Russ Melgar

Russ Melgar has extensive work experience in various roles related to fitness and customer service. Russ started their career as a Physical Therapy Aide and Fitness Facility Manager at Wolf Physical Concepts from 1991 to 1997, where they provided care to patients and introduced clients to basic exercises. From 1997 to 2004, they worked at Meadowood Napa Valley Spa/Resort as a Personal Trainer and Gym Manager. Here, they developed and facilitated daily exercise programs and maintained positive relationships with members and high-end guests.

In 2004, Russ joined St. Helena Hospital/Center for Health as a Fitness Training Coordinator, where they conducted fitness programs for medically supervised weight management and executive health screenings. Russ instructed patients and corporate executives on fitness integration.

Russ then established himself as a Private Personal Fitness Specialist in 1997, recognized by clients, doctors, and health practitioners in the Napa Valley. Russ trained younger clients and athletes to achieve their strength and performance goals while helping older clients improve their health and longevity.

Recently, Russ worked as a Tasting Room Lead and Reservation Agent at Napa Cellars, a position they started in 2019. Russ utilized their customer service skills and humor gained as a personal trainer to entertain guests and provide excellent service. Russ also ran stretch sessions for the crew to prepare for busy days.

Throughout their career, Russ Melgar has demonstrated versatility, expertise in fitness training, and exceptional customer service skills.

Russ Melgar completed their education in a chronological order as follows:

- From 1980 to 1986, Russ Melgar attended San Francisco State University and earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Broadcast & Television production.

- Concurrently from 1980 to 1983, they also attended Laney College and obtained an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Communication and Media Studies.

- Prior to their college education, from 1976 to 1979, Russ Melgar attended Encinal High School, where they focused on college preparatory studies.

In addition to their formal education, Russ Melgar has obtained various certifications, including:

- In 2023, they became a Certified Transformational Specialist from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).

- In 2021, they obtained the certifications of Certified Sports and Conditioning Specialist and Elite Personal Trainer from the ISSA.

- In 1997, they achieved the certification of Certified Personal Trainer from the ISSA and also became a Corrective Exercise Specialist from the International Sports Sciences Association College of Exercise Science.

- Russ Melgar possesses additional certifications in areas such as EMPOWER Self-defense Instruction, Boxing Fitness Instruction from the Boxing Fitness Institute, Fitness Therapy from the ISSA, and Massage Therapy/Health Education from the National Holistic Institute.

- Russ is also a Second-Degree Black Belt holder in Shoto-kan Karate from the Yoshi-Kan Budo School.