OUR TEAM OF STAFF AND TRAINERS

Jared Tomich, Owner of Fuel Fitness, has been involved with fitness his entire life. He has always been involved in sports with football becoming his sport of choice. He played four years for the Lake Central Indians lettering and making all state honors before walking on at the University of Nebraska where he received his Bachelors Degree.

Jared then became a professional football player in the NFL playing for the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Jared has an extensive knowledge of health and fitness. So much so that he was hired by the Miami Dolphins to train their 2009-2010 team in the art of combat football.

At the end of his NFL career Jared wanted to share his passion and knowledge with the community he grew up in. He opened his family focused gym, Fuel Fitness, in 2007. "I want everyone that walks into our gym to feel comfortable knowing that all staff members are here to teach and inspire them to be the healthiest person they can be."

Growing up some people dream of being a doctor, lawyer, or scientist, but from day one, my passion has always been sports and fitness. After playing sports my entire life, I found that there was a huge void missing. Searching many alternatives, the fitness industry seemed to be the misplaced piece of the puzzle. From the moment I first stepped into a gym, I knew I had found my calling. After I graduated I received my personal training certification and worked at a few different gyms and out of clients houses, but it was not until I found Fuel Fitness,(or Fuel Fitness found me), that I knew I was home. I then started working in management and realized that with personal training I could only reach my clients, but at the front desk, there is an opportunity to motivate and inspire everyone that walks through the door. I am determined to provide all members great customer service, inspiration and motivation, and a smile to everyone I meet. The Fuel difference is what caught my eye, no matter if you are a member, employee, or just part of the community, when you are apart of this gym, you are apart of a team and family and that is truely the key to success. I am currently working on my bachelors in business management with a minor in communication. After I have completed this task, I plan on becoming a certified nutritionist and life coach!

Jody Jenkins has been working at Fuel Fitness since 2009. She brings with her 9 years of experience in the fitness industry and has done almost every job within Fuel Fitness. She started at the Cedar Lake location, was a floating manger between the clubs, and is currently the Manager at our Winfield Location. In addition to managing the Winfield team, Jody is also a personal trainer for Fuel Fitness. She worked as a certified personal trainer for 7 years before joining the Fuel Fitness team, and although her schedule doesn’t allot as much time for it as she may like, her most recent training passion is working with and coaching athletes from the Lake County Special Olympics. For the last two years she helped coach the team in preparation for their power lifting events. “I hope to become more involved with the Special Olympics, and carry over my fitness experience help to develop an organized training program in this area”.

“Not only do I work with an amazing group of people, but I work in an industry that I love, in the community that I grew up in. I will do whatever it takes to help maintain a positive atmosphere for my co-workers and our members. Fuel Fitness is my home and this team is like my family”.

Rich Haddax has been a personal trainer at Fuel since February, 2008. After retiring a few years back, Rich became a true believer in the benefits of a personal trainer. He had long dealt with a bad shoulder and after working with a trainer for a few years, became completely pain free and rebuilt the muscles in his arms. Rich's sports interests started long before as a track coach for 11 years and a basketball coach for 13 years at St. Michael’s as well as youth softball for 17 years. Rich States, "My goal as a personal trainer is to create a program that will not only help you reach your goals safely, but to make sure that you are able to maintain your goals. It is my responsibility to motivate and guide you toward your goal. Motivation and encouragement are two things that I provide with each session. I truly believe I can change your life with a change in your lifestyle. Good nutrition and exercise are important, but remember to keep your eye on the prize!"

Tasha Strehl is the Group Fitness Director for all three Fuel Fitness locations. Tasha brings with her a vast amount of experience. She was an EMT in Cedar Lake for 3 years, then she became the Healthcare Provider at Jane Ball Elementary in Cedar Lake for 11 years.

Tasha has lived in Cedar Lake for 20 years and has contributed much to her community through both her jobs and just taking part in many community activities. Tasha is also a passionate and committed Tae Bo instructor. She has been a certified Tae Bo instructor since 2004. It is her passion for Tae Bo® that has given Tasha the opportunities to learn from Billy Blanks, Tae B®o creator, and travel with him to both Germany and Afghanistan to help train our troops.

Tasha has been an inspiration for many of her students. Her belief that when you are completely content, your appearance and health will reflect that happiness has made a huge difference for many. Tasha has been quoted as saying, "I feel so blessed to be able to witness others becoming empowered as a result of them taking control of their physical well-being."

Chris Grigson, Fuel Fitness Tae Bo ® instructor received her Bachelors in Human Resources Management at Purdue Calumet. Chris got involved in the fitness world for the same reasons most people do, she wanted to lose 30 pounds. Chris worked out faithfully starting in 2004. It was when she took a Tae Bo® class that Chris became hooked. She became a certified Tae Bo ® instructor in 2007. Chris was certified by Billy Blanks, the creator of Tae Bo ®. Chris believes in the power of Tae Bo® to help you no matter if you're just starting to work out or if you're a seasoned gym enthusiast. Chris views every class as an opportunity to change somebody's life in a positive way. "You get what you give in Tae Bo®."

