Vision Plus Fitness

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Team

Our Coaches

Charles Knowles

Founder and President, Vision Fitness

Founder and President, Vision Fitness Vision Fitness founder, Charles Knowles is a powerhouse personal trainer who specializes in one-on-one and group training to help clients realize their wellness goals. He takes his coaching to the next level with a holistic approach offering highly individualized training, as well as dietary and fitness coaching conducive to life outside of the gym. His knowledge, dedication, and proven results over the past 13 years have propelled him to be trusted by Philadelphia’s elite, including CEO’s, collegiate and professional athletes, such as 76ers own General Manager Elton Brand and his wife Seneca, and reality star Devin Duggan, for his motivation and fitness expertise. Charles strives to create a fun and upbeat environment where clients feel motivated to make their fitness goals come to life.
Through hard work, prayer and a promise to himself, Charles has dedicated his life to helping others through healthy living and wellness making their vision for fitness a reality.

Charles developed a passion and love for helping others through health and fitness following a family tragedy at a young age when he realized that due to poor health his family members never had the opportunity to see their visions become a reality. Charles also gives back to the community: He has spoken to kids at Schools about the importance of taking the tragic moments and turning them into positives.

Athlete/celebrity roster: His knowledge, dedication and proven results over the past 13 years have propelled him to be trusted by names such as, Michael Harris – CEO of Best Sports Consultants former agent of Kobe Bryant, Frank Knuckles – member of the Roots, Levi Brown, 76ers own General Manager Elton Brand and his wife Seneca, and former NFL player and reality star Devin Duggan.

Nicole Rodriguez

Chief Operating Officer
Nicole graduated from West Chester University of PA with a Bachelors of Science degree in economics and finance. Nicole’s job is to ensure Vision + Fitness is bringing the best customer service in the industry. She works closely with the CEO, Charles Knowles, to oversee and manage daily operations to meet established goals. She previously was the assistant varsity girls basketball coach for Souderton Area School District and was a pilates instructor at [Solidcore]. She now focuses her time on her full time job in supply chain, becoming a new mom and taking care of her 3 dogs.

Rachel Glass

Coach | Manager | Head of Sales

Rachel grew up here in Conshy where she was always playing a sport or involved in some sort of activity. Her biggest passions in life have always been health, fitness, volleyball, working with kids and taking care of others. Rachel attended Arcadia University where she earned a B.A in History in 2009 and her love for athletics led her to earn a Masters of Public Administration in Sport Management and Athletics at West Chester University in 2010.
Rachel also started coaching volleyball in 2007 where her love of playing the game turned into something bigger. Her coaches over the years inspired her to be someone her players could count on, trust and respect on and off the court. She has coached at the college, club and high school level. She has had some injuries and health issues over the years which have pushed her to learn and pursue a Personal Training CERT through ACE and NASM. Along with becoming a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM), Rachel strives to be the best role model for those around her, to encourage them to always pursue their dreams and reach for their goals.

David Yontef

Head Coach | Manager

DAVID Y. was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He moved to PA to pursue a doctoral degree at Temple University studying Kinesiology. He graduated from the University of Arizona in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and has been certified as a personal trainer for 23 + years, training individual clients, small-groups, and classes bringing all his experience to Vision + Fitness to make for some memorable workouts.

David obtained a Master’s Degree from Argosy University of Phoenix, Arizona in 2003 in Sport and Exercise Psychology. He has worked with a very wide range of clients from children to seniors, professional athletes to rehab patients. David is currently certified and affiliated with; NSCA as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Spinning Instructor, USA Weightlifting, and Crossfit Level 1. He currently resides in Lafayette Hill with his wife Amy and two children, Jacob and Lainey.

Bart “Bang” Pierre

Senior Coach
BART “Bang” Pierre is a driven young trainer with a passion for bringing fitness to all different levels of clients. Originally from Maplewood New Jersey, Bart moved to Philly in 2009 to attend Chestnut Hill College on a lacrosse scholarship. After leaving Chestnut Hill, Bart decided to align his strengths as an athlete with his career goals. He has experience training college athletes, elderly men and women, and every age group in between.
The best part of training clients for Bart is seeing people crush their goals and do things they never imagined they had the ability to do. After finishing his lacrosse career, Bart started practicing various Mixed Martial Arts Disciplines. He specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, American Boxing and he competes in MMA Cage Fighting. When not training clients of his own, you can find Bart training for his next fight and pushing his own body to be the best version of itself possible. Bart combines his own experience as an athlete with his care for each client to create a unique and challenging workout in every session and workout at Vision + Fitness.

Steel Russell

Senior Coach

As a Wyndmoor native, Steel attended Chestnut Hill Academy and was drafted to the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. After 6-seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, he transitioned into coaching baseball until he realized that his knowledge, talent, and experience could help more than just professional athletes.


As an elite athlete, Steel Russell understands the important balance of fitness and good nutrition. This is why he will leverage his experience as a professional athlete to develop custom programs for the members at Vision + Fitness LLC. He believes that education is the foundation of living a healthy lifestyle and utilizes his experience to help his clients overcome challenges and achieve their fitness goals. 

Josh Hewlett

Coach

Josh, a fitness professional with a diverse background, brings a unique perspective to his coaching. With experience in football, track and field, and military service, he is well-equipped to provide effective and efficient training. Josh holds certifications as an ISSA Elite Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Nutrition Coach, demonstrating his commitment to his craft.

 

As a coach, Josh’s passion, energy, and attention to detail are unmatched. He takes the time to understand his clients’ needs and goals, and ensures they reach them safely and efficiently. His positive attitude and enthusiasm make it easy for clients to show up for classes and enjoy themselves during workouts.

Josh is excited to join the community at Vision Plus Fitness, where he can work with a diverse group of people and contribute to a supportive and encouraging environment. He believes that community is essential to achieving fitness goals and is eager to be a part of a great team.

Frank Jantes

Coach

FRANK is an experienced Personal Trainer who has been working in the fitness field for the last ten plus years. His experience working in a physical therapy office as well as several different training facilities has given him a broad range of knowledge that shines bright at Vision + Fitness.


One of Frank’s favorite things to do is design creative workout programs that keep people challenged and eager to push themselves to the next level. His “think outside the box” approach to fitness maintains people’s interest while making every workout fun and exciting. With high energy and a dedicated work ethic, Frank creates a wonderful environment for working towards fitness goals.