Increase your results
with a personal trainer!

The New Orleans Athletic Club is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your workouts. We have the most experienced, diverse, and personable training staff in the city, and we'd love to amp up your workout by pairing you with trainer best suited for your needs.

If you are new to personal training or unsure of which trainer to contact, contact us and our staff will walk you through the process and suggest a trainer to get you started.

Lonnie Arroyo

Lonnie Arroyo is a graduate of Holy Cross High School and attended Louisiana Tech University on a Track and Field athletic scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fitness and Wellness while at Tech. Lonnie has been a certified personal trainer since 2000. He is currently certified through NESTA (National Exercise and Sports Trainer Association) and began personal training at the NOAC in 2001. He received a certification from NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) as a Corrective Exercise Specialist as well as a certification in FMS (Functional Movement Specialist) to screen, asses, rate and rank movement to prevent injury. Lonnie places great value on continuing his education in order to stay on top of the most advanced and most effective training strategies.

Lonnie strives to give his clients the tools and knowledge they need to increase their performance and to maximize their potential. His unique professional training techniques are individually designed to develop strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, mobility, stability and balance. Some of his training strategies include olympic lifting, trx, foam rolling, multi directional indian club training, At any age you can learn the most efficient way to reach your goals by training smarter and have an effective safe workout.

Contact Lonnie at: (504) 301-7600
Email: lonniejarroyo@gmail.com

Don Duke

From the moment I walked into the NOAC's doors in October 1999, I knew two things - this is no ordinary gym and I belong here. The looks of the building are complemented perfectly by the professionalism of the members and staff. It has afforded me the great fortune of meeting some of the very best people in the city. I truly enjoy getting to know the real side of our members and have gained many lifelong friendships. Born in New Orleans, I attended Holy Cross High School before venturing all the way up north to Louisiana Tech University where I completed my Bachelors in Fitness & Wellness/Pre-Physical Therapy. I spend most of my free time training for my first triathalon, bass fishing, and cheering on the Saints and LSU!

Contact Don at: (504) 214-0558

Joe Everett

Joseph Everett is a native New Orleanian and has been a personal trainer at the New Orleans Athletic Club for 18 years. Joseph acquired several certifications: The American Council on Exercise (ACE), The Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFFA) and National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). Joseph possesses a vast knowledge of physiology of the human body and in addition to personal training has aided many clients in physical rehabilitation. Joseph’s family operated a health food store for over 30 years, which exposed him to the fitness industry at a very young age. Joseph is knowledgeable in many aspects of the fitness industry e.g. weightlifting, nutrition, gym equipment drafting and design, boxing, Shotokan Karate & Judo. Joseph can help you meet your goals, whether you have aspirations of bodybuilding or just want to get in shape or lose a few pounds. Joseph can structure a program to meet your goals and take you to the next level of fitness. Joseph possesses a passion for helping people achieve their goals and prides himself in helping one reach their goals while succeeding in making it an enjoyable endeavor.

Contact Joe at: (504) 439-9882

Jeremy Johnson

Jeremy is a NESTA Certified Personal Trainer with over 12 years experience in the fitness and wellness industry. He takes a holistic approach to fitness. He believes the body?s strength, speed, balance, flexibility and endurance have to be addressed equally. He enjoys teaching anything from weight lifting to basic boxing.

After graduating with a degree in Communications from Loyola University New Orleans, Jeremy shifted his focus to fitness and wellness. He achieved a National Certification in Therapeutic Massage after attending Blue Cliff College. He then went on to open Evolution Massage Therapy and direct the fitness and wellness programs for Loyola University New Orleans. While at Loyola, Jeremy received fitness certifications with the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America and the Deep South Alliance for Fitness Professionals. He left Loyola in 2006 and has been with the NOAC ever since.

When he's not exercising, training, massaging or consulting, Jeremy enjoys acting in television and film projects. He holds his screen actors credentials with the SAG-AFTRA union.

Contact Jeremy at: (504) 508-5711

Tessa Izdepski

Tessa graduated from Louisiana State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. There, she concentrated in Human Movement, which included coursework in anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, neuromechanics, and other studies applicable to personal training. This educational background, along with extensive athletic experience, helps to create a perfect platform for being an excellent trainer. Her individual training style combines resistance training with cardiovascular, balance, and agility exercises to help maximize physical gains and/or weight loss. In her 4 years of experience she has trained everyone from 22 year old models, to 31 year old expecting mothers, to 76 year old gin drinkers. So no matter what your goals may be, you are just her type.