Cheryll Tomich, Mother of Owner Jared Tomich, has been teaching Yoga and Pilates here at Fuel Fitness since it opened. She has been a Yoga instuctor for 8 years and has over 500 hours of Certification. She is able to teach Yoga 1,2,3, Gentle and Pre-Natal. In addition to Yoga, Cheryll has been teaching Pilates for one year.

Cheryll was 18 when she bought her first Yoga book and was immediately hooked. However, it wasn't until later that Yoga truly improved the quality of her life. Cheryll suffered from Fibromyalgia. She had a lot of aches and pains which depleted her already low energy level. It was at this time that she started to practice Yoga faithfully. "I was feeling better every day, eating better, sleeping better and I had increased energy. I am also enjoying all of the benefits that Pilates has to offer as well. It is amazing how strong and flexible my body has become with Pilates. The difference can be seen within the first 6 weeks." "Over my years of teaching I have witnessed transformations both in my students and myself. Of course there is the physical transformation, however, the sense of calm is perhaps the most impressive. You become a more peaceful, loving, understanding and compassionate person."

Laurie Fair, Aerobic Instructor at Fuel Fitness, has always enjoyed a very active lifestyle. From snow skiing, gardening, dancing and swimming to renovating her 110 year old farm house Laurie and her family are on the move. Laurie also has a job as a manager for a Communications company. In addition to this she has a Certificate in Nutritional Counseling. "My job at Fuel Fitness is for fun. I enjoy working out and watching my students make the steps necessary for them to have a full active life."

Dixie is a certified instructor at Fuel’s Cedar Lake location, teaching core strength training classes and her favorite class, Tae Bo. She took her first Tae Bo class 7 years ago and it was love at first punch.  After 5 years as a dedicated student, Dixie had decided to get certified to prove that at 65, she could be an instructor. Dixie has trained with Billy Blanks and has been in some of his national training videos.  She is one of the oldest certified trainer in the country. Way to go Dixie! "I love teaching and showing all ages that if you want it bad enough, anyone of any age can do it." 

Amanda is the Fuel Fitness Bosu Circuit Training Instructor in Winfield. She is dedicated to helping people see that no matter their age, weight or lifestyle, everyone can find time to be healthy. Even though she also works a stressful, fast paced, "9-5" job, she wants people to know that it is important to make time for exercise. She has personally experienced how utilizing a program that balances a healthy diet, cardiovascular exercise and weight resistance can lead to reduced stress, better sleep and increased mental and physical energy. In her own words, "Fitness is a choice everyone should make time for." If you heed her advice you will be so happy you did!!

Brian is a certified Tae Bo instructor at Cedar lake Fuel Fitness. After studying Tae Kwon Do Brian trained hard to earn my belts and currently hold a first degree black belt.  Along with having a love for martial arts, he loves to run.  Brian has trained and competed in one full marathon, and several half marathons.  While running on a treadmill at the gym one day he met a Fuel Fitness Tae Bo instructor, Chris, who invited him to try the class.  Brian was hooked the first time he took the class.  “In addition to being the hardest and most challenging workout I've ever done, Tae Bo teaches focus, patience, and discipline.  It strengthens your will and keeps challenging you no matter what level you are at.”  After training closely with the Tae Bo instructors at Fuel Brian went to train with Shellie Blanks Cimarosti, Billy Blanks' daughter and became certified to teach the Tae Bo Fitness program.  "I love teaching because I get to see people push past limits they thought they had, and grow as individuals."

Jeanne is a group fitness Instructor with over 20 years of teaching and fitness experience. Jeanne began her career at Omni 41 in Schererville, Indiana. She taught at Omni for 12 ½ years with a certification from AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America). While there, Jeanne also was a Personal Trainer and assisted the Group Fitness Coordinator in training those who were becoming a group fitness instructor. She Taught Step classes for the Merrillville Community School Corporation for their wellness program. Continuing her career with Fuel Fitness by teaching Step and REPS (weight and resistance training) and trained two current group fitness instructors. Jeanne attends numerous conferences and workshops and has a passion for the industry.

"I strive, as a group fitness instructor, to educate my class members, to provide them with a safe and challenging workout, and hopefully, enrich their lives by encouraging them to make exercise a routine part of their lifestyle."

Virginia is the Certified Pilates and Yoga instructor for Fuel’s Crete location. After 25 years of working in advertising, Virginia decided she needed a career change. When she took a yoga alliance instructor course she found her calling, and a shift in lifestyle. Virginia uses her knowledge to help her clients de-stress, challenge their bodies, and improve their well being. Her intention is for you to achieve a mind, body and spirit connection through knowledgeable techniques.She has been teaching 7 years in yoga and pilates. Virginia is currently working on 500 hr yoga training and Balanced Body Pilates Reformer Training.

"Pilates and Yoga are a wonderful way to heal and strengthen your body. and help to build your core. I want everyone to be able to be fit with pilates and yoga."

