Step inside a space where commitment, community, and personal transformation come together. When busy mom and corporate professional Melissa Dehakiz first joined Fit Body Boot Camp, she was simply looking for an efficient workout that fit the rhythm of her day. What she discovered instead was a supportive environment that reshaped her outlook on fitness—and ultimately inspired an entirely new chapter of her life. Years later, she now owns Fit Body Boot Camp in Mission Viejo as its Owner and CEO, where she leads a team much like the one that once encouraged and inspired her. Together, they’ve cultivated an environment rooted in connection, motivation, and positive change.
Melissa often shares that she was once the “typical avatar” of Fit Body Boot Camp: a busy woman between 35 and 50 who had little time to prioritize herself. She understands firsthand how challenging it can be for moms and working professionals to carve out even half an hour of personal time. That’s why the thirty-minute model resonated with her so deeply—and why she is committed to making every minute inside the studio meaningful and accessible.
Supporting her is Kelin, the studio’s Integrator, whose role blends coaching, administration, logistics, and community engagement. From partnering with local schools on youth fitness programs to representing the studio at community events, Kelin helps extend the mission far beyond the gym walls. As Melissa describes it, Kelin is the person who brings their shared vision to life—someone who steps in wherever needed, whether coaching on the floor, managing operations, or creating opportunities for families to connect with Fit Body Boot Camp. “She does everything,” she laughs. “Whatever we imagine, she’s the one who makes it happen.”
From the moment the doors open at 4:45 AM, the energy inside the gym reflects Melissa’s mission. Members are welcomed with genuine enthusiasm, creating a warm, uplifting atmosphere regardless of the hour. The team understands that walking into a gym can feel intimidating, yet they’ve created a space where progress is personal and celebrated at every stage. Each thirty-minute session is guided by two coaches—a Mic Coach and a Floor Coach—who work in tandem to motivate members while ensuring proper form. They’re known as Coaches, a title that represents their knowledge, commitment, and passion for creating the best 30 minutes of your day. They take the time to truly know every member. Melissa and her team have built a space where progress is personal and celebrated at every stage.
This environment welcomes individuals of all fitness levels, including those with physical limitations. Programs such as Fit Body Forever are thoughtfully designed for older adults, while the gym’s nutrition offerings—supported by an on-staff nutritionist and tools like the InBody Scanner—help members cultivate long-term, maintainable wellness. “We promote sustainable health,” Melissa explains, “not just aesthetics.”
The team fondly recalls moments that remind them why their work matters. They talk about the older woman who, after months of debilitating shoulder pain, lifted her arms overhead and surprised herself with tears. They celebrate members who no longer need blood pressure medication and smile at the videos parents send of children running their own “boot camps” at home, eager to imitate what they’ve seen. As Melissa puts it, “It’s therapy, but not the kind you do on a couch—the kind that heals you from the inside out.”
Their commitment extends beyond the gym walls. The Mission Viejo team frequently supports local initiatives—from participating in franchise-wide food drives to promoting school jog-a-thons, hosting donation-based yoga sessions, and partnering with community organizations. Looking ahead, Melissa plans to expand youth fitness and nutritional education programs, continuing her dedication to shaping healthier futures.
No matter your age, experience, or physical ability, Fit Body Boot Camp offers a welcoming environment defined by encouragement and genuine connection. Melissa and her Coaches invite every member not only to work out, but to feel seen, supported, and empowered. Step into their community, nurture your well-being, and experience a half-hour session designed to be the most rewarding part of your day.