Our Trainers

Available Trainers

Jonathan Booth, MS, CSCS

Education/Experience:

  • M.S. in Exercise Science & Wellness (Liberty University)
  • B.S. in Human, Nutrition, Foods, & Exercise (Virginia Tech)
  • ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (since 2013)
  • ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
  • NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • USAW Sports Performance Coach
  • Natural Pro Bodybuilder 
  • CPR/AED Certified

Strengths/Specialties

  • Athletic Performance
  • General Fitness (all ages and experience levels)
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting & Olympic Lifting
  • Weight Loss
  • Nutrition/Supplementation

I have always had a passion for fitness and helping others.  In college I chose to study human nutrition, foods, and exercise, but at the time I had no idea I’d make a whole career of it.  I began personal training straight out of college and have been doing it ever since.  I enjoy working with clients of all ages and all experience levels.  I’ve worked with clients ages 11-92 and people who have never stepped foot in a gym before to collegiate athletes at the top of their game.  I work hard to continue my education professionally (through degrees and certifications) but also to learn something from each and every training session.

My own passion for fitness and desire to challenge myself has led me to compete in natural bodybuilding.  I started in 2015, earning my pro card in my first show.  Most recently, I placed 4th in the world at the OCB Yorton Cup.  

I just recently moved to the Raleigh/Apex area and am looking forward to working with new clients here.

After starting my sessions with Jon Booth in January, his personalized approach has drastically increased my fitness and everyday brings me closer to my health goals. He knows my problem areas and designs workouts to address them. He ensures that exercises are done with the correct form and provides cues to maximize effectiveness. Jon’s knowledge and dedication make him an exceptional trainer. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to achieve their goals. -Varun B

TRISHA MCDUFFEE

Education/Experience:

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer

  • Les Mills BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyAttack and BodyBalance

  • CPR/AED/First Aid

Strengths/Specialties

  • Women 40+ Fitness
  • Beginners Fitness
  • Teen Beginners
  • Senior Fitness

My fitness journey began while seeking to improve my own well-being after having children.  As a stay-at-home mom, I began teaching group exercise classes and have been motivating and guiding clients as a group fitness instructor for 16 years, with BodyPump holding a special place in my heart!

In 2023, I left the corporate world to dedicate myself to guiding others on their unique wellness journeys. Through personalized coaching and engaging sessions, we’ll discover sustainable habits that support weight loss, improved strength, and overall well-being.

TRENTON JEFFORDS

Education/Experience:

  • SUF Certified Personal Trainer

  • SUF Fitness  Internship

  • CPR/AED/First Aid

Strengths/Specialties

  • Beginners / Intermediate

  • Pain-Free Strength Training

  • Weight Loss

  • Health & Fitness Education

  • Empowerment

Originally from Colorado, I have lived in NC since 2013, have three boys and a wonderful fiancé, Sonia. I  have a passion for all things health and fitness, including soccer, cycling, and downhill skiing. I’m driven to continually develop my health and fitness knowledge to make a positive impact in the lives of others by helping them move better, feel better, get stronger, and overcome challenges that a hectic work/life schedule presents.

Training Philosophy

My coaching is based around progressive overload science and compound exercises that address main movement patterns of the human body.  I believe we should be moving with intention every day and challenging our body in a multitude of manners so that we provide our body the opportunity to overcome and adapt to grow stronger, healthier, and more resilient.  If you’re ready to move the needle I can help!

Y’all. Trent is the best thing since sliced bread. I had a terrible relationship with working out before I found Trent. He knows when to push me and when to pull back. He is so encouraging and doesn’t let me give up. Now I actually look forward to going to the gym….that is something I never thought I would say!!! If you’re hesitant about working out or personal training, just go talk to Trent. He’ll have your back no matter what.  -Anna N

My personal trainer Trenton is awesome. Trenton is very patient and friendly.He has helped me with my fitness goals and also taught me how to do the exercises in a proper form and how to focus on my core while performing the exercises. This is something new for me and it helped me with my abdomen muscles to be much stronger. The gym environment makes you feel like coming back to the gym regularly. This helps us in achieving our goals.    -Rama A.

