplan University in Boca Raton Florida and continued my studies there working toward a bachelor’s degree also in Paralegal Studies. I have more than 45 years of working experience as a Paralegal in many areas of law, with an emphasis in debt collection and bankruptcy. My husband and I moved from Alabama to Wisconsin in 2004 when we purchased my home farm where I grew up.
I started working for JKFitness in October 2022 as a Client Outreach Specialist.
Cheyanne Luther
Marketing & Graphic Design Specialist
San Antonio Location
Hi, I’m Cheyanne Luther! As JKFITNESS’ marketing and graphic design specialist, I bring creativity, strategy, and heart to everything I produce. When I’m not building the brand, you can find me behind the bar back home in Wisconsin, serving vibes as the Thirst Responder myself.
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