The credentials

I am a Fitness Pro with a B.S. in Exercise Science from Valparaiso University. I worked for 7 years in a major national health club chain as a personal trainer & manager. I then worked in a wellness office’s fitness studio for 1.5 years, building my small-business skills for my future plan of owning my own business.

I am certified with the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Certified Personal Trainer & as a Performance Enhancement Specialist. I am also certified as a TRX Suspension Training Coach as well as a Pilates Instructor. I started this blog around the same time I left the corporate fitness world & went out on my own, doing fitness consulting as a self-run business.

Today, I am thrilled to be the Co-Owner of a performance training company, ProKine Performance, with my partner-in-crime, Drew Whitehead. Our gym opened in late October of this year in St. Charles, IL. We provide 1-on-1 training services, as well as a myriad of classes, ranging from TRX Conditioning Programs to Strength Training Performance Programs. I specialize in working with endurance athletes, & we will be offering Endurance Athlete In/Off Season Strength & Mobility Programs!

My love for fitness was on-display by my life-long participation in sports. As an adult, I’ve completed 1 marathon, 5 half-marathons, 2 urbanathalons,  a 10mile race & multiple 10K & 5K’s. I love using my body to lift heavy things, swing from things, & balance on stuff. Callenging myself with innovative functional fitness workouts makes my fitness fun – think: moving how our ancestors moved!

Learning about food & nutrition so it can be maximzed for a best life has been a passionate pursuit of mine. But my drive to understand & teach truly optimal wellness did not begin flourishing until 4 years ago.  It was then that I began seeing a naturopathic doctor for my own health – I saw such rapid & immense changes in my health that I began learning & researching as much as I could- how various forms of exercise, mind/body connection, food, and supplements can help a person live a high quality, healthy, fit life. Along the way, I realized that alot of what is ‘out there’ regarding health news & fitness information is coming from one-line newscast stories & food producers who want you to buy their product. Neither of which is fully educated or fully intentioned for your best interests.

So here I stand as a fitness professional who is passionate about helping people realize that they can live a life that is optimal & amazing. Sharing with you because I’m living it myself & reaping the benefits & hoping you will too!