THRIVE
STRONGER
LONGER
Ventura Training and Athletics utilizes Muscle Activation Techniques as the catalyst to our tailored One On One training programs that are designed to improve physical fitness, performance, and overall health.
freedom+time
You were meant for more, and IT’S TIME TO STOP SETTLING FOR LESS!
Your body is amazing and it is yours to use. The purpose of your body is to give you FREEDOM AND TIME. When your body ceases to be healthy, you lose your freedom. Loss of health equals loss of freedom. Loss of freedom equals loss of TIME—YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET!
As you age, your body can imprison you with declining energy, restricted mobility, excess body fat and disease states like cancer. Eventually the body even restricts your identity. Real health gives you the freedom to control the things that time steals, energy, strength, vitality and youth.
HEALTH
IS THE NEW WEALTH
WHAT IS YOURS WORTH TO YOU!
what category fits you best?
We deal with many issues, however here are 3 of the most common:
injury
- Dealing with chronic pain?
- Tired of trying other modalities with no resolution?
- Hesitant to try something new because nothing works?
- Scared to trust your body because it’s been in pain for so long?
- Tired of living this way?
function
- Scared to exercise because it always hurts?
- Scared to exercise because it always hurts?
- Lacking confidence on how to progress?
- Lacking confidence on how to progress?
- Not getting proper results no matter what you do?
- Want results in minimal time?
- Not getting proper results no matter what you do?
performance
- Inundated with information and don’t know what to do?
- Is your body holding you back?
- Want to push harder, but your body breaks down?
- Want your body performing at the highest level?
- Want to save time and eliminate unnecessary work?
getting started is easy
GET YOUR FREEDOM BACK!
Here at VTA, we understand what you’re going through. What if I told you you didn’t have to deal with it anymore?…We believe you were designed for more. We get it! Navigating your health and exercise can be frustrating and confusing. We’re here to simplify it for you. Changing your life doesn’t need to be complicated. The hardest part is committing. Commit and start your own heath journey today!
1. Book Your Free Consultation
2. Book Your Evaluation
3 Begin Your Program
MEET the team
blair ferguson
Owner and Founder of VTA
BS Kinesiology, Ex Science
RTS Mastery
MATRx Neux Stim
MATRx
MATRx Athlete
MAT Mastery
Blair Ferguson is the Owner and CEO of Ventura Training and Athletics (VTA), a boutique fitness training studio located in Ventura, California. With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Blair has built a reputation for his innovative and science-driven approach to training, focusing on Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT™) and personalized resistance training strategies. His journey in fitness began in 1998, and since then, he has dedicated himself to training clients, mentoring other trainers, and researching the latest advancements in exercise science.
Blair holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science from Cal State University Northridge, earned in June 1998. His credentials include Mastery-level certifications in Greg Roskopf’s Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT™) Specialist program (achieved in June 2012), MATRx (February 2017), and the Resistance Training Specialist (RTS) program (October 2011), along with additional coursework in MATRx Stim and MAT Athlete. These qualifications reflect his deep commitment to understanding the neuromuscular system and optimizing physical performance.
At VTA, Blair specializes in correcting muscle and joint imbalances that contribute to chronic pain and injury. His approach integrates MAT™—a method that addresses muscular weaknesses rather than just tightness—with custom-designed resistance training to restore the body’s alignment and function. He tailors programs to meet the diverse needs of his clients, ranging from aging adults seeking to maintain vitality to young athletes and seasoned professionals aiming to enhance performance. Clients have lauded his ability to deliver results, with testimonials highlighting significant improvements in pain relief, strength, flexibility, and overall physical function.
Blair’s philosophy emphasizes addressing the root causes of physical limitations rather than just treating symptoms. He collaborates with healthcare professionals like physicians, physical therapists, and chiropractors to ensure a comprehensive care continuum for his clients. His innovative style has positioned VTA as a leader in redefining exercise and anti-aging fitness, earning it recognition as a top-rated facility in California for those looking to optimize their bodies. His progressive training methods and dedication to client success continue to set new standards in athletic development and wellness.
Realizing that most successful people have average genetics and limited time – but also a competitive desire to look and feel their best – Blair tailored his protocols so that busy professionals could achieve exceptional results safely and without the unreasonable time commitment that so often derails health and fitness ambitions. Blair’s passion is to help VTA’s clients attain the physical and mental joy that he has achieved for himself. His revolutionary training program has inspired a passionate loyalty from his clients.
jeff wright
MATRx
MATRx Athlete
MAT Mastery Coursework
MATRx Neux Stim
RTS Mastery Coursework
eric bloom
MAT Mastery
RTS Mastery Coursework
MATRx Coursework
Eric Bloom is a Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) Specialist associated with Ventura Training and Athletics, a fitness training studio based in Ventura, California. He has a background in coaching baseball for over a decade and has expanded his expertise into MAT, with a focus on helping athletes and individuals improve their physical health and performance. Specifically, Eric has achieved mastery in Foot Function as well as the Trunk and Spine through his MAT training, which he uses to address muscle imbalances and prevent injuries.
