About OC

My fitness story started in Davenport, Iowa, a town right on the mighty Mississippi River. Raised by my grandparents, my grandmother suffered a stroke and I got really involved in her rehab. I began attending all her physical therapy appointments so I could help with her home exercises. I think that’s what first got me interested in health and fitness.

Shortly after moving to San Diego with my husband Lonnie, I earned my Emergency Medical Technician certification. Fascinated with martial arts and fitness, I eventually earned my bachelor’s degree in Biological Science with an emphasis in pre-med, from San Diego Christian College. During this time, I also achieved a Black Belt in American-style kickboxing, then a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jujitsu. Medical school was the original plan, but after taking a job as a personal trainer in college, I got the idea to start my own company. 

Melissa Allen – Biologist, Scientist,
Coach, Trainer

So that’s exactly what I did. After graduating, I started Optimum Condition as a mobile personal training business, traveling all over San Diego County for a number of years. But with the rising cost of gas, I decided to open a physical brick and mortar location, and the Optimum Condition Corrective Exercise & Performance Center was born. Essentially a medical fitness studio, we remained near the Target Center where the 8 Freeway and the 67 Highway cross, for 15 years. 

Recently, as technology continues expanding, I discovered a number of physical therapy schools now offered hybrid immersion programs that made it possible for people like me that regretted not attending medical school. So after being out of school for over two decades, I applied to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and received my official letter of acceptance in the summer of 2025. 

I closed the fitness studio and transitioned my business back to a mobile structure, but this time only serving people in San Diego’s east county. I like to say that I bridge the gap between physical therapy and fitness, offering in-home personal training along with some rehabilitative therapies. My business model is similar to that of traveling physical therapy – I work with people one-on-one, I no longer offer group classes with instructors, and I love it!

Our Mission
Optimizing health through science and movement

Since 1999