Our Story
About fifteen years ago, Mari and Ric met at the start of their personal training careers, working together at an In-Shape gym. Over the next year and a half, they slowly realized that they shared a love of cooking (we can tear it up in the kitchen), a passion for strength and movement, and, most notably, a desire to help the people in Modesto and greater Central Valley community with their health, fitness, and nutrition.
This desire to help other humans was the driving force behind creating a space that was more than a gym. Mari and Ric wanted an open and comfortable space for people searching for a place to start their fitness and health journeys. They wanted to focus on teaching people to move and that food fueled and nurtured their bodies. Mari and Ric wanted to show the Modesto area and the greater Central Valley that strength in the gym led to strength and confidence outside of the gym. They wanted to create a community that supported each other's goals and motivated one another to push past the adversity that comes with trying to do something they think they may not be able to achieve.
Rooted Movement was built from the dreams of two people wanting to positively impact the place they call home. Mari and Ric have spent the past fifteen years learning from experts so they can pass on their knowledge, helping people reach all kinds of remarkable goals, educating all ages of humans about delicious healthy food, and, through a little dumb luck, have created a wonderful place to hang out, move, laugh, eat and get strong.
Rooted Movement is a special place with awesome people and weird weights, and we hope it can help you find your path to a healthier and happier you.
This desire to help other humans was the driving force behind creating a space that was more than a gym. Mari and Ric wanted an open and comfortable space for people searching for a place to start their fitness and health journeys. They wanted to focus on teaching people to move and that food fueled and nurtured their bodies. Mari and Ric wanted to show the Modesto area and the greater Central Valley that strength in the gym led to strength and confidence outside of the gym. They wanted to create a community that supported each other's goals and motivated one another to push past the adversity that comes with trying to do something they think they may not be able to achieve.
Rooted Movement was built from the dreams of two people wanting to positively impact the place they call home. Mari and Ric have spent the past fifteen years learning from experts so they can pass on their knowledge, helping people reach all kinds of remarkable goals, educating all ages of humans about delicious healthy food, and, through a little dumb luck, have created a wonderful place to hang out, move, laugh, eat and get strong.
Rooted Movement is a special place with awesome people and weird weights, and we hope it can help you find your path to a healthier and happier you.
Ric Garcia
Co-Founder | Strength, Movement & Longevity Coach For more than 18 years, I've been helping people move better, get stronger, and build confidence in what their bodies are capable of doing. With a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from San Diego State University and years of continuing education in strength, movement, and performance, I've dedicated my career to understanding how the human body moves and more importantly, how to help people move well for life. As Co-Founder of Rooted Movement, I've spent the past 16 years developing our individualized training systems and coaching philosophy. Every exercise program we create is designed with purpose. Whether someone is new to exercise, recovering from an injury, improving athletic performance, or simply wanting to move with less pain, our goal is always the same: to help them build strength safely and confidently. I believe movement is one of the greatest investments we can make in our long-term health. Strength isn't just about lifting heavier weights, it's about maintaining independence, preventing injury, improving quality of life, and continuing to do the activities you love for years to come. At Rooted Movement, I serve as the lead strength and movement coach, overseeing program design and helping ensure every member receives coaching that's personalized to their goals, movement abilities, and experience level. I also have the privilege of teaching movement seminars and professional workshops throughout the United States, sharing practical coaching strategies that help both fitness professionals and everyday people move more efficiently and effectively. My passion is creating an environment where people feel welcomed, supported, and empowered. Whether you're stepping into a gym for the first time or have years of training experience, I want you to feel confident not intimidated. My goal is simple: To help you move better, become stronger, and discover just how capable your body truly is. Because when you move well, you live well. |
Marisol Fernandez
Co-Founder | Strength, Nutrition & Longevity Coach For over 18 years, I've dedicated my career to helping people build stronger bodies, healthier habits, and a better quality of life. My journey began with Full Force Personal Training, where I believed the key to better health was simply helping people exercise more. After coaching hundreds of individuals, I realized that lasting results require much more than workouts alone. People needed education, nutrition guidance, accountability, and a personalized approach that fit their everyday lives. That realization led to the evolution of Rooted Movement, a place where strength training, nutrition, mobility, recovery, and behavior change come together to create lifelong health. Today, my coaching philosophy is simple: meet people where they are. Every person has unique goals, challenges, health histories, and lifestyles, so every program should be just as unique. I take the time to understand each client's story before creating a personalized plan built on sustainable habits, not quick fixes. I believe the best coaches don't simply tell people what to do, they teach them why it works. My goal is to help clients understand their bodies so they can make confident, informed decisions long after our coaching has ended. My professional education includes:
I also believe exceptional coaching includes collaboration. When appropriate, I work alongside a trusted network of physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, mental health professionals, and other healthcare providers to ensure every client receives the support they need. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build strength, improve mobility, navigate menopause, increase energy, or simply create healthier habits, my mission is the same: To help you build a lifestyle that is sustainable, evidence-based, and rooted in long-term health, so you can continue doing the things you love for years to come. |
LARRY
I am a strength and movement coach with a passion for yoga and a love for backpacking and hiking. After graduating from Stanislaus State in 2002, I pursued my certification as an SFG 1 in 2018. With 5 years of coaching experience, I aim to help others improve their quality of life through functional strength and movement.
My journey into fitness began when I joined the Rooted family weighing 318 pounds and struggling with everyday mobility. Through dedication and hard work, I have successfully dropped down to 255 pounds and achieved significant improvements in my own mobility.
With a focus on the efficiency of movement, I strive to teach others how to feel during their movement and help them reach their full potential. I believe in the power of functional strength and am here to guide others towards a
I am a strength and movement coach with a passion for yoga and a love for backpacking and hiking. After graduating from Stanislaus State in 2002, I pursued my certification as an SFG 1 in 2018. With 5 years of coaching experience, I aim to help others improve their quality of life through functional strength and movement.
My journey into fitness began when I joined the Rooted family weighing 318 pounds and struggling with everyday mobility. Through dedication and hard work, I have successfully dropped down to 255 pounds and achieved significant improvements in my own mobility.
With a focus on the efficiency of movement, I strive to teach others how to feel during their movement and help them reach their full potential. I believe in the power of functional strength and am here to guide others towards a