Why We Built PEAKFIT.

In 2020, PEAKFIT. founder Katja Raab was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose a double mastectomy — and then made a decision that changed everything: instead of following the conventional path alone, she put her faith in the power of fitness and nutrition to rebuild her body and her life.

That experience became the foundation of this studio. Not a gym built on vanity metrics and loud music, but a quiet, private space where real people do the hard, meaningful work of getting stronger — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Katja’s son Alexander, a certified personal trainer with a degree in exercise and health science from Florida Atlantic University, co-founded the studio and leads the training team alongside Franklin Pierce, a corrective exercise and mobility specialist.

Together, they built PEAKFIT. around one belief: your body is capable of more than you think, and it’s never too late to prove it.

Our Core Values

Community First

We build a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and motivated

Results-Driven

We focus on sustainable, measurable results through proven training methodologies.

Expert Guidance

Our certified team provides personalized attention and expertise at every step.

Excellence

We maintain the highest standards in training, nutrition, and client care.

Meet the Team

Serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and Arden

Our expert team of certified trainers, nutritionists, and wellness coaches are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself.

Katja Raab

Founder & CEO of PEAKFIT. Studio ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ASFA Women's Fitness Instructor, Advanced Sports Nutrition Certification, & ISSA Fitness Nutrition

At 58, I’m living proof that age is just a number when you have the right approach.

In 2020, at age 53, Katja was diagnosed with breast cancer. She made a bold decision: instead of chemotherapy and radiation, she chose a holistic path—nutrition, movement, and stress management. Today, she’s cancer-free and stronger than she was at 40.

Born in Berlin, Germany, Katja moved to the U.S. in 1995 and built a successful 17-year salon and spa business in Naples, Florida. After beating cancer, she moved to Asheville in 2021 to embrace an active lifestyle and opened PeakFit Studio in February 2025.

Why she built PeakFit: “I created the studio I wish existed when I was recovering from cancer—a place where active (aging) adults can build strength, mobility, and resilience without intimidation or generic programs. At PeakFit, we prove that you can be stronger at 60 than you were at 40.”

The PeakFit 360 approach came from Katja’s personal journey:

Sleep & Stress Mastery: Learning to manage cortisol and optimize recovery
Nutrition & Energy: Anti-inflammatory, alkaline nutrition that reduces pain and inflammation
Movement & Body Transformation: Functional strength training for independence and longevity

“My goal isn’t just to help you get stronger—it’s to help you stay independent, pain-free, and confident as you age. We get one body. One life. Let’s make it count.”

Specialties: Active Aging, Post-Cancer Recovery, Fall Prevention, Chronic Pain Management, Holistic Wellness

With a passion for fitness, wellness, and personal transformation, Katja created PEAKFIT. Studio to be more than just a gym—it’s a high-performance training and recovery sanctuary designed to help individuals unlock their full potential. Originally from Germany, Katja moved to Florida in 1995 and built a highly successful salon and spa company over 17 years. After relocating to Asheville in 2021, a deeply personal journey reshaped her outlook on health, longevity, and the power of movement, nutrition, and recovery. This experience fueled the vision behind PEAKFIT. Studio—a place where science-backed training, holistic wellness, and a supportive community come together to empower people to train strong, recover fully, and thrive for life. With a keen eye for excellence and a deep understanding of what it takes to build a results-driven, luxury experience, Katja leads PEAKFIT Studio with a commitment to personalized coaching, cutting-edge recovery techniques, and an unwavering belief that everyone has the power to achieve peak performance—at any stage of life. At PEAKFIT, it’s not just about working out—it’s about transforming the way you train, fuel, and recover so you can live your strongest, healthiest, and most fulfilled life.

Specialties:

Alex Zierhut

Head Trainer/Certified Personal Trainer, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion (FAU) & Nutrition Specialist

Alex, our head coach is a dedicated fitness coach with a Bachelor Degree in Exercise Science & Health from Florida Atlantic University with a profound belief in the power of exercise and nutrition to create a lifestyle that fosters more than just physical well-being—but an overall sense of vitality. His passion lies in helping clients discover the symbiotic relationship between exercise and nutrition, unlocking the full potential of body and mind. He doesn’t just focus on lifting weights or counting calories; he tailors programs to address every client’s unique needs. Beginner or seasoned enthusiast, Alex’s approach is rooted in understanding goals, lifestyle, and preferences. Experience not only the physical transformations, but also increased energy levels, mental clarity, and an enhanced overall quality of life. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling fantastic from the inside out. Together, Alex can help you break barriers, surpass limits, and transform not just your body, but your life.

Specialties:

Ariel Reece

Trainer, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Ariel is a certified personal trainer with a passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals and lead healthier, more active lives. After personal difficulties with health and nutrition, Ariel decided to turn her struggles into something positive. She is dedicated to providing personal training programs that are flexible to each individual’s needs and goals, aiming to make sure her clients feel encouraged and empowered while also becoming their best selves. Whether you’re looking to build muscle, lose weight, or simply feel restored mentally and physically, let’s make the sessions—and the journey—exciting, enjoyable, and fulfilling!

Specialties:

Franklin Pierce

Trainer, NASM Certified Personal Trainer & Corrective Exercise Specialist

As a certified personal trainer and a current student of corrective exercise, I’m passionate about helping people feel truly at home in their bodies. I believe that movement is more than just a workout—it’s an act of self-care, strength, and longevity. My approach focuses on building lean muscle, improving functional strength, and conditioning the body to handle the demands of daily life with confidence and ease. Whether we’re strengthening the positions life naturally puts us in or preparing you to move powerfully for the moments that matter most, my goal is to help you feel capable, resilient, and proud of what your body can do. For me, lean mass isn’t just a measure of health—it’s a reflection of your dedication and hard work. Let’s train strong, recover fully, and get after your goals together.

Specialties:

Train With Peakfit

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