Meet the Trainers | Department of Recreation

Max Levin, Certified Personal Trainer

Certification: ACE, obtained 2021, Corrective Exercise Specialist, 2023

Specializing in the teaching Foundations of Fitness and Lifestyle Fitness, Max Levin has been actively training with the UCSB Department of Recreation since April of 2022. Max has a passion for Classic American Bodybuilding and American Powerlifting. Max also completed his Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification in 2023. He’s a life-long Angeleno, studying Public Policy and Law major here at UCSB. In his free time he likes to surf, cook, and hike the local area.

Ben Oler, Pro-Level Certified Personal Trainer

Certifications: NASM-CPT, Obtained 2014

Ben's career as a trainer and a fitness enthusiast began over 10 years ago. As an undergrad at UCSB, Ben earned a Minor in Exercise and Sports Science with an emphasis in Personal Training. While attending UCSB, Ben played on both the club Tennis and Rugby team as well as training athletes with multiple UCSB club teams, including tennis, rowing, field hockey and rugby. He currently teaches Boot Camp at the UCSB Department of Recreation in addition to working with Personal Training clients.

Ben specializes in program design, crafting the optimal program for each client using his broad knowledge of exercise science and motivational techniques to help his clients level up with speed and safety. Ben’s motto: Consistency is the key to change!

Alex Moran, Certified Personal Trainer

Certification: NASM, obtained: 2021

Alex's career as a personal trainer began in 2021 after obtaining his NASM Personal Training and Nutrition certification. He went on to compete in powerlifting and bodybuilding. Alex specializes in health education, strength, and conditioning. He is also looking to pursue another specialization in injury prevention and corrective exercise.

Claire Rouse, Pro-Level Certified Personal Trainer

Certifications: NASM-CPT, Obtained 2023

Claire’s journey with the UCSB Department of Recreation began in 2021, when she was hired as a student staff member in the Fitness Department. While at UCSB, Claire studied Environmental Studies and Sociology and participated in the UCSB Exercise and Sport Studies Academy. Claire obtained her NASM Certificate of Personal Training in 2023 and went on to serve UCSB as a Specialty Fitness Instructor, where she designed and continues to teach Women & Weights, a Gaucho R.E.C. course that focuses the fundamentals of strength training around the unique needs of female students and community members.

Claire believes that the most optimal fitness routine is one that you enjoy! She is passionate about building safe, effective and engaging programs for her clients, empowering them to progress with confidence on their fitness journeys and achieve their goals.

Kenji Nielsen, Certified Personal Trainer

Certifications: NASM-CPT, Obtained 2024

Currently majoring in Economics and Accounting at UCSB, Kenji began weight lifting during high school, where he also played soccer and lacrosse. Working with a trainer was a crucial part of the beginning of his fitness journey. After graduation Kenji decided to pursue his NASM certification while apprenticing with a trainer who is also a veteran of the Marine Corps. As a trainer with UCSB's Department of Recreation, Kenji brings his passion for exercise and goal setting to helping you reach your fitness goals. Kenji enjoys hiking, the beach, and friend time when he is not studying and working out at the Rec.