RISE FITNESS + WELLNESS
KATELYN
RISE OWNER
A group fitness junkie since college, you name it, Katelyn Kaese has tried it.
After finding her passion in group exercise, Katelyn trained for Barre with Exhale and is Schwinn certified for cycle. Today as the owner of RISE, Katelyn loves and teaches a little bit of everything: Barre, CardioBoxing HIIT, Cycle and more.
"I love Rise because it has the most supportive, collaborative and driven community," she says. "There is a special magic with our team and our classes that lifts everyone up."
A little more from Katelyn...
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
I don't have to do this, I GET to do this!
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
I pay attention to what makes me feel energized, I am relatively plant-based in my day-to-day choices, but not afraid to indulge! Life is short, enjoy it!
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
Have a set workout schedule for the week, don't keep your trigger snacks in your house, find time to laugh AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
To make RISE a place for anyone and everyone to come and build confidence in themselves. We strive to make our community better by lifting our neighbors up and creating opportunities for giving back to Glen Ellyn and Wheaton.
JENNIFER
RISE FRONT DESK MANAGER
As a Glen Ellyn native now raising her own family in our amazing community, Jennifer is a newcomer to the fitness world and has happily found her home here at RISE. While it took some extra motivation to embrace and commit to the Back to School Challenge, the results have had a long-lasting impact on Jennifer’s daily exercise and nutrition regimen. She now embraces high-energy activities with her kids whether it’s biking, tubing, or just simply racing them down the street.
Jennifer attended Iowa State University with a degree in Elementary Education, Curriculum and Supervision and Administration –skills that come in handy in her current role helping to educate clients and managing the day-to- day operations at RISE. She is an avid supporter of her Cyclones–evidenced by her emphatic viewing of games and use of the fight song to accompany workouts on occasion.
When not at Rise, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and enjoying their lake house.
JENNIFER'S FAVORITES:
Healthy snack: Celery and almond butter
Guilty pleasure: Anything Mexican-- drinks included
Song to run/workout: She loves listening to Body Like a Backroad during Barre and making images out of shapes on the wall-- it gets her through the burn
CARIN
If you have ever met Carin Fanter, it’s easy to see that she chooses to make fitness an important part of her daily life. Whether running, lifting, playing team sports or enjoying the outdoors, she has always made moving a priority.
Today Carin helps others make the same choice as a RISE instructor, teaching Kettlebell, Indoor Bootcamp, Boxing and Outdoor Bootcamp. “All my classes combine strength and cardio,” she says. “I want them to push. I want them to feel uncomfortable. I hope they fail...and get back up. And my biggest wish is that every client finishes their workout feeling like a sweaty million bucks - strong, happy, confident and proud.”
Every day in the RISE community, Carin feels positive energy and true support for one another. “I can feel it all around me and it inspires me to be my best self and give our clients a high energy, challenging fitness experience.”
A little more from Carin…
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
Make good choices in how you move and fuel your body and good things will come.
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
Having had the opportunity to be a part of so many RISE challenges, I basically live the Challenge 80% of the time and I don't stress the other 20% of the time. I truly feel better inside when I'm fueling my body with healthy choices, so it doesn't feel like a chore to avoid sugar and eat real food. But, if I'm out to eat or the kids want pizza and ice cream, then pizza and ice cream it is! (Especially because pizza is the most perfect food on the planet)
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
Try not to live in extremes and set goals that leave you lost when you reach them. I think the best wellness goal is to be the type of person who consistently makes healthy choices. That doesn't mean be perfect. Perfect is boring. It means decide that you want to be that type of person and live it as best you can every day.
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
We are all in different places in our fitness/wellness lives, and I hope I can help all kinds of people stay motivated and inspired to focus on wellness with genuine care, kindness and positive energy.
CARA
Cara Kinna, a fitness enthusiast turned instructor, was hooked on RISE at first sight. Today, when taking one of her cycle classes, you can expect every ride to be different but you’ll always have your aerobic endurance pushed to heart-pumping high-intensity intervals HIIT - all designed to build fitness, strength, and confidence!
For Cara, there is nothing better than the collective energy of group fitness, and she gets her fix at RISE. “The energy created is palpable, strong, and goes a long way in helping you reach whatever goal you set for class,” she says. “The RISE community is amazing! They show up, put in the work and leave class with their earnings: mood-boosting endorphins, increased fitness levels, reduced stress, and a sense of accomplishment!”
A little more from Cara…
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
That's a tough one because it is constantly changing. But my two faves lately are: I do this for me, and healthy is happy!
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
Balance! I try to fuel my body with healthy choices on most days, but I don't beat myself up on the days I decide to go big!
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
Balance is the key! You have to equal out the good nutrition and hard work with some FUN!
