Meet Lisa Vonnegut, CSCS
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Meet Lisa Vonnegut
Lisa began her career as a Recreation Therapist on psychiatric and acute rehabilitation units before shifting her focus to coaching and personal training in 2000. Her clinical experience in mental health and acute rehab shaped her ability to create supportive, motivating, and nourishing environments for her clients.
Lisa has been practicing Applied Neurology since 2014 and continues to deepen her education as an instructor with Next Level Neuro. She integrates cutting-edge neuroscience into her coaching to help clients move better, feel better, and thrive.
Lisa first caught the travel bug on a solo trip to the Amalfi Coast in 2007, and the idea for Body Synergy FitCation was born from her desire to blend her passions for movement, wellness, and adventure.
“Lisa has helped me gain strength and confidence, coached me through several injuries, and is a joy to work with. I especially value her knowledge about the way neurological issues impact physical strength and overall health. ”
Strength, movement, and exploration are deeply connected. Whether at home or abroad, Lisa’s work is guided by the same principle: support daily movement, build capacity thoughtfully, and create experiences rooted in wellness, confidence, and joy.
Strength Training
Yup, you got it — you’re gonna sweat!
Movement is the foundation of a healthy body and a healthy brain. Lisa designs individualized strength-training programs tailored to each client’s goals, abilities, and life stage. Sessions are thoughtfully challenging, building strength and confidence without feeling overwhelming. You’ll be supported, guided, and encouraged throughout the process.
Training is designed to stretch your capacity safely and intelligently, so strength builds over time. You’ll work hard, and you’ll also feel capable, strong, and proud of what your body can do. The goal isn’t exhaustion—it’s strength you can carry into everyday life.
Neuro Coaching
Science-based approach to improve performance
Neuro Coaching is a science-based approach that refines how daily movement is perceived, organized, and executed by the nervous system. By applying principles of neurology to movement, Lisa helps clients move with greater coordination and confidence, supporting strength gains, recovery, and overall well-being.
Through activation of specific brain structures, neurological pathways, and sensory systems, movement becomes more precise and resilient. Training reduces unnecessary strain and repetitive stress, so movement feels more comfortable, confident, and sustainable over time.
“Lisa is very focused on how you respond to each new exercise and works relentlessly to ensure you perform the exercise to receive the maximum benefit and prevent injury. I’m healthier because of her.”
Active Escapes
The trip of a lifetime… while building sustainable habits.
Active Escapes extends Lisa’s coaching philosophy beyond the gym into thoughtfully designed travel experiences. Each trip is curated with the same care and intention that define her training—balancing movement, recovery, and exploration in a way that feels engaging, supportive, and sustainable.
From arrival to departure, Lisa designs a meticulously planned itinerary with built-in adaptability, collaborating with trusted local experts along the way. The result is travel that encourages you to move well, explore deeply, and return home feeling energized rather than depleted.
“I have been seeing Lisa for many years and find her incredibly patient and encouraging. I have a physical disability and am sure I’m not the most exciting person to train, but Lisa is always cheerful, upbeat, and extremely encouraging. She does a lot of continuing education courses and brings new ideas to our sessions, which are never the same. Lisa has a wealth of references/referrals in the health and wellness space if you are interested. She truly seems to love what she does! ”
Body Synergy Studio
Our new home in Orinda.
This private studio space is drenched in refreshing natural light, bringing the outside in. No smelly floor mats, dirty towels, or missing dumbbells here!
Easily accessible from the East Bay, you won’t have to worry about street parking, as there is a private parking lot.