They say that everyone experiences one life changing event in life that changes them. Mine was becoming a widow and single parent of three boys at an early age. That is when I left the beauty business and went into health and fitness. I realized that outer beauty changes, and that inner beauty, or health, lasts a lifetime. I became very passionate about life accomplishments and very compassionate towards others. I have become a master in the field of massage therapy and owner of Bodyworks Studio Health Spa. In trying to help others obtain balance in their lives, both physically, mentally spiritually and emotionally, I studied to be a yoga instructor under Beth Shaw, owner of Yogafit in Long Beach, California. My other certifications are AFFA personal trainer, Pilates, and Zumba. I have brought these practices to various fitness centers, day spas and local colleges, including Valparaiso University and Ivy Tech. I now consider Fuel Fitness of Winfield my home. I encourage many of my clients to join me in classes where I teach core strength and stabilization. This is the best way to address back problems. In the yoga classes, we bring up our Chi, or life force energy. In Zumba, we connect with our inner child using our love of dance and music. We have a lot of fun while burning hundreds of calories. These two classes compliment each other perfectly, bringing us a balance in yin/yang energies. I have been teaching for 20+ years and hope I can teach another 20 more.

I have enjoyed being with Fuel Fitness since September 2009. I've been married for 12 years, and have three children, two sons and one daughter. I try and bring my family philosophy of having a safe and comfortable, yet entertaining environment to work with me. I am CPR certified. I feel that a child learns through play; therefore, I try and capitalize on this. I utilize a hands on approach by implementing fine motor and craft activities to engage the children and have them explore their creativity. It is a great feeling to see how happy the child is to show their parent the craft they have made. "I also feel it is not only important for the children to feel safe, but for the parents to feel comfortable with leaving their children in our day care." Building a good relationship with the parents is just as important as building one with the child. Since working at Fuel, I have also tried to exercise regularly, and live a healthier lifestyle. Not only is our staff great at motivation, so are the members.

Kelly Meyer, Instructor at Fuel Fitness in Crete, has been teaching for over a year. She enjoys teaching a challenging workout that strengthens and tones your entire body in one hour. Kelly graduated from South Suburban College's Occupational Therapy Assistance program. "I love working with people of all ages to live a healthier life."

Dawn Grutzius has been a Tae Bo® instructor since November 2010. She was certified by Shellie Blanks Cimarosti, daughter of Tae Bo® creator Billy Blanks®. She started taking Tae Bo® as a student over three years ago.

In high school, Dawn was involved in volleyball and swimming. After graduation, life and college got in the way and she began to gain weight. In 2007, she decided to get involved in fitness again. After working out on her own for a few months, she spotted a Tae Bo® class in progress and knew she had to try it. Dawn watched many classes from the outside because she was too nervous to go in, but one day gathered the courage to give it a try. She loved it and the challenge it created. Wanting to improve on technique and endurance, Dawn took as many classes as she could. Once hooked, she knew she had to be part of the Tae Bo® family. "Tae Bo® is challenging and requires you to dig deep within yourself, but it will give you a sense of accomplishment each and every time you take a class. To me, it’s a feeling that nothing else can bring you!"

Jill is a fitness instructor at our Fuel Crete location. Jill has been teaching a variety of classes for over 28 years. "Stability ball and toning classes are my favorite." After being in gymnastics in high school and college I learned early on that taking care of yourself is important, and that' s what I try and incorporate in my classes. Getting to know the members and helping them feel comfortable in the gym is what I enjoy best. Jill lives in St John with her husband of 32 years, has 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Crete Fuel Fitness Zumba instructor Karyn, is thrilled to spark new innovations to the fitness world and to Crete Fuel Fitness. She enjoys fitness and loves to dance why not let these two worlds unite as one. Karyn is a wife, a mother of two beautiful young children, and a full time student at Chicago's University of Columbia. She has been looking for an opportunity, to turn one of her childhood dreams of being a dancer into a reality. Becoming a Zumba instructor, Karyn now has the chance to take one of her artistic abilities--dance--and turn it into a enriched learning experience for herself and her students. Although, she has been with Fuel Fitness only a short time, her energy and charisma always has her class packed with fun and calorie burning routines! "I have to admit being a mom and working can be pretty hard," says Karyn, "but when you're doing something you absolutely love it's no longer a regret or time lost; it's no longer a job. I am so blessed that I took on this challenge and made a way for my dreams to become an avenue for other's dreams while promoting fitness!"

You can find Fuel’s resident step instructor, Coleen Gritter, at our Crete location. Coleen has been leading fitness classes for 7+ years & loves to infuse her background in Bosu & Turbo KIck to add unique variations to the traditional Step format. This professed cardio 'freak' creates a high energy atmosphere for a focused & fun-filled workout. "I love teaching step classes because they're so versatile & easy to modify to every fitness level." It's Coleen's hope that in attending one of her classes, that every person leaves with a new or renewed sense of confidence in their own ability to achieve their personal strength goals.