Dylan Perez

Bio

Dylan is a NFPT certified personal trainer working towards a BA in Integrative Studies with focuses in Theatre, Psychology, and Exercise Science from NKU. He is also a musical theater actor in shows at NKU and the Cincinnati area. Dylan's passion for theater and performance translates into his training style, making fitness both challenging and enjoyable. He also incorporates aspects of psychology into his training approach, understanding the importance of mental health in achieving physical wellness. Overall, Dylan is a knowledgeable and dedicated personal trainer committed to helping his clients achieve their best selves.

Julia

Bio

Julia is a certified ACE Group Fitness Instructor, and is also the current Fitness Graduate Assistant at NKU Campus Rec. She loves teaching classes of various formats including HIIT, Strength, and Aquatics. She is currently pursuing her Master’s of Science in Exercise Science as she works to become an Exercise Physiologist. Julia’s wellness philosophy focuses on always listening to your body and finding forms of activity that bring you joy. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with friends and family!

Gage Ammons

Bio

Gage graduated from Northern Kentucky University with degrees in Organizational Leadership (B.A.) and Industrial-Organizational Psychology (M.S.). He is currently pursuing a degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology & Human Factors (Ph.D.) at Wright State. Through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), he has certifications and specializations in personal training (focused on weight loss, behavioral change, stress management, and power lifting). Gage has been training with clients for ten years at NKU. His wellness philosophy revolves around overall health and well-being, mentally and physically.

Kristin

Bio

Kristin is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and is also a kids yoga teacher. She teaches a variety of yoga classes at the Rec Center such as Vin to Yin, Restorative, Beginner, and Hatha. She has worked in education for over a decade and recently co-founded a local nonprofit, The Being Project, to help teach kids K-12 social emotional learning and wellness. Kristin believes in moderation, staying curious, and enjoying the valleys and mountains we cross on the journey. In her free time she likes to travel, garden, and spend time doing outdoor activities.

Shauna

Bio

Shauna is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America, where she teaches her very popular Cardio Sculpt class every Sunday afternoon. A fitness instructor for NKU Campus Rec since 1999, Shauna has her Master’s in Social Work and works as a Mental Health Therapist at Regional School Programs. Shauna believes in the importance of leading an active lifestyle and whether it’s going solo, working with a friend or being a part of a group, it’s important to find an activity and have fun in the process. In her spare time, she is a mom to four kids and enjoys spending as much time with her family as possible!

Autumn

Bio

Autumn has been leading fitness classes since 1998. Currently she is a certified FITOUR Indoor Cycling instructor. Outside the gym, Autumn has been a local First Responder for 21 years and has coached a swim team, cross country team, and volleyball team. Autumn believes that “Exercise not only changes your body, it changes your mind, your attitude andyour mood”. Autumn’s favorite past time is sitting on the sidelines cheering her children in their sporting adventures

Phoenix

Bio

Phoenix Wilson is a certified Yoga and T’ai Chi instructor. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University in Health and Physical Education. She has been teaching yoga, meditation, and t’ai chi in the Greater Cincinnati area for over 20 years, following three years of training and teaching in Japan. She also holds a certificate from the Himalayan Institute as an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist and has completed certification courses in Yoga for Healthy Aging. Her students find her classes both rejuvenating and calming.When not on her yoga mat, she enjoys being in the outdoors, either biking or hiking. She also enjoys exploring new cooking recipes and enjoying one of her greatest passions — dancing — from Lindy Hop to ballroom.

Erica

Bio

Erica is a group fitness instructor who teaches a HIIT hip hop inspired dance fitness class known as Turn Up Dance Fitness. She incorporates hip hop beats with popular tracks to keep the energy high and the vibe upbeat. She believes that moving to the rhythm not only elevates the workout experience but also creates a sense of community among her participants. Each session is designed to cater to all fitness levels, ensuring that everyone feels included and empowered to join in. Erica’s ultimate goal is to inspire as many people as possible to discover the joy of movement and the power of dance as a form of fitness. Whether in the studio or out in nature with her family, Erica remains dedicated to living a balanced, vibrant life.

Ja’Naysha

Bio

Ja’Naysha is a sophomore at NKU majoring in exercise science and aiming to become an athletic trainer. She recently completed the group fitness instructor prep course at NKU Campus Rec this past Spring and loves encouraging people to exercise while having fun. She teaches a lower body strength class every Monday from 5:00 to 5:45 and invites everyone to see how great building your leg strength can be! You can also catch Ja’Naysha in other places as she’s involved with great organizations like NKU R.O.C.K.S and the Activities Programming Board on campus. She encourages classmates to be active and involved on campus in hopes of helping boost their college experience and making connections.

Marlene

Bio

Marlene is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with experience working with all ages and ability levels. She enjoys the challenges and rewards of working with people from all backgrounds and fitness levels. She has her master's degree from the University of Kentucky in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. Marlene’s wellness philosophy emphasizes lifelong fitness and having fun while doing it. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her dog and family, reading and playing pickleball!

Isaiah

Bio

Isaiah is an exercise science major at NKU and is aiming to own his own gym one day with his own set of clients. He recently completed the group fitness instructor prep course at NKU Campus Rec this past Spring and he loves encouraging people to get in the gym and get their sweat on. He teaches a myriad of different strength classes at the Rec, ranging from Core, Upper Body & more! His philosophy when it comes to exercise is “you don’t have to be a body builder to be in shape” and encourages people of all backgrounds that if you stay consistent, the results will come. As a fun fact, Isaiah grew up in Alberta Canada for eight years before eventually making his way to Kentucky.