Why work with our certified trainers:
Our trainers go above and beyond just offering you a challenging workout. They will teach you how to exercise effectively and safely to achieve your fitness goals, rehabilitate injuries or become a new you with a detailed training program. We are here to support you in building your physical and mental strength.
What Personal Training can do for you:
✓ Develop a customized fitness plan
✓ Improve your self-confidence
✓ Improve your physical well-being
✓ Improve your mental well-being
✓ Increase your energy, mobility, and strength
✓ Provide motivation and accountability
✓ Take your fitness to the next level
Small Group Training (Adults)
Speed, Agility and Power (Youth)
Dahl Branch (La Crosse)
Keonte (Key) Williams
Michelle Lyden
Evelyn Johnson
Kyle Schmidtke
Bernice Olson-Pollack
Gretchen Newhouse
Keonte
Everyone calls me Key.
I started in organized sports when I was 5. My parents enrolled and encouraged me in every sport they could find, football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. I found my true love in basketball even though my mother knows I am better at football. I had to mention that to put a smile on her face. I am a true believer in keeping active. You don’t need to be in the gym benching 250 lbs. to be active. I work out every day- every day. If I miss a day, my friends and family know- my mood is off. I found the love of physical fitness when I was five and it’s been a major factor in my life growing up.
I feel better- on the inside, when I am working out – that’s a feeling everyone needs. I am enthusiastic and passionate about physical fitness – I will share that with you!
Michelle
Since I joined the powerlifting in high school, I have loved strength training. I came back to work for my old high school as the assistant coach for the Central High School Powerlifting team a couple years after graduating. My interests lean toward strength training, but I can help you design a complete strength and cardio workout program. I can help you lose weight, gain strength, increase conditioning, and most importantly, feel better. I have had my own issues with weight and fitness in the past, so I can empathize with the struggle
Certifications:
NASM- Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED certified
Evelyn
As a sports enthusiast, I have played and tried almost every sport there is! I love pushing my body to the limits and learning how the body works and adapts to different modes of exercise. I want to help others find passion in physical activity not only for physique but also for most importantly to help your mental state. I believe working out should be fun and challenging at the same time. Seeing my clients achieve their long and short-term goals gives me a sense of accomplishment; it is my happy placeJ. I want to encourage, help, and inspire my clients to live active, healthy lives so they can take advantage of life and not let anything hold them back. Join me to take this step on our journey!
Certifications:
National Strength and Conditioning Association, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
CPR/AED and First Aid Certified
Kyle
Like most personal trainers I have been active my whole life but as I transitioned into training as an adult I began to appreciate how physical activity is not just a pursuit for the body but for the mind. I have always wanted to help people become the best version of themselves and help them achieve their goals in some fashion. Over the last two years when people were separated from others and from physical activity to some extent, I realized how important physical activity is not just for the body but also for mental health and enjoying life to its fullest in every aspect. Knowing this I just wanted to help others by having a positive impact on helping them achieve their personal goals in life. I have past experience working with varying populations including kids with disabilities, active older adults, and more competitive CrossFit athletes. Some of my personal favorite activities include powerlifting, kayaking, and playing basketball.
Certifications-
National Strength and Conditioning Association, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
CPR/AED and First Aid Certified (American Red Cross)
BS in Exercise Science with a minor in Public Health from UW- Eau Claire
Bernice
My dynamic approach to personal training can offer you guidance as to how to move forward with your fitness goals both safely and effectively.
With the depth of my experience, I can offer you a variety of program designs that stimulate the mind as well as the metabolism. I invite you to partner with me as your personal trainer here at the La Crosse YMCA. I will help you take the proper steps on your path to better health and well-being. –Live Well
Certifications:
ACE- Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED/First Aid certified
Group Fitness Instructor- Older Adult, Water Exercise, Yoga (YogaFit 200 hours), Tai Chi, Indoor Cycling, Group Strength
National Wellness Institute – The Art of Behavior Change Counseling, Circle of Life Coaching and Group Support Facilitator, and Certified Wellness Speaker
Gretchen
My approach to wellness encompasses a holistic perspective that ultimately empowers my clients to live life well autonomously and independently. Wellness has been a lifelong passion since childhood. I participated in collegiate athletics in both volleyball and basketball. After college, I pursued other wellness adventures like bicycling across the United States, running a marathon, various other running events, and outdoor adventure activities. Continuing the pursuit of learning everything wellness led me to successfully earn a Ph.D. in Recreation Management, and then teach at several universities, including the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for 16 years. My wellness journey has not come without challenges as a former yo-yo dieter and cardio addict, then diagnosed with an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s: hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid) after the birth of my third child. Daily, I seek knowledge on wellness and experiment with new workouts, nutrition, and recipes that will eventually help my clients in the future.
Houser Branch (Onalaska)
Shelly Linskey
Jen Nolte
Josh Garrison
Stacy Westcott
Sharon Schmelzer
Savaahn Ty
Sam Andersen
Cathy Novy
Shelly
I grew up with 5 brothers, so one could say that my fitness journey began competing with them.
