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
Brandon Rothe, NASm-cpt
Coach
certfied personal trainer
Austin Phillips, CF-2, USAW
coach / founder
Lexi Rule, ep-c, USAW L1
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
- CPR/AED
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.
Lexi@ardentoshkosh.com
Reagan May, USAW L1, CF-L1
EDUCATION
- Master of Business Administration – Project Management from LSU-Shreveport
- Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University
CREDENTIALS
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- USA Weightlifting Level 1
- CPR/AED
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.
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.
Bryan Euker, PS-L1, cf-L1
CREDENTIALS
- Pre Script Level 1 Coach
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CPR/AED
BIGGEST FITNESS HURDLE:
My biggest hurdle would probably be the time that it took me to learn the skills behind Olympic weightlifting. It took me months to learn, and I think the worst part was I was sticking to a PVC pipe for the majority of it. But then again this was also the time when I truly came to appreciate that consistency in the long run would pay off. Eventually these became some of my favorite movements to do!
THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW:
I grew up competing in martial arts for a majority of my life, this eventually led me to compete multiple times at a national level and even coach as well.
DIG A BIT DEEPER:
Being in this position has granted me some of the some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my life. I love seeing people start to notice all the little changes their body is going through when we’re working together. Ultimately my goal has always been to help people, and I think this has given me the perfect opportunity to make this goal of mine come to fruition.
Bryan@ardentoshkosh.com
Heather Crots, USAW L1, CF-L1
CREDENTIALS
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- USA Weightlifting Level 1
- CPR/AED
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, nasm-cpt
EDUCATION
- Studying Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
CREDENTIALS:
- NASM-Certified Personal Trainer
- CPR/AED
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.
Brandon@ardentoshkosh.com
AUSTIN PHILLIPS, CF-L2, USAW L1
EDUCATION
- Master of Science, Biologicial Anthropology, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (Spring 24′)
- Master of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Cardinal Stritch University
CREDENTIALS
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- USA Weightlifting Level 1
- CrossFit Strongman
- CrossFit Football
- CrossFit Weightlifting
- OPEX Assessment and Design
- CPR/AED
BIGGEST FITNESS HURDLE:
Time is my greatest challenge. Striking a balance among my family responsibilities, commitments to the gym and coaches, educational pursuits, and personal well-being is a juggling act. However, I’ve learned the value of deliberate action and the principle that doing something is always better than doing nothing.
THINGS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW:
I’m currently wrapping up my MS in Biological Anthropology at UW-Milwaukee, where I’m researching the impact of chronic pain on Global War on Terror (GWOT) Veterans and their quality of life. This research is deeply personal, as it stems from my own experiences as a veteran and my post-service struggles with depression.
DIG A BIT DEEPER:
My journey has been nothing short of intriguing. Sometimes, it’s hard to appreciate how far I’ve come since reaching adulthood. I often grapple with feelings of inadequacy or the notion that I should have achieved more, based on societal standards. However, I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunities to follow my passions, further my education, and make a positive impact daily. Every so often, I catch myself searching for an “adultier” adult, only to realize that I am that adult.
austin@ardentoshkosh.com
© Ardent Fitness and Education