Trainers

Steve Vicera founded Sommet Fitness in Scottsdale, Arizona. For nearly 20 years, he has been helping people reach their goals for better function, greater fitness, and an overall sense of well being. His special brand of training begins with stabilization. “You can’t load weight to an unstable power… you can get hurt”, Steve explains, “A concentration on core stabilization and then an integrated training approach complements the body – makes it more functional and improves its appearance.” A certified ACE trainer, Steve was awarded “Mr. China” in a body building contest in 1989 and he went on to earn titles in the “Super Body Fitness” and “Mr. Philippines” competitions in the 1990’s. Stott Pilates-trained in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrel equipment, Steve specializes in spinal stabilization and corrective exercise.

Steve has organized Asian women’s body building contests, fund-raising 5K and 10K runs, and has refereed power lifting competitions. Gaining recognition for his emphasis on safety and function, he consulted for a major revamping effort of fifty Philippine fitness centers. Steve was a strength coach for students in a Philippine high school and enjoys working with children. In 2006, Steve was inspired to help children in the Philippines who are neglected and abused. “Arizona to Asia”, a non-profit organization, was created through an all-volunteer effort. Nearly $30,000 was raised through Arizona to Asia to serve and empower these children through short-term residential care, individual and family counseling, medical attention, and educational support.

Steve has two wonderful children of his own and a wife who shares his vision for a fitness training business that gives Phoenix and Scottsdale the opportunity for more convenient, higher quality fitness and a peaceful lifestyle.

Sarah Hamblett - Sarah Hamblett, born in Scottsdale, AZ and raised in Albuquerque, NM, graduated from New Mexico State University. After moving back to Scottsdale and having a daughter and boy/girl twins, her background in gymnastics and dance inspired her to pursue training in Pilates. She studied mat Pilates at The Pilates Center of the Southwest. She then furthered her education in the study of exercise science at Scottsdale Community College in the Strength, Nutrition, and Personal Training Program. Sarah was named to the President’s list for academic excellence in the program. She then became a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

She has worked with a diverse clientele ranging from athletes to beginning fitness enthusiasts and enjoys the differences each client presents. She is a firm believer in strength training for women and encourages women of all ages and fitness levels to incorporate strength training into their fitness routines. Her own experience with weight after the birth of her daughter and then twins helps her understand how the female body reacts to resistance training.

Sarah has studied flexibility training for golfers and understands how this can help improve golf performance. Pilates is an excellent way to improve flexibility. Pilates also helps clients with balance and coordination, both key components to successful

"I believe the relationship between a client and trainer is first built on trust. My goal is to educate, motivate, and inspire my clients to reach their individual fitness goals and to help them incorporate fitness activities into their daily lives."

• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• Power Pilates Mat Certified Instructor
• CPR/AED Certified

Nikki Martus - Nikki Martus received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Lake Superior State University in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. A National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified Personal Trainer, Nikki focuses on changing the lives of others in a healthy way by continuing her passion to educate, motivate, and reach every individual’s fitness goals.

Nikki has been the Senior Trainer for a national fitness facility with the responsibility of conducting sales training, role playing, and mentoring new trainers. She was awarded Most Valuable Trainer in 2004 and received several recognitions for her customer service and sales expertise. She is also a NCAA All Academic Track and Field Athlete and Caption for Lake Superior State University 2000-2004 and currently holds school records for the 800 meter and 400 meter events.

With excellent research skills and an understanding and passion for medical terminology as well as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, Nikki is self-disciplined, highly motivated, and is a quick learner. Nikki’s dedication to her clients, hard work, and vision has brought her great accolades. She moved to Arizona nearly one year ago and looks forward to even greater success.

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified Personal Trainer
• NCAA All Academic Track and Field Athlete and Caption

Laura McElroy - Laura McElroy has always been enthusiastic about sports and fitness and spent years playing softball and doing gymnastics as a youth. She realized that she wanted to help others and decided to get a Nursing degree. She graduated from the University of Washington in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has worked in oncology, medical/surgical, and home health nursing. She has a good knowledge of disease processes and how the body functions.