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
It's all about good energy! When you surround yourself with positive influences, good things happen!
emily
Emily Lobdell has been teaching indoor cycling since 2013. As soon as RISE opened its cycle studio doors, she jumped on board as an instructor, always hoping the group fitness studio would open a cycle space. While certified as both a cycle and barre instructor, right now Emily focuses her talents on spin. “If you come to my class, you should expect a combination of hills, steady state flat roads and all-out sprint sets,” she says. “A lot of sweat and a lot of laughs are on the menu. I am very music-driven (I joke that I'm 60% DJ, 40% spin instructor), and I like to tell a story or two to distract and motivate you, and then draw you right back into the work!”
Emily’s love for RISE is the same as an instructor as when she was a student - the community. “I have grown to call so many clients ‘friends’ over the years,” she says. “I like to think that my class sometimes feels like a group of friends getting together for a good workout and some friendly bonding!”
A little more from Emily…
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
My wellness mantra is that you should live your life 80/20 -- 80% watching your nutrition and fitness, and 20% enjoying the desserts and rest days/naps along the way!
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
I try to eliminate added sugar (80% of the time!), drink a green juice and eat a salad daily. I also make sure I get some lean protein and a lot of water into my day. I carry around a giant water bottle with a straw and handle to make it easy.
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
Sometimes a bike ride with my kids on the Prairie Path is a great workout. I also like to mix it up with yoga, pilates and swimming - variety is key. Have the pizza or burger on a Saturday night, and then get back to the veggies on Sunday.
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
I hope to demonstrate to my clients that fitness should be FUN. Why else would we want to do it, otherwise? Fun + Effective = a winning workout for me.
PD
When P.D. Menzel was in college and was looking for a way to stay in shape during the FSU cheer off season, she found group exercise in the form of Jane Fondas “Let’s Get Physical” based aerobics. “The classes were dance based and a lot of fun,” she says. “We wore all the gear: toast-colored tights, super high-cut leotards, head bands and Reeboks. I started teaching at the studio to help defray the cost of going to classes. Margaret Richards, my mentor, and owner of the Body Electric franchise taught me that fitness is a lifestyle. She's 80 and still going strong.”
P.D. has now been teaching for 36 years herself and has tried everything from aerobics, barre, yoga, pilates, sculpt, step, kickboxing and cardio hip hop. Today she shares her energy and expertise with RISE in power yoga and yoga sculpt. “I have found over the years that these yoga hybrid classes are my sweet spot,” she says. “I love how they make you strong and flexible in both your body and mind!”
A little more from P.D. …
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
Nourish your mind and your body. Get a good night's sleep. Surround yourself with people you admire.
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
I try to add as many micronutrients as I can to each meal. I add chia seeds and ground flax to oatmeal along with frozen berries and walnuts. I keep lots of frozen fruits and veggies around. I'll add frozen kale, corn or peppers to soups or rice bowls. I also put fresh herbs on everything. Parsley, cilantro, basil and tarragon are my favorites.
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
Moderation is key! Think of the 80/20 rule. Add your micronutrients, stay active and hydrate. Once your foundation (80%) is set live your life, have some wine, eat some pasta, enjoy ice cream (20%).
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
I want my classes at RISE to provide a growth-focused environment. A platform for clients to learn about themselves physically, and emotionally. Coming to your mat in yoga is a lab. We experiment with physical stressors. Those stressors bring up thought patterns and emotions. Once we can identity unhelpful patterns, we can replace them with new, healthy ways of thinking. The result is more compassion. Everyone benefits from more compassion. (I guess I have come a long way from Jane Fonda aerobics!)
allison
For Allison Billingsley, her introduction to RISE happened before she even lived in the state. When her husband had accepted a new job, they flew to Chicago for the weekend to look for a new home. Parking in front of RISE to check out the town, Allison remembers Lance, her husband, saying, “Honey, there is a fitness studio. Come check it out."
The first thing Allison saw as she looked through the windows were the TRX straps. “I immediately knew this was the town for us,” she says. “I was currently teaching TRX back East and knew this was a sign. We walked past the spin studio and two women were inside. I popped my head in to say hi and introduce myself. When we moved here, I started taking classes at RISE and knew I wanted to start teaching there.”
Allison has been teaching at RISE since 2017 and currently teaches Lifted, AAA and MetCon. “I want my clients to leave class feeling accomplished, ready to conquer their day,” she says. “I always hope that by taking my classes, my clients will build strength, endurance and most of all, confidence! That they will have the confidence to pick up that heavier weight or take a class they have been too nervous to take, always trying to push themselves out of their comfort zone.”
A little more from Allison…
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
My wellness mantra is enjoy life and just move. Don’t take fitness too seriously. It’s supposed to be fun. You should look forward to working out. Fitness is therapy for both your body and mind. Remember how your mind and body feel after the workout is done.