I’ve been going to Ignite Fitness and working with Trenton Jeffords for about 3 months now, and it has been a very productive and beneficial experience for me. He explains the exercises we’ll do that session so I can learn what parts of the body we are strengthening and how those improvements apply to my day to day life. He provides clear instructions for each exercise and emphasizes resting and hydrating between sets. He encourages me to challenge myself and is quick to adjust exercises if my body is having a hard time keeping up.   -Laura L

I had a great experience at Ignite training with Trent, he is very detail oriented, passionate about what he does, and attentive to your personal fitness needs and goals. He truly customizes the training and for some one like me who is getting back into working out, it was very helpful to have that focus.  ~Sandy S

Diane Hunter

Education/Experience:

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • NASM Certified Youth Exercise Specialist
  • Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coach
  • CPR/AED Certified

Strengths/Specialties

  • Weight Loss & Nutrition
  • Strength Training
  • Beginners
  • Youth Athletes

I grew up in a small town on the coast of North Carolina. Health and fitness was not always my main focus and I was overweight for most of my life. While I was in college, I decided to make changes and take my health and fitness seriously. With that,  I jumped in with both feet and have never looked back. I enjoy many different forms of exercise but strength training was the first form to really capture my heart. I want to take that passion and share it with others!

I have a strong belief that training and exercise should enhance your life. It should make things better and more enjoyable. With me, you can expect to be challenged, encouraged, and empowered. Beyond the physical benefits of training, the confidence that it brings is an additional bonus that speaks volumes!

CARA JO

Education/Experience:

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • Nutritious Life Health & Nutrition Coach
  • CPR/AED certified

Strengths/Specialties

  • Beginners
  • Weight Loss/Nutrition Education
  • Strength Training
  • Powerlifting
  • Positive & Empowering Coaching

If you are thinking of getting into or getting back into fitness as an adult – you are a force to be reckoned with. I am a mom to four kids. After having #3 & #4 (twins), I was overwhelmed, didn’t feel like myself, and just felt – stuck. Growing up I was an avid soccer player all the way through college, but life had caught up with me. Thinking about fitness felt like a different lifetime. I remember starting again and trying different workout avenues, but I knew I wanted something more tailored to me, and I needed the support. I ended up searching out my own personal trainer and haven’t looked back since. I fell hard for the training process, the challenges, and seeing the wins along the way. Along with coaching others towards their own goals, I continue to compete in powerlifting.

I am passionate about helping people through their own fitness. Fitness should be personal, achievable, and enjoyable. Maybe you want that energy back, maybe its weight loss or muscle gain, maybe you dream of competing again in some way, maybe you feel stuck and aren’t sure where to begin. No matter your story, I am here to support you through it all.

REBECCA RAUM

Available weekdays between 9:30a-2:30p

Education/Experience:

  • 22+ Years Experience
  • ACE Certified Personal Trainer
  • Former College Volleyball Athlete
  • Girls Volleyball Coach
  • BLS Certification (CPR/First Aid/AED)

Strengths/Specialties

  • -Beginners
  • -Overall Health & Wellness
  • -Post-Rehab/Injury Prevention
  • -Weight Loss/Body Composition

Fitness and wellness have been a part of my life since I was a child. I loved the confidence and strength I felt training as an athlete and the ability of my body to perform easily when needed. I swam, played softball, threw shot put/discus and played a lot of volleyball!

Unfortunately, all that changed when I was diagnosed with idiopathic AVN in 2013. Avascular Necrosis is bone tissue death due to a lack of blood supply. As an experienced personal trainer and athlete who had just had my second child, I was now faced with a debilitating condition that I had never heard of before. For months, I was unable to walk due to a bone graft in one knee and core decompression in the other. I also needed a hip replacement. Rebuilding strength and learning to walk without a limp took time, patience, and a lot of physical therapy.

We often take our health for granted until we are faced with a challenge, and I can truly relate and understand what it feels like to have a body that does not function the way you want it to.

Personal training at its best! Amazing place with trainers that are not only experienced but genuinely care about your results. Rebecca is amazing, I had barely liked working out until working with her! She makes workouts both challenging and encouraging – and as a new mom, I definitely needed both! So enjoy my time here, definitely recommend 100%. -Jennifer W.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about my trainer Rebecca. I started training again recently after years of being complacent, and I couldn’t ask for a better coach and partner in my journey back to strength and fitness. Rebecca is encouraging and tailors workouts to my goals and abilities. She keeps workouts fun, fast-paced, and challenging.  I feel stronger and more confident than I have in a long time, and it gets better every week. -Jennifer B.

