PersonallyFit

Chris Hill - Owner

 I love helping people help themselves. I cannot express how rewarding it feels to see my clients transform their bodies and lives right before my eyes. Knowing that I had a hand in their personal victories is the reason I started my personal training service.

In June of 2001, I had a decision to make. I had to choose between a stable, full-time position as an assistant physical therapist or a future that wasn't so predictable. Leaving a job that offered a steady paycheck to start a business that may or may not succeed was a scary feeling. But just like my clients realize, taking that first step to change your life for the better isn't always an easy one to make. The results are never predictable and stem solely on the amount of dedication and hard work put toward the overall goal.

Obviously, I took that shaky first step 5 years ago. And ever since, I have been blessed with a clientele and staff that is helping me help myself while I help them help themselves. I couldn't ask for a better "win-win" situation.

 

December 2001 to Present

Personal Trainer and business owner, Chris Hill's Personal Training & Personally Fit by Chris Hill

January 2002

Earned Specialist in Performance Nutrition Certificate, International Sports and Science Association

April 1999

Earned Personal Trainer Certificate, National Strength and Conditioning Association

May 1998 to June 2001

Physical Therapist Assistant, A.K. Fitness Therapy Center

May 1998

Graduated with High Honors, Kilgore College, Associate of Applied Science Physical Therapy Assistant

February 1995 to September 1996

Physical Therapy Technician in Geriatrics, Oak Manor Nursing Home in Linden, Texas

December 1994

Graduated, Stephen F. Austin State University, Bachelor of Science Biology and Kinesiology

May 1990

Graduated, Linden Kildare High School in Linden, Texas

 

Our Trainers

 

Kevin Buchanek

"I grew up playing sports and excelled in football, baseball and soccer while attending Keller High School in Keller, Texas. It wasn’t until I injured my knee while playing soccer at Letourneau University that I became interested in personal training.

Watching the rehabilitation process and seeing how important proper weight training and exercise can be, peeked my interest enough to change my major and transfer to Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Health and Exercise Science and soon began working in the physical therapy department at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa. I was able to work with patients who had been injured at work using flexibility, cardiovascular, and strengthening exercises. Once I received my personal trainer’s certification from the American Council on Exercise I moved to Texarkana, Texas to start my own personal training business.

While personal training at St. Michael Health & Fitness Center, I was also able to work with cardiac and pulmonary rehab patients at St. Michael Hospital. Since then, I have enjoyed working with special population clients, and I am currently pursuing an exercise specialist certification. This will allow me to work with clients with certain limitations and give me the knowledge to develop proper exercise programs for them.

I am no stranger to the Longview area; I was born in Marshall and lived in Longview for the first 6 years of my life. I truly enjoy being a motivating factor in changing people’s lives and seeing my clients get excited about achieving their goals. I also get excited about sharing with people the spiritual aspect of health and fitness.

 

 

Stephen Holly

 I grew up in Longview, Texas and graduated from Pine Tree High School. From there I continued my education at Kilgore College and completed my Associate’s Degree in Business Management. I then joined the United States Army Infantry and was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. The military life was challenging, but it transformed me into a leader and a goal setter. I was a team leader over a five man team and was put in charge of keeping myself and my team in great condition physically and mentally. The army also made me a self-motivator, and taught me the values and rewards of hard work. Immediately after leaving the military, I went back to school and earned my BBA from LeTourneau University in Longview. I became interested in law enforcement and was employed by the Longview Police Department for six years, where I worked with a police K9 for five of those years. Due to the fact that my K9 partner was forced into early retirement, I decided to give up law enforcement and come back to what I had gained such a passion for, which was physical fitness. I attended the Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas where I completed the Personal Trainer’s Certification Course. I am a people person and really enjoy working and assisting others. To me, the most important way that I can do this is to make sure that my clients are educated on how to live a healthy lifestyle. I believe that there are two ways a person achieves this. First, each individual must be aware of what they put into their body. Second, each person must set and achieve personal goals in order to be successful. I believe that my success as a trainer is measured by the success of my clients.

 

 

Lance Bynum

After graduating high school at Linden-Kildare, I attended Texarkana College for two years. I then transferred to Texas State Technical College for another two years pursuing a degree in computer networking. While there, September 11 occurred and I decided to joining the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has taught me honor, commitment, and how to self motivate. The Marine Corps has a very high standard for its troops, and I was in charge of motivating and keeping men and women under my command in shape and disciplined. This is when I realized that I enjoyed helping others to become better, and have a healthier lifestyle. I trained many individuals for bench press competitions. Myself was included, I now hold a national record for World Legion of Power. I was also the Marine Corp Camp Pendleton Base Champion for two years. During my time at Camp Pendleton I was responsible for training men and women with increasing their run speeds for long distance runs. Now that I am out of the military I hope to use my knowledge of fitness to continue to help others exceed their goals. I hold a Personal Trainer Certification from Expert Rating and will soon have my National Academy of Sports Medicine Certification. I also plan to pursue my degree in Kinesiology.

