Our Trainers

About

Branda is originally from Hawley, MN and moved to Rochester in 2003 to complete Mayo Clinic’s Dietetic Internship program. She has been a Dietitian and Personal Trainer at the RAC since 2004. Branda is an endurance athlete who has participated twice in the Boston Marathon and has finished several ultra marathons, running as long as 50 miles! Away from work she enjoys being active outdoors with her husband and two children.

What are some of your specialties?

In addition to being an ACE certified personal trainer, I am also a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. This certification is only available to registered dietitians who have completed 5+ years (1500+ hours) in the field of sports nutrition and receive a passing score on the CSSD board exam.

Share something people might find interesting about you:

I am just diving into the world of triathlons. I am currently taking the triathlon swim class at the RAC and attending many of the awesome cycle classes the RAC provides!

What is something you wish people knew about diet and exercise?

I wish people understood the importance of fueling your body before, during and after activity. It is the key to avoid fatigue, get the most out of your workouts, and reach your full potential as an athlete!

What do you enjoy about being a personal trainer?

I truly believe I have the best job in the world! I enjoy the relationships I build with my clients, as well as helping them achieve goals they never thought they could.

Do you have a favorite exercise quote?

“You are only ONE workout away from a GOOD mood☺”

About

Chris is originally from Austin, and now lives in Rochester. Throughout high school and college he participated in football and tennis. In his spare time he enjoys woodworking and any type of building/construction projects. Time spent outside doing fun activities with his wife and two boys is the highlight of his day!

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

If you are considering personal training you have come to the right place. RAC personal training is unique in that it is customized to each individuals needs both physically and personality wise! Working with RAC personal trainers will cover all aspects and dimensions of training from running program design to powerlifting. At the RAC we have you covered!

What are some of your specialties?

My main specialty is working with kettlebells. Although I love working with all types of equipment from weights to cardio, kettlebells have my heart! They are versatile and allow you to do just about anything with them. They are great for mobility and flexibility, along with strength and muscular/V02 endurance. They allow for extremely time efficient and well rounded workouts.

What do you enjoy about being a personal trainer?

As a personal trainer I enjoy the opportunity to show people what they are capable of. There is nothing better than getting to say “I told you so” when someone accomplishes a workout task they thought they couldn’t do! I enjoy the relationships that are formed through working side by side towards my client’s goals and watching their lives change in the process. The mental, physical and emotional growth that takes place throughout my time working with people is amazing to witness.

What is your approach to training?

My approach to training is to find what you love, keep it simple, and have fun! Exercise can be made too scientific and dull to some, while others may find that aspect fueling. One must find what they are motivated to do and dive in. It will help make the exercise more enjoyable and doable if it is fun. Get moving every day and good things will happen!

About

Hannah grew up in Rochester and graduated from Concordia University, St. Paul in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Nutrition and working towards becoming a registered dietitian. Away from work she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her cats, dogs, family and friends.

What led you to the RAC?

I grew up in Rochester and I have been a member throughout my life. I learned both swimming and tennis through taking classes here. I began my career at the RAC working at the Activities Desk. I had the opportunity to intern with the Fitness department during my final semester of school and have been here since!

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

Give it a shot! We’re here to help you reach your goals, wherever your starting point is. Your trainer can be a great source of accountability, motivation, structure, and variety in your exercise program.

What do you enjoy about being a personal trainer?

I once saw a quote that said “I’m on a mission to uplift others,” and I found that really resonated with me. I love working with individuals, helping them improve their wellbeing, and finding activities that they truly enjoy.

Do you have a favorite exercise quote?

“Don’t be afraid to be a beginner.”

About

Joe started working as a Personal Trainer at the RAC in January of 2018. Joe is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, as well as a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Joe is training for competitions that involve HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), olympic weightlifting, and gymnastics as well as powerlifting. When he's not at work he's coaching high school track and field. Joe enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

Having a personal trainer can be extremely beneficial. Personal trainers provide experience and knowledge to help you meet your fitness goals and keep you accountable at the same time. It's never too late to start.

