For rates and availability of these services, call 847.229.0292.
Contact:Dave Wischmeyer
Personal Training
Personal Training Staff Bios
Lisa Avila
Education and Certification:
- American Council on Exercise-Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Johnny G Instructor
- Group Exercise Certification from AFAA
- Personal Training Certification from AFAA
- Certified Group Power Instructor
- Certified Group Step Instructor
- Certified Centergy Instructor
Areas of expertise:
- Special Populations
- Weight Loss
- Senior Fitness
Experience:
- Group Exercise since 1992
- Personal Training since 1998
A.J. Block
Education and Certification:
- B.A. in Communications from University of Michigan
Areas of expertise:
- Fitness Swimming
- Competitive Swimming
Experience:
- Co-Captain of University of Michigan World Record Masters Relay Members 2001
- U.S. Masters Swim Top Ten for Five years
- World Ranked Masters Swim for Fours years
- Participated at the High Altitude Training Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs
Melissa Brodzik
Education and Certification:
- B.A. Public Relations, from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Minor in Health
- American Council on Exercise-Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Group Power, Group Step, Group Centergy Instructor
- Certified Reebok Cycle
- Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Leader
- Yoga
- Pilates
- X-Bike
Areas of expertise:
- Functional Training for Water Skiing
- Triathlon Training
- Pilates
Experience:
- Personal Training since 1997
- Water Ski for Tommy Bartlett Thrill Show in Wisconsin Dells; Marine World in Vallejo, CA; Holiday Park, Hassloch Platz, Germany
- Water ski instructor at Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Center at the Contemporary Resort at Disney World
Rita Dakolios, NSCA-CPT
Education and Certification:
- B.S. Exercise Science from Minnesota State University
- National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer
Areas of expertise:
- Weight Loss
- Sport Specific
- Special Populations
- Conditioning
Experience:
- Personal Training since 2005
- Collegiate Dancer and Cheerleader
Kurt Ginter, R.K.T.
Education and Certification:
- B.S. in Physical Education w/emphasis in Fitness Leadership from Northern Illinois University
- Registered Kinesiotherapist
- American Council on Exercise-Certified Personal Trainer
Areas of expertise:
- Core & Stability Training
- Sports & Performance Training
- Post Rehabilitation
Experience:
- Personal Training since 1990
- Assisted Physical Therapy since 1994
- Trained Professional Athletes
Val Hahamy
Education and Certification:
B.S. in Mass and Interpersonal Communications from Illinois State University
- American Council on Exercise—Certified Personal Trainer
- Resistance Training Specialist Level 1
- Certified Bodyflow Instructor
Areas of expertise:
- Mature Adults
- Special populations
- Post-Rehabilitation
- Lifestyle Modification
Experience:
- Personal Training since 1984
Jeremiah Johnson
Education and Certification:
- B.S. in Exercise Science from Illinois State University
- American Council on Exercise—Certified Personal Trainer
Areas of expertise:
- Athletic Conditioning
- Bodybuilding Training
- Sport Specific Training
Experience:
- Personal Training since 2005
- Strength & Conditioning Intern w/Chicago Bears
- Frappier Acceleration Program
Brad Leshinske, C.S.C.S., EMT 
Education and Certification:
- B.S. Exercise Science from North Park University
- A.A. Liberal Arts from Wright College
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Areas of expertise:
- Post Rehab
- Strength and Conditioning
- Core Conditioning
- Sport Specific
- Weight Loss
- Speed and Agility Enhancement
Experience:
- Personal Training since 2003
- Semi-Pro Baseball/College Football Player
- Strength and Conditioning Coach for college and semi-pro baseball players
Jennifer “J.J.” Novak, ATC, LMT
Education and Certification:
- B.A. in Athletic Training and Psychology from Carthage College
- National Athletic Trainers Association Certified / Licensed Athletic Trainer in the State of Illinois
- NCTMB certification for Massage Therapy
Areas of expertise:
- Post-Rehabilitation
- Special Populations
- Adult Fitness
Experience:
- Personal Training since 1997
Rich Rossi
Education and Certification:
- B.S. Physical Education w/specialization in Exercise Science from SIU-Carbondale
- M.S. in Education w/specialization in Sport Management from SIU-Carbondale
- National Academy of Sports Medicine—Certified Personal Trainer
Areas of expertise:
- Sport Specific Training
- Post Rehab
- Flexibility, Agility, Coordination & Balance Training
- General Strength and Endurance
Experience:
- Personal Training since 1991
Kimberly Russell
Education and Certification:
- B.F.A. in Dance and Theater from University of Cincinnati
- American Council on Exercise – Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise
- Johnny G SPINNING
- Physicalmind Institute for Pilates Mat
- Aquatic Exercise Association
- Arthritis Foundation for Aquatic Exercise
Areas of expertise:
- Dancer’s workout Classes
- Pilates Mat Classes and Individual Aquatic Classes
Experience:
- Group Exercise Instruction since 1991
- Personal Training since 2001
- Former Professional Ballet Dancer
Rennie Stefani, M.S., ACSM-HFI, C.S.C.S
Education and Certification:
- B.A. in Art from Lake Forest College
- M.S. in Exercise Science / Wellness from University of Illinois at Chicago
- American College of Sports Medicine—Health Fitness Instructor
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Areas of expertise:
- Postural Conditioning
- Golf Conditioning
- Tennis Conditioning
- Mature Adults
- Post-Rehabilitation
Experience:
- Personal Training since 1993
David Wischmeyer, ACSM-HFI, C.S.C.S.
Education and Certification:
- B.S. in Fitness Management from Elmhurst College
- American College of Sports Medicine-Health Fitness Instructor
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Mad Dogg Athletics Spinning Instructor
Areas of expertise:
- Core Conditioning
- Weight Loss/Maintenance
- Athletic/Sports Conditioning
- Endurance Training
Experience:
- Personal Training since 2002
- NCAA Cross Country and Track & Field runner