Our Personal Trainers — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

Keeping You Healthy

Whether you’re just starting a fitness routine or looking to add a little variety to your exercise program, a member of our talented fitness team can help you set and achieve your goals!

Scroll down to learn more about each of our personal trainers.

Yesenia Barajas

About Yesenia
I have been a personal trainer for 7 years. I have trained young and seasoned adults. I am patient and honest and enjoy motivating others to perform to the best of their ability.

Certifications
Certified Fitness trainer with ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association)

Training Philosophy

I like my clients to know their session is about them and their needs. I am fun and enjoy laughing with clients while providing them with a thorough exercise experience.

Availability

Weekday mornings, flexible by appointment

Lyndsey Bawolek

About Lyndsey
I have a strong passion for helping people. I am excited to help gym-goers achieve their fitness goals. I have had a weight loss journey of over 65 pounds and feel that my experience with weight loss is both approachable and easy to maintain with dedication.

Certifications
NASM certified Personal Trainer

Training Philosophy

Strength training and functional movements are key in my philosophy for fitness. I feel it is possible to live a real life and see real results!

Availability

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 4:15 - 8:30 p.m.

Mondays and Wednesdays: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Fridays: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dana Baugh

About Dana
I want clients to know that physical fitness is about them and their needs. I will guide them, be supportive and understanding, and work to help them meet their goals.

Education
B.S. in Exercise Science

Certifications
ACE Certified Personal Trainer; TRX Certified Certified Cycling Instructor

Training Philosophy

I focus on teaching clients in ways that support their goals and exercise adherence. I strive to meet them where they are so that they can feel and be successful.

Availability

Tuesday-Friday early mornings beginning at 5:30 am.

Bill Dalton

About Bill
Bill is a USA Powerlifting Club Coach and an Eat to Perform Nutrition Certified Advisor.

Certifications
Diploma from the National Personal Training Institute, CrossFit Level 1

Training Philosophy
Exercise should be fun, challenging, and goal oriented. Learn proper functional movement and form first and use those skills for the foundations of everything else.

Availability
Flexible

Kristen Derengowski

About Kristen
Kristen is our Health, Wellness, and Dance Director. She enjoys creating a healthy mind and body through functional movement.

Background
17+ Fitness and Training Certifications with over 20+ years of experience

Training Philosophy
All I ask of you is to come prepared to work at YOUR max and be open to new movements.

Availability
Flexible, by appointment only

Marenda Eison

About Marenda
My Mission is to help all people realize the importance of moving their bodies and reaching their fitness goals while maintaining a balanced and purposeful lifestyle through functional, strength and dynamic training with CrossFit elements.

Certifications

AFAA Certified in Indoor Cycling, Les Mills BodyPump, PurMotion, MOSSA Group Power, WERQ, Group Fitness/PT FiTOUR , STRONG by Zumba

Training Philosophy

I enjoy training clients who are going to trust the process and be dedicated to their fitness and wellness goals not only in gym but at home. I believe we’re all in this to make “progress not perfection” and “quality over quantity” when transforming our bodies, minds and our lives.

Availability

Monday - Thursday afternoons, Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Suzuka Hetterich

About Suzuka
Suzuka is a versatile instructor and personal trainer who credits the YMCA for inspiring her to pursue a career in health and fitness.

Certifications
ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor; YMCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Trainer; Jillian Michael Body Shred Certified Trainer; Schwinn Cycling Certified Instructor

Training Philosophy
Age and weight are just numbers. I want my clients to be happy, confident and fit.

Availability
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Grace Hir

About Grace
I'm a young woman who has a very big passion for helping others. As a personal trainer, I want to help you become more confident in yourself and help you live a healthier lifestyle.

Certifications
ISSA personal trainer, Certified Nursing Assistant

Training Philosophy
I will help you reach your fitness goals no matter what they are. I ask that you put in 100 percent effort with every session. Be patient and you will start to see results. Fitness should be fun!

Availability

Mondays: 8:00am-7:00pm
Wednesdays: 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: flexible times by appointment

Kristy Hunt

About Kristy
Seeing my clients strength, form, cardiovascular health and range of motion improve is what makes my job the best! I can successfully work around any restrictions or limitations to help you look and feel your best.

Certifications

National Academy of Sports Medicine, Group Fitness, Queenax, Self Myo Fasical Release

Training Philosophy
Working out should be fun! Find something you enjoy doing, something that makes you feel empowered and turn it into a habit.... then a lifestyle.

Availability
Monday-Thursday, mornings and evenings with occasional weekend availability by appointment

Ashley McClendon

About Ashley

I am a former athlete, having played golf, and soccer in high school, and continued to play soccer at the collegiate level. I have been coaching group fitness since February of 2019 and I am very excited to expand to personal training!

Certifications

B.S in Exercise Science, NASM-CPT, PES, CPR/AED training and BLS training

Training Philosophy
Your journey, whether it be in fitness or otherwise, will not be linear. There will be ups and downs and sometimes you won't move too much, but together we'll get you to the best you possible.

Availability

Mondays: 7 - 11 a.m.

Tuesdays: 6 - 10 a.m.

Wednesdays: 7- 10 a.m.

Thursdays: 6 a.m - 12 p.m.

Fridays: 1 - 4 p.m.

Cyndi Proffitt

About Cyndi

I have been in the fitness industry for over 10 years and my favorite thing has been watching people of all different ages, levels, and abilities working out. I believe that we need to keep moving to fight the aging process. The more we move on a daily basis the better we will feel. I attend a Fitness Conference every year as I am always looking to learn more about keeping our bodies healthy.

Certifications

Group Certification with AFFA, Personal Training Certification with Fitour, Pilates Certification, Yoga Certification with Fitour, Enhance Fitness

Training Philosophy
I believe there is a workout for every one and I am here to help people find the ones that will work best for them. I believe in full-body workout that includes cardio, strength, stretching and balance work in the manner that is best for the individual that I am working with.

Availability
Monday-Saturday - flexible times by appointment

Myles Turner

About Myles

I'm a young man with inspirations to help create positive changes for people. Beyond excited to assist with becoming more comfortable in uncomfortable circumstances relating to fitness. With having a 60+ pound weight loss story along with being a former college basketball athlete, I believe that my experiences can motivate others to stay dedicated and focused on achieving their goals.

Certifications

ISSA Certified Personal Trainer

Training Philosophy
I just want my clients to understand that I will have your goals in strong consideration to help with your personal wants and needs. I ask for max effort and dedication every appointment. Stay patient and you will see results.

Availability
Monday-Saturday, flexible by appointment

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