Michelle Kaminskaya
Michelle Kaminskaya is a dedicated Certified Personal Trainer with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Sports Science from the University of the Pacific. Passionate about helping individuals achieve their fitness goals, she combines her academic knowledge with hands-on experience to create safe, effective, and personalized training programs. Michelle’s approach focuses on not just physical performance, but also overall health, wellness, and confidence in movement.
Currently, Michelle serves as a Tiger Trainer at the University of the Pacific, where she designs and delivers individualized fitness plans for clients of all ages and fitness levels. In this role, she emphasizes both results and client experience, ensuring each person receives tailored guidance, motivation, and support. Her commitment to health education and preventative fitness allows her clients to build sustainable habits and achieve lasting improvements in strength, mobility, and overall well-being.
Michelle’s professional journey has been enriched by her experience observing and learning from experts in physical therapy, including Dr. Chip Hanker at Movement for Life Physical Therapy. This exposure deepened her understanding of corrective exercise, movement assessment, and individualized training adaptations. By integrating these insights into her personal training practice, Michelle empowers her clients to train safely, address unique needs, and maximize their results with confidence.
• Certified Personal Trainer Specialist
• University of the Pacific - BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying open to new perspectives and being willing to pivot when necessary. My journey began in pharmacy, driven by a desire to help others, but a psychology course opened my eyes to challenges in the pharmaceutical industry and prompted me to ask a deeper question: How can I make the greatest impact on health and wellness? That question led me to shift my focus to nursing and exercise science, embracing a holistic approach to health that now guides my work as a personal trainer.
Today, my days are purposeful and structured. I start with morning health and exercise classes, work on campus, train two to three clients weekly, and maintain a fitness presence on TikTok to inspire others. I prioritize balance, alternating strength and cardio workouts six days a week while ensuring proper rest and recovery. Fitness has taught me that effort directly correlates to results, and that mindset informs both my professional approach and personal routine.
Changing my major fundamentally transformed how I view education. What once felt like obligation became genuine interest, improving my academic performance and fueling my passion. Earning my personal training certification was a defining milestone, giving me the confidence to share my knowledge and help others achieve their health and wellness goals. This journey has reinforced my commitment to holistic health and to making a meaningful impact through fitness and education.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to embrace perseverance and stay curious. I haven’t had a formal mentor, so I’ve learned through research, observation, and hands-on experience at the gym. Setbacks aren’t failures—they’re opportunities to learn and grow. Passion is essential; genuine enthusiasm is noticeable to clients and is key to effective training. And most importantly, keep moving forward even when the answer is “no”—sometimes a “no” is just an opportunity in disguise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been navigating the setbacks along the journey. After graduation, I had to take time off to retake classes before applying to nursing school, which was difficult but ultimately necessary. Having a strong support system was crucial in overcoming these obstacles and staying focused on my goals. At the same time, these challenges have created opportunities for growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the dedication required to succeed in health and wellness.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, balance, and compassion. These principles shape how I engage with clients as a personal trainer and how I show up in my community. I’ve learned that following your true path—even when it shifts unexpectedly—can lead to growth, purpose, and the ability to inspire those around you. My journey from pharmacy student to personal trainer has taught me that dedication, passion, and resilience are what truly make a meaningful impact.