Movement Performance Institute
2101 E. El Segundo Blvd. Suite 101
El Segundo, CA 90245
The services referenced herein are for general information only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Always consult your doctor before trying any new fitness routine.
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© 2026 Stepp Up Fitness LLC
Our Team
Christopher Powers, PhD, PT, FACSM, FAPTA
Owner, Movement Performance Institute
Dr. Powers is the founder and owner of the Movement Performance Institute. In addition, he is Professor and Associate Chair in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California and Director of the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Laboratory. Dr. Powers earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, his Master's degree in Physical Therapy from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Biokinesiology from USC. He completed post-doctoral training at University of California, Irvine.
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An internationally recognized leader in human movement science, Dr. Powers’ research has advanced understanding of lower-extremity biomechanics and their role in musculoskeletal injury. His work has helped inform evidence-based approaches to the prevention and treatment of knee pain and sports-related injuries. He has authored more than 230 peer-reviewed publications and has received funding from the National Institutes of Health and other agencies to support his research.
Jeff Stepp, NASM CPT
Director of Longevity Testing, Movement Performance Institute
Jeff Stepp is the director of MPI's longevity testing program. As a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Senior Fitness Specialist, Jeff synthesizes the latest clinical research on ageing, movement, and adult fitness and works with the MPI team to implement and maintain the most comprehensive longevity test in the industry. A former varsity athlete, Jeff is an avid runner, skier, cyclist, and weightlifter who believes that fitness can be found at any age. Prior to joining MPI, Jeff was a twenty-year veteran of documentary and science TV production, having written and produced dozens of hours of programming for Discovery, History, and National Geographic channels. He also received an Emmy nomination for his work on Science Channel's Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman.
Dr. John Zheng
Founder, Top1ers
Dr. John Zheng is a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician with fellowship training in Interventional Spine at UCLA. He specializes in helping patients better understand and improve their health through a physician-guided, evidence-based approach. As founder of Top1ers Medical, Dr. Zheng integrates advanced bloodwork, body composition testing, VOâ‚‚ max, wearable data, and lifestyle factors to identify meaningful health priorities and create actionable strategies for improvement. His approach complements physical performance and rehabilitation by connecting metabolic health with how people move, feel, and perform. His goal is simple: help people better understand their health and know what to do next.
E. Todd Schroeder, PhD
Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy
Dr. Todd Schroeder’s research focuses on anabolic interventions (androgen therapy and resistance training) to increase muscle mass and strength, ultimately improving physical function and quality of life in older adults. He investigates the mechanisms whereby progressive resistance training and testosterone treatment stimulate protein synthesis and improve muscle quality in older persons.
