Experts Profile
At Gymbag, our mission is guided by a team of credentialed professionals who believe in science-backed wellness that’s realistic, inclusive, and motivating. Whether it’s physical training, emotional resilience, nutrition, or lifestyle habits, these experts bring diverse qualifications and decades of real-world experience.
Dr. Monica Reyes, PhD
– Clinical Health Psychologist & Mindfulness Educator
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Michigan
A licensed psychologist with over 15 years in behavioral health, Dr. Monica Reyes specializes in integrating mental wellness with everyday lifestyle practices. She’s worked with healthcare systems and wellness apps to design evidence-based mindfulness tools and stress-reduction programs. At Gymbag, she shares accessible strategies for building emotional resilience, managing anxiety, and cultivating self-awareness.
James “JT” Thompson, CSCS
– Certified Strength Coach & Functional Movement Specialist
B.S. in Exercise Science, University of Florida | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
JT is a performance coach who bridges professional athletic training and beginner-friendly fitness. With 12+ years in strength training, mobility, and injury prevention, he’s coached everyone from high school athletes to working professionals. JT’s Gymbag features focus on simple, sustainable workouts you can do at home, at the gym, or in everyday life.
Rina Patel, RD
– Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Coach
B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics, Cornell University | Registered Dietitian (AND-accredited)
Rina Patel is passionate about helping people build healthier eating habits without fad diets or guilt. As a clinical dietitian and nutrition content consultant, she focuses on intuitive eating, meal planning, and cultural inclusivity in food guidance. Her Gymbag articles decode nutrition science into bite-sized, real-life tips you can use at the grocery store or in your kitchen.
Leo Kim, M.A., CPT
– Lifestyle Behavior Coach & Certified Personal Trainer
M.A. in Health Promotion, University of British Columbia | Certified Personal Trainer (ACE)
Leo combines fitness with behavior change psychology. With a background in health coaching and public wellness campaigns, his focus is helping people overcome mental blocks and stay consistent. At Gymbag, Leo’s work centers on motivation science, habit formation, and low-pressure fitness strategies for busy people.
Dr. Samantha Blake, ND
– Holistic Wellness & Preventive Health Specialist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University | Certified in Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)
Dr. Blake takes a whole-body approach to health, blending medical knowledge with daily wellness practices. She’s worked in integrative clinics and now advises digital health platforms on sustainable self-care routines. On Gymbag, she provides guidance on sleep, energy management, immune health, and how to balance wellness with real-world demands.
Editors Profile
Pooja Mehta
– Senior Editor, Holistic Wellness & Preventive Health
M.Sc. in Public Health Nutrition, Delhi University
Pooja Mehta joined Gymbag in 2018 with a background in public health and community-based wellness education. With over a decade of experience in nutrition strategy and preventive care, she specializes in practical, culturally-aware health tips that empower people to make long-term changes. Pooja’s work reflects her passion for translating clinical knowledge into everyday language—from immunity-boosting food guides to lifestyle routines for mental clarity. Her editorial voice is central to Gymbag’s holistic approach to health.
Priya Patel
– Lead Editor, Mental Health & Mindful Living
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, University of Mumbai | Certified Mindfulness Instructor (CMI)
Priya Patel joined Gymbag in 2019 and brings more than 12 years of experience as a therapist and wellness educator. Her content blends psychology with daily-life practices—covering topics from emotional regulation to burnout recovery. As a certified mindfulness instructor, Priya also leads the site’s guided practices and self-awareness series. Her goal: make mental wellness feel approachable and essential—not optional. Her editorial work is known for its calming tone and evidence-based clarity.
Karan Gupta
– Senior Editor, Strength & Conditioning
B.Sc. in Kinesiology, Punjab University | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
Karan Gupta has been a core part of Gymbag since its founding in 2018. With a background in exercise science and a decade of coaching experience, he specializes in functional fitness, injury prevention, and habit formation. Karan’s editorial contributions include training plans, myth-busting fitness content, and performance tips that are tailored to all fitness levels. He’s also a regular contributor to Gymbag’s “No Gym? No Problem” workout series.
Amit Mehta
– Editor, Nutrition & Lifestyle Habits
B.Sc. in Dietetics, SNDT Women’s University | Registered Dietitian (RD India)
Amit Mehta joined Gymbag in 2019, bringing with him a strong foundation in clinical nutrition and public dietary education. As a registered dietitian, his editorial voice focuses on breaking down nutritional science into doable, everyday eating habits. From decoding food labels to simplifying macros, Amit helps readers make smarter food decisions without falling into restrictive mindsets. He’s also deeply passionate about bridging the gap between nutrition and cultural food practices.
Rachel Monroe
– Editor, Behavioral Wellness & Motivation
M.A. in Health Psychology, University of North Carolina | Certified Health Coach (NBHWC)
Rachel joined Gymbag in 2018 with a mission to help readers stay consistent—not just inspired. With more than a decade of experience in behavioral change, she specializes in building motivation, managing wellness setbacks, and turning small wins into lasting habits. Her background in health psychology gives her the tools to connect emotional wellness with daily routines. Rachel also oversees Gymbag’s “Small Steps” series on realistic, low-barrier wellness shifts.
Jake Thompson
– Senior Editor, Functional Fitness & Everyday Strength
B.S. in Exercise Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder | Certified Personal Trainer (ACE)
Jake has been a foundational editor at Gymbag since 2018. With over 12 years of coaching experience and a degree in physiology, he specializes in fitness that fits into real life—whether you’re a parent, desk worker, or beginner. He’s known for his “Less Equipment, More Movement” philosophy and his ability to make training plans accessible, safe, and empowering. Jake also develops Gymbag’s monthly workout series and movement tutorials.
David Brooks
– Editor, Men’s Health & Active Lifestyle
B.A. in Sports Science, University of Michigan | Certified Wellness Specialist (NWI)
David Brooks joined Gymbag in 2019, bringing a strong focus on men’s health, motivation, and active aging. With a background in sports science and years of coaching men in fitness, lifestyle change, and injury recovery, David’s content speaks directly to readers navigating modern work-life stress. He also contributes to Gymbag’s “Move Better, Live Longer” series, and leads special coverage on healthy aging, mobility, and testosterone-friendly nutrition.