About Us

AF Performance Center is a private, high-ceiling fitness studio with a 75-foot indoor track located in Santa Monica.  We provide private to semi-private coaching to individuals of all ages and fitness levels.  We use functional training exercises to develop the finest strength and conditioning programs. We have all types of clients from working moms, youth athletes, corporate executives, retired individuals, celebrities to professional athletes.  Our strength and conditioning programs are customized to each individual. 

We are proud to serve you with all of the state-of-the-art functional equipment:  Kettlebells, Elite Power Rack, Functional Keiser, Sled, Slide Board, Olympic Platform with half rack to do Olympic Lifting, Indian Clubs, Jungle gym, spin bike, Lots of plyometric tools (ie. Hurdles, Ladders, Cones, Boxes, Steps), Free weights (ie. dumbells, chains, Olympic bars (the same ones used at the 2008 Olympics) and bumper plates), Resistance and correction bands, Reebok Core Board and ab wheels.

Our philosophy is that fitness is not about getting in shape to look good but to improve the way we live.  Our work over the years and continuous education on the latest research have led us to believe that getting fit is about exercising accordingly to how your body functions and eating fittingly to your biochemical and genetic make-up.  Not only are our training programs customized to you, we follow consistent protocol in our training approach to optimize performance and results as we have science behind everything we do.  This is one of the few things that differentiate us to other gyms.  It is important to know that we do not follow bodybuilding workouts like many commercial gyms nor do we use machine-based exercises.  We use functional training methods to develop innovative, motivating programs which include strength, power, endurance, speed, coordination, flexibility, agility and balance.

Our coaches are here to guide you through every aspect of what is needed for you to achieve your goals.  Our coaches have the background and experience to train you like any professional athlete does in our unique sport facility.  Click here to learn more about our coaches. 

As a member of AF Performance, you will enjoy the finest strength and conditioning training, including extensive assessments perform periodically and nutrition program designed specifically for you.  We strongly believe in what fitness can do in your life and we want to help you achieve goals that you once thought it was or is impossible.  If you put your mind to it, commitment and with our help, there is no such thing as impossible.  We can help you achieve the impossible.  Most of our clients thought they will never be pain free because doctors told them so and/or train hard, be strong and feel good ever in their life.  Read below few of our client’s testimonials.

Testimonials for AF Performance

I have tried orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and physical therapists and no one could completely resolve my injury until I found AF Performance. Peter and Alicia are a Godsend. Peter assessed my problem and slowly and methodically took me through a process that is resolving my injury and making me even stronger than I have ever been in my life. I am a healthcare professional and fitness instructor, and I truly appreciate the work that Peter and Alicia have done from a medical, physical, and holistic standpoint. It is so comforting to have finally found someone who can identify my problem and take the appropriate steps to resolve it permanently. They have changed my life!

Sandy Portaro, Athletic Garage Dance and Body Work Studio, Pasadena, CA.  

I began training with Alicia to help ease the pain from arthritis in both my knees.  For over 20 years, I've had difficulties with my knees and activities such as going down stars and hiking resulted in severe joint pain.  Since implementing Alicia's training program, I have experienced less pain and a quicker recovery time from activities that used to cause me problems.  While Alicia is a demanding instructor, she is a great motivator and the results have definitely been worth it!

Karen, CA

I am a runner and cyclist, but have been plagued by injuries the last couple of years.  My major goal is to be able to run and compete in my age group. After one month, I am free of injuries and preparing to run races.

Maggie , CA

I am 21 years old and run track in college, but I was told by my doctor that I had two hernias and required immediate surgery.  In one visit Peter determined that I did not have two hernias that were causing pain, but a deep muscle strain.  I was better in one visit.  I am now lifting weights and running 8 miles regularly. 

Scott, CA  

I am 17 years old and run track and cross-country, but last cross-country season I had a hip injury that prevented me from running an entire season.  Five doctors told me I needed immediate surgery on my hip.  In one visit with Peter I was better.  I am now completely out of pain and preparing for my track season.

Katie, CA

Over 6 months ago I injured my should lifting weights.  I have visited several physical therapists, but no one has been able to help me. I just continued to live with the problem and was not able to lift weights.  I am 19 years old and in college.  During my Christmas break, I visited Alicia who worked to heal and strengthen my shoulder.  I am back at school and much better with just a week of visits.  I also am following a strength program developed by Alicia and Peter.

Charlie, CA

I’m a personal trainer and I have been able to use the principles I learned from AF Performance in my own training and I feel great.  The pain I was having has nearly disappeared, and my performance has increased drastically.  Instead of feeling like I was getting older, I feel like I'm performing better and better.

Tom Legath, Personal Trainer in Equinox, Pasadena  

I am a 49 year old frequently travelling businessman, who has reached the age where social sport and spasmodic home gym workouts were not giving me the strength and fitness levels I wanted. I started working with Alicia as my personal trainer in Singapore in 2007. She developed a program for me that worked around my travel and had me making noticeable gains in fitness and strength. It was no walk in the park and I must admit that buy the end of each session I was flat on my back gasping for breath However, she was able to keep me motivated through the obvious gains I was making in strength and fitness and her positive reinforcement of the results our joint effort was producing. Alicia has now left Singapore and I have not been able to find a replacement that even comes close in terms of motivation and results.

Andy Fyfe, Company President, Singapore

I came to Alicia because of persistent shoulder problem associated with my triathlon swimming training. I had been frustrated by the treatment offered by my general practitioner and physiotherapist. Alicia was able to identify the problem and then designed a strengthening program to prevent the injury recurring. Alicia was also able to devise a broader fitness program for me.

I work as an investment banker which generally involves spending up to 12 hours a day sitting in front of a computer screen. The combination of flexibility and strength exercises resulted in improved posture and a general improvement in energy levels. I never felt better.

 Simon Andrews, Investment Banker