Who We Are

A two-sport athlete in college, Sam continued to foster his passion for fitness while working on his doctorate at the University of South Carolina. After completing his degree in 2007, he moved to Atlanta with his wife and spent 5 years teaching science and coaching tennis while spending his early mornings and evenings instructing fitness and strength training. While a teacher, Sam started an employee fitness program for faculty and staff at Woodward Academy and simultaneously formed the Smugs Fitness Outdoor Fitness Program in Barrett Park (College Park, GA).

Sam has since opened the Smugs Fitness Lab in the Historic Kirkwood Neighborhood and works with individuals and small groups to achieve their health and fitness goals. Sam’s coaching provides people with the tools they need to move, feel and look their best! In addition to personal training and small groups, Sam works with companies large and small to help develop and maintain corporate wellness programs for their employees.

When not in the Smugs Fitness Lab, Sam drinks coffee (a lot of coffee) and spends time with his wife (Kristy) and daughters (Lilly and Clara).

MBA, ACSM-CPT, PN1, SFG, SFL

Kory bases her coaching on the belief that movement should enhance one’s life and food should nourish one’s body. In 2012, Kory decided to transform her own life through the addition of strength training and a healthy diet, and she hasn’t looked back since. She takes her role as a coach and educator to clients very seriously and works to provide a truly custom experience for her clients. She draws on her past experience as both a busy finance professional and a stay at home parent to determine solutions that work for a variety of lifestyles. Her mission is not only to help clients reach their goals but also to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to continue with their healthy lifestyle after the coaching period has ended. She offers both in-person and online fitness and nutrition coaching and is currently accepting clients for both.

If you’re ready for a different approach to health and wellness and want to look and feel your best, Kory will build a program for you.

CSCS

After researching strength training, conditioning, and motor learning in preparation for an international martial arts tournament, Nick went to study Kinesiology at the University of North Georgia. Throughout his education, Nick worked as a personal and group trainer. Following the completion of his B.S. in Kinesiology, Nick moved to Atlanta to begin personal training full time.

Nick emphasizes a balanced approach to health and wellness through gradual, sustainable changes. His experience with martial arts guided Nick to focus on teaching clients to move safely and effectively while developing strength and decreasing movement-related pain. Nick’s goal is to equip clients to take control of their health and training. In the words of Socrates: “No [human] has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a [human] to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which [their] body is capable.”

Outside the gym, Nick enjoys food (especially pastries; he makes really good cinnamon donuts), board games with his wife, and sci-fi/fantasy books and movies.

CSCS, SCCC, CCES, USAW

Zach has over 20 years of coaching experience and has worked with both collegiate and high school athletic programs. He touts some of the most impressive certifications in the strength and conditioning industry. Zach was a collegiate football player and is currently a Strongman competitor. He has experience working with athletes of all ages, in addition to general fitness clients.  An Atlanta native, Zach enjoys reading and spending time with his Jack Russell, Teddy.

NASM-CPT, CES

Ali found her passion for personal training through her battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Many years after being diagnosed and living a sedentary lifestyle, she decided to try working out again. With modifications and consistency she quickly realized exercising helped with her arthritis! She immediately started sharing her journey online and became passionate about motivating others to get moving. A couple years after discovering her passion for the fitness industry she decided to get certified as a personal trainer through NASM. Since then she has been working as a personal and group trainer in Atlanta. Her mission as a personal trainer is to prove that we can still get our bodies moving in a fun, safe way, regardless of limitations. Her favorite form of exercising is dancing! Outside of the gym Ali loves scriptwriting and directing short films. She also brings awareness for Rheumatoid Arthritis on social media by making funny videos. Lastly she enjoys traveling. Having grown up abroad and traveling the world, she loves to learn about new cultures and try new cuisines!

NASM-CPT, SFGII

It wasn’t until Lorna found activities that she enjoyed that she contemplated her own fitness. Her passion for recreational endurance races became much more enjoyable when complemented with a fitness and recovery regime. Throughout years of IronMan triathlon, ultramarathons and adventure races Lorna worked with and learned from amazing coaches that ultimately inspired her to pivot from her long career as a technology specialist to a fitness career of her own. For Lorna the ‘big picture’ of fitness is to enjoy the present while progressing towards enjoyable longevity. Lorna is dedicated to creating fitness programs that will enable you to enjoy your favorite things in life even more; strength training, racing, playing with children or making your day to day activities easier.