Contact Tessa at: (504) 615-8139

Danny Navar

I began working as a personal trainer in the spring of 2007after I received my master’s degree in neuroscience at LSU Health Sciences Center. My thesis focused on understanding the neural mechanisms associated with meal termination. After receiving my personal trainer certification, I began training individual and group clients at Lakeway Athletic Club and New Orleans Athletic Club. Currently I work primarily out of New Orleans Athletic Club where I train clients as well as myself.

I emphasize a complete, yet individualized fitness routine for my clients and myself; focusing on cardiovascular and muscular fitness, flexibility, balance and coordination, and proper body composition. Basic goals for most include increased functionality, diet awareness, and becoming a more active person. My own fitness goals include building strength and power for sports, maximizing flexibility, conditioning for sports, maintaining proper weight and body composition, and improving quickness and agility.

I have been resistance training for most my life and have competitive experience in Olympic and powerlifting. I participated in wrestling and football in high school and still enjoy competitive and recreational sports. When not in the gym or being active; I enjoy movies and music, traveling, watching sports, reading, beer brewing and consumption, and of course just relaxing.

Contact Danny at: (504) 231-4200

Mitch Biancato

Mitch Biancato has a love and passion for fitness driven by his personal experience with the diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes as a teenager. What began as a necessity for his own health quickly grew into a desire to share his knowledge and experience to help others maintain a healthy lifestyle. A native of the New Orleans area, Mitch understands very well the challenges the area presents for healthy living. To combat this, Mitch emphasizes awareness of proper food choices and stresses the importance of keeping variety in your fitness routine to avoid boredom, which often leads to quitting an exercise program before goals are reached. Mitch is certified by The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. An opponent of the cookie-cutter/one-size-fits-all style of training, Mitch’s approach to training is multi-dimensional, utilizing a variety of exercises and techniques to target cardiovascular endurance as well as muscle strength, flexibility and tone, with a strict focus on proper form to ensure client safety. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Mitch has helped many clients reach their fitness goals. No matter what your goal is, weight loss, diabetes management, gaining strength and endurance or keeping regular exercise in your life, Mitch can design an individualized plan that works for you and your lifestyle.

Contact Mitch at: (504) 343-5534

Jennifer Pearl

Jennifer became interested in Pilates while taking a program developed by the NYC Ballet Company in 1994. The program emphasized length and strength within the physical body and she found many common elements with her yoga discipline.

In 2004, she became certified by the Physical Mind Institute in Pilates Mat and in Pilates Standing Exercises. In the summer of 2005, she completed a certification in Pilates Equipment. She had planned to start teaching in the fall of 2005 when Katrina hit New Orleans, closing the NOAC for one year. Jennifer taught locally and then furthered her Pilates training in the summer of 2006 and again in 2007 with Ellie Herman in San Francisco. She set up a private Pilates studio at the NOAC in the Fall of 2006 and has been teaching mat classes and private clients. She is certified on the all equipment through the Physical Mind Institute based in NYC.

Contact Jennifer at: (504) 258-5724

Matthew Sabella

I started weight training about nine years ago. As I learned more about exercise and weightlifting, I also became interested in the health and fitness industry, eventually getting a job at the Lakeway Athletic Club as a personal trainer and aquatics instructor. I received my first personal training certification through the International Alliance in April of 2004. I am also certified in Personal Training through AFAA as well as Sports Nutrition, Aqua Aerobics and Personal Training through the Exercise Science Alliance. I began working at the East Jefferson YMCA in October 2005 as a personal trainer and floor manager. In 2009, I competed in my first two body building shows and placed fourth out of seven contestants in both shows.

I feel very fortunate to have worked with some of the most respected people in our area such as Buford Jordan, Troy Bourgeois and Mackie Schilstone. By taking aspects of each of their particular styles of training, I feel that I was able to develop my own unique style. My specialties include weight loss and toning, muscle mass development and bodybuilding, strength and sports specific training such as speed, balance and agility.

