About Raise The Bar Training Studio
Our Goal is Your Goal:
At Raise The Bar Training Studio, we strive for personalized customer excellence. Our client’s fitness goals always come first. The skilled team of RTB Training Studio personal trainers customize a plan for fitness and nutrition that works with your life demands to help you create a new, healthier lifestyle that gets results in a fun and friendly atmosphere!
Our Mission Revolves Around You:
We strive to improve the lives of individuals of all generations by provide the highest quality private training experience and raising the fitness standards for all.
Private Training Studio In Old Town Scottsdale
By Scottsdale Small Business Excellence Award Program
Meet Our Team
MIKE BERNKNOPF
Mike has been a Certified Personal Trainer for 15 years, working with hundreds of clients over the years. He received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from a research intensive program at Arizona State University in 2009. Following graduation, Mike received...
BRIAN MCCARTY
Working at Raise The Bar Training Studio for over 10 years, Brian is a certified Personal Trainer, specialty in A.A. Exercise Science & Advanced personal training. His interest in personal training began when he sustained a severe injury to his back several years ago...
MIMI JASPERSON
Mimi has been passionate about fitness and movement her whole life being a life-long dancer. Receiving her bachelors in Dance Performance & Choreography at Arizona State University connected her to the Kinesiology program, where she learned about the body’s interconnection and somatic cuing. Over the years, Mimi’s love for dance transitioned to a passion for fitness with a focus on strength & core training and nutrition. Personal passion turned into professional when she became a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM. As a mother of an active toddler, her goal as a personal trainer is to help other women and moms find confidence and foster mental balance through fitness to feel empowered in all aspects of their lives.
BLAZE HUTKIN
Blaze, as a former Division 1 rugby player at the University of Arizona, he brings extensive athletic experience to his sessions, understanding the commitment required for excellence. Beyond rugby, Blaze has trained with NFL and college football standouts which translate into his....
HANNAH PITHERS
Hannah received her BS in Kinesiology and became a full-time certified personal trainer in 2009. She has a background in competitive dance, as well as certifications in yoga, pilates, pre/post-natal training, post abdominal surgery recovery and hernia prevention...
MATT PITHERS
Matt has been passionate about fitness his whole life, which led him to receive his BS in kinesiology and become a Certified Personal Trainer in 2009. Matt and his wife, Hannah, started their personal training company in Kansas City in 2015...
Dustin Goetz
Dustin is NASM certified with 16 years of personal training experience. He specializes in Fat Loss, Nutrition, Lean Muscle Hypertrophy and Injury Rehabilitation. He prides himself with staying up to date with the newest scientific research studies and data to insure peak results. Dustin has competed in 3 National Bodybuilding competitions and works with everyone from general population to advanced athletes.
Karen Meier
Karen found her true passion in her late 50’s as a Personal Trainer, helping others live their best life of fitness & wellness. She is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach & Certified Life Coach. Her specialty is working with women 50+ to tone, build strength & age the healthiest way possible. She partners with her clients through their fitness journey with highly personalized, strategic programs that meet THEIR needs. She prides herself on making the workouts fun, interesting and even entertaining at times! Karen didn’t start working out until she was 52 years old. Diagnosed with pre-diabetes, 45 lbs overweight & looking at an 8th lifelong medication, she decided she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life like this. She figured out the magic formula to a healthy lifestyle is Exercise, Nutrition & Mindset. She lost 45 lbs through Resistance & Strength training, followed a solid nutrition plan & is down to ONE medication. At 60 years old, she feels fabulous & has tons of energy. Originally from Detroit, she spent the majority her career in Sales & Marketing. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Advertising way, way, way back in the day of legwarmers, Jane Fonda workouts & Richard Simmons Deal-a-Meal!
David Larson
David Larson is a highly sought-after strength coach, educator, and performance expert who delivers results with purpose and precision. With a Doctorate in Health Science, a Master’s in Kinesiology, and an Executive MBA from Arizona State University, he brings serious credentials and real-world grit to every session. Over the past decade, David has coached hundreds of clients, taught over 10,000 students, and carved out a reputation for cutting through the noise in an industry full of fluff. He’s a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Precision Nutrition Level 2 Coach (PN2), Olympic Weightlifting Coach, and a published author in health and fitness. As the owner of Raise the Bar Training Studio in Old Town Scottsdale, David specializes in helping high-achieving clients transform their bodies and optimize their performance. His training style is science-backed, brutally effective, and built to meet you where you’re at—whether you’re recovering from injury, prepping for a big life change, or just tired of spinning your wheels. When he’s not coaching, David is a university professor teaching kinesiology and health science, mentoring the next generation of health professionals, and publishing work that challenges outdated fitness dogma. If you’re ready to raise the bar on what you expect from your health and performance—let’s get to work.
Kate Larson
Kate Larson is the co-owner of Raise the Bar Training Studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, alongside her husband, David. A former distance runner and longtime nutrition coach, Kate has always believed in the power of simple, consistent habits to build lasting health. As a mom of three, she brings a real-world perspective to the studio’s mission of helping clients stay strong, active, and resilient through all stages of life. She remains deeply involved in shaping the community and environment that set Raise the Bar apart. Outside the studio, you’ll usually find her running trails, spending time with her kids, or enjoying the Arizona sunshine.