Denzel Trainer

DENZEL WEBB

Education/Experience:

  • BS Exercise Physiology (UNC-Pembroke)
  • ACE Certified Personal Trainer
  • TRX Qualified Trainer
  • CPR/AED Certified

Strengths/Specialties:

  • -Beginners/Intermediate
  • -Teen/Pre-teen Fitness
  • -Hypertrophy Training (Building Muscle)
  • -Weight Loss

My road to fitness was paved out of necessity.  I was about 25lbs overweight in my adolescent years and was subject to teasing because of it. My dad guided my weight loss by helping me practice self-control and make better foods choices, instead of eating everything in sight. His guidance combined with regular HIIT workouts, to include sprinting and jumping rope, helped me lose the weight.  My motivation to look like the athletes I admired on TV was strong and It also lead to the appeal of weight training. After experiencing the benefits of weight training, finally being able to play the sports that I love and just feeling better about myself in general, I realized that fitness was what I wanted to do with my life.

I work with all ability levels, from beginner to athlete. I’d love the opportunity work with you and establish the appropriate routines to motivate your fitness. I realize that everyone’s story and situation is different. Together we can figure out what works for you.

I have been working with Denzel for about 8 months and he is a fantastic trainer. He pushes you to achieve your goals and creates a comfortable environment at the same time. He also stays on top of new techniques and applies them with his clients which is amazing. Ignite fitness is also a top notch facility with the best equipment out there. It is a first class gym!  -Austin M

Denzel has been our trainer for about over 5 months. My husband and I love working with him. He listens to our requests and modifies if necessary. Sometimes we may come in not wanting to start, we always leave feeling accomplished. We both notice our bodies getting stronger which was our main goal. Thanks to Denzel for making working out enjoyable. – Cassie M

I was about to turn 57 and wanted to finally get in good shape.  Denzel listened to my concerns and what my goals were and put together a program to fit my needs.  He’s so positive and encouraging and always keeps the workouts fresh, challenging and fun.  I could feel and see my progress within a few weeks.  He’s very knowledgeable about how the body works.  I always look forward to each session and it never felt like work!  I highly recommend Denzel if you’re serious about  getting stronger and feeling better.  -Kim E

NICKI THURSTON

Education/Experience:

  • BS in Exercise Science (Endicott College)

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

  • ACL Bridge Certification

  • Former Collegiate Field Hockey Player

  • CPR/AED/First Aid

Strengths/Specialties

  • All Ages/Fitness Levels

  • Strength Training

  • Sports Performance Training

  • Injury/Overtraining Prevention

I was born and raised in Maine and graduated from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, where I studied Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition and Wellness. I moved to Raleigh from New England in 2020.

I began weight training when I was 15 as a way to improve my performance and prevent injury on the field hockey pitch. When my collegiate career ended, strength training became my passion.

I have over 5 years of training experience, including both athletes and general population adults. I have worked with youths as young as 7 years old, to 18 year old elite athletes preparing for college sports, to adults in their 70s with extreme limitations. 

Training Philosophy

I firmly believe that exercise should be an enjoyable experience. When you train with me you should expect to work hard, but to never feel discouraged or miserable. Your safety and your goals are my top priorities, and I will work with you to put together a program that is 100% tailored to you.

I have been training with Nicki at Ignite Fitness since the end of April. My experience has been nothing short of great. Nicki is very patient, detailed, and encouraging. My knowledge is very limited when it comes to exercise, so I trust her 100% in helping develop a fitness plan to reach my goals. I highly recommend her if you’re looking for a trainer.  -Jamie L

I needed personal attention due to my learning style, and also the fact that every other group method just failed. Group classes no matter how good they are focused on individuals who could always do a lot more than I could, and were a waste of time and money. Shout out to Nicki, she knows a lot about musculoskeletal system, and with my injuries able to guide me via a personalized plan in the right direction. I feel a difference already!    -Sumit S.

