Melissa Kendter

With over 12 years in the fitness industry working with athletes of varying levels and goals, I've seen firsthand the impact of coaching can have on someone. My passion is guiding people towards a healthier lifestyle with a no-nonsense, science-backed approach. There's no wrong way to train, it's about training according to your goals and phase of life, whether that be general health, a race, or a specific skill. As a cPT, Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC), UESCA Running coach, my aim has always been to make fitness as accessible and empowering to as many people as possible, giving you the practical tools you need to improve your well-being, and reach your goal effectively at whatever phase of life you may be in. As a former collegiate athlete, multi-marathon finisher, Boston qualifier, and triathlete, I know firsthand the importance of strength, endurance, mobility, and mindset for both boosting performance and confidence. I'm a sucker for science, research, and movement variety. It’s not about training harder, it’s about training smarter toward your goals.​ I've coached novice runners, to experienced runners, from taking your first run, to running an ultra marathon. I host of the Performance Podcast, where we delve into fitness topics that can be somewhat messy, and the answer is often, it depends.​​​
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After years of coaching 1:1 in-person, group session, classes, and training camps, I knew there was a broader reach. That is when in 2019 I created my first Commit Program, exclusively online. The word "Commit" has a deep meaning to me. My first online program was a PDF guide, then it snowballed to my Commit being in-apps and training women globally (from Commit home guides to gym guides, express guides to running programs, and more). However, my passion still lies with 1:1 coaching, because that is where you gain personalized guidance, accountability, and expert support, which can make a huge difference in your training and results, not to mention the mental support.
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My coaching philosophy is simple: every athlete is unique and responds differently to various workouts and weekly mileage. The foundation of a successful coach-athlete relationship is understanding the individual athlete, which is essential for maintaining their health and happiness. I believe in incorporating a diverse range of workouts, including fartleks, track sessions, hill training, tempo runs, long runs, and easy runs, as well as strength work, for a comprehensive approach, while starting at your foundation. While I encourage fun, enjoyment and laughter along the way, we will also commit to working hard to reach your goals, as it's crucial to love what you do and have confidence in your abilities!