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
I have always been someone who loves vegetables and fruit, even as a kid. So, I am always sautéing veggies and throwing them in my eggs or on a wrap for lunch or brown rice for dinner. I make sure there are always sautéed veggies in my fridge so it’s easy to throw a quick meal together. I am berry obsessed, so you will always find blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries in my fridge to throw in my oatmeal or to snack on. I have a container of mixed nuts on my counter to eat. I’ve been drinking athletic greens for a while now and love that I am getting 75 vitamins/minerals in my body each day.
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
I don’t want people to look at working out as a punishment for what they ate or drank the day before. I too am guilty of this. However, as I’ve gotten older, I have really learned to simply enjoy food. If I want that slice of pizza, I’m going to have it and not feel guilty. I love working out and I love food, I love cooking food. Everything in moderation. If I’m not able to get a workout in one day, it’s okay. There’s tomorrow.
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
I hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community by creating a love of fitness. Making it a part of their lifestyle, just like brushing your teeth. Also, passing down their love of fitness to their kids.
DANIELLE
Danielle Bollman has been an exercise enthusiast her entire life participating in triathlons, a marathon and other local races. However, it is yoga that helped Danielle grow stronger and more flexible, on and off her mat. “Yoga has been a part of my life for 8 years and inspires me to live more mindfully every day,” she says. “ I am a 200-hour yoga certified instructor and am a certified integrative health and wellness coach as well.”
Danielle brings her expertise to RISE as a Yoga Sculpt and Hiit Pilates instructor, low impact classes that still get your heart pumping and provide a calorie burn well after class is over. “Something good did happen as a result of the pandemic,” she says. “It brought me to RISE. I love the feeling I get when I step into the studio. It is good, positive energy from motivated and dedicated RISERs.”
A little more from Danielle…
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
I try to remember the ‘Why’ both with fitness and nutrition. Nutritionally, I eat clean with moderation. Lately, I’ve been focusing on intermittent fasting (16/8) and trying to consume more protein. Don’t get me wrong though, I still want that cookie or dessert and I go for it. I try to be good during the week and a little less strict on the weekends.
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
I like to start my day with movement. Some days are harder than others, like anything. But, if I start with movement, it trickles into my nutrition and my mental state. It makes me drink more water and fuels a good mood for the day.
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
Exercise, in general, has brought gratitude and peace for me and those around me. I love being able to share the benefits of movement with others. And, I love this quote: “Do what you love, love what you do.”
TRISH
A lifelong athlete, Trish McKean has always had an interest in health and fitness. After working as the assistant manager of Shred415 Studios in Lincoln Park and the South Loop for three years, she decided to get her Ace Group Fitness certification and then spent 9 years as a Group Fitness Trainer at Shred415 Chicagoland Studios. “After I had kids, I saw how many moms wanted to stay fit after having babies. That’s when I became a certified Perinatal Corrective Exercise Specialist.”
Now Trish is sharing her fitness expertise with RISE through circuit and strength-based classes. “Clients can expect a safe, effective and super sweaty workout,” she says. “When I took my first class in the studio at RISE, I instantly felt welcome and at home. The community that Katelyn and the ladies at RISE have fostered is like no other. I'm very grateful to have this opportunity to teach such an inspiring group.”
A little more from Trish…
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
Workout for life, not for looks. My body has evolved since having babies, but I've learned to treat this body with the most love and grace. I do what feels good and works for my body, so I can be a strong and happy mom!
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
For the most part, I eat healthy foods that make me feel good and keep me feeling energized.
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
Having a healthy relationship with food is key. Life is too short to not enjoy the little things that bring you joy. For me, that’s dinner and cocktails with my husband and friends, snacking on McDonald’s fries, an evening ice cream or a chocolate pick me up midday. For example, if you know you're going to have a week of fancy dinners, lots of drinks and heavy meals then follow that up the next week with a solid schedule of workouts and healthy meals. Don't beat yourself up for having fun and living your life.
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
I am a realist when it comes to fitness. I want my clients to master the basics first and then build on those so that they can not only build confidence in exercise, but more importantly have fun while doing so!
LAUREN
Since Lauren Buell was able to hit the gym on her own at 13, it has consistently been part of her daily life. As a Glen Ellyn resident, when a friend finally got her to attend a RISE class, RISE became part of her daily life.
Then instead of wallowing when Covid closures hit, she decided to lean further into fitness, earning her certification to teach Group Fitness. “I completed the ACE program and started at RISE immediately,” she says. “I am currently getting my certification in Barre through CoreBarreFit and cannot wait to keep exploring fitness and gaining new certifications and skills!”
While teaching Barre and Burnout for RISE, Lauren draws daily inspiration from the RISE community. “I love the support and energy clients bring into the studio,” she says. “We could not do what we do without them! The RISE team constantly supports one another and really wants to see each person succeed and grow. It's truly a special place!”
