Dimitri Melnyk
Founder
I hail from Honolulu, Hawaii, a place filled with cherished memories and life-altering challenges. In 2010, amidst personal turmoil, I found solace in the chaos by turning to a healthier outlet. Embarking on a fitness journey at 437 pounds, I initially stumbled through workouts, driven only by the determination to do something every day. Despite quick initial progress, a sudden halt left me frustrated and on the verge of giving up. A friend introduced me to a knowledgeable trainer who guided me through nutrition, diverse training methods, and the purpose behind each session. Surrounded by like-minded individuals, I embraced this lifestyle change, participating in races, joining the Outrigger Canoe Club, and coaching beginners in running clinics. However, complacency at work led to neglect of my health, resulting in a stressful situation with severe repercussions. A wake-up call in the form of a hospital visit and a dire warning from my cardiologist urged me to reconsider my career and reduce stress.
Following a spontaneous move to Washington State, I found refuge at the YMCA, where my inspirational journey caught the attention of staff. Encouraged to share my story, my fitness career blossomed. Armed with certifications and a personal training qualification, I applied my knowledge to group fitness classes, lifeguarding, and aqua aerobics. The quest for low-impact cardio led me to barbell training, transforming not only my physique but also my career path. Today, as the proud owner of Gig Harbor Strength & Fitness, the second-largest strength gym in the city, I reflect on the profound impact the barbell has had on my life. Beyond physical transformation, it challenges individuals mentally and spiritually, fostering strength, toughness, and fortitude. Owning a business has proven to be a formidable challenge, but the rewards of working with a diverse range of athletes, spanning ages 14 to 101, surpass any difficulty. The key to success lies in surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals, changing lifestyles, and fostering a supportive community. At Gig Harbor Strength & Fitness, our mission is to make the community stronger in every aspect. We connect people through fitness, guiding them towards their goals with a unique blend of physical, mental, and spiritual strength. Aloha and see you at Gig Harbor Strength & Fitness! Dimitri
Ashlie
Coach
Hey there! I’m Ashlie, instructor and Certified Personal Trainer, in person and online, specializing in Pre & Post-natal exercise, Sports Nutrition, strength training for women 30+, and more. As a mom of 3 & a military spouse, adaptability & working with what you’ve got has been the name of the game! I prioritize meeting people where they’re at and aim to empower people to know that they can make a significant impact within fitness and wellness without the all or nothing approach. My favorite thing about what I do is when people realize their outer strength, which leads them to realizing their inner strength. From there, possibilities become unlimited. I’m a lover of food, learning, & helping others improve the quality of their lives. Looking forward to meeting you!
Alycia
Coach
Hi! My name is Alycia, and I am a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Wholistic Health Coach. I have been in the world of Health, Fitness, and Wellness for 14 years. I have 19 fitness certification including Strength and Conditioning Coaching, a Bachelors in Kinesiology from Western Washington University, and currently am working on my Bachelors in Ayurvedic Medicine. I thrive in helping others achieving their goals to live a long, strong life. I love showing others that through many different forms and healing modalities, you can accomplish whatever you put your mind too. Strength training is my passion. I want to teach everyone that through mind and body focus any movement can be done. Can’t wait to cheer you on!
Brooke
Coach
I’m Brooke, a professional fitness instruction, personal training, and client success management at GHSF. Since diving into the world of fitness at 16, my unwavering commitment has been to empower individuals on their journey to health and happiness. I’m here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your path to a healthier, happier you is both attainable and enjoyable. Fueled by a genuine passion for fitness, my mission is to ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the transformative joy that comes with prioritizing their health and well-being. Let’s embark on this journey together, embracing wellness and vitality.
Noah
Coach
Hi there! My name is Noah, and I’m a Certified Personal Trainer and a United States Marine Corps Veteran. I found a passion for fitness when I was serving, and I want nothing more than to inspire and help others achieve their fitness goals! I am here to work with you every step of the way, no matter what your experience is. I love strength training and bodybuilding, and I would be thrilled to work with you. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals, be the best that you can be, and have a good time doing it! See you soon!
Dimitri
Coach
I am an accomplished strength coach and ICF Sprint Canoe/Kayak Coach dedicated to helping athletes of all ages and skill levels realize their full potential. Grounded in a passion for power, precision, and performance, I offer tailored training programs designed to optimize both physical and mental capabilities. From seasoned athletes to seniors embarking on their fitness journey, my expertise extends across diverse demographics. Through unwavering support and personalized attention, I empower individuals to surpass their goals with confidence and determination, fostering a culture of growth and achievement along their journey to athletic excellence.
Heather
Coach
Hi! I am Heather, a fifty-something mother of 22-year-old twin girls and a 25-year-old son, I was born and raised here in Gig Harbor. I have been a fitness enthusiast for most of my life, I was an avid Cross-fitter for over a decade, co-owned a CrossFit gym, and I enjoy weight training and being under the barbell as well as a good HIIT workout. Over the years I have dabbled in many different levels of fitness: going light, going hard, eating plans, working with trainers, supplements, macro tracking and even taking breaks.
I have finally found my ‘Why’. I once had a mentor say, “Your ‘Why’ has to be bigger than your excuses” and for years I thought I understood that simple concept, but I truly didn’t until recently and the lightbulb went off and my ‘Why’ and Focus have become bigger than my excuses and my results have been huge, not only in the gym but in life. I want to help other people find their ‘Why’.
As a now 50-something female, I have faced the struggles and ups and downs of staying fit and aging. I want to help others navigate this phase of life and excite and inspire them to reach their goals.
I have often thought about embarking on a fitness career and after battling breast cancer last year and coming back stronger and fitter than I was when I was diagnosed, I feel inspired to help others find their ‘Why’. To find the healthier lifestyle you desire, by being by your side to push you past what may seem like insurmountable barriers. So, I ask you, ‘Why’ not start today?!
GET STARTED AT THE BEST GYM IN Gig Harbor, WA.