What is your favorite part about WERKING at SPENGA?
I love the community that has been built. When you walk in the studio you feel the positive energy. The members show up and work hard and get into the workouts which just amps it up to the next level.

What is your favorite format to teach?
EMOM, (every minute on the minute). For 20 minutes straight in essence you can be non stop pushing your body and mind past what you thought you could do.

What made you get involved in fitness or instructing?
Following a bout with cancer and then a broken foot. I made a comeback and qualified and competed in 2016 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. As part of my Ironman journey I began teaching indoor cycling classes in 2016. My passion for racing and training led me to become an Ironman Certified coach which then opened the door to fitness instructing. My goal is to help others be the best version of themselves and overcome personal obstacles. Anything is possible if we give ourselves the time to “tri” :)

Where can we find you when you are not at SPENGA?
Spending time with my family and friends. Tyler is finishing his first year at UC for nursing and Sydney is finishing her junior year of high school. My husband Gene and I are going on 21 years of marriage. We have been doing different activities and finding ways to spend more time with them to just make amazing memories with them before they move on to the next phase of their lives. When not spending time with the kids, I love to run and bike. Working out really is just a part of my everyday routine and it grounds me and clears my head every morning before I start the day. I also work at Mason High School with special needs students as a speech language pathologist. It is such an incredible thing to see a student make the connection we are working on and find their voice.

What is your fav go to snack/meal after a SPENGA werkout?
I try to get protein in after to refuel myself. If I can’t get a meal in, my go to snack is protein peanut butter fluff that I make with Fage yogurt, peanut butter, PB2 and Monk sweetener. Fills me up and is so good.

What song get’s you hyped?
My favorite songs are the ones that you hear that you feel inside you, that move you and drive you to go harder and faster. The songs that have that beat that your body starts to automatically fall into. I have too many of these songs that fill this for me to name just one and they can span from 80’s rock to present day alternative music.

I found Spenga in October of 2022 and fell in love with the atmosphere of encouragement, strength and celebration within the community of members and staff. The CREW as we say! I have an extensive fitness background being a trainer and a competitive bodybuilder but never had I experienced such a balanced format such as Spenga. After my very first session I was hooked and knew I needed to be a part of it all. I immediately came on as a member of the crew at the front desk and joined the very next Instructor training class available. In January 2023 I came on as an Instructor and have never stopped loving every minute of it.

What is your favorite part about WERKING at SPENGA?

The community of course. Every werkout feels like a party with your closest friends and yet you’ll also finish feeling stronger and ready to take on any challenge that comes your way. I enjoy giving members an experience that leaves them feeling empowered, triumphant and stronger than when they first arrived. It’s my mission to make the 60 mins we spend together in session, the best hour of their day.

How would you describe your music selection?

Spenga sessions are all about ENERGY and building a confident YOU so I like to ensure my music reflects that. I love hard hitting bass, building beat drops, and I’m always on the hunt for hot remixes. I love all music genres and you’ll hear everything ranging from EDM Dance music and alternative rock to inspiring gospel and R&B to country and classic rock.

Where can we find you when you are not at SPENGA?

My two teen boys keep me busy with their sporting activities, so on the weekends you’ll usually find me at the ball field. I also enjoy being outside and enjoy quiet evenings in the yard fireside or in the kitchen exploring new recipes.

You can find me on Instagram and Spotify @fitbody513

My favorite part of working at SPENGA?

I can honestly say it is our members. We have something at SPENGA that is so unique and special. Yes, we come for an amazing workout but when we are hanging out in the lobby or cheering each other on during the workout our community is one of a kind. We even plan monthly social events to get together outside of the studio and connect and the members love it. My second favorite part is seeing members from where they started in their fitness journey to where they are currently and the goals they have achieved. Members who could never do a push up and now can or members who started with no weights and now picking up 10lbs just makes it all worth it.

Favorite format?

So hard to pick as I love them all but I would say EMOM is my favorite. EMOM is Every Minute on the Minute. This is the only format that does not give a specific amount of rest as you work the whole 20 minutes. So often we tell ourselves we have to have a rest break and we minimize what our bodies can really do. This format makes you challenge yourself to continue working through and letting your body tell you when a quick rest is needed and then back at it!!

What made you get involved in fitness or instructing?

I never really had a passion for fitness as my son was born with spina bifida and had so many needs when he was young and my focus was definitely not on myself but on his care. When he was about 7 he had a lot of his major surgeries behind him and I had put on so much weight and was just not happy with myself. I started to realize that I was only going to be my best for him if I was at my best for myself. I started carving out 20 min a day for myself to exercise and making some changes to my diet.

When I started seeing results it became a whole lifestyle change for me and I have never looked back. At 49 I became a personal trainer and realized you are never too old to achieve your dreams.