My goal is to instill the same energy and excitement that I have for exercising into my clients. If you develop a passion for fitness it becomes a lifestyle that you will never give up.

Contact Matthew at: (504) 812-4218

Karl Ault (Swim Coach)

Karl Ault grew up in New England and attended Loyola University before settling in New Orleans as a permanent resident. In his years back in Maine, he swam competitively at his local YMCA at a very young age. Karl continued his pattern of success by setting a team record for LRSC (Long Reach Swim Club) and then went on to qualify for the YMCA Regional finals in Providence twice, along with East Coast Zone finals for US Swimming in Virginia.

With over 15 years of experience, he’s able to train beginners just looking to get in shape as well as those trying to work on their technique in regards to strokes and racing skills.

Karl is an avid musician, an experienced photographer, a piano tutor, and currently works with the Howlin’ Wolf in the Warehouse district.

Contact Karl at: (207) 319-5635

Sarah Mintz

I am a NASM certified personal trainer. I believe that core strength is the base and start to a healthy lifestyle. I work on strengthening small muscle groups to ensure protection of your joints and ligaments. I believe in proper goal setting through your workouts. It is important to understand where your body is and where you want it to be. Each workout is specifically designed to help you reach the goal that brought you to the New Orleans Athletic Club originally.

I am a graduate from Tulane University and a native of the great state of Louisiana. Upon graduating in 2010, I moved to Denver, Colorado to continue my health and wellness education. In Denver, I attended the National Personal Training Institute where I focused on developing specific programs catered to each individuals wants and needs. After two year of soaking up everything the leading state of health and wellness had to offer, I decided I needed to bring my knowledge and expertise back to the people I love, New Orleanians.

I have been resistance training most of my life. As a young girl I spent most of my days playing competitive softball, I now have kept that competitive drive through training for half marathons and sprint triathlons. Whether your goal is to climb the tallest mountain or lose a few pounds, I can help you develop the program that will get you to that goal.

Contact Sarah at: (318) 366 - 9743 or smintz1388@gmail.com

Michael Cochran

Michael is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. His experience as a former U.S. Marine and police officer has instilled great work ethic and commitment to any task he pursues. Michael’s first experience of the N.O.A.C. was at the age of 16 when his father took him to start boxing. His love of the sport started from the first time he stepped into the ring, and continues as he trains in the gym where it all began.

Michael is a N.E.S.T.A. (National Exercise Sports Trainer Association) certified personal trainer with over 15 years of boxing and conditioning experience which includes competition and training. He believes that boxing provides an outlet that is unparalleled by other routines. The combination of boxing instruction and intense dynamic cardiovascular routines, results in true functional fitness. It also instills confidence that can be used both inside and outside the ring. Michael takes clients from all skill levels from post pregnancy moms to aspiring or competitive boxers.

Contact Michael at: (504) 723-6741 or michaelcochranfitness@gmail.com

Dalia Klimkowski

Dalia is a graduate of Tulane University. She is National Academy of Sports Medicine certified in personal training and has Black Belts in Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Orthodox Hapkido. In addition to her Martial Arts experience, Dalia has trained under Spyder Hemphill, two-time World Kickboxing Champion.

Dalia Co-Developed an exercise regimen, FitCut, based on the Ancient Art of Sword Movement combined with modern cardio-interval principles to achieve weight loss, which she has taught to Ford models, homemakers, and grandmothers. She has also taught Women's Self-Defense for the past 3 years to clients of all ages and backgrounds.

Dalia has 10 years of weightlifting, 8 years of Martial Arts, 3 years of Kickboxing, and 3 years of Volleyball experience. In her free time, Dalia also practices holistic medicine, yoga, pilates, and bellydance.

Through her own personal experience, Dalia has learned how to overcome injuries, improper nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, and weight fluctuations. She understands that getting into shape can be a daunting task. Hence, she strongly believes in an an appropriate but progressive tempo tailored to each individual's needs and goals. She is excited to share her passion for movement and finds it fulfilling to see positive growth in her clients' physical, mental, and spiritual transformations.

Although Dalia has traveled and lived around the world, New Orleans is the place she calls home.

Watch Dalia's Promo Video here »
Visit her personal site here »

Contact Dalia at (202) 643-5735 or