What are some of your specialties?

I am experienced in olympic weightlifting, high intensity style training and overall strength training. I love working with people of all ages, especially youth. I have a passion for helping teens reach their goals, especially when it comes to sport development.

Share something people might find interesting about you:

I have an American Ninja Warrior course at my house and I plan to compete on the show in the next few years. I love rock climbing and running, and enjoy competing in Spartan Races and local 5K’s.

What do you enjoy about being a personal trainer?

Being able to equip people with knowledge, and seeing the results of the hard work that my clients put in is unreal. It is a reminder of why I chose this field.

About

Jon is originally from Wisconsin and moved to Rochester from Minneapolis in 1999. He works full-time as a wellness coach for Optum Wellness as well as being on the staff of National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA). Outside of the RAC, he loves being active and outdoors while spending time with his family.

What led you to the RAC?

I first came to Rochester to work at Mayo in Patient Education. I started personal training at the RAC July 1999.

What classes do you teach?

I exclusively do personal training at the RAC but teach on weekends all over the country for NETA. I present the NETA Personal Trainer Certification course (since 2004) and I also teach NETA's Wellness Coaching Certification course (2015-present).

Share something people might find interesting about you:

I traveled internationally for a year as a trainer for a professional tennis player (MN native David Wheaton).

What is your approach to training?

My philosophy for fitness is: "Safe and Effective" and this means something different for everybody/every body. Professional athletes push their body to the limits for performance and to the very threshold of safety to be effective; the person who trains to be their best in daily life can be most effective by staying safe while training.

My favorite quote is:

"A person who has health has a thousand wishes; the person who doesn’t, has but one." - Anonymous

About

Jon is originally from Roseville, Minnesota and moved to Rochester in 2008. He participated in track from 7th grade through college. His favorite events were triple jump, high jump, and long jump. He still enjoys practicing jumping today - up to 56" on the box jump. Away from work, Jon enjoys being active outdoors with his wife and dog Pippin, playing basketball, and exercising.

What led you to the RAC?

I was attracted to the RAC because it is a premiere athletic club with an awesome member base.

What is something you wish people knew about exercise?

Keep your routine varied and balanced. Try to work cardio, strength, flexibility, and balance into your workout routine.

What is your approach to training?

My approach to training is to work with clients to fit exercise into their daily routine. Exercise is a lifetime goal that needs to fit your lifestyle.

What do you enjoy about being a personal trainer?

Being a personal trainer, I enjoy working with people with different goals, abilities and interests.

About

Josh grew up in Galesville, Wisconsin and came to Rochester in 2007. Josh has a Master's degree in Exercise Science and multiple, nationally accredited certifications. When away from the RAC, Josh likes to spend time with his family and pets. Josh also takes great pleasure watching the GREATEST team ever battle it out on the gridiron - the Green Bay Packers.

What led you to the RAC?​

I came to the RAC a month after I graduated from UW-LaCrosse with my Master's degree in Exercise Science. I had worked with collegiate athletes during my time at school and wanted to continue working with athletes. This passion led me to the Competitive Edge Training program the RAC offered for the youth athletes of the greater Rochester area. I haven't looked back since that day eleven years ago.

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

Working with a personal trainer can seem intimidating and expensive. People tend to think that we are drill sergeants or that in order to even ask us a question about an exercise or a workout they need to pay for our services. That is surely not the case. As a trainer, I am there to help take the confusion out of what exercises should be done, how to perform those exercises, and to help motivate - all at a pace that the client is comfortable with. When you are ready to start personal training, be sure to research your trainer. Try to find trainers that have experiences with any special needs you may have. Once you start working with a trainer, don't be afraid to speak up. If an exercise doesn't feel right, or if you are experiencing pain, those are things that a trainer needs to know to keep you injury free and to get the most from an exercise or workout.

What is your approach to training?