She has been married for 14 years to a wonderful man, who is a driven entrepreneur and is supportive of her endeavors. She has two boys, ages 10 and 7, who constantly challenge her and push her to be a better parent. After having her two boys, she wanted to find a way to continue to help people in a preventative manner. She was highly burned out from nursing and saw that many diseases and conditions could be prevented by a healthy diet and exercise. She started out by teaching spinning and boot camp classes. She then became a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

She has definitely have found her passion. She LOVES helping people reach their goals and staying fit and healthy. She has found such a joy in fitness that she wants to give that to others and show them that from simple steps and goals, anything in their lives can be achieved from fitness and beyond!

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified
• Personal Trainer
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Katrina Natori is a recent graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in English Literature. She has studied ballet since the age of five before she decided to become a Pilates instructor.

She trained under Virginia Nicholas and received her certification through the Pilates Core Integration Teacher Training Program and has taught at various ballet schools and fitness facilities throughout the Valley.

Katrina’s intense passion for the Pilates method is demonstrated by her understanding of the unique body structure and specific needs of each client she teaches. “I started teaching Pilates because of how great it made my body feel, and I wanted to share that with others. I wish everyone did Pilates because in today’s society, so many harmful practices have been ingrained into our lifestyles, and we have lost touch with our natural inclination to be mobile beings”.

She has had the opportunity to travel to different countries throughout high school and college, allowing her to experience various cultures and people. It has shaped her into being much more open to and accepting of the new and unfamiliar.

Her hobbies and activities include reading, traveling, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

Ten years in high heels and bad posture will lead to back problems- which is exactly what happened to me.  After spending over a decade teaching Ballroom dance, the final straw was a back injury that led to multiple doctor visits and pain medication. Determined to find another way, my discovery of Pilates and Tai Chi became my preferred method of healing and eventually, a career change.

I began my mentorship and employment in a studio that believes in functional training as well as Pilates and other modes of movement. I was grateful to continue my education as not only a Pilates Instructor, but also as a Certified Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise.  In addition to having regular clients, I have also taught a variety of group classes at resort communities including:  The Fairmont, Trilogy Properties, Rancho Manana, and The Spa at Camelback Inn.

In 2007 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  This led to a whole new level of understanding of the benefits of exercise.  After obtaining certification for breast cancer recovery, I started AHA Health Consulting LLC, which provides stress management workshops and recovery for breast cancer Survivors.

My passion lies in inspiring people to make positive change through diet and exercise. My clients and family inspire me everyday to be a better person. My biggest asset is probably my biggest downfall, which is—I believe in people.  I believe they can make positive change. I believe they can do anything they set their hearts and minds to, which makes it heartbreaking when people give up on themselves.  I am forever grateful for Joseph Pilates, his teachings and those who have continued his teaching.  It has truly changed my life forever.  

Kristi is a recent graduate of Arizona State University with degrees in Conservation Biology and Spanish. She is taking a few years off before pursuing her Master's degree and is using that time to share her love for fitness with others.

She has studied various forms of dance from a young age and was on her high school dance team when she suffered a major ankle injury. Forced to stop dancing, she took up Pilates to rehabilitate her ankle. She has been training in Pilates ever since under Virginia Nicholas and is certified through Pilates Core Integration. She has taught both yoga and Pilates at a variety of studios around the Valley.

Kristi enjoys being outdoors and being active. Her hobbies include hiking, wakeboarding, reading, volunteering at the zoo, and of course, yoga and Pilates. She believes very strongly in daily exercise and advocates Pilates and yoga as great additions to any workout routine. 

Everyday activities and stress can alter our body and yoga and Pilates are great ways to realign everything and to strengthen your body to maximize your health. She firmly believes that every single person can benefit from adding strength and flexibility training into their lifestyle.