At Ventura Training and Athletics, Eric works with clients to enhance their strength, flexibility, and endurance, often targeting those who experience chronic pain or recurring injuries. Testimonials highlight his ability to deliver immediate and sustained improvements. For instance, one client noted that after four months of working with Eric, their shoulder and back pain diminished significantly, allowing them to enjoy activities like golf and surfing with greater ease. Another client praised Eric and the team for helping them regain strength and fitness they hadn’t felt in years, emphasizing a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Eric’s approach aligns with the studio’s mission to “anti-age” the body and redefine the exercise experience, combining personalized training with recovery techniques. His work is part of a broader team effort at Ventura Training and Athletics, led by Blair Ferguson, focusing on innovative, science-backed methods to optimize physical well-being for clients ranging from aging adults to competitive athletes.
hector sosa
MAT Specialist Internship
Ace Certified Personal Trainer
Collegiate Athlete
10+ years experience in the Fitness Industry
Hector started off as a client due to his MS diagnosis four years ago and fell in love with MAT. As a direct consequence from the improvement in his quality of life, he decided to pursue a career in fitness to not only to help himself, but others in all aspects of life!
brandon holt
MATcs
RTS Mastery Coursework
MAT Mastery Coursework
MATRx Coursework
Injuries in my baseball career as a teenager led me into getting MAT and then eventually I decided to pursue MAT as a career. I became certified as an MAT Full Body Specialist in 2021. In addition, I currently hold my Lower Body certification at the MAT Mastery level and am in the process of being certified at the Full Body level.
the process
Utilizing the info from the evaluation, we lay out a number of plans based on your individual needs.
If everything is running smoothly,
and your body is telling us it’s
ready to go…then we go!
Gather detailed information, including a
deep health history and biomechanical
metrics, to establish a starting point.
Start your exercise process.
At any point along the way, if we are not seeing the progress we should, we modify the plan.
evaluate
1
plan
2
let’s go!
5
3
train
modify
4
evaluate 1.
Plan 2.
5. let’s go!
3. Train
4. mofify
1. Evaluate
Utilizing the info from the evaluation, we lay out a number of plans based on your individual needs.
2. plan
Gather detailed information, including a deep health history and biomechanical metrics, to establish a starting point.
3. Train
Start your exercise process.
4. mofify
At any point along the way, if we are not seeing the progress we should, we modify the plan.
5. let's go!
If everything is running smoothly, and your body is telling us it’s ready to go…then we go!
WE PUT THE PERSONAL BACK INTO PERSONAL TRAINING
VTA is more than just a training studio, we are your one-stop shop for everything muscle related!
M.A.T.
WHAT IS MUSCLE ACTIVATION?
MAT is a powerful tool to help achieve optimal muscle function, address the cause of muscle pain and promote healing for all age demographics.
Benefits Include:
– Improved Joint Stability
– Balanced Muscular System
– Restored Stability and Mobility
– Efficient Recovery
– Reestablished Neuro-Muscular Contraction
– Activated Inhibited Muscles
– Increased Strength
– Enhanced Coordination
– Improved Flexibility
– Lowered Risk of Injury
– Reduced Pain
why people turn to m.A.t.
EXCELLENT Based on 64 reviews Posted on Brad Chavez17 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gym equipment is amazing, instructors are top notch in skill and knowledge. There's a golf simulator to focus on your play or just have fun. Super professional environment with health based on science not brohealth meatheadsPosted on Jeffrey Wright24 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a client of Blair’s at VTA for 14 years. The method’s employed here under Blair’s guidance have consistently helped me overcome problems associated with my experience as a United States paratrooper. Although I began here as a college baseball player, and played 3 years injury free, we have worked in recent years at improving the function and strength of my body to help with golf. In the past few years with that in mind we have changed my ability to swing harder and faster and more consistently. I have gone from a double digit handicapper to a scratch golfer and went from a 115mph swing speed to top speeds of ~141mph. If you have pain, tightness, lack range of motion, want to get back to the things you want to do but can no longer do, I suggest utilizing this amazing place and the processes here within to make those questions and fears a thing of the past.Posted on geoff ledford24 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm generally skeptical about any kind of health/training facility that claims they offer game-changing results at a steep price. But I have struggled with degenerating muscles and increasing weakness for more than a decade, so I gave MAT a shot as a last-ditch effort. (I'd already tried surgery, PT, other kinds of strength training, etc.) After six month of training and treatment with Sosa and Jeff Wright, I have the ability to do things with my body that I'd lost years ago. High recommended.Posted on Jordan Rapp27 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been working with Blair Ferguson for almost five years now. Whether it's the daily grind of being a professional endurance athlete or coming back from a near-fatal bike-vs-car accident that I had in 2010, Blair has been instrumental in keeping me at my very best physically. I cannot adequately express how valuable Blair is to my racing career. Update June 2025 - well, after 11 years I thought it was time to update my review. Throughout those 11 years I've continued to work with Blair. I won another Ironman (in 2015), retired from professional triathlon, did a bunch of gravel racing and track racing, won a bunch of stuff, and transitioned to an entirely new career. But coming to VTA