 

 

 

 

 

Martin Cerda

As a proud Longview native, I decided to stick around the area after my graduation from Longview High School in 2004.  In high school I was active in athletics, running varsity track and playing Lobo Football.  I was honored with the Longview Lobo Football Scholastic Award as a senior and planned to attend Baylor University to major in Biology with a pre-med concentration.

I had a hard time leaving Longview and opted to attend LeTourneau University to be a part of their pre-med program, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology. 

Through clinical observations I found the world of physical therapy.  I eventually changed my major and pursued a Bachelor of Kinesiology in Exercise Science with a minor in biology.  I graduated from LeTourneau in the fall of 2008. Through courses in my degree, I received my Personal Training Certification from the National Council of Strength and Fitness.

Exercising all my life has really helped me enjoy the benefits of being healthy and active.  I hope to share this joy with others so that they too can see the joy and benefits that come from being healthy and active

 

 

Zach Cook

As a local boy and 2001 graduate of Pine Tree High School, I was eager to return to Longview after college in order to be closer to my family and build upon relationships with several close friends one simply cannot replace.  I was fortunate enough to attend the University of my choosing and following high school graduation, I chose Texas Tech, albeit not a wise selection, having never been to Lubbock.  Having spent my freshman year there, I picked up and moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where the purple and gold of LSU had me spinning. During the summer months, I worked as head lifeguard for the City of Longview and PARD where I was also blessed with the opportunity to teach kids and adults how to swim.  I can only believe that my passion for teaching swimming lessons and watching children grow before my very eyes has been paralleled into a career of personal training.  After the summer of 2004, I decided to trade my purple and gold for the purple and white of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth where I graduated with a degree in Entrepreneurial Management and minor in Nutrition.

On a more personal note, I consider myself to be very kind and generous and only as good as the Southern hospitality my parents instilled in me.  I value any and all forms of competition and strive to be the very best I can be in all things.  In my leisure time, I enjoy playing and watching soccer, cutting up with friends, spending time at the gym, playing video games, fantasy sports, and watching Fox News Channel or any other source of educational material.  Five people I’d like to meet include General Patton, Jessica Simpson, Bill O’Reilly, David Beckham, and any wartime veteran who has defended this country. 

 

 

Tyson Mabry

 I was born and raised in Longview, TX and graduated from Pine Tree High School where I was an active in wrestling, football, baseball and track. In track I was a Regional Qualifier in the 1600 meter relay. In wrestling I was a 3 time Regional Qualifier, and my senior year I qualified for State and Nationals. After high school I joined the United States Marine Corps. Reserve and was deployed in 2008 to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am currently enrolling at Letourneau University where I will earn my Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Exercise Science. I am a certified personal trainer through the Cooper Institute. By using my sports background and high standards from the Marine Corps., I hope to educate people and help make their lives better through fitness and exercise.

 

 

Chris Hillhouse

I graduated from Sabine High School then attended Kilgore College, and I am currently pursuing my degree in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University. During high school and college, I always enjoyed helping and teaching people to exercise.

For six years, I was a water safety instructor and lifeguard,at that time I also taught swim lessons and water aerobics. I was a lifeguard and taught water safety at East Texas Asmea Camp for three years. At Kilgore College, I was responsible for instructing new clients on proper use of the exercise equipment. After leaving Kilgore College, I worked for Ideal Fitness in White Oak where I trained new members that joined the facility.

While at Ideal Fitness, I helped with teaching the chiropractic patients therapuetic exercise as they recovered from back and neck injuries.

My goal as a personal trainer is to use my experience with exercise and continue to enhance my education so I can continue to help my clients achieve their fitness goals.

 

 

Ryan Rector

I was born and raised here in Longview. I grew up playing all sports, but soccer became my favorite. I played all four years at Longview High School and decided to continue my career at LeTourneau University. My background in sports has given me a future in the field of fitness and exercise. In December of 2008, I graduated with a degree in kinesiology, sports management concentration. I plan on using my education to help others achieve their own goals in fitness and exercise.

 

 

Lindsey Reis

 I am a personal trainer who has been in the health and fitness business for over three years here in Longview, TX. I chose to become a trainer because I am a highly motivated individual and I enjoy working with people. I understand that it takes experience and a lot of encouragement to help others reach their goals. These are the tools I use to contribute to my clients success.

 

 

 

Lyndsay Mashe

I graduated from Pine Tree High School in 2001, where I was involved in sports, primarily volleyball. I decided to attend Panola College on a volleyball scholarship and then transferred to East Texas Baptist University. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Secondary Education in 2005. After graduation, I was led to Atlanta High School to become the head volleyball coach and assistant track coach. Currently, I am the head volleyball coach at East Texas Baptist University. I have always had a passion for fitness and nutrition, but I also have a passion to help others achieve their goals. Seeing results in my athletes with their strength training, cardiovascular training and their nutrition, has given me the desire to personal train in my spare time.