About Us

About Perdido Bay Fitness

We are a boutique training studio located on Perdido Bay, just outside the Florida/Alabama state line in Lillian, AL. Our mission is to help our clients build better bodies so they can live their best lives. We teach and empower our members to take charge of their fitness, nutrition, and health. Not only do our members work toward lasting change, but they do it under the guidance of certified expert coaches, and along with fellow members that feel like family.

Our Core Values

◦ Excellence – bring our best every day and expect the same from our members
◦ Inclusiveness – all are welcome as part of our fit family
◦ Teamwork – be “we” not me
◦ Communication – communicate clearly, openly, and honestly
◦ Growth – always seek to learn and improve by getting 1% better every day
◦ Positivity – have only good days and great days; Perdido Bay Fitness is our happy place
◦ Fun – we take our coaching seriously but don’t take ourselves too seriously

Get the coaching, support, and guidance you need to help you take control of your body. We’ll provide you with the accountability, tools, strategies, and community to create and maintain lasting change. It would be our privilege to serve you!

Meet Our Coaching Team

Kimmie Buzanowski – Coach 

Kimmie has been coaching at Perdido Bay Fitness for over 1.5 years. She developed an interest in fitness many years ago when she met her husband, Ted, while waitressing at The Point Restaurant. He was already a fitness buff, and she followed suit!
 
Kimmie’s certifications include:
 
◦ NCSF CPT
◦ ISSA Strength & Conditioning
◦ ISSA Nutrition 
◦ ISSA Yoga
 
Kimmie worked at the Escambia County jail for 10 years, and more recently transferred to the Sheriff’s Office in Evidence. 
 
Kimmie loves camping with her family on the Styx River, and she also enjoys line dancing!
 

Brandon Etheridge – Coach

Brandon has spent over 10 years in the Birmingham, AL area working as a strength and conditioning coach, weightlifting/powerlifting coach, personal trainer, and a small group trainer.

Brandon was a nationally ranked competitive weightlifter during that time and has a love for all things strength training. Over the past few years his focus has switched to a format of training and teaching, utilizing mostly kettlebells and bodyweight movements. He has several qualifications including:

◦ RKC Russian Kettlebell Training: Level 1 & 2
◦ Advanced Kettlebell Flow Training
◦ ACE CPT
◦ USA Weightlifting
◦ Functional Movement Screen


Brandon currently lives in Gulf Shores with his wife, Ashlyn, and their son, Ezra, who are both active fitness enthusiasts as well!

Justin Evangelista – Coach 

Justin fell in love with fitness as a teen and has been training clients since 2017 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He specializes in small group fitness settings, nutrition, remote training, and powerlifting/strength programming.
 
Justin has been powerlifting since 2021 and has achieved numerous state records, Elite Powerlifter status, and has been invited to many pro level powerlifting meets.
 
Justin’s certifications include:
 
◦ ISSA CPT
◦ ISSA Nutrition Coach
◦ U.S. Navy Command Fitness Leader
 
Justin continues as an active duty member in the U.S. Navy, specializing in Aircraft Crash & Salvage. He currently lives in Pensacola with his dog, Sadie.
 
Justin loves to coach people, be a mentor, learn everyday, and motivate others to be the best version of themselves, whether it’s in or out the gym!
 

Mary Jo (MJ) Meilstrup – Head Coach & Manager

MJ has spent 6+ years as a personal trainer. Her specialty is working with middle to upper age general population clients in both large and small group settings. She spent over 4 years learning and gaining experience as a coach at a boutique training studio in the Annapolis, MD area, and has been at Perdido Bay Fitness for 2.5+ years.

MJ’s certifications include:

◦ ACE CPT
◦ Precision Nutrition Level 1
◦ GGS Certified Women’s Coaching Specialist
◦ TRX Suspension Training

MJ is currently working on a GGS Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist certification.

MJ is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and also spent several years as a college and high school math instructor. She currently lives in Seminole, AL with her husband, Matt, and children. MJ truly loves being a coach – teaching and helping people reach their health and fitness goals while becoming their best selves!