has been unchanging. I now come to stay active and healthy for my kids rather than maximizing my athletic performance. But Blair - and now his team - continue to deliver great results. After 16 working together, I can't imagine my life without VTA. //Jordan Rapp Professional Triathlete 6x Ironman winner 2011 ITU Long Distance World ChampionPosted on Patricia Shields26 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Full disclosure, I've known Blair Ferguson for quite some time. I worked with Blair when he first started in the fitness industry back in 1999. Even back then, he was the most talented trainer I knew, and this was all prior to MAT coming on the scene. I learned so much from him, and I continue to learn what I consider cutting edge knowledge from my experience as a client of VTA. I would never trust anyone else as much as I trust Blair and the folks under his tutelage. Don't underestimate the value you are getting from Blair's MAT process and the hands-on training from his staff. It's worth every penny. My health and my longevity are priceless to me, and it's well worth the investment. Most folks don't understand that until it's too late. Just know that this is not regular personal training. It's a proprietary process designed to optimize your bodily function and your longevity. Don't walk...run.Posted on ba11player26 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First of all,,,, 9 months ago, I was a total wreck. Seventy years old and headed for a wheel chair. I had a neurologist who advised physical therapy. Unfortunately, this did little to help me. Next up, the advise was to "ablated" my nerves in my back. I started looking into anything and everything, including stem cell therapy. Then, my neighbor (who was "wreaked" but suddenly feeling better) told me about "MAT". I meet with Blair and Eric,,,, and frankly I may not have opted for this (being somewhat skeptial) except for the fact that I was getting scared. Scared that I was headed for a wheel chair! I am 9 months into this training and I am back up surfing, running up and down stairs, and you just would not believe the smile on my face! Magic??? I know it might seem like that. But,,,,, Blair has an amazing understanding of how the body works. And,,,, I have personal coaching from Eric,,,, which has brought me back to feeling 10 years younger. Next stop???? 15 years younger,,,, then 20 years younger! Really. No doubt about it. You just have to "do it" and have confidence that you WILL get better. ps.... I have never written a review before. And,,,, I am ok with a review like this just so long as we don't flood the gates here. I want to continue to get my appointments!!!Posted on Samira Steventon25 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son played baseball at SDSU his freshman year, but by sophomore year he was injured and ended up getting cut in November. He had shoulder pain for over a year, and none of the doctors, physical therapists, or school sports staff could figure out what was wrong. Then we found Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT), and everything changed. After just a few sessions, his pain was almost gone and had full range of motion . He’s now back to full strength and played a great season at LA Valley. He even got two offers for next year, something that wouldn’t have happened without MAT. Eric, Jeff, and Sosa truly gave their all to help my son. They’ve built a bond. We’re so grateful!Posted on Joseph Steventon25 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After dealing with a tough injury that derailed my time at SDSU and ultimately got me cut from the team, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever play at a high level again. That all changed when I found VTA and started working with Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT). The team at VTA didn’t just treat the symptoms, they were able to find the root cause of my issues and rebuilt my body from the ground up. For the first time in years, I was moving pain free, stronger, and more stable in every part of my game. MAT helped reset my muscular system, restore function, and gave me the confidence to trust my body again. I was able to play a full season at LAVC, something I didn’t think was possible just a year ago. Now, I’m heading into another opportunity to play Division 1 baseball, fully healthy and in the best shape of my life — all thanks to VTA and MAT. If you’re an athlete dealing with setbacks, I can’t recommend them enough. They gave me my career back. I would recommend Jeff Wright, Eric Bloom and the whole VTA staff to anyone that needs help with being able to play a sport, perform at the highest levels, or even be able to gain function for daily tasks pain free.Posted on Traci Cosmer23 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I hate leaving reviews that aren’t great, but I wanted to be honest for other folks looking for a trainer. Everyone here seems nice and the facility seems nice but I will say I had to pay $300 and spend 2+ hours before doing any actual fitness. They went through a presentation on all of their packages on their medical device for like an hour with me often saying I don’t think you need this after. I wish they would have given be a better curated experience, my time is limited. Also you should lead with prices and costs before having someone pay for an evaluation so they don’t needlessly pay money. Overall the experience started to feel very much like a timeshare sales pitch very quickly. I would not recommend this placePosted on Ryan Sherriff30 April 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Eric was a great help on helping me return to throw after a year off. Guided me every step of the way.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
STAY
PROACTIVE.
Our members find us after they have tried everyting to help them solve their problems. Contact us now to get more information.
QUESTIONS?
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have regarding your pain or goals for full recovery.
Phone: (805) 628-2144
Email: info@vta.life
Ventura Training and Athletics
2633 Loma Vista Rd
Ventura CA 93003