Justin is an ACE certified personal trainer through Blue Heron Academy. He has been involved with health and fitness since the mid-nineties when he began practicing yoga, weight training and holistic philosophies. From 2007 to 2009 Justin was a personal trainer at the Park View Hills clubhouse. In addition to personal training, he is also an artist and art teacher at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

"I will guide you toward your goals through a holistic approach that focuses on your all around health and well being."

Chris is an ACE certified personal trainer who has worked at SWAT for the past 4 years. Although she has always been active, there was a time in her life when she was overweight and unhappy. She made positive changes in her eating and exercise habits which have resulted in her keeping the weight off for 8 years. 

Chris understands the struggles we face to make permanent behavioral change and can help you do the same. She specializes in functional fitness and core strength so you can gain health and fitness safely. You can also find Chris in the classrooms teaching BodyFlow, BodyVive, SilverSneakers MSROM and SilverSneakers YogaStretch. In her spare time Chris enjoys being outside, whether that means playing golf, cross country skiing or relaxing on the porch with a book.

"Being fit and healthy is more than just looking good. It is a tool for living your life better. I am committed to helping you find your inner strength so you can go after your goals and achieve them."

Aaron is a certified personal trainer through the International Fitness Professional Association. Aaron comes to SWAT from Sarasota, Florida where he was the assistant fitness manager and personal trainer at another club. Aaron has been a personal trainer at SWAT for about two years. Aaron is a student pursuing his degree in Physical Therapy. He will bring a very happy and fun personality to your workout.

"Consistency is the key."

I have been an ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist for 5 years. I attended Western Michigan University for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology with an emphasis in Holistic wellness and Biology. Over the years I have gained experience working with athletes, which I love doing because I enjoy testing and pushing the physical abilities of the human body. I was a high school softball coach and football strength coach. While finishing up my undergraduate program I worked as an assistant in cardiac rehab and community wellness. Then during my graduate degree program I was an assistant at Western Michigan running the employee wellness and personal training program. For my graduate work I was a member of the Western Michigan Strength and Conditioning department.

Also, I am certified as a firefighter working as a paid on-call firefighter in the surrounding area. My interests include competing in figure shows, playing rugby, softball, soccer, hunting, fishing, scuba diving, mountain biking, hiking and being adventurous.

"The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!" – Marvin Phillips

Fitness has been a part of everything in my life so far, taking part in many sports, diets and hobbies over the years but not always meeting my goals. I was a "husky" child who got chunky in college and continued fighting weight loss battles. Finally, into my thirties, I have found the balance between food and exercise. It has been a battle that has given me perspective and allows me to help others fight.

My desire to help others in fitness began in group classes in 2006 with BodyPump and Silver Sneakers, and I have loved every moment of it. Seeing a room full of people realize their potential is the most rewarding gift of all. Coaching to a group entails motivating (self-proclaimed) couch potatoes and to life-long athletes at the same time; I love that challenge.

I took my love for fitness further by completing the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America's course in personal training. My desire to with people is heightened by the one-on-one sessions I can now offer. I recognize that each one of us has different goals and unique hurdles to jump to conquer those.

When it comes to working together on a problem, no doubt I am game to help find the best solution for each person to achieve greatness. I use my perspective and skills to assist others feel their best, achieve the most out of their lives and start living a well balanced lifestyle.

Today I find my fitness through classes at SWAT, heated yoga, chasing my kiddos and chasing a dream to qualify for the Boston Marathon. From day to day those challenges are like puzzle pieces that I attempt to fit into my life. I look forward to the day I can see the puzzle's "box top". Until then, I'm enjoying life's fitness challenge.

I believe a healthier, more balanced life is within your reach no matter what your age or physical condition. That’s why I am so motivated to help others tap into their fitness potential.

In my lifetime, I’ve spent many hours behind a desk and have also had a number of orthopedic surgeries, but I learned to make physical activity and good nutrition a part of my day. It isn’t always easy to turn off life’s pressures and make a commitment to exercise, but in terms of my health and well being, the results have exceeded the effort. I now enjoy using my coaching skills and creativity to help others get moving and get the results they are hoping for.

My supportive training style is a fit for men and women of all ages, but may be especially helpful to those mid-life and older who are looking for a trainer who understands how to work with, and around, the unique challenges associated with aging. Workouts can be tough, but they can also be fun and should never be boring. Once I know your goals, I will help you find creative ways to achieve them.

Jeff Watts holds the American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal training certification and CPR/AED certification from the American Red Cross.