coaches and staff
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You don’t have to do this alone. A team of group class coaches, personal trainers, and nutrition coaches will help you reclaim your health and fitness.
Professional staff
Lexi Rule
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
CREDENTIALS
- American College of Sports Medicine – Exercise Physiologist
- USA Weightlifting – Level 1
- BRAND X Youth Training
BIGGEST FITNESS HURDLE:
I used to only do Olympic Weightlifting and was incredibly intimidated by gymnastics movements. Now that I’ve been doing them consistently, I absolutely love them. Never felt so well-rounded in a routine (S/O to my coach, Reagan! Yes, coaches have coaches 😉 )
THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW:
I’ve been learning how to play the bass and acoustic guitar and am all around a big music gal. Spotify is my holy grail.
DIG A BIT DEEPER:
I love helping people realize their potential and believe in themselves. Nothing is more rewarding than watching a client or member progress in ways they never imagined. The relationships I’ve created are lifelong and I feel very lucky to be in the position I am.
Reagan May
EDUCATION
- Master’s Degree in Business – Project Management from LSU-Shreveport
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University
CREDENTIALS
- CrossFit – Level 1
- USA Weightlifting – Level 1
BIGGEST FITNESS HURDLE:
I came in with little to no fitness background so I had a lot to learn and a long way to go to get fit and strong. My biggest hurdle was the mental aspect, whether that was learning to not compare myself to others or to not get frustrated when I couldn’t make a lift or do a high skill movement. I’ve been on this journey for 6.5 years so far and the biggest thing I’ve learned is that hard work pays off but it takes TIME. Show up, do your best, and give yourself some grace.
THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW:
I race stock cars! I started racing when I was 10 years old in go karts, progressed into full size cars, won a championship in a Super Late Model, and now switched to an IMCA Sport Mod to give racing on dirt a shot! To be in shape for racing was the reason I stepped into my first CrossFit gym.
DIG A BIT DEEPER:
The people I have met through the gym will be some of my closest friends for the rest of my life. The community is second to none, and walking through those doors brightens even the darkest days. The level of support from coaches and the other members helps push everyone to do better and be better in the gym, health, and life.
Juwon Anderson
EDUCATION
- Studying Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
CREDENTIALS
- SSA Certified Personal Trainer
- ISSA Certified Strength and Conditioning coach
BIGGEST FITNESS HURDLE:
After breaking my patella tendon completely off, my doctor told me that I would barely be able to get my foot off the ground again, but through will and enthusiasm, I’m back to my athletic ways. A fighting spirit can defy the odds!
THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW:
I’m an aspiring fighter. I’ve wrestled for pretty much all of my life and as of late I’ve been strictly boxing, but the end goal is to be a pro MMA fighter! A few years ago a mixed martial arts gym in Illinois asked me and a couple of other wrestlers to come teach wrestling classes in exchange for a free membership to learn the other martial arts the gym had to offer. My coaches and teammates noticed that I was a natural and ever since, I’ve visualized myself competing in the cage myself.
DIG A BIT DEEPER:
I’ve always had the pleasure of helping others ever since I was a kid! I remember putting my sisters through workouts when I was 10 years old and as a freshman in high school, I would volunteer to help the elementary and middle schools wrestling teams. I guess I always knew I was meant to train and help others. It just took me some time to realize it for myself.
Heather Gajewski
CREDENTIALS
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- USAW Level 1
BIGGEST FITNESS HURDLE:
Before I started my fitness journey with Ardent almost 9 years ago, I was running 10 miles a day, obsessed with counting calories and weighing myself constantly. Because of poor body image, I had an eating disorder and was miserable in my own skin. My biggest hurdle was letting go of all the mental anguish I put myself through to look a certain way. It took time but lifting heavy weights and feeling good without a number on the scale is a huge accomplishment.
THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW:
Outside of the gym, I have worked at U.S. Bank for over 13 years. I’m simple and a little nerdy. I enjoy puzzles, baking, plants, antiquing, Star Wars, playing board games and anything outdoors.
DIG A BIT DEEPER:
I love watching people better themselves in the gym. Whether it’s learning a new skill, fixing their technique or just pushing through a hard workout. I’ve met the most wonderful people throughout the years and have made some lifelong friends. This community is amazing and I’m so thankful to be a part of that.
Brandon Rothe
EDUCATION
- Studying Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
CREDENTIALS
- NASM – Certified Personal Trainer
BIGGEST FITNESS HURDLE:
For me it is overtraining. I really enjoy practicing a variety of skills and activities. However, too much of anything can be harmful. In the past, I would train to the point my sleep would average 4-5 hours of sleep a night, accumulate plantar fasciitis for 2 years in both feet, and damage my collarbone. Fortunately, I have learned from my mistakes, but at times it’s hard to ease your foot off that gas pedal. Balance is key, otherwise you might have to learn the hard way like I did!
THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW:
I grew up in Korea and Hawaii for most of my life, so I may throw up a shaka or peace sign whenever there’s a group picture! I describe myself as a broad sword with a dull edge when it comes to my hobbies and interests. As there’s many fascinating things, but too little time to explore them. However, I will always make time for music.
DIG A BIT DEEPER:
Growing up, fitness had really made an impact on my life. As it provided me with confidence, opportunities, and friends I wouldn’t be able to experience if I chose a different path in life. I see my relationship with fitness as a plant that needs water, sunlight, and time to grow. I hope to take what I learned throughout my life and help people grow into whatever they may be in their journey with fitness.
AUSTIN PHILLIPS
EDUCATION
- Master of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch
CREDENTIALS
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- USAW Level 1
- CrossFit Strongman
- CrossFit Football
- CrossFit Weightlifting
- Opex Assessment and Design
BIGGEST FITNESS HURDLE:
Can I have two? I am a notorious overeater. I need to weigh my food or I will eat all of it. My ego can be a big hurdle in achieving my fitness goals. I struggle with accepting I am not the same person at 38 as I was at 28 and being able to step back and scale when needed.
THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW:
I love Harry Potter books and I suck at building things. Don’t let my amazing facial hair confuse you and let you think I could actually fix something mechanical.
DIG A BIT DEEPER:
I started this journey because I loved fitness and I liked the idea of owning a business. After owning the business for one year, my values shifted when I saw the first side-by-side picture of a member at her one-year mark (Rachel). I still loved fitness but I needed to help people. No matter what happens, I know we have changed lives. We could fail tomorrow, shut the doors, and I would still consider this business a success. We have helped people, forged friendships, started families, and changed lives through this medium of entrepreneurship in the fitness field. I am grateful every single day that I can wake up and pursue my dream and I can’t wait to help even more people.
© Ardent Fitness and Education