Meet Our Trainers

Work with our certified trainers to reach your full potential and achieve your fitness goals!

Our personal trainers help individuals of all ages level up in their fitness and sport. Weekend warriors and youth athletes alike improve their speed, agility, strength, and overall performance through their work with our trainers.

Call 540-825-0000 to schedule your personal training session with Marcus or J.T.!

Marcus Haywood

Marcus joined the team at Culpeper Wellness Foundation in 2014. In addition to his current role at PATH Recreation & Fitness Center supporting individual and small group training programs, he has also shared his expertise with those same programs at the Foundation’s Powell Wellness Center. His prior experience includes working with members at Charlottesville’s ACAC Fitness and Wellness Center to support the center’s occupational therapy and personal training programs.

Marcus was named BEST PERSONAL TRAINER in the 2022 & 2023 Culpeper community survey for “Best of Your Hometown.”

Marcus holds a degree in kinesiology and sports management from James Madison University, where he also played football. He is a certified functional strength coach and certified personal trainer. More than ten years of working with clients has developed his expertise in supporting clients with their athlete performance training, strength and conditioning, and weight loss goals. He works with individuals and small groups, and his training programs can be inclusive of all ages from children to adults, and modified as needed to respond to a client’s specific needs and interests. He also develops strength and conditioning programs for sports teams.

Marcus sees his role as serving as a client’s partner to enable them to reach the goals they have set for their personal fitness. He says, “I’m here to challenge you safely and push your limits so that you reach your individual goals and continue to progress! Trust the process!! You are the only one that determines how well you succeed and what you will accomplish. Remember the hardest part is showing up. I’m here to help you with the rest!”

Marcus’s training tip: foam rolling

Client comment

I am the mother of two boys, Nate & Gabe, who have been training with Marcus the past year and a half. They have loved their sessions with Marcus! My son Gabe aspires to play college football and Marcus has the personal experience as well as the physical knowledge to help Gabe get stronger and quicker to help him reach his goals. Both of my boys have connected with Marcus on a higher, more personal level, as they have complete trust in him to push them past their comfort zones, overcome physical plateaus and hurdle mental obstacles. Marcus has created stronger young men both physically and mentally all the while respecting their individuality and personal goals. I often stay to watch them train, not only to witness the growth in my boys, but to watch someone so passionate about his job, having so much fun, truly enjoying being able to help my kids become more physically & mentally fit. Marcus is a wonderful trainer and friend to our whole family. He brings out the best in my boys and I couldn’t ask for anything more out of their time with him!

James “J.T.” Thompson

J.T. offers more than 11 years of experience in instructing and setting up members on personalized workouts. He charts and updates each member’s progress to help them obtain their fitness goals. J.T. has helped weight train and condition numerous high school and collegiate athletes for various sports.

J.T. holds a Bachelor’s of Science from George Mason University’s School of Nursing and Health Science. He also has a degree in Physical Education/Health Fitness & Nutrition from Chowan College. He holds a personal training certification from the International Sports Conditioning Association.

J.T. is available by appointment only.

Read J.T.’s training tip: building balance

Client comment

For 8 or 9 years now I’ve been working with JT. When working out, JT advises me to think about what I’m doing. What’s working in my body? Which muscle? To be in that moment is such a mindful approach. His suggestion for breathwork and focus on the activity is a game-changer for stability and balance.