Where can I be found?

In the studio. When I am not instructing or doing the daily General Manager (GM) responsibilities, you will find me taking a session. When I am not at the studio I am spending time with my best friend, my husband, and our 4 year old goldendoodle, Khaleesi. Our kids are grown so we are empty nesters and enjoy going out to dinner, live music, handing out at our pool and entertaining. We attend New Life Chapel and that has been our church home for 11 years. We are where we are today because of God’s grace and blessings and we owe it all to Him!

After a workout?

I am usually fueling my body with some lean protein and some greens. I love to have my veg out nights on the couch binging on Netflix!

My guilty pleasures?

Life is definitely a balance so I don’t deprive myself of anything as long as it is not very often and in small portions. Pasta, doughnuts, and ice cream are just a few of my favorites.

Songs that get me hyped?

I am someone who loves all types of music. I love the current pop hits, the 80;s and 90’s, throw in country and even Broadway tunes and you have made my heart happy.

I joined spenga in June 2024. I fell in love with Spenga after my first session. I became a Spenga instructor in October 2024.

My favorite part of working at SPENGA?

My favorite part about working at SPENGA is the people. Everyone is so kind and so welcoming, it feels like I have a second family. I love the positivity and energy i receive for staff and members!

Favorite format?

My favorite format is shadow boxing. It is a great way to meet new people and engage with other members, as you have to be in sync with your partner across from you. Shadow boxing motivates you to push through the work out and get it done!

What made you get involved in fitness or instructing?

Growing up in sports my whole life has really had a big influence on why I am so passionate about fitness. I am a former BIG 10 collegiate athlete and believe that fitness is truly important.

Where can I be found?

I can be found in the gym haha I love working out, I mainly do a lot of heavy lifting in the gym. I spend most of my time with my family at home with my 2 beautiful baby girls(Mahoagny & Malani) and amazing fiancé.

After a workout snack?

After a workout, I love drinking gatorade. I usually like to eat something quick and on the go after I workout. Anything with rice or fries sounds appetizing after a workout.

My guilty pleasures?

I love eating steak and drinking Shirley temples. If I had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of my life, it would be steak and loaded mashed with a Shirley temple. My fiancé and I also love to play board games, like Monopoly, Yahtzee, Uno and Spades. I love a good board/card game.

Songs that get me hyped?

I love music with nice beats to ride to. I like to play hip hop and pop songs. You may even catch me jamming out to my music because it’s so good lol.

I’ve been a member of SPENGA since November 2022, when a friend invited me to try SPENGA. I immediately fell in love with SPENGA and the balanced workout it provided. I quickly saw that SPENGA is more than just a place to work out; it’s a community. The staff and crew members always push each other to reach our goals. I was asked if I’d like to audition to become an instructor in July. I laughed at the idea! I am more of a sit-in-the-back-row type of girl, but I recently decided to step outside my comfort zone and live life to the fullest. So I said yes! October 2023 is my first month working at SPENGA.

Favorite part of working a Spenga

My favorite part of working at SPENGA is the fantastic, supportive community! From the crew members to the staff, everyone rallies around each other to reach our goals!

Favorite format

Boxing is my favorite format! I love having the time to spend on movements and ensuring each member uses the proper form.

What made you get involved in Fitness or instructing?

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be a fitness instructor and personal trainer. At the age of 48, I was overweight and had a bum right knee that kept me from living the life I wanted to live. After a short time in physical therapy, I decided to find a personal trainer and develop the strength I need for a healthy body. As I gained muscle, I also wanted to know the whys and hows of movement to reach specific goals. I decided to study to become a certified personal trainer. I dove deep into nutrition and learned about macros and the powerful combination of food and movement to transform my health. One certification led to the next, a corrective exercise specialist and certified nutrition coach. At 51, I now work as a personal trainer and instructor at SPENGA. I am passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle around proper nutrition and movement. I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned and inspire others to do the same.

Where can I be found?

I have a husband, Dave, and two kids (young adults), Alex and Emily. We love a good family game night when the kids are home from college! Catan and Ticket to Ride are a few of our favorites. Outside of SPENGA, I can be found on a local bike trail, spending time with friends and family, or cooking a balanced, healthy meal. My lifestyle is daily exercise, so a day without movement is rare for me! Please don’t tell me I have to sit still because it’s just not going to happen!

After workout snack

After I work out, I refuel with a protein shake and a piece of fresh fruit.

My guilty pleasures

Chocolate! Leading a healthy lifestyle isn’t about restricting your favorite foods. It’s about finding balance and enjoying the sweet things in life. So, with that being said, I guess chocolate truly is not a guilty pleasure; it's just part of my healthy lifestyle.

Songs that get me hyped

I can work out to any type of music! I prefer a driving beat and great lyrics to push me further.