Our squad is the real deal. Our mission is to bring you fun, challenging and results driven workouts that keep you on track to achieving all your health and fitness goals.
YOUR journey is OUR journey and we are right there with you, every step of the way.
Kristi
Creator of LevelUP Health & Fitness
Being active for Kristi is non negotiable. She couldn’t slow down if she tried. She loves the way Fitness makes her feel so much that she wants everyone, especially women (who tend to tell themselves the wrong story), to feel the same way. Hence, the birth of the LevelUp studio.
When she is not working full time for corporate America, she is Personal Training and Coaching clients on how nutrition and mindset are the “other” necessary pillars to exercