A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US
Queers and Allies Fitness is dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering environment where the LGBTQ+ community and allies can achieve their health and wellness goals. We integrate mental health support and gender-affirming care into our personalized fitness programs, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Our mission is to promote physical and mental well-being, celebrate diversity, and empower individuals to live authentically and confidently.
ABOUT HAYDEN
About Me:
I'm Hayden (he/him), a Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Coach. I hold a Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. I have a BA in Psychology from University of Hawaii. While studying at JFKU, I set my topic of research on the LGBTQ+ community and the experiences of LGBTQ+ athletes.
I have been an athlete since the age of 5 and have been coaching team sports for over 10 years. I started my transition in 2013 and went through this process myself. I have been doing psychological skill training with athletes and coaches since 2016, and have been personal training since 2017.
I help transmasculine individuals reach their strength goals and reduce feelings of body dysphoria with body masculization. I also work with individuals on strength training, weight loss, and mental skill techniques. I provide a safe space for all individuals to be vulnerable and make the changes necessary for a happier, healthier life regardless of gender expression or identity. I serve LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to our community.
Many people within the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender individuals, face challenges with confidence and comfort in a traditional gym setting. These individuals also have a higher rate of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. There are limited resources dedicated to the betterment of the unique needs and obstacles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. At Queers and Allies Fitness, we combine mental skills strategies (scientifically proven to decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses) with the accountability to be consistent with their nutrition and exercise programs.
PERSONAL TRAINER ARIA
Hello, community! My name is Aria (she/her) and I have been a NASM Certified Personal Trainer since 2016. Exercise has always been an important part of my life, as I grew up with a parent who had a lot of health problems that were only exacerbated by lack of exercise and poor diet. I have unfortunately inherited some of these genetic dispositions that I am always fighting against, but that’s what keeps me going and working hard! Additionally, I injured my back at the age of 13, so I am now well-versed in ways to manage lower back pain and increase core strength so that I can continue exercising and enjoying life for as long as possible. I lift so that cycling, running, hiking, and backpacking feel easy! (Or easier;) Strength training is what is going to set us up for life in the long run. However, as a tinier woman, I always felt out of place and unwelcome in the weight room. It wasn’t until about 11 years ago, when I joined a female run, body positive, strength training gym that I felt safe enough to explore my strength potential. And I fell in LOVE with lifting and being strong, and I really want to help others reach their own strength goals, too. Making others feel more comfortable in a gym space and in their own bodies are both big reasons why I coach! I love supporting the local Queer community in whatever way possible as well. I am so excited to join the Queers & Allies Fitness team and to assist folks in achieving their goals in the most accepting fitness space in Sacramento. If you're ready to jump over that hurdle to getting healthy and feeling good in your own body, hit me up!
PERSONAL TRAINER ELY
Hi friends! I’m Ely (they/them), and I’m thrilled to work out with you. I’m an ACE-certified personal trainer and an Army veteran with over 10 years of endurance training experience. From lifting and biking to dancing, I believe all types of fitness are amazing! Growing up, I dealt with some injuries, which sparked my passion for corrective exercises and deepened my love for fitness. Beyond that, I enjoy cooking, eating (a lot!), reading, gaming, playing sports with my kids, and spoiling my cats 🐈. Let’s get strong together—I’m here to help you reach your goals!
MASSAGE THERAPIST BODIE
Hey there! My name's Bodie (he/him). I’m a certified massage therapist & health educator serving the Sacramento area. I am honored to be able to hold safe space for my fellow LGBTQ+ peers and allies seeking the holistic benefits of massage therapy.
I offer therapeutic massage for recovery and prevention of injuries. You do not need to be an athlete to benefit from bodywork. If you have a body and you use that body, then odds are, massage therapy is for you! I utilize deep tissue, trigger point therapy, stretching & dynamic cupping for a custom experience tailored to your body's needs! The goal of massage therapy is to address tension and dysfunction in the muscles before it becomes an injury.
Disclaimer: My room is in Queers and Allies Fitness, a local LGBT+ gym offering safe space to the community. Although I have my own private space with a door, this is not your typical "spa" setting for massage. There is music playing, lights on, and I am typically communicating with my clients throughout our sessions!
Feel free to reach out with any questions.
MASSAGE THERAPIST RACHEL
My name is Rachel Daharsh (she/they). Thank you for taking an interest in my practice.
I view the field of massage as a never-ending pool of knowledge scientifically and culturally. I was drawn in by my fascination of the diversity of our experiences that are then reflected in our bodies.
I spent two years in school with National Holistic institute, graduating from their Core program, Advanced Neuromuscular Massage Therapy program, and most recently, their brand new Associates of Applied Sciences degree program of Medical Massage. I also have my bachelor's degree in psychology from Chico State.
Prior to my work in massage therapy, I spend five incredible years working in mental and behavioral health. So much of that time was spent working with neurodivergent individuals and LGBTQ+ youth. It was such an unforgettable gift to witness young people coming into their own identities as trans individuals. I also was there with young trans people who were already very out and proud about their trans identities! Some with the most incredible senses of fashion that they used to express themselves! Many times, I would come into a first session asking my client's pronouns, and they would say "oh, any."
Being a 'zillenial' queer, neurodivergent person, I feel prone to gender fatigue in this wild, wild world. Watching these youth express themselves, gave me hope and inspiration. I will always feel privileged to be part of their journeys. And I really think what gave us all vitality, was community. Being there for each other.
For myself, I always knew I was queer, and I always knew there was so much more to my gender than the lot I was assigned at birth. That is the body and energy that I bring to me my clients with. Gender expansive, open, curious and non-traditional.
Outside of my work experience, I love my fuzz children, I am a Scorpio, an artist, a lover of food, fanatic for local cafes! Also, I have a love for books. Lately it's been mostly romantacy. Thank you, Libby! (app for public library)