meet the coaches

A long time ago in a galaxy far away the movie “300” premiered and I decided then and there to become jacked. I then found a strong love for working out and impacting the lives of others. In my opinion there is nothing greater than the human body and the many things that it is capable of. Helping other people achieve more than they expect of themselves is an amazing feeling.

Personal Trainer, Class Instructor

Mike Okoyo

I've loved being active for as long as I can remember. Between all the sports I played as a child and wanted to continue to play in High School and College, I had to learn how to get myself to be bigger, faster, and stronger. This led down a life-changing rabbit hole where I had to learn everything I could about changing the human body from athleticism, muscle building, and fat loss I learned it all and put it to use both at different points in my journey and with the hundreds of clients I've worked with over the years. 
There are few jobs as deeply rewarding in the world as giving someone mental, physical, and emotional strength they never thought they'd get back in their life. Nothing to me is worth as much as helping people, and I just happen to be able to good at this version of helping people. Nothing gives me less joy than doing any kind of bicep curls. DB, BB, cable, they all suck.  If I had one last meal, it would be anything my mom is making for dinner that day.

Personal Trainer, Class Instructor

Jumha Aburezeq

Meet Allison, a passionate yoga teacher hailing from the Chicago suburbs. Her transformative journey in yoga led her to California and Minnesota, where she immersed herself in the study of this ancient practice. Now, back in her hometown, Allison teaches yoga part-time, sharing the incredible benefits it has brought to her life with the community. Through her classes, she aims to inspire others on their own path to physical and mental well-being. 

Allison’s classes not only focus on the physical aspects of yoga but also delve into the mindfulness and spiritual dimensions. She believes in the holistic benefits of yoga, emphasizing its power to cultivate inner peace, balance, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

With a warm and inviting approach, Allison creates a nurturing space where students of all levels can explore and deepen their yoga practice. Her mission extends beyond the studio, as she actively works to spread awareness about the transformative potential of yoga, fostering a sense of community and well-being in the lives of those she touches.

yoga Instructor

Allison Pickens

I love traveling to Spanish countries.

The forest is my favorite landscape to be in.

I'm not a picky eater, but I will always pick off the pickles from my food.

I absolutely love cats.

I am also passionate for video games, especially adventure ones!

One weird habit of mine is that I love eating desserts (ice cream and cheesecake are superior) before eating an actual meal.

My last meal would be a slice of lotus cheesecake with a side of strawberries. Dessert and Fruit are the best combo.

Hi everyone, my name is Needah and I am excited to share my passion with you! My fitness journey started about 7 years ago when I first joined a powerlifting club in high school. Since then, my love for lifting and fitness grew beyond that, where I found myself experimenting different training styles and methods. More specifically, powerlifting had become a larger passion of mine where I eventually was able to compete in the sport, including on the national level. The idea of getting stronger not only helped me physically, but mentally as well. What made me want to become a personal trainer was to help others experience what I had when I first picked up a barbell. Feeling strong, feeling confident in your body, and feeling physically and mentally healthy for the long term was something I wanted others to strive for themselves. Fitness is a big passion of mine, so to share that passion with others is rewarding. My least favorite exercise has to be running/sprinting, unless of course a horror movie killer is chasing me.

Personal Trainer, Class Instructor

Needah Khater

I love to watch anime.

I enjoy real estate.

I was an US History minor in college.

My fitness journey started when I was working in the mental health field and learned about how a healthy mind really does come from a healthy body and lifestyle. As I worked my way through college I started doing yoga and MMA as I grew my knowledge in psychology, my major I invested more into keeping myself fit and my mind stress free. About three years ago I started incorporating my lived experience in yoga as a part of my profession in the mental health field and now come full circle as an instructor excited to help others with the discipline of Yoga.

The reason I became a teacher of yoga is because I know first hand how great of a positive effect it has on the mind and body. Being someone that was able to give this sort of therapy to the people that I worked with was something that made such a difference in my own sense of self that I needed to do it on a professional level. Bringing this beneficial practice to peoples everyday is something that I am proud and happy to do!

YOGA

Antonio Rodrigueze

I am in love with meditation and do it everyday.

