About The Goodwill Fitness Center
Help Us Build Muscles - And Self-Confidence
Our goal is to improve your physical fitness and strength to promote the highest degree of independence. Our members can take advantage of cardiovascular and strength training, yoga, one-on-one personal training, and classes on nutrition and wellness strategies. To qualify for membership at the Goodwill Fitness Center, you must have a medically diagnosable disability and a medical release form signed by your physician authorizing you to participate in an exercise program. After your fitness assessment, a highly trained personal trainer will work with you develop an exercise program based on your individual capabilities and goals.
Goodwill of Orange County provides service and support to thousands of adults and seniors living with disabilities and other barriers. In collaboration with the Spinal Cord Injury Special Fund (SCI Fund), Goodwill has now expanded the level of service to hundreds more through the creation of a comprehensive physical fitness center to offer even more hope and freedom to those living with catastrophic illness, injury and secondary health conditions related to long-term disabilities.
Exercise is an activity many people enjoy to strengthen bodies and calm minds. People with disabilities should have the same opportunity to improve their health and enhance their abilities. It's especially beneficial for those living with catastrophic illness, injury and secondary health conditions related to long-term disabilities. Until now, facilities have been designed for short-term rehabilitation, and even those often become off-limits after insurance coverage expires. The Goodwill Fitness Center is completely focused on empowering and educating its members to obtain the best physical exercise possible by providing the latest in fully accessible equipment.
Meet The Team
Certified trained fitness professionals, a physical therapist and trained volunteers comprised of a consulting physician, interns in kinesiology or rehabilitation from regional universities as well as a distinguished advisory board—to provide customized programs designed to maximize each member’s potential. With a 5:1 ratio of member to staff, personalized attention and a comprehensive approach to a stay-fit program keeps members motivated and on track to improved personal fitness.
At the Goodwill Fitness Center our physical therapist is committed to providing progressive, high quality care for our members. Working in concert with each individual’s abilities and goals, we offer proven fitness options to give the best quality rehabilitation experience, as well as a full range of proactive care, such as injury prevention, fitness, and wellness. Certified Personal Trainers will teach you how to use all of the exercise machines, help adjust your equipment, teach you basic exercise guidelines/principles, make sure your workouts are safe, effective and fun and of course, answer any questions you have about facilities, services or programming. Trainers will help you get started in an exercise program and supply general nutrition information and tips for weight loss.
Elizabeth Toumajian
Goodwill Fitness Center Manager
In 1995 while Elizabeth pursued her Masters degree in Kinesiology at Cal State University Long Beach, she was the director of The Adapted Fitness and Wellness Center, where she also worked as personal trainer developing therapeutic exercise programs for people with disabilities. The success of this program was tremendous and at the peak of the program the center helped serve nearly 80 people a day. Elizabeth has been involved in competitive sports since the age of five, and as a Type 1 diabetic she has benefitted tremendously from a lifelong love of exercise. In her role as the executive director for a foundation at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, she worked with children with Type 1 diabetes and their families. Elizabeth’s keen understanding and compassion for others who may face physical challenges, makes her the ideal person for helping others learn practical strategies overcoming barriers and keeping their exercise programs on track.
- B.S. in Psychology from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo
- M.S. in Exercise and Sport Psychology at California State University at Long Beach
Jason Yonemoto
Goodwill Fitness Center Physical Therapist
After graduating from Chapman University in 2002 with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy, Jason began working as a therapist in private practice orthopedics where he was able to gain experience in treating a full range of problems. In his most recent position, Jason has the opportunity to provide physical therapy to a multitude of age ranges for conservative treatment, pre- and post- operative conditions, as well as for wellness and prevention. In 2007, Jason obtained his certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association, which better enables him to treat orthopedic conditions and allows him to work with physical therapy students in a therapeutic setting. A firm believer in the importance of exercise and its role in the therapeutic process, Jason is committed to providing services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, American Physical Therapy Association
- M.S. in Physical Therapy, Chapman University
- B.A.in Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
Matthew Seril
Personal Trainer
While pursuing his degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Long Beach, Matthew earned a Personal Trainer Certification through the American Council on Exercise. Matthew's education and fieldwork allowed him to gain experience in providing safe and effective exercise programs for special populations. When he isn't talking about traveling around the world or what's for lunch, Matthew does his best to make sure that members are enjoying their time in the gym. Matthew brings an enthusiastic approach to exercise and is honored to help the diverse community of the Goodwill Fitness Center reach their goals of better living through physical activity.
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Fitness from California State University, Long Beach
Douglas Velasquez
Trainer
Doug is a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. With an extensive background in coaching, Doug believes strongly in setting goals with his clients and celebrating the big and small accomplishments along the way. When he is not training clients, Doug enjoys line dancing to country music and of course working out to stay in shape. Doug brings a fun and energetic atmosphere to the Goodwill Fitness Center.
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, with a focus in Gerontology from Cal State Fullerton
Johnny Chambers
Trainer
Johnny Chambers originally joined the Goodwill Fitness Center while working as an Kinesiology intern from Cal State University Long Beach. Since Johnny's began his internship he has developed a passion for training and working with the members of the Goodwill Fitness Center. Johnny has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over two years and feels that working at Goodwill is without a doubt the most rewarding place to be a trainer. Johnny’s love for surfing and athletics is apparent in his easy going approach to fitness as a lifestyle choice vs. a chore. Johnny is honored to be a part of the team at the Goodwill Fitness Center and has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Fitness from California State University, Long Beach.
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Fitness from California State University, Long Beach.
