Trainers & Instructors
Jon Ponce | Josh Golden | Dominic Cardoze | Daryl Witt | Travis Grooms
Susan Brown | Alex Paraskevas |
Paul Orum | Jocelyne Matias
Our Trainers are handpicked based on their skills, dedication, and passion, in exercise training. Our trainers are certified in personal training and nutrion from the National Taining Institute (NPTI).
Jon Ponce |
"It is my goal to assist and encourage my clients in their quest for better fitness training and nutritional information so they can enjoy a healthier and more rewarding quality of life. I will give my full support using my own knowledge, education, personal experiences and skills to inspire them to work hard and work smart, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in combination with their fitness goal." Jon has a diploma in Personal Training & Nutritional Consultation from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) in addition to his masters degree in Industrial Management from the George Washington University. He also has a specialty certification in training older adults. Jon has been weight training continuously for the last 15 years. He now wants to share with his clients his weight training techniques as well as his own personal experience in losing & gaining weight. He can definitely relate to his clients. Jon's interest in owning a business and passion in weight training are the combining factors for choosing to open the Bench Gym Personal Training. |
Josh Golden |
Josh is a personal trainer certified through the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI), which provides a 500-hour program in exercise science and methodology. He is also a certified nutritional consultant. Josh specializes in strength and hypertrophy (size) training, and he also works with clients interested in weight loss, sports specific training, and maintenance programs. He also has a specialty certification in training older adults. If you just want to get into better shape he can help with that too! Josh became a personal trainer because he believes he can teach people the correct way to work out, and he loves to motivate clients and help them reach their fitness goals. Josh has been lifting weights since the age of eleven and knows from experience how to get the best results. He was also involved in sports such as football, baseball, shot-put, discus, pole-vaulting, and wrestling, in which he placed third over all in the state of Maryland. His work experience includes personal training at the Army Navy Country Club and at Planet Fitness in Rockville, MD. |
Dominic Cardoze |
“Nothing can lift me out of a bad mood or stressful day than a hard workout. It never fails. When you workout, you have the possibility of feeling and being great.” Dominic has a degree in Exercise Science from Johns Hopkins University and is certified with the American College of Sport Medicine. He also has training in Egoscue, an exercise training method for stopping chronic pain. He has worked for several years with Sports & Physical Therapist in Washington DC Area. Weight training has always been a part of his life and always includes core exercises in his exercise training. His sports activities include soccer, lacrosse, football, volleyball and mountain biking. As a Personal Trainer, Dominic’s exercise routines include cardio to strength training, functional to isolation, sport rehabilitation, weight loss and core training. He offers a holistic approach to personal training: For the Body, The Mind, and The Spirit. His fitness training philosophy is: Start by changing yourself from the inside out and you will be able to attain your fitness goals. top |
Daryl Witt |
“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.” Daryl specializes in weight loss, hypertrophy and endurance training. Being overweight in his younger years, his joining the U.S. Marine Corps gave him the discipline and dedication to become physically fit. He now uses the same discipline and dedication as a Personal Trainer by motivating his clients as well as sharing his own experiences in achieving overall health and fitness goals. Daryl is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom having spent 5 years with the Marine Corps. While stationed at Camp Lejeune, he trained for 2 years in Boot Camp style PT workout routine and was a member of the football team. He was also a 2-time All County Football player in high school. He has been lifting weights since age 14. Daryl is currently working on his diploma in fitness & nutrition from the National Personal Training Institute. His fitness training philosophy is: To achieve your goals, all you need is a little hard work, a positive attitude, commitment & consistency. top |
Travis Grooms |
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in the person’s determination (Tommy Lasorda).” Travis is a certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Consultant from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI). He specializes in hypertrophy, weight loss and strength training. Serving in the U.S. Army from 2002-06, Travis was an Infantry Troop Leader responsible for the morale, discipline, and welfare of his soldiers. He led individuals through daily tasks and goals, held monthly counseling and evaluations, and conducted successfully domestic and foreign missions. Travis uses the same military discipline, self-motivation, confidence and dedication as a Personal Trainer by motivating his clients as well as sharing his own experiences in achieving overall health and fitness goals. His athletic activities include 3 years varsity basketball, soccer, and track and field. His fitness training philosophy is: With your determination and commitment, coupled with my knowledge and motivation, we as a team can achieve anything. top |
Susan Brown, J.D.  |
"Make time to be physically fit. The mental and physical energy and well-being achieved through proper nutrition and a good exercise program are the best gifts you can give yourself – at any age." Susan is a “recovering” lawyer. After 30 years of being a litigator, she studied nutrition and personal training at the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI). Her motivation: training at Bench Gym! Working in a stressful environment and raising three children, Susan smoked for many years, was a habitual dieter, and exercised erratically -- the highlight being training for and finishing the Marine Corps Marathon. After training at Bench Gym, Susan found a passion to incorporate fitness into her life. She looks forward to sharing her experience and training in helping others achieve a healthier, happier lifestyle. |
Alex Paraskevas  |
Alex received his Kundalini Yoga teacher certification in New Mexico studying under the late Yogi Bhajan. He has worked with many teachers, including Dharma Mittra and John Schumacher and has extensive experience in Vinyasa, Iyengar, and Ashtanga Yoga. His main motivations are helping individuals explore their bounderies, overcome their limitations, and find their way along the yogic path to health, inner peace, and self-actualization. Alex's Power Yoga classes are Vinyasa based, using the breath to flow through asanas (postures), but are also heavily influenced by Ashtanga Yoga. Expect to sweat while building cardiovascular heath, strength, and a strong mind-body connection. |
Paul Orum  |
Paul Orum has lead yoga classes in the Washington, DC area for over 12 years, with background in Iyengar and Sivananda yoga, among other influences. His class combines Vinyasa Yoga (flowing) and Heid Postures. It emphasizes self-awareness through attention to the breath in yoga postures and relaxation. It is designed to reduce physical stress, balance strength and flexibility, and integrate mind, body, and purpose. This open level yoga class is suitable for experienced and beginning students alike.
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Jocelyne Matias  |
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