 

Personal Trainer Apex

ASHLEY  MACKEY

Education/Experience:

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer

  • NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist

  • NASM Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist

  • NASM Certified MMA Conditioning Specialist

  • NASM Certified Golf Fitness Specialist

  • American Heart Association – Basic Life Support, CPR/AED

Strengths/Specialties

  • All Ages & Abilities

  • Sports Performance Training

  • Strength and Conditioning

  • Weight Loss

  • General Nutrition and Macros

Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m originally from Northwestern Pennsylvania. While I was pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting I quickly realized that was not going to be my lifelong career. It wasn’t until my junior year of college however that I finally started to do something about it. I had found myself at an uncomfortable weight and unsure of what I wanted to do in life. I turned to fitness in order to get back on track and successfully lost 100 pounds and found a new career in personal training.

I spent the last seven years training in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. I have worked in corporate gyms and private studios as well as in home training. I’ve been lucky to have trained clients of all ages all with very different and specific goals in mind and am looking forward to bringing my experience here to Ignite Fitness. My ultimate aim as a trainer is to create a lifestyle for my clients that can be utilized for years to come.

JOHNNIE STRICKLAND

Education/Experience:

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • NASM Mixed Martial Arts Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • Active Brazilian Jiu Jitsu / Kickboxing/ Boxing Practitioner
  • CPR/AED Certified

Strengths/Specialties:

  • Beginners to Advanced
  • Strength and Muscle Gain
  • Weight loss/ Body Composition
  • Overall Health & Wellness
  • Beginner Kickboxing Instruction
  • MMA Strength and Conditioning

Fitness has always been a constant in my life; physically, aesthetically and psychologically.  In my youth, I was insecure and lacked confidence, ultimately creating a train wreck of a young man.  I was skinny as a kid and hid the mental torment of the insecurities I created.  I wanted to be bigger, I wanted to be more muscular.  Working out did something to me, it changed me.  I felt alive and strong. I felt confident and invincible.  I began training in mixed martial arts and went to every class they offered.  I trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, boxing, and Muay Thai. I got smashed everyday, and my weight/cardio training was not working. I felt too big and sluggish, and realized that more specific programming was necessary to achieve my goals. That’s when I began to learn how to design effective exercise programs for myself and others.

I’ve had to put on weight, build muscle, lean out, condition, lose weight, etc.   I’ve been around long enough to have been thrown off the wagon, get back on it, and fall off again.  I’m putting in all the work, and doing all the research, so you don’t have to.  I welcome an opportunity to coach you, sharing my knowledge and experience, so we can all live happy and healthy lives.  If not for us, for those who love us!

Johnnie at Ignite Fitness has been doing fantastic work with my teenage son in improving his fitness and confidence. The best feedback I get is my sons big smile after each class. Highly recommend. -Stuart M

I’ve been working with Johnnie for a few months now on a hypertrophy program and it’s been great- Ignite is a clean and friendly facility where everyone has their own station- you never have to wait for a machine to open up. I especially love hitting the water bag, really fun!  -Andrew O

Such an awesome place to workout and learn!  The whole facility is in excellent shape with great equipment, and it’s never crowded!  I’m sure all the trainers are great, but Johnnie has been awesome to work with. I highly recommend Ignite to anyone looking for great training. -Chris M

Currently Unavailable Trainers
Alexis Lech
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    Frank Lech
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      Cora-Ann Licwinko
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        Dylan Krauss
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          Johnnie Strickland
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            Kevin Miller
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              Jacob Lindman
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                Leah Menegos
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                  Questions?

                  If you have any questions we haven’t covered, contact us below or call us at 919-267-5143 and we’ll be happy to help.




                    Personal Training Rates

                    60-min session : $64

                    45-min session : $48

                    30-min session : $32

                    Initial Consultation : FREE

                    Couples/Partner training also available for $90/hr ($45 per person).

                    Personal Training Rates

                    60-min session : $64

                    45-min session : $48

                    30-min session : $32

                    Initial Consultation : FREE

                    Couples/Partner training also available for $90/hr ($45 per person).

                    Questions?

                    If you have any questions we haven’t covered, contact us below or call us at 919-267-5143 and we’ll be happy to help.




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