Adam has been a personal trainer since 2009 and a gym owner since 2019. He specializes in weight loss, strength training, athletic conditioning, circuit training, mixed martial arts (MMA), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), and Muay Thai/Kickboxing. Adam started personal training because he has always enjoyed physical fitness and wanted to help others achieve their own goals. He chose the Recreation Center because he wanted to find a gym that was close to home.
Amy has over 25 years of experience as a group exercise instructor and personal trainer in the health and fitness field, working with a wide range of clientele. She grew up in Glenview, Illinois, and currently resides in Highland Park. Amy graduated from Stephens College with a B.A. in Education. She teaches aqua, strength, and spin classes. Amy’s personal training style consists of a personalized, hands-on approach, keeping the workout simple, functional, and challenging for all ages. She emphasizes proper form, technique, and posture. Often, Amy likes to incorporate yoga and Pilates into each workout. She will provide you with motivation and encouragement to help you stay focused. It is important to Amy that she helps you develop a safe and effective exercise program dedicated to your personal needs and helps you accomplish your fitness goals. From 2010 to 2013, Amy owned her own personal training studio. Outside of fitness, she loves to listen to live music and go dancing.
“My advice to someone starting their fitness journey would be to find a mentor or shadow. This will help you stay focused and motivated with your fitness goals.”
Cara has been in the fitness industry for over 35 years. She is originally from Michigan and moved to Chicago eight years ago. Cara loves teaching classes; however, with a lot of people, you can’t possibly correct everyone’s form. This led her to start personal training to work individually with clients. “Fitness should be fun! I have always tried to mix up my group fitness classes, and I do the same with my personal training clients.” Outside of fitness, Cara is a hairdresser and has been cutting hair for over 35 years as well! Some of the things Cara enjoys are theater, singing, playing piano, listening to music, and watching tennis.
“My advice for someone who is starting their fitness journey would be that fitness comes in many forms… find an activity that you love, and you’ll stick with it!”
Jillian grew up and currently lives in Highland Park. Growing up, she played many sports and eventually focused on gymnastics, which she continued through college. After teaching high school for nine years, where she also coached gymnastics and diving, Jillian realized that her passion lay more in fitness.
Jillian earned her group fitness certification and began teaching classes at the Recreation Center in the spring of 2019. She holds many personal training certifications, including TRX, foam rolling, pre/post-natal coaching, and prenatal/postpartum corrective exercise specialization. Being a part of the Rec Center community since she was 15, Jillian has always loved how the Rec Center feels like a community, and she is grateful for the relationships she has fostered here.
As a former teacher, her sessions are organized and efficient. She thoroughly explains the “why” of her training style to clients so they know what to expect and what they will get out of it. Her approach to training is from a functional fitness perspective. Jillian ensures that her clients know how what they do in the gym carries over into their everyday lives to help them feel great. Her favorite part of personal training is building relationships with clients and supporting them on their journey. Outside of fitness, you can find Jillian enjoying a good book, cooking, baking, and playing with her kids.
“To someone who is starting their fitness journey, the best exercise is the one you will stick with. There are so many options when it comes to fitness! Find what works for YOU, and that will help achieve your goals more than just doing what someone else has told you is ‘best,’” says Jillian.
Justin has been a personal trainer for an outstanding 23 years. He instructs beginner fitness level clients of all ages, advanced level clients, and everyone in between. He also works with amateur and professional athletes, combat professionals, and high school and college athletes. Justin started personal training because he wanted to have a positive impact on people’s lives and help them make small lifestyle changes to improve their overall fitness. He chose the Recreation Center because of the great community it serves.
Justin’s personal training technique varies during any given session. He incorporates strength and resistance weight training, as well as balance, flexibility, and mobility work. His background in various team sports allows him to train clients in sport-specific techniques. Additionally, his experience in combat sports enables him to properly instruct clients in various martial arts disciplines for fitness and self-defense for all ages.
“For anyone starting a new fitness journey, I would say be patient. Be consistent and hire a personal trainer at least once a week to help make the proper lifestyle changes so you can maximize your results.”
Karen is from Highland Park and originally from Chicago. She has been an ACE Certified Personal Trainer since 2013. Karen holds many specialty certifications, including TRX Level 1 and TRX Force Trainer Level 2, SMRT-Core, Barre Basics, Ripped, SCW Mat Pilates, Queenax Functional Training, and CPR and AED certification. Karen became a personal trainer because of her passion for fitness, which began in early childhood when she was a gymnast. Being a gymnast taught her the importance of training, nutrition, endurance, and commitment.
Karen chooses to work at the Rec Center because she became a member when it first opened its doors in 2005. It was only fitting to begin her training career here, where she has been a personal trainer since 2013. As a personal trainer, she is committed to helping her clients reach their goals and inspire them on their way to success. Helping clients create shorter goals, whatever they may be, keeps them focused, engaged, and wanting to do more.
When Karen is not working, she loves to go on long walks with her dog and go hiking. She also enjoys baking for friends and family, especially during the holidays.
“My advice to anyone starting their fitness journey is to never give up because it’s never too late and you’re never too old to achieve your fitness goals!”
Kristine, who is from Highland Park, has been personal training for 30 years. She started her career in the weight loss industry and owned a small studio before coming to the Recreation Center. Kristine believes that changing up the routine of exercise is key. In her free time, Kristine walks her dog, entertains her toddler grandchildren with activities, and does gardening, biking, and walking a lot.
“My advice for someone starting their fitness journey would be never feel intimidated. We all start at square one.”
Kyle grew up in Glenview but now resides in Round Lake with his twin boys who are in high school. Kyle has been a NASM certified personal trainer since 2018. His interest in exercise, nutrition, and staying healthy grew as he realized when he was getting older. He decided that learning to be a personal trainer would be a fun way to keep himself in shape while helping others do the same. After hearing so many great things about the Recreation Center, he decided to join the team. Kyle prefers to utilize circuit training with his clients, keeping them constantly moving throughout their sessions. He makes sure that all sorts of different equipment in the gym is being used. This includes free weights, machines, TRX, exercise bands, medicine balls, kettlebells, and ropes to keep things engaging and effective. Outside of the gym, Kyle loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and camping. What he loves more than anything is cherishing time spent with his children and being a dad.
“My advice to anyone starting their fitness journey is to be open-minded and try different activities to see what you enjoy and what makes you feel your best. Whether it’s running, swimming, working with a trainer, taking a group class, or doing yoga, the more you enjoy it the more likely you are to stick with it and make it a part of your new healthy lifestyle.”
Maya has been involved in fitness since 1999. She currently teaches Pilates reformer classes and provides personal training. Maya received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and is certified in Neurokinetic Technique, which helps her understand muscle imbalances and how to correct them. Maya has always enjoyed being active and helping people. She started teaching group exercise classes at the Rec Center when it opened.
For her sessions, she likes to personalize them based on the client’s needs and limitations, gradually progressing them once a solid foundation is built. Maya is married and has two daughters. In her free time, she likes to dance, travel, go boating, and read.
“For someone who wants to start their fitness journey, I would recommend not to overdo it. It’s better to work out twice a week for years than every day for two weeks and fizzle away.”
