We’re excited to introduce Charlie Martel, the newest addition to our talented team of MINT personal trainers. With a background rooted in strength training and a passion for helping people feel stronger—inside and outside the gym—Charlie brings an empowering, encouraging approach to every session.
How Charlie Got Started
Charlie’s fitness journey began when he worked with personal trainers as a teenager. Their impact went far beyond physical results. “They had such a positive effect on me inside and outside the gym,” Charlie shares. “I thought to myself that it would be an amazing career for me, and I hope I can have the same positive effect on people.”
After exploring other career paths, Charlie realized personal training was where he belonged. He began studying for his NASM certification and hasn’t looked back since.
Why Personal Training?
Charlie discovered early on that he loved helping people build confidence through fitness. He started by informally training friends and family and quickly saw how much it boosted their self-esteem. “I’ve always been passionate about working out, and helping people with that journey seemed like the perfect fit,” he explains.
Charlie’s Training Style
Charlie’s training style is empowering and encouraging. His goal? To set clients up for success with habits that build confidence and long-term physical performance. Whether you’re brand new to training or chasing new personal records, Charlie meets you where you are and helps you move forward safely and effectively.
His Specialty: Strength Training
Charlie specializes in strength training, the very thing that first got him hooked on fitness. He works with clients to build strength and muscle mass while managing fatigue and prioritizing safety. “Whether it’s adding more muscle or increasing bench press numbers, I can be a big help in performance and keeping the lifter safe,” he says.
Advice for First-Timers
For anyone considering personal training for the first time, Charlie has simple advice:
- Be yourself, and know your strengths and weaknesses.
- Remember that training is not one-dimensional—there are countless ways to improve performance.
- Always be curious and ask questions, whether you’re a client or a fellow trainer.
Life Outside the Gym
When he’s not training at MINT, you can often find Charlie outdoors with his dog, walking through Rock Creek Park or along the National Mall. He also enjoys biking around the monuments with friends.
Charlie’s go-to spot for a healthy, affordable meal in DC is TEASHI Café downtown, where he loves the chicken and rice bowls packed with vegetables. And at home, he’s been experimenting in the kitchen with a new culinary project: perfecting the art of making Peking duck.
Train with Charlie at MINT
Whether your goal is to get stronger, build muscle, or feel more confident in the gym, Charlie is here to help you every step of the way. His empowering approach and strength-training expertise make him a great partner for anyone looking to take their fitness journey to the next level.