I have always enjoyed sports, and as a 3 sport athlete I never had to think about “fitness” – it was just a part of my life. After graduation from college, I had extra time and money, so it was easy to stay active mountain biking, kayaking, etc. Then I got married and started having kids…1, 2,…6! As a busy Mom of 6, I had to make more of a deliberate effort to set aside time and money for my health. I have learned from my own personal trainer that fitness can be effective, efficient and fun! I have been a coach of various sports over the years, a phy-ed teacher, and now a group fitness instructor and personal trainer at the Y. I am excited to work with members of all abilities to achieve their fitness goals – helping you move better and live your life to the fullest!
Certifications:
- ACSM- Certified Personal Trainer
- CPR/AED/First Aid certified
- BA, St. Mary’s University in Human Services and Spanish
- Dynamic Variable Resistance Training- Level 1 certified
- Group Fitness Instructor- Water Exercise, Chair Yoga, Active Strength
Jen
I specialize in personal training and hold certifications in Pilates, Yoga, functional fitness and corrective exercise to prevent injuries. Since 2010, I have been coaching clients and facilitating their self-growth through fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching. Personal development and pouring belief into others are just some of my passions. I strive to help others reach their full potential by being more intentional and aligning their body and soul to achieve better health and well-being. I believe all people deserve to feel good in their own skin!
When I’m not training or teaching a group fitness class, you may find me working out or finding other ways to be active. I love getting out into nature and enjoy hiking, kayaking, and spending time with my family! My passion for health and fitness has allowed me to work with people at all different fitness levels. No matter what your fitness goal is, my desire is to help you succeed. I have 3 active children and they inspire me every day to be a better person.
Education:
- NETA – Certified Personal Trainer
- CPR/AED BLS for the Healthcare Provider
- TBBM – Corrective Exercise Specialist
- YogaFit Level 1 Certification
- STRONGCAMP Ambassador – Strong Fitness Magazine
Josh
“I’m not telling you it is going to be easy – I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it”
-Art Williams
I help people reach levels of fitness they may have never thought attainable in a safe and effective manner. By applying the principles and knowledge that I have learned through my degree from UW-L in Exercise Sport Science and 18 years of personal training. Whether you would like to lose weight, increase your strength, speed, athleticism, improve your overall health, or whatever your goal may be. I will get you there. Contact me today and let’s reach those goals!
Certifications:
- NSCA- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- CPR/AED/First Aid certified
- BS, UW- La Crosse, Exercise and Sport Science
- Personal Trainer for 18 years
- Former Asst. Coach/ Strength Coach for Boys Basketball
- Husband of 9 yrs. to my beautiful wife
- Father of two amazing daughters
- Hobbies: SUP/ Sand Volleyball/ and basically anything active
Stacy
My passion for health and fitness has allowed me to work with people at all different fitness levels.
No matter what your fitness goal is, my desire is to help you succeed. My husband and I have three active boys. They inspire me every day to be a better person.
Certifications:
- NETA- Certified Personal Trainer
- CPR/AED/First Aid certified
- Group Fitness Certifications- Group Cycling, Group Strength Training,
- Kickboxing, MSROM, and Pilates
- LIVESTRONG Instructor
Sharon
“One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”
More about me
I’ve been a Fitness Instructor for over 29 years. I joined the YMCA Staff in September 2003. I currently instruct Strength 101, Pilates Express, Yoga, Cycling, and Step Classes. I enjoy instructing for the large group classes, and really enjoy the smaller classes as well. In the smaller classes, the opportunity is there to get to know the members one-on-one. I’m excited to begin Personal Training to help you reach your individual fitness goals. My family and I enjoy spending time at the YMCA in the dance program, basketball, fitness classes, pickleball, and other fun activities.
Certifications:
- NETA- Certified Personal Trainer
- CPR/AED/First Aid certified
- Group Fitness Certifications
- Group Exercise, Group Cycling, Pilates, Yoga,
- YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach
Savaahn
It is my belief that workouts should be fun, as well as challenging and productive.
As of 10 years ago, due to poor lifestyle choices, I was 280 lbs with chronic plantar fasciitis. Making the decision to begin exercising has led me on a path of passion for a healthier lifestyle. This passion increasingly and consistently allows me to enjoy life with a happy and positive attitude!
I would be honored to guide, mentor, and motivate you in achieving the same! Whether we need to make small changes to your fitness routine, create a completely new workout regimen, or begin the first step to a healthier lifestyle.
Let’s discuss your fitness goals, and the lifestyle adjustments that I can assist you in making for a happier and healthier you!
Certifications:
- ACSM- Certified Personal Trainer
- CPR/AED/First Aid certified
- NCAA Basketball Official
Sam
“No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training… what a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.”
-Socrates
I’ve served in the army as a Military Intelligence Officer, worked as a USA Boxing coach, and formerly acted in the local theatre. Currently, I train as a competitive lifter and am excited to work with clients of any age or ability. If you are ready for a stronger and better life, I’m here to serve you.
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED/First Aid certified
BS in Honors Philosophy
Cathy
I started teaching fitness classes at the Y in 2014. I love being active, especially outside running, walking dogs, kayaking, or anything to enjoy the beauty of nature. My husband, Dan, and I live in Onalaska with our Jack Russell, Tony. We enjoy traveling and going to concerts. As a trainer, I love encouraging and empowering others to be challenged, work hard, and meet goals through movement that is both fun and rewarding.
