Meet Alea Brendza: From the Classroom to the Weight Room

We’re excited to officially welcome Alea Brendza to the Bulldog Gym personal training team! Alea brings a powerful mix of grit, compassion, and purpose-driven training to the floor—and her journey is one many of us can relate to.

Her Fitness Journey

Alea’s story starts in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. After being laid off from her restaurant job and gaining weight, she didn’t just decide to lose a few pounds—she decided to transform. What began as a personal health goal quickly turned into a passion for strength and powerlifting. Today, she’s chasing Olympic lifts like cleans and jerks and has her sights set on future competitions.

Strength with Heart

Alea joined Bulldog Gym shortly after moving to Monticello in January 2024. Fitness was already central to her life, so finding a solid gym community was a priority. It didn’t take long before she realized she wanted to help others build the same confidence and strength she had discovered. Inspired by strong women in the fitness space, she pursued her personal training certification—and now she’s here to help you pursue your potential.

“I was put on this earth by God to help others live out their full potential,” Alea says. “I believe everyone has that capability, and I want to be the one to guide others to that in their fitness journey.”

Her approach? Strength training with a healthy dose of compassion. Whether you’re new to the gym or trying to get back into a routine, Alea meets you where you are. She knows what it feels like to be the beginner—and she works hard to make sure her clients feel seen, supported, and safe.

From Teaching Teens to Training Adults

By day, Alea teaches high schoolers—mostly 10th graders—and that experience is a huge asset in her coaching style. She knows how to break things down, adapt on the fly, and connect with people who are still figuring things out.

“There are so many similarities between creating a lesson plan and building a workout program,” she explains. “Both require thought, planning, and the ability to shift as needed.”

Virtual + Hybrid Training Options

Alea offers in-person, virtual, and hybrid training sessions to meet clients where they are—physically and in life. Whether you’re working out from home, at the gym, or doing a bit of both, Alea’s flexible coaching options are built for real life and real results. Learn more about Bulldog Gym’s virtual and hybrid training programs here.

What’s Next for Alea?

Alea is currently working on hypertrophy and strength gains, especially in her lower body, and she’s eyeing her first competition in the future. She also plans to pursue certifications in nutrition and group fitness and is curious to explore Pilates and calisthenics.

During the school year, you’ll find her training clients in the afternoons and on weekends. During summer and school breaks, she opens up more availability for both in-person and virtual sessions.


Whether you’re training on-site or from your living room, Alea’s ready to help you get stronger—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Ready to train with Alea? Stop by the front desk, email us, or contact Alea to get started.

Welcome to the team, Alea—we’re pumped to have you! ï’„