Before I do any type of training on our fitness floor, I like to sit down with a new client and get to know them. I want to know what they do for a living, preferred time/day for training, about their family, medical history, exercise history, hobbies/interests, what motivates them and what can hold them back. My greatest fear is injuring a client during a training session, and if I have all the necessary info before we start working out, the better our workouts can be. I also like to keep the workouts fun by varying what we do each and every workout by mixing my workouts with free weights, kettle bells, medicine balls, exercise balls, balance training, etc.

What do you enjoy about being a personal trainer?

I feel the greatest pride in what I do when I see a client bust through a plateau, lift more weight than they thought they were capable of, and overcome their fears. I've had clients that were deathly afraid of doing pull-ups at the beginning of training with me because they didn't think they were capable of doing one, and then several months later rip out several clean pull-ups. I've had other clients with some very debilitating injuries bounce back to playing the sports they loved doing before they became injured.

About

Josh grew up in North Central Wisconsin and played hockey and football through high school. Prior to coming to the RAC, he was a trainer for 3 years near Milwaukee. He has received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Exercise Science. When not at the RAC, Josh enjoys hiking, backpacking and camping or almost any outdoor physical activity.

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

Having a personal trainer can be a game changer for your fitness. Not only will they help to hold you accountable but they will set you up with an efficient exercise routine designed to maximize your results and blast through plateaus during your time in the gym. Even the top athletes in the world still use trainers to improve themselves!

What are some of your specialties?

I feel confident working with all abilities and fitness levels, but I’ve had a lot of experience and success working with corrective exercises for injuries and limitations while being able to help clients achieve their specific goals and strengthen their limitation or injury in the process.

What is something you wish people knew about exercise?

Soreness is not a great indicator of a good workout or muscle growth.

Do you have a favorite exercise quote?

“If you don’t make time for exercise now, make time for illness later”

About

Kasi is originally from Taylors Falls, Minnesota and moved to Rochester in 2005. She played four years of Division 2 tennis and was a 2-year captain and an all conference player during that time. Away from work, Kasi enjoys spending time outdoors with her two boys and family

What are some of your specialties?

I am able to work with all different types of clients and I enjoy the challenge that each unique person brings. I enjoy working with young athletes in many sports and I am also pre and post natal certified and like helping women stay fit and active during their pregnancies. I am also a WSI (Water Safety Instructor) here at the RAC and teach preschool swimming classes during the day.

Interests:

I enjoy many outdoor sports/activities and love to travel and experience new places and cultures.

What is your approach to training?

I do a lot of functional training with my clients. I believe that the training we do in the gym should prepare us for our time and lifestyle outside of the gym.

What do you enjoy about being a personal trainer?

The great part about my job as a personal trainer is helping people reach their fitness goals and seeing how it changes their lives. Sometimes when people start with me they don’t even realize how good some exercises will make them feel. Many times clients are able to do things that they didn’t even realize they could and are so happy when they experience those changes. It’s such a great feeling to know that you have helped them become better versions of themselves.

About

Mike grew up in the Twin Cities and moved to Rochester in 1985. He taught high school and coached basketball and track 2 years. He has a passion for golf, and served as a caddie in the 1970 US Open!

Interests:

I enjoy strength training, golf, handball and biking in the summer.

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

We as trainers are here to serve our clients and help them make exercise part of their life!

What is something you wish people knew about exercise?

We need to change our workouts in order for our body to adapt.

Share something people might find interesting about you:

I will be getting my Titleist Performance Institute Certification in June 2018. This allows me to assess golfers and then help fix physical limitations they may have in order to improve their game.

About

Steve came to Rochester from Rapid City, South Dakota in 2016 to serve as our Fitness Director. He has won three National and one World Bench Press Championships with the AWPC, and holds the American Record for single ply equipped bench press in his weight class. When not at the RAC he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three dogs.

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

Having a personal trainer is one of the best investments you can make. A coach by your side can keep you motivated while providing you with structured workouts built around your individual needs and goals to get you the results you want. We all need help sometimes!

