TRAINERS
Mike Claytor
"You get back what you put into something, and there is no substitute for hard work."
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Mike Claytor moved to Santa Barbara in1998 to advance his education, where he received a degree in business and finance with a minor in kinesiology. Additionally, he earned certificates as a personal trainer through ISSA, a USAT triathlon coach, and an EMT. Upon graduation, Mike worked in a variety of training and rehabilitation centers, learning from some of the most respected experts in the industry. In 2006, his passion for fitness translated into creating a state-of-the-art facility - SB Training.
Mike built SB Training intent on sharing with the community of Santa Barbara his unique training concepts, principles, and core values. Personally, he began
competing in triathlons, mountain bike racing, power lifting, and Jiu Jitsu
tournaments. Through the combination of academic knowledge and practical
experience in training and competition, he is highly qualified to coach and motivate his own clients, and athletes.
Mike strongly believes that a varied, well-rounded fitness program is the best way to get and stay healthy. During the decade Mike has owned SB Training, he has used this philosophy as a guiding principle for the development of Strength Happens, the unique method for helping people become more fit and healthier. Strength Happens has helped hundreds of people attain their goals: from being better able to deal with the physical needs of daily life, to achieving more satisfying results as they challenge themselves in recreational and competitive sports.
Now known as one of Santa Barbara’s premier personal trainers, Mike will continue to share his love for fitness with his clients and staff, whom he personally trains in the Strength Happens philosophy and method. Mike is a motivator. He works to inspire the people around him by practicing the disciplines he teaches.
Sloane Claytor
“I am personally very excited to be a managing partner of Strength Happens. Personal training has been my main focus for close to 22 years, and I truly feel blessed to be in a career that I am so passionate about.
A proper strength training program is the best foundation to a healthy and active lifestyle. With a strong muscular system our bodies have endless capabilities.
I’ve always done my best to live an active and healthy lifestyle. Now, more than ever I find it important to live life by example. We are all faced with challenges including squeezing in our exercise (and eating healthy), but with support and dedication anything is possible.”
- Sloane
Sloane prides herself in guiding her clients through all of life’s physical milestones; she looks to one’s future and not just their present situation. Her philosophy is to train the body as a whole unit this insures a strong make-up to face all the physical and mental pressures that are put upon our bodies (sports/recreation, aging, injury, etc.).
When not working Sloane is sneaking in her own favorite workouts (strength training, running and swimming), spending time with her and Mike’s two daughters and taking as many family trips that time allows.
Lydia Kitahara Poehlmann
“Fitness, food and fun….Strength!”
I love nearly all forms of movement! I’ve competed in marathons, triathlons, trail races, beach volleyball, bikini bodybuilding, and mountain biking. I’m pretty much game to try everything, and if it’s out in nature, even better!
Beyond the gym is my other passion…food! I love everything about it -- growing it, preparing it with friends, and traveling the world to better understand people through their cuisine. Sharing a meal is a very special way to connect with others.
My personal training career took off in 2008 when I learned the Strength Happens method (formerly SB Training). I fell in love with the fitness and training lifestyle, and became fascinated by the human body and its response to exercise. I even got my degree in Exercise Science.
My passion for exercise and great food come together at Strength Happens. You can only be strong and healthy by eating clean, high quality food, and doing the exercises that are right for you to perform at your peak. Oh yeah… leave a little room for indulgences, too!
Karen Rojas
I am originally from Colombia. I went to college in Anchorage Alaska to obtain my second bachelor's degree. In the fall of 2015 I moved from Alaska to Santa Barbara. While I was living in Alaska I developed a passion for health, and fitness. That led me to obtain my personal trainer certifications, and to start my new career.
My philosophy is that as long as you are exercising, your body will stay young.
I strive to educate people how to move well, and live better. I like to motivate, and encourage them to work hard to become their best selves.
Luke Schurmer
“We dissect failure a lot more than we dissect success” - Matthew McConaughey
I was born and raised in Santa Barbara. Growing up in this environment was a constant inspiration to get out and stay active whether it was through a swim in the ocean, surfing, or a scenic hike. In high school I developed a passion for fitness and as the years progressed I decided to dedicate my time and energy into the gym, earning my certification through NASM. I learned about Strength Happens through family and friends and Mike has since become an excellent mentor and an invaluable resource for my continued study and practice of health and wellness. Outside of the gym I like to devote some of my time to music, playing guitar and singing in a few local rock bands.
Brenna Flatley
Brenna's focus in training is to help clients feel strong, confident, healthy and happy. Brenna grew up with an active lifestyle but as she got older she developed a true love for health and fitness. Brenna experienced first hand that physical and mental health are interconnected.
Brenna looks forward to helping others accomplish their goals and improve their quality of life both mentally and physically.
Cameron Finley-Ross
“Health isn’t about the weight you lose, it’s about the quality of life you gain”
My academic background is in biomedical sciences with a Bachelors of Science in Biopsychology from University of California Santa Barbara. I’ve worked in a variety of healthcare settings and my fascination with preventative care led me to become certified as a personal trainer.
My desire is to offer you the tools to understand and connect with your body through movement. I believe the pursuit of strength and health is a lifelong, albeit rewarding endeavor. My belief is that challenging and engaging workouts produce positive results on physical, psychological, and motivational levels. This is in large part why I’m enthusiastic about the creative and diverse range of exercises incorporated into the Strength Happens training structure. We employ workout routines designed to help you to reach your goals, whether that’s training for endurance, strength, agility, wellbeing, a specific sport, or a competition.
My athletic interests include cycling, strength training, yoga, trail running, surfing, backpacking, diving, and stand-up paddle boarding. I’ve competed as a cyclist for the UCSB collegiate team, trained in Krav Maga, climbed to the top of both Half Dome and Angels Landing, attempted the Pacific Crest Trail (on a particularly snowy year hah), and run the Seaside Marathon.
Christian Blackburn
"Well-being is realized by small steps, but it is truly no small thing." - Zeno
Christian is a dedicated Holistic Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer at Strength Happens. Originally from Chicago, he followed his passion for the film industry and moved to Los Angeles in 2012. However, he discovered that his true joy and purpose came from inspiring others to reach their goals and live their potential.
In 2015, Christian made a transformative shift by becoming a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. His journey into the fitness world opened his eyes to the power of a holistic approach to living a healthy life.
Christian specializes in mobility training as a Functional Range Mobility Specialist and is experienced in nutrition and behavioral coaching through Precision Nutrition. With a commitment to a well-rounded approach, he collaborates with physical therapists, massage therapists, and professionals in the wellness field to help clients create positive, lasting change.
His holistic coaching goes beyond the physical aspects of fitness. By focusing on mindset, habit formation, movement, nutrition, sleep, and recovery, Christian empowers his clients with the tools needed to excel in all areas of life. His own personal experiences overcoming major obstacles further fuel his passion for spreading the gospel of good holistic health.
Outside of the gym, Christian enjoys running, cooking, painting, and pondering the secrets of life with his loyal canine companion, Leo. He also loves to share the joy of karaoke with his fiancé Caitlainne. Together, they are thrilled to contribute to the Santa Barbara community and help individuals thrive.
Experience the transformative power of a holistic approach to health and fitness with Christian. Take those small steps towards well-being and unlock your full potential.