The People Behind Your Progress
MEET YOUR TRAINERS
Decades of experience. Military discipline. Medical expertise. And a genuine passion for helping people transform.
Sean Keith
Owner & Head Trainer
Owner & Head Trainer
Sean Keith
Sean Keith has owned and operated Vida Fitness for nearly 20 years, building it into Amelia Island's most trusted personal training company. With over 25 years of hands-on training experience, Sean brings a level of expertise few trainers can match.
A former United States Marine and police officer, Sean designed specialized fitness programs for SWAT teams and DEA agents — work that demands peak physical readiness under extreme conditions. That same discipline and attention to detail now benefits every client who walks through Vida Fitness's doors.
Sean has trained PGA and LPGA golfers, NFL players, and professional surfers, but he's equally passionate about working with everyday people who simply want to feel stronger, move better, and live healthier. His approach combines elite-level programming with genuine care for each individual's journey.
Elite Athlete Training
PGA, LPGA, NFL, pro surfers
Tactical Fitness
SWAT & DEA program design
Senior Trainer
Charity Ross
Charity Ross brings approximately 25 years of fitness training experience to Vida Fitness, with the last 12 years spent right here in our Fernandina Beach studio. ACE certified and deeply committed to her craft, Charity has built a loyal following among clients who appreciate her warmth, patience, and ability to meet them exactly where they are.
Charity has a special gift for working with elderly clients — she understands the unique considerations of training later in life and knows how to build strength, mobility, and confidence at any age. She also excels at pairs and small group training, creating an encouraging, supportive dynamic that keeps clients motivated and accountable.
While she has a soft spot for seniors, Charity also trains athletes and clients of all fitness levels. Her versatility and genuine care make her one of the most requested trainers at Vida Fitness.
Senior Fitness
Elderly & special populations
Small Groups
Pairs & group dynamics
Charity Ross
Senior Trainer
Shannon Mitchell
Trainer
Trainer
Shannon Mitchell
Shannon Mitchell is a dedicated fitness professional who brings infectious energy and a sharp eye for form to every training session. She believes that fitness should be challenging but never intimidating — her sessions strike the perfect balance of pushing you past your limits while making sure you feel supported the whole way.
Shannon works with clients across the fitness spectrum, from beginners taking their first steps into structured training to experienced athletes looking to break through plateaus. Her personalized approach means no two programs look alike — every workout is built specifically for the person in front of her.
Clients consistently praise Shannon's ability to explain exercises clearly, correct form without making it awkward, and somehow make even the toughest sessions feel fun. She's the trainer who gets you results while making you actually look forward to showing up.
All Fitness Levels
Beginner to advanced
Form & Technique
Safe, effective movement
M.D., FACC, MPH — Certified Trainer
Dr. Mark Nelson
Dr. Mark Nelson brings a truly unique perspective to Vida Fitness. A retired cardiologist — board-certified with fellowships from the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) — Mark understands the human body from the inside out in a way few fitness professionals ever could.
After decades treating heart disease, Mark realized the most powerful medicine isn't found in a prescription — it's found in movement, strength, and sustainable lifestyle change. He became an ISSA-certified personal trainer specializing in Functional Aging, Nutrition, Strength & Conditioning, and Exercise Recovery.
Mark focuses on functional fitness, strength, agility, mobility, and balance — especially for clients in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. He also gives educational talks on reversing cardiovascular disease through lifestyle, preventing sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), and the role of healthy living in managing chronic disease. With Dr. Nelson, you're training under someone who truly knows what's happening inside your body at every level.
Heart Health Focus
Cardiovascular disease reversal
Healthy Aging
Sarcopenia prevention & mobility
Dr. Mark Nelson
M.D., FACC, MPH
READY TO MEET YOUR TRAINER?
Come in for a complimentary fitness assessment. We'll match you with the trainer who best fits your goals and personality.