What are some of your specialties?

I am able to work with all background and ability levels, but my passion is resistance training and helping people get stronger at any age or previous ability level.

What is something people might find interesting about you?

I’ve worked several seasons of professional theater and acted in several short films. I met my wife in the theater. After playing husband and wife in two shows we thought it seemed like a good idea!

What do you enjoy about being a personal trainer?

My passion is to help people become the best version of themselves. Seeing clients make progress and feeling better is the best feeling in the world!

About

Matt was born and raised near Montgomery, MN, and has lived in Rochester since 2004. He is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and a Bachelor of Exercise Science graduate through Concordia University - Saint Paul. One of Matt’s greatest achievements was graduating with the highest honors of Summa Cum Laude.

What lead you to the RAC?

Health and Wellness has always been a part of my life. I feel that this passion for fitness, health, and wellness could be best used by helping the members of the RAC achieve their individualized personal goals. The RAC provides a sense of family, fun, and fitness; which is something I value, and something I would like to be known for as a Personal Trainer.

What is something you wish people knew about exercise?

I wish people would know that exercise does not have to feel like work. Sometimes exercise can be hard to plan and start; but once you make the time, you will have the time.

What is your approach to exercise?

Exercise for you, not for others. This concept sounds simple, but in today’s world with social media it often seems to be forgotten. In the end, exercise is for YOUR mind, body, and spirit.

What do you enjoy about being a Personal Trainer?

The thing I enjoy the most about being a Personal Trainer is embracing the journey right alongside someone.

About

Claire grew up in Pine Island, Minnesota, just a short drive from Rochester. She is an Exercise Science graduate from Winona State University, and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. In her free time, Claire enjoys working out, playing soccer, spending time with friends and family, and watching movies.

What are some of your specialties?

Functional fitness for any age range and ability, sports-specific training and focusing on activities of daily living for older adults.

Share something people might find interesting about you:

I've dealt with endometriosis for the past 3 years, and I've had three surgeries to ease the symptoms. I'm a big advocate for women's health issues, and spreading the word about what endometriosis is. Exercise has helped me as an incredible outlet for my stress, pain and anxiety I've suffered from having this disease.

What is your approach to training?

Exercise should not have to be dreaded! My biggest advice to people is to make it fun! Find some type of training or someone to do it with, and stick with it. Results will come with time and dedication.

Do you have a favorite exercise quote?

"Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't do." - Rikki Rogers

About

Lauren is currently a student in Mayo Clinic’s Doctoral Physical Therapy Program. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2020 with Bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and Nutrition. Lauren has been leading group fitness classes such as spinning, weight lifting, boot camp, and HIIT since she was 16 and also became a personal trainer in college.

What are your interests?

My main passions include health, wellness, and exploring the outdoors. I love running, hiking, biking, and fishing. I played soccer and ran cross country and track in school and am now an avid marathon runner.

What is something people might find interesting about you?

My best friend (and running partner) has four legs and her name is Mazy! What most people don’t know about my dog Mazy is that she is actually blind and the most adorable (and clumsy) dog around. You will likely see us running around the beautiful trails throughout Rochester at some point!

What is something you wish people knew about exercise?

Exercise is a “get-to” not a “got-to”. Your outlook on exercise will determine your altitude with your health and fitness goals. It is a privilege to be able to use our bodies to do things we love such as hiking, playing catch in the yard, walking up the stairs, and much more. Exercise allows us to continue doing the things we love!

Do you have a favorite exercise quote?

“If you don’t change, then you don’t change.” This quote reminds me that if I want to see results, I need to try new things and get out of my comfort zone.

What do you enjoy as a personal trainer?

I enjoy equipping people with the tools they need to achieve their goals. The best feeling is when someone’s “I can’t” transforms into an “I CAN.”

What is your approach to training?

I focus on functional fitness. This means that I tailor training sessions and workouts to meet a client’s individual goals and mirror movements that they do in everyday life.

