We started Lift Laugh Love because we saw a need for something different — a fitness space where people feel welcomed, supported, and understood. No loud gyms, no cookie-cutter workouts, just real people working toward their goals at their own pace.
Our mission is simple: to help you feel stronger, healthier, and more confident in everyday life. We believe fitness should be personal, approachable, and even fun.
Our Story
What We Do
We offer individualized training sessions designed around your unique goals and needs. Every program comes with ongoing assessments, tailored plans, and access to a private, comfortable studio. Whether you’re brand new to working out or looking to take your training to the next level, we’ll meet you where you are.
What Makes Us Different
Inclusive & supportive — a space where everyone feels welcome
LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity-affirming
Personalized training with tech — using Trainerize to track your goals and progress anytime
No judgment, no pressure — just guidance that works for you
Community-focused — encouragement and support every step of the way
Skip the big-box gym chaos — focus on your goals in a sensory-friendly space built for you
Meet Our Team
Christian Menendez
Lead Personal Trainer and Co-Owner
Christian (He/Him) brings a calm, supportive energy to every session, helping clients feel at ease while still challenging them to reach new goals. He has been working with clients since 2013, holds a personal training certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and is passionate about making fitness approachable for people at all stages of their journey.
As a POC and someone who is neurodivergent, Christian offers a unique perspective that helps him connect with clients in meaningful ways. He understands the importance of creating an inclusive, judgment-free environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
What clients appreciate most about Christian is his ability to listen, adapt, and encourage — whether that means breaking down exercises step-by-step for beginners or designing progressive training plans for those ready to push further.
Outside the studio, he enjoys relaxing with music, gaming with friends, exploring local eateries, and spending time with his two cats.
Christian’s philosophy: Movement should be enjoyable, empowering, and yours.
Leah Flores
Personal Trainer
Leah Flores (She/Her) has been part of the fitness industry for over 11 years and recently returned to Portland after spending three years in Salem. A lifelong dancer, Leah's path into fitness began after experiencing health challenges that led her to a Zumba class—a life-changing experience that sparked a new passion for helping others move, feel, and live better.
Leah believes that fitness should be as unique as the individual, living by the motto, "Every flower blooms differently." She strives to create an encouraging, judgment-free environment where each workout is tailored to meet clients where they are and support their personal goals.
Outside of the gym, Leah enjoys crocheting and proudly embraces her status as a devoted Lord of the Rings fan.
Leah is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She has additional training in flexibility, mobility, dance, functional movement, and supporting individuals in eating disorder recovery.
Antonio Camacho Martinez
Personal Trainer
Antonio (He/Him) is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and certified kettlebell instructor who specializes in functional strength, conditioning, and powerlifting. Before becoming a trainer, he spent 17 years working with youth in the nonprofit sector and earned his Master's degree in Conflict Resolution. The empathy, communication, and relationship-building skills he developed throughout that career now shape his coaching approach, helping clients feel supported, understood, and empowered.
Antonio believes the most rewarding part of coaching is watching people discover they're capable of far more than they imagined. His goal is to help every client build confidence, develop lasting strength, and feel unapologetically proud of what their body can do.
His own fitness journey has been anything but linear. After navigating major changes in his relationship with his body, food, and wellness, Antonio found strength through movement and resilience through life's challenges. As a double kidney transplant recipient living a sober lifestyle, he understands firsthand that fitness isn't about perfection—it's about showing up for yourself and celebrating progress.
As a proud queer Puerto Rican, Antonio is passionate about creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds feel safe, respected, and supported. Whether you're new to strength training or looking to reach your next goal, he'll meet you where you are and help you build from there.
Outside the gym, Antonio enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with his cats, and watching cult classic movies.
Taylor Menendez
Operations and Co-Owner
Taylor (They/Them) began their career in behavioral health in 2012 and is certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). With years of executive management experience in healthcare, they bring strategic leadership and a deep understanding of personalized care to Lift Laugh Love.
Drawing on this background and a passion for fitness, Taylor co-founded the studio to lead operations and create a space where exercise is accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone — including neurodiverse clients and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their focus is on building an inclusive culture that helps every client pursue their goals with confidence and support.
Outside the studio, Taylor enjoys reading, spending time outdoors hiking, camping, or paddleboarding, and tending to their garden.
Who We Serve
Personal Training for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Hypermobility, Chronic Conditions & Every Body
We create a supportive, judgment-free space where everyone 16+ can thrive. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent finding “me-time,” a beginner stepping into a gym for the first time, or someone navigating physical challenges — like recovering from surgery, people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), generalized joint hypermobility, POTS, chronic pain, and mobility disabilities who are looking for safe, evidence-informed strength training.
All of our trainers have experience adapting workouts for a wide range of abilities, so every client can safely and confidently pursue their fitness goals.