Meet Our Trainers

Work with one of 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, Christine or J.T.!

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

Marcus Haywood

Marcus joined the team at Culpeper Wellness Foundation in 2014. In addition to his current role 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 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!

Christine Kauffmann

Christine’s motivation to support others with their fitness goals stems from her own personal journey: to address some health concerns, she lost 115 pounds through diet and exercise and now is driven by her passion to “pay it forward.” By taking small yet steady steps to improve her health, Christine was successful, and she firmly believes that you too have the power to achieve your own health and fitness goals. Christine is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer and by the American Council on Exercise as a Group Fitness Instructor. Through Beachbody LIVE® training, she is certified to provide instruction for P90X, Core de Force, Country Heat and PiYo classes. She is also B-Board Workout® Certified to teach B-Board full body balance exercise classes. When she is not in the gym, Christine enjoys being active outdoors through biking, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Christine’s training tip: the importance of workout buddies

Client comment

I can only give Christine the highest recommendation as a personal trainer. She encouraged me to press against my comfort zone and with her assistance I have come into a state of fitness that I did not know was possible for me. I was hesitant to lift free weights due to a previous back issue, but Christine allayed by fears and under her careful supervision and instruction I have learned a wide variety of weight lifting exercises and have visible muscle for the first time in my life! When I told her there was no way I could do push ups, she smiled and told me, “Yes, you can, and you will.” And I did! Christine demonstrated dedication to my progress and utilized her knowledge and skills to tailor exercises that matched my abilities and exceeded my expectations. Now I am challenging my nephews to a push up contest and I plan to win. Christine inspired and motivated me to reach beyond what I thought were my limits. The results have had a positive impact on my overall well-being. I strongly encourage others to take advantage of this valuable resource.

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.