Fitness and nutrition are preventive healthcare

Fitness and nutrition are modifiable factors of health that people can control in their everyday life. While your physicians and physical therapists are there to treat your ailments and pain, I believe your personal trainer is there to help you implement appropriate preventive health strategies for long-term success. Personal trainers should be part of the healthcare continuum, helping you learn safe and efficient movement, systematically increasing fitness levels, and educating you on sustainable exercise and nutrition strategies. 

owner and trainer of optimized strength and performance

Meet Your Trainer

Kara Crump, M.S. Kinesiology
B.S. Exercise Physiology
ACSM-CPT
ACSM-CEP
FAI Functional Aging Specialist
ISSA Nutritionist

I’m Kara Crump and I am the owner of Optimized Strength and Performance.  Originally from Florida, I moved to the PNW in 2019 where I started personal training as an interim job but quickly fell in love with improving peoples' lives through fitness.  Seeing people reach their goals and get excited about improved function in their lives made me think about what else I could offer to my clients. Through my Bachelor's program in Exercise Physiology, I developed a great knowledge on human physiology and exercise prescription but felt there was still more to learn. I completed my Master of Science in Kinesiology with a dual focus on Corrective Exercise and Sports Conditioning. I am confident that I provide the best possible outcomes and personalized exercise programs for my clients. My goal is to truly individualize personal training sessions and elevate the personal trainer role within preventative healthcare.

What Clients Are Saying

  • “It has been great working with Kara. I hesitated to work with a trainer because I was afraid they wouldn't know enough or just give me exercises that were either too easy or way too hard. Kara is truly a personal trainer. Everything she does is totally personalized for her client. She is always careful of my problem areas. She checks on me to be sure I have been able to handle the exercises. I feel so much better and stronger since I have been working with her. I would recommend Kara to any of my friends looking for a trainer.”

    Sue R.

  • "Kara worked with my mother who suffered a stroke several years ago, and was unable to walk. Kara provided weekly exercise for my mother which helped maintain her physical and emotional well-being. It’s very, very difficult to find individuals who help with persons who have suffered a stroke and we were so lucky to find Kara. Kara, we appreciate all you did for us. Thanks, John Burns."

    John B.

  • “Kara is positive, encouraging, patient, and prepared for every session. She knows what she's doing (content expert), and works to help you accomplish your personal goals while making helpful suggestions.”

    Pauline F.

  • “Kara is THE Best to train with! She is not only well educated in her profession, but her application of this knowledge is light of your goals, age and capability is stellar. Did I mention she is a delight to work with, even I need to perform something challenging? Look no further for a trainer, but don't take my spot!!!

    K.B.

  • "In my adulthood, I've generally hovered between 99/102lbs. The most I've ever weighed was 110lbs, and that was back in 2016. Looking back at it, what I did to gain weight was not sustainable—which figures why I stopped once I moved to Florida. Working with Kara over the course of the a month marks the first time since I've consistently weighed in between 110/111lbs. over several days. I wanted to create healthier habits of working out and eating more on a schedule that works with my day job—especially since I deem myself a "stress faster". Kara helped keep me on track with my nutrition, helped me meal prep, and kept me accountable! I now find myself excited to eat and to work out! Now that I have a little one to take care of, I know this time I'm in it for the long haul towards my goal weight and can visualize myself sustaining and surpassing that if I want to. I want to live a longer and healthier life as well as be a good example for my daughter. I am forever grateful for Optimized Strength and Performance! I'd highly recommend her to anyone!

    Danison F.