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

There will never be a perfect day to stat something new. I want to equip you with the tools that you need to reach your fitness-related goals. If you are looking for accountability, motivation, and individualized coaching, I am the trainer for you!

About

Lakin is from Byron, MN and has lived there her whole life. She has played college basketball for three years at three different schools: Southwest Minnesota State University, RCTC, and Metropolitan State University of Denver. When she is away from work, she really enjoys running long distances, hiking on trails at Oxbow Park, spending time with her dog Kobe, watching scary movies, and trying out every new coffee shop in town.

What led you to the RAC?

What led me to the RAC was how the staff were always so welcoming and happy to see you come in. They made sure you felt part of team RAC and that you had a wonderful experience.

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

I would say: “Don’t be afraid of trying something new and everyone starts somewhere”.

What are your interests?

I love learning and involving kettlebell exercises into my workouts. Another interest of mine is spending time with my dog Kobe and bringing him on long hikes. Lastly, I really enjoy fishing out on a lake.

What do you enjoy about being a personal trainer?

What I enjoy the most is knowing that I am helping someone achieve their health goals in some certain way. As well as watching how happy the client gets after accomplishing that goal or seeing results!

About

Carter is originally from Mazeppa, MN and moved to Rochester in 2021 when he started training at the RAC. Carter attended Winona State University after high school to study Exercise Science. Along with his BA in Exercise Science, Carter minored in Nutrition and holds two certifications: NASM CPT and NASM CES. Away from work Carter enjoys staying active, cooking new foods, hunting, fishing, and riding/working on motorcycles.

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

If you are considering personal training, don’t hesitate! We are here to help you to reach all your fitness related goals! Personal training takes all the guesswork out of training and is completely personalized to your individual needs and goals!

What are some of your specialties?

In addition to being a NASM CPT, I also specialize in corrective exercise training. This type of training involves looking at movement compensations and postural distortions people may have from poor posture or improper movement patterns. With proper programming I can help you to improve some of the muscular imbalances your body may have and help your body feel and move the way it should!

What do you enjoy about being a personal trainer?

I enjoy working with people from all different stages in their fitness journey. Developing a personal relationship with my clients and watching them improve each session we have together is motivating for me as a trainer and is something I truly enjoy!

Do you have a favorite exercise quote?

“No matter what you do, you first have to have a vision... to see your goal, to believe in it, have faith in it and chase it. And then it's fun to chase it. If you don't have a goal or a vision, then you have nothing.”- Arnold Schwarzenegger​

About

Ashley grew up in the Rochester area and started working at the RAC in 2018. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science – Movement Science and a Master’s in Athletic Training through Winona State University. Ashley is also the John Marshall High School athletic trainer. When not working, Ashley enjoys weightlifting, baking, spending time with family, and getting together with friends for volleyball, bonfires, and game nights.         

What would you like to say to someone who is considering personal training?

Whether you are brand new to working out or you are curious about how to broaden your workout regime, a personal trainer can help facilitate your learning. Not only will you know how to perform a movement and make adjustments unique to your goals and abilities, but you also know why it is important!

What are some of your specialties?

• I enjoy training people who are looking to begin or gain more experience in how to weight lift.
• I also enjoy developing and implementing programs for athletes in their off-season and pre-season, which focus on functional movement and strength development.
• I also am a certified NASM – CES (corrective exercise specialist) which focuses on imbalances and movement restrictions. We focus on correcting habitual patterns and emphasize form during movements so you can exercise more effectively.

What is something you wish people knew about exercise?

We can get so caught up in what kind of exercise is best. In reality, the best kind of exercise is whatever you are going to enjoy doing on a regular basis. This is going to look different for everyone and may change. Try new things! You never know where you may develop an interest!

Do you have a favorite exercise quote?

I have two quotes, but for me, they go together:

 “Working out might feel like a burden at first, but if you stay consistent, exercising will become a part of you and will feel like therapy.”

 “Exercise not only changes your body, it changes your mind, your attitude, and your mood.” ~ Gene Tunney