People tell me that I look very serious until I start talking.

I dislike standing in line for things, it terrible.

My last meal would be a mountain of “floutas” they are like fried rolled up tacos.

I love traveling to Spanish countries.

The forest is my favorite landscape to be in.

I'm not a picky eater, but I will always pick off the pickles from my food.

Favorite Exercise: Vinyasa flow yoga and inversion practice

Favorite Food: Grilled veggies or cheesecake 

I started fitness at the young age of 5 because I was at risk of getting diabetes because of my weight. It forced me to get active and I started attending a local boxing gym, lost the weight, and got inspired to fight after seeing my teammates compete. It led me to compete in kickboxing and become a Golden Gloves champion.
After countless injuries and costly surgeries from competing as a fighter, I needed to take a break. At the time my brother was struggling to lose weight and was feeling insecure, so I helped him on his journey. After some time together he learned how to defend himself and lost over 20 pounds! I finally understood what my coaches felt like and could see myself doing this long-term. In my 14+ years of training and fitness, I still absolutely hate leg day. I don't skip it though!

Personal Trainer, Class Instructor

Froilan Guzman

I love anime (DBZ, Naruto, Tokyo Ghoul, AOT, etc.)

I like to draw real life people into anime characters.

Big video game fan, specifically the fighting video games.

I love asian food, specifically sushi Japanese food. I love sushi. I always find myself having it most weekends

I started Fitness at an early age being in sports, and of course, my favorite class in school was PE.. My gym teacher actually would let/want me to teach the class which always motivated me to want to do this more. I started coaching and teaching group classes right out of high school and have been doing it ever since. Fitness is my passion, what I know and what I love. I wanted to become a coach to help ppl achieve their goals the way my coaches helped me acheive mine. To help someone have a better, healthier lifestyle, and doing it the right way is the most rewarding thing to me 

Personal Trainer, Class Instructor

Tiffany Karac

I love being outdoors. Fishing (usually muskie), hiking, ext. 

I enjoy just plain old cardio (treadmill)

If I had one last meal it would be Surf & turf, chicken paprikash, and Roast lion of pork, sauerkraut & bread dumplings.

My personal fitness journey is to continue to work just as hard to maintain my power, strength, and endurance. I love looking and feeling good. What made me become a coach is my passion for helping others achieve their weight loss or weight gain goals. Also,  helping people find clarity, purpose, calling and to unleash their full potential. I got into coaching because of my own past trials, traumas, and tribulations.

Cycling Instructor

Alicia Moore

I love to travel

I love Hallmark Movies

Dream to open a wellness clinic in person or online.

If I had one last meal it would be Steak, Eggs, Biscuit, Oats!!

My fitness journey began in high school when I broke my high school push up record (132). From there I continued to have fitness as a centerpiece to my mental health until it eventually became the centerpiece of my career. I became a kickboxing instructor, eventually an amateur boxer and also a boxing coach as well. Having any kind of success is empty unless you are able to share it with others.

Group Instructor & Personal Trainer

Theo Hughes

I have always enjoyed fitness, even at a young age. I was involved in sports & competitions. They physical demands on athletic pursuits drove me to pursue fitness on a more serious level. But it wasn't until i began training martial arts, that i truly fell in love with fitness & the many benefits it brings. There are very few things in the fitness industry more rewarding than helping someone reach their goals & true potential. Fitness has changed my life for the better. The many brilliant coaches that have worked with me, left an impact that i will never forget. I aim to fo the same for others! 

Kickboxing Instructor & Personal Trainer

Jeremy Rusak

I'm a die hard Cubs fan! Hate the Sox, hate the Cardinals. Wrigley field is the best place in all Chicago!

Dogs over cats all day! 

A bit of freestyle rapping 

I'm an ocean fanatic: Ocean docs for the win. Orcas & shark week baby!

One day i dream of having my own sail boat & coaching professional fighters! 

I do stand up comedy

I own a husky and will eventually go into breeding.

How I Met Your Mother is one of my all time favorite shows.

If I had one last meal it would be steak, shrimp, chicken, rice, mac and cheese and mashed potatoes.