About Us

Gretchen has been in the fitness industry since 1988, and has seen many trends come and go over the years.  She started with the Auburn, NY YMCA in 1988, then started a 20 year career with Lifestyle Family Fitness in 1991.  She has held personal training certifications with AFAA and NASM, and various group fitness certifications from AEA, AFAA, ACSM, Les Mills, Real Ryder, and Booty Barre.

 

Gretchen also holds a BFA in Theatre from VCU.  She thoroughly enjoys helping participants raise their fitness thresholds and accomplish feats they never dreamed possible in a fun yet purposeful environment.

 

Being a breast cancer survivor, Gretchen holds a special place for empowering individuals to overcome their obstacles.  Her vision for 5th Gear Fitness is one that encompasses all aspects of fitness, healthy eating habits, and healthy living in an effort to bring out the best in every person with whom she has the privilege of working. Although she has an unwavering passion for teaching and coaching fitness and health, Gretchen is driven by her dedication to her two amazing daughters, Ursula and Olivia.

 

"If you can, you should; if you think you can, you should at least try!"

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Learn more about Gretchen's Journey in her interview with Voyage Tampa

 

Gretchen's Professional Certifications:  AFAA Group Fitness, SCW Mat Pilates, SCW Yoga II, Booty Barre, RealRyder Cycle, Keiser Cycle,  First Aid CPR AED, and Child CPR AED.  Formerly NASM Personal Training, ACSM Group Fitness, AEA, Les Mills BodyFlow, BodyPump, and BodyStep.  Also, LifeVantage Independent Distributor.

Jessica began her fitness journey as a client many years ago and was inspired by how her trainer changed her which, ultimately, changed her career path. She understands what it feels like to be the client and the emotions that go along with striving to make life changes.

 

Jessica first started by competing as a NPC Figure competitor in 2006 and then  again in 2007.  She became a NASM certified Personal Trainer and specializes in one-on-one training, group training, children's fitness and sports specific training. Jessica is an AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor with certifications in Les Mills BodyFlow, Cycling, RealRyder Cycling and Booty Barre. She also teaches Yoga, Pilates, Kettlebell, Boot Camp, and Circuit and Sculpt classes. She realized very quickly that her experience with personal training and knowledge of the body was an asset to the group fitness participants.

 

Paired with her creativity, Jessica is able to construct a fun, effective, and safe workout for all participants. She has always had a desire to bridge the gap between the "Personal Trainers" and "Group Fitness" Instructors.

Establishing a studio of her own is an exciting new endeavor which allows Jessica to bring together a talented team of professionals who will work together to create the ideal experience for each and every 5th Gear Fitness member!

 

Jessica's Professional Certifications:  AFAA Group Fitness, SCW Personal Training, NASM Personal Training, SCW Yoga II, Booty Barre, RealRyder Cycle, Keiser Cycle, Les Mills BodyFlow, First Aid CPR AED, and Child CPR AED.  Also, LifeVantage Independent Distributor.