Our Trainers
Ben DeHondt
Master of Science in Exercise Science, IFBB Professional Bodybuilder, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Nutritionist (PN1), Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), Certified Athletic Development Specialist (CADS), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
Ben DeHondt is one of the most accomplished fitness trainers in the Oakland County area. Graduating from Oakland University with a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, he provides an advanced level of understanding to give you unmatched results. Ben has been a trainer for over 6 years, taking a leap of faith in April of 2022 to grow his business by renting a 650-square-foot space for 6 months. After that, he quickly expanded to our current space in Rochester Hills with the vision of creating the best private training space possible. Since then he has added over 25 brand new machines in an ideal space working alongside some of his best friends, creating the grand vision for Paradise Barbell alongside his co-founder Noah. Ben takes pride in providing the highest quality service available, as well as developing an individualized approach to every client. Training clients aged 5 to 83, with goals from getting active to competing in professional sports, Ben knows what it takes to help every client reach their goals.
Noah Francis
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (LLC), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Sport Psychology Clinician (CMPC)
Noah, our co-founder, is a retired U.S. Army soldier, certified personal trainer, and a licensed psychotherapist, who overcame a combat-related back injury and became a competitive classic physique bodybuilder. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Oakland University and is now a dedicated sport psychology clinician and personal trainer, providing cutting-edge services to athletes and teams in both the mind and body. For the past 10 years, Noah has focused within both lifestyle fitness clients and amateur/professional athletic populations for performance, individual growth, and mental health wellbeing. Noah currently serves as the Director of Sport Psychology for Oakland University Athletics, a NCAA Division I program. Noah is an active member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and dedicates his time to serving the needs of his clients and athletes across both sites. He remains committed to continual learning beyond his years of education and experience in order to provide the most up to date and beneficial approaches to his clients.
Symone Chandler
Body Recomposition and Posing Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer (NASM), Certified Nutritionist (PN1), Physique and Bodybuilding Specialist (PBS), 3x Nationally Qualified Bikini Competitor
Symone has always been involved in athletics. From the age of 5, she was a competitive swimmer with collegiate-level talent. After an injury sidelined her and brought her swimming career to an end, she needed another competitive outlet. The drive to be a competitive athlete and improve personal struggles led to bodybuilding as a new form of therapy. Perfecting training styles with her father and continuing education for years helped build the foundation to become NPC nationally qualified and find her husband and competitive coach, Jacob. Together they’ve grown their passion to help themselves and others reach their composition, performance, and bodybuilding goals. With over 4 years of coaching and personal training experience in virtual, corporate, and small business settings, Symone has the tools needed to help clients with any fitness background. From macros to muscle, she's got you covered!