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
I'm Ric Garcia. I have a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. I hold multiple fitness certifications and have coached for 15 years. I have run my own gym, Rooted Movement for 13 years and been fortunate to have taught and led movement seminars and conferences all over the United States. I use this experience and knowledge to design all of the individualized training programs at Rooted Movement. As the lead trainer and primary movement coach, I pride myself on creating an environment inside of Rooted Movement that allows our members to be comfortable and confident as they improve their health, fitness, and movement abilities. I believe every human should be confident in what their body can do and look forward to helping you improve and learn what your body is capable of. |
MARI
With a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and multiple fitness certifications, I've spent 15 years coaching and 13 years running my own gym and yoga studio, Rooted Movement. I use an evidence-based, personalized approach in collaboration with healthcare experts to give our members a well-rounded fitness experience. My diverse background helps me understand and address the unique challenges and traumas our members might face. At Rooted Movement, we do comprehensive assessments to tailor programs to individual needs, focusing on safe, effective fitness journeys. My ultimate goal is to empower our members to make healthier choices and lead happier lives. |
CORINNA
I love spending time with my family and adventuring outdoors. With a background of immigrating from Germany as a child, I cherish my dual citizenship and frequent visits there. Married with two daughters, I've benefited from my husband's 15-year fitness career, training with top instructors at Rooted Movement, where he's a co-owner. In 2021, I became a trauma-informed yoga coach, emphasizing the power of movement and breath. At Rooted Movement, my yoga classes focus on mind-body connection, breath control, and mental clarity. While I enjoy various yoga styles, Yin is my favorite. Additionally, I manage the studio's social media, connecting with our community. |
|
|
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 |
MARY
I'm Mary Castillo, and I've completely transformed my life by dedicating myself to fitness and nutrition, overcoming body shaming and health risks along the way. I hit the gym 5-6 times a week and follow a personalized nutrition plan, which has helped me make significant strides in weight loss, strength, and mental well-being. I always emphasize setting small, achievable goals and embracing your individual journey without letting the scale define you. To stay motivated, I rely on positive affirmations and track my progress through photos, not just weight. Passionate about fitness, my goal is to become an SFG Certified Personal Trainer. My journey is a testament to what determination and self-belief can achieve. |