TRAINERS

Mike Claytor

"You get back what you put into something, and there is no substitute for hard work."

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Mike Claytor moved to Santa Barbara in1998 to advance his education, where he received a degree in business and finance with a minor in kinesiology. Additionally, he earned certificates as a personal trainer through ISSA, a USAT triathlon coach, and an EMT. Upon graduation, Mike worked in a variety of training and rehabilitation centers, learning from some of the most respected experts in the industry. In 2006, his passion for fitness translated into creating a state-of-the-art facility - SB Training.

Mike built SB Training intent on sharing with the community of Santa Barbara his unique training concepts, principles, and core values. Personally, he began
competing in triathlons, mountain bike racing, power lifting, and Jiu Jitsu
tournaments. Through the combination of academic knowledge and practical
experience in training and competition, he is highly qualified to coach and motivate his own clients, and athletes.

Mike strongly believes that a varied, well-rounded fitness program is the best way to get and stay healthy. During the decade Mike has owned SB Training, he has used this philosophy as a guiding principle for the development of Strength Happens, the unique method for helping people become more fit and healthier. Strength Happens has helped hundreds of people attain their goals: from being better able to deal with the physical needs of daily life, to achieving more satisfying results as they challenge themselves in recreational and competitive sports.

Now known as one of Santa Barbara’s premier personal trainers, Mike will continue to share his love for fitness with his clients and staff, whom he personally trains in the Strength Happens philosophy and method. Mike is a motivator. He works to inspire the people around him by practicing the disciplines he teaches. 

Sloane Claytor

“I am personally very excited to be a managing partner of Strength Happens. Personal training has been my main focus for close to 22  years, and I truly feel blessed to be in a career that I am so passionate about.

A proper strength training program is the best foundation to a healthy and active lifestyle. With a strong muscular system our bodies have endless capabilities. 

I’ve always done my best to live an active and healthy lifestyle. Now, more than ever I find it important to live life by example. We are all faced with challenges including squeezing in our exercise (and eating healthy), but with support and dedication anything is possible.”

- Sloane

Sloane prides herself in guiding her clients through all of life’s physical milestones; she looks to one’s future and not just their present situation. Her philosophy is to train the body as a whole unit this insures a strong make-up to face all the physical and mental pressures that are put upon our bodies (sports/recreation, aging, injury, etc.). 

When not working Sloane is sneaking in her own favorite workouts (strength training, running and swimming), spending time with her and Mike’s two daughters and taking as many family trips that time allows. 

Luke Schurmer

“We dissect failure a lot more than we dissect success” - Matthew McConaughey

I was born and raised in Santa Barbara. Growing up in this environment was a constant inspiration to get out and stay active whether it was through a swim in the ocean, surfing, or a scenic hike. In high school I developed a passion for fitness and as the years progressed I decided to dedicate my time and energy into the gym, earning my certification through NASM. I learned about Strength Happens through family and friends and Mike has since become an excellent mentor and an invaluable resource for my continued study and practice of health and wellness. Outside of the gym I like to devote some of my time to music, playing guitar and singing in a few local rock bands.

Brenna Flatley

Brenna's focus in training is to help clients feel strong, confident, healthy and happy. Brenna grew up with an active lifestyle but as she got older she developed a true love for health and fitness. Brenna experienced first hand that physical and mental health are interconnected.

Brenna looks forward to helping others accomplish their goals and improve their quality of life both mentally and physically.

Christian Blackburn

"Well-being is realized by small steps, but it is truly no small thing." - Zeno

Christian is a dedicated Holistic Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer at Strength Happens. Originally from Chicago, he followed his passion for the film industry and moved to Los Angeles in 2012. However, he discovered that his true joy and purpose came from inspiring others to reach their goals and live their potential.

In 2015, Christian made a transformative shift by becoming a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. His journey into the fitness world opened his eyes to the power of a holistic approach to living a healthy life.

Christian specializes in mobility training as a Functional Range Mobility Specialist and is experienced in nutrition and behavioral coaching through Precision Nutrition. With a commitment to a well-rounded approach, he collaborates with physical therapists, massage therapists, and professionals in the wellness field to help clients create positive, lasting change.

His holistic coaching goes beyond the physical aspects of fitness. By focusing on mindset, habit formation, movement, nutrition, sleep, and recovery, Christian empowers his clients with the tools needed to excel in all areas of life. His own personal experiences overcoming major obstacles further fuel his passion for spreading the gospel of good holistic health.

Outside of the gym, Christian enjoys running, cooking, painting, and pondering the secrets of life with his loyal canine companion, Leo. He also loves to share the joy of karaoke with his fiancé Caitlainne. Together, they are thrilled to contribute to the Santa Barbara community and help individuals thrive.

Experience the transformative power of a holistic approach to health and fitness with Christian. Take those small steps towards well-being and unlock your full potential.

Riley Borchardt

Riley is a passionate and dedicated personal trainer with a lifelong background in athletics. Growing up immersed in sports and movement fostered her deep appreciation for the sense of community, discipline, and purpose found within the gym. She believes that strength training is about more than performance — it’s about building the confidence and ability to live fully and enjoy life outside of the gym.

During her final year of college, Riley earned her NASM Certified Personal Trainer credential, further solidifying her love for fitness and her commitment to helping others move, feel, and live better. Her coaching philosophy centers on finding intrinsic value in movement — empowering clients to connect with their bodies, develop sustainable habits, and stay strong and capable for years to come.

Riley’s mission is to inspire others to discover their own love for fitness while equipping them with the strength, mobility, and confidence to do what they love — inside and outside the gym — for as long as possible

Carmen Crawford

Carmen Crawford is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Navy veteran with a deep respect for the role strength training plays in supporting a capable, well-balanced life. Her background includes years of structured strength training and Jiu-Jitsu — experiences that have shaped how she approaches movement, discipline, and consistency.

Her training experience has shown her how building strength fosters steadiness, supporting both physical well-being and a more focused, resilient approach to life's challenges. Over time, those benefits carry into a body that can adapt and support new activities, sports, or interests as life evolves.

Carmen is passionate about helping people build strength in a way that feels approachable, sustainable, and supportive of their individual goals. She views training as a practice that supports both the body and the mind, helping people feel more grounded and capable in their everyday lives.

Lissy Knowles

Lissy is an ISSA-certified personal trainer with a lifelong passion for strength, movement, and showing up strong in every sense of the word. Her athletic roots began in competitive gymnastics as a child, and over the years she has explored everything from long-distance walking to roller derby.

At the core of her strength, both physical and mental, is a consistent commitment to weight training, supported by dynamic aerobic work. She found her rhythm with the Strength Happens training approach, a method that builds real strength while supporting overall health and longevity.

Lissy believes lifting weights does more than sculpt your body—it builds confidence, resilience, and self-trust. She is passionate about helping clients get stronger in a way that lasts, while reinforcing the connection between how you care for your body and mind and how you show up in your life.

A longtime Santa Barbara local, Lissy recharges by the ocean and thrives on connection with her family, friends, and community. At Strength Happens, she is proud to be part of a welcoming, fun, and inspiring environment where clients feel seen, supported, and motivated to keep showing up.