Buddy Lovell
I’ve been a full-time personal trainer and head coach in Santa Cruz County for over 13 years, working independently and in collaboration with several respected fitness centers. My experience includes partnerships with rehabilitation facilities and even the City of Watsonville, and I’m currently proud to represent Toadal Fitness.
Over the years, I’ve earned a strong reputation for helping clients achieve results in injury prevention, post-rehab strength training, and fat loss—working with hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals from all walks of life. My recent collaborations include developing and leading a custom employee fitness program for the City of Watsonville, where I worked one-on-one with staff to improve health, strength, and confidence. My background in rehabilitation settings has also equipped me with the ability to work safely and effectively with clients managing even the most sensitive physical conditions.
My passion for fitness is deeply personal. Growing up, I struggled with obesity—at one point weighing nearly 300 pounds—which led to health challenges and low confidence. After high school, I lost a tremendous amount of weight, but in doing so became underweight and unhealthy in a different way. That journey drove me to study the science of nutrition, strength training, and sustainable health. I often say I’ve lived two lives: one where I battled being overweight, and another where I learned the importance of balanced strength and vitality. That dual perspective, combined with years of education, mentorship, and hands-on experience, allows me to connect deeply with clients facing a wide range of challenges.
Today, I’ve gone from being the mentee to the mentor—guiding several trainers and coaches throughout the region. Most recently, one of my former mentees was hired as the Fitness Director at Facebook (Meta) Headquarters in Menlo Park. Watching others I’ve coached succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of my career, and I’m grateful to continue serving and inspiring people to reach their highest potential.