A little more from Lauren…
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
I heard this the other day and it really hit me in a good way: "Happiness is what you feel when you are working toward your potential." It's a destination we are always working toward but it has to start with you. You have to create your own happiness. It's a process!
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
I really look at food as fuel for my body. Throughout RISE challenges, I have really learned to focus on what is most important to put into my body, especially pre/post workout. I don't usually count my calories, but I load up on fruits/veggies, healthy fats, proteins and grains. I splurge a little on the weekends because what's life without that? But I try to stay the course during the week. It's what helps me feel my best!
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
Everything in moderation!
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
I hope to continue to bring positive energy to and from the studio. I hope to continue coaching others on their fitness/wellness journey and help people realize they are ALWAYS WORTH IT!
KATIE
When Katie LaDow’s sister got married in the Glen Ellyn area and wanted to plan a group fitness class for herself and her bridesmaids on the day of her rehearsal dinner, RISE had a cycle class on the schedule that was the perfect time. After trying the class, Katie knew it was a place she could love. Little did she know, it would be as a RISE instructor.
As an ACE certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer and Schwinn-certified cycle instructor, Katie now teaches RISE Cycle, Bike Bootcamp, Outdoor Strength and works with personal training clients. “I want each client to leave feeling sweaty and strong but most importantly, I want them to feel successful,” she says. “Exercise is for everyone, regardless of their experience with group fitness, and I want them to feel that both during class as well as afterwards.”
While Katie acknowledges her bias as a RISE instructor, she says she loves RISE because the group classes are the best in the area. “There is such a variety of classes offered that you can choose any class that fits your mood and you will always get an amazing workout alongside clients who show up to work hard,” says Katie. “I love what I do because of the energy in a group class and also because I love meeting and getting to know other people and this job allows me to do that.
A little more from Katie…
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
To just keep going. Not every day is going to be easy. I won't always eat perfectly, and some weeks are better than others with being able to get to class. But if you keep going and keep pushing, you will always feel better than not doing anything at all.
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
I participate in every fall/winter Challenge and try to keep most of those habits going outside of the Challenges. I use a food journal almost daily (except when I am on vacation) and I also try to take advantage of the amazing local produce from Rustic Road over the summer.
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
Go easy on yourself. There is enough tough stuff in life, being tough on yourself, too, isn't going to help anything. If you have an event that evening where you will be eating and drinking, try to get some movement in that morning. Or if you can't get to the studio because you're traveling, go on a walk or use the hotel gym. It's totally fine to eat foods you enjoy and enjoy life and like I said above, you just reset the next day and keep going.
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
I want everyone to realize that if you don't take care of yourself first, you can't take care of anyone else.
RACHELLE
As an exercise science major and certified personal trainer, Rachelle Kienlen has always had a passion for fitness. When RISE opened in Sunshine Dance Studio, Rachelle decided to give it a try and has been a loyal RISER ever since.
Today Rachelle teaches barre, loving the lower weight, low impact, burn and shake it creates through small repetitive and thoughtful movements. “You will be toning and maybe burning the next day,” she says. Whether teaching or taking class, Rachelle loves the RISE community, the energy, the commitment of each person, the accepting and open nature and how “everyone knows your name and is always glad you came.”
A little more from Rachelle…
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
Listen to your body, we are all at different places in our fitness level, modify when needed, give yourself grace.
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
The RISE challenge has helped improve my level of nutrition expertise. I love eating healthy because it makes me feel Best. I do treat myself, but moderation is my key.
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
Prepare, plan and adapt when obstacles come your way.
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
Bringing more joy and gratitude of movement and community to each person.
SUE
Sue Schaeffler has been teaching group fitness for 35 years. As a dancer and gymnast growing up, the rhythm of Zumba, kickboxing and barre all came naturally to her. While she has taught many other types of classes, the full body strength, balance and cardio workout from barre without stress on joints, became a favorite of Sue's. "You can do it from 9-90," she says. "I love the inclusivity of the RISE community. I love teaching barre because people always think of it as less challenging and then are very surprised! After 40 years of fitness, my body changed after 3 months of barre."
A little more from Sue ...
What is your overall wellness mantra today?
Everything in moderation. In fitness, as in life, going harder is often not better. It is not necessary to deprive or torture yourself to be fit, healthy and happy.
How do you integrate nutrition into your life each day?
I start everyday with 16 oz of water and then a green smoothie. It just helps me to keep a healthy mindset the rest of the day!
What’s your best tip to find balance in nutrition, fitness and life’s fun?
Don't take everything so seriously and try new things.
How do you hope to impact the lives of RISE clients and the greater community?
I want my class to be uplifting and fun, not scary. Open to everyone. To make the morning, day, week a little better for someone...that is my goal!