Trainers at the YMCA of Metro Denver excel in their field. Learn more about the talented team eager to help you reach your personal fitness goals.

 

Arvada YMCA

Tyko Birch Arvada YMCA trainer

Credentials:

  • 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher
  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • B.S. in Technical Communication & Minor in Philosophy, New Mexico Tech
  • Secondary Education Teacher Certification, Santa Fe Community College

Training Specialties: Functional strength, range of motion, core strength, whole-body stabilization, Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga.

Hometown: Santa Fe, NM

Motto: “Water can flow, or it can crash. Be like water, my friends.” –Bruce Lee

Heidi Kullman Arvada YMCA trainer

Credentials:

  • B.A. in Literature from C.S.U.
  • Over 300 hours in Yoga Teacher Training; Certification received (2008, 2012). Over 12 years of experience teaching yoga
  • Mat Pilates certification through AFAA (2016) 5 years experience teaching Pilates
  • Personal Trainer certification through ACE (2018, 2021)
  • Barre Certification through ACE (2020)

Training Specialities: Core strength, flexibility, balance training

Hometown: Lakewood, CO

Motto: Breathe, smile and let it all go

Fonda Porterfield Arvada Y fitness trainer

Credentials:

  • B.S. & M.S. Health & Human Development, Montana State University
  • ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Training Specialties: Weightlifting, water fitness, HIIT, boxing, kettlebells

Hometown: Bozeman, MT and Waynesville, OH

Motto: “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.” - Henry Ford

Kevin Smith Arvada YMCA trainer

CredentialsNCSF Certified Personal Trainer

Training Specialties: HIIT, weightlifting, kickboxing, nutrition

Hometown: Augusta, Kansas

Motto: Progress, not perfection.

Niels Van Hecke Arvada Y fitness trainer

Credentials:

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist

Training Specialties: Kung Fu, Weight Lifting, Functional Flexibility.

Hometown: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Motto: “Pain is a great teacher.” -Grandmaster Chen Yu Lung