Kevin McManus, CPT
Kevin has served in the health and fitness business for over 30 years, as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and as a health club owner and operator.
Kevin came to La Misión for a vacation in early 2014, fell in love with Baja, and decided to stay and open Tortilla Fitness, a personal training studio at his house in Playa La Mision.
In 2015 Kevin teamed up with his life partner, yoga and Spin trainer Norma Sanchez. They soon outgrew their studios at "Tortilla Fitness" and opened La Misión Fitness & Yoga in December of 2017.
Kevin’s in-depth training includes certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the industry’s premier, evidence-based, certified personal training program. His additional interests and specialty training include:
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National Exercise Training Association CPT
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Sports Nutrition Certification
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NASM Seniors Fitness Training
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NASM Corrective Exercise Training
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NASM Integrated Stability and Balance Training
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Myofascial Release Training
As a certified seniors' fitness specialist, Kevin frequently works with Baja based clients in need of physical therapy and post-surgical rehabilitation - including cardio rehab, stroke, hip, knee and shoulder replacements.
As founder of Weight Loss for Life (WLFL), a weight loss program licensed and authorized in 2005 by the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition, Kevin has helped hundreds of people lose weight and keep it off through permanent, healthy lifestyle changes.
Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University and did graduate studies at Life University Chiropractic College in Atlanta, GA.
Norma Sanchez
Norma turned to yoga and meditation while in her teens, following a tragic event that left her questioning what was important and of value in her life. Now, over 15 years later, that daily yoga and meditation practice, along with her lifetime passion for cross country running and indoor cycling, form the basis of her professional life.
Norma has been teaching private and group yoga for 12 years. She practiced yoga for seven years under the tutelage of Yoga Master Druba Rinpoche in Valle de Bravo outside of Mexico City, and later in Cuernavaca.
Norma and her life partner, Kevin McManus, started training clients at their house in Playa La Mision in 2014 and opened La Misión Fitness & Yoga in 2017. When not training herself or clients, she continues to be a diligent student of yoga, learning and practicing new yoga techniques and philosophy. She teaches and trains bilingually.
Norma’s students find her to be a challenging and skilled instructor, yet one who teaches with great compassion and heart. If you haven’t experienced one of Norma’s yoga classes than you don’t know what you’re missing!
Juan
Erin
Terri van de Sande
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Terri is a fitness professional with over 34 years experience. She's worked with a wide variety of people to help them achieve their personal best in health and fitness. She specializes in Pilates for spinal issues and has worked with pre-Olympic swim teams, sports professionals, dancers and couch surfers. Terri is certified in TRX Suspension training, Balance and Coordination Training and is a Thai Massage Practitioner. She is also an alumni fitness instructor at the world-famous Rancho La Puerta Resort and Spa in Tecate, Mexico.
Lobo, our mascot
Lobo is a beautiful husky/mix rescued from a life of digging through trash and refuse in el valle de Guadelupe. When he first arrived at the gym, he was starved, scared, had an unhealthy coat, and could barely stand.
Kevin and Norma also have a passion for helping animals in need. Soon Lobo was strong and healthy and back on his legs with a second chance at life! Lobo is the friendliest dog and spends most of his days napping and greeting the members at the Gym.
He also loves going to the beach where he RUNS in the sand. Every once in a while he sneaks into a yoga class (his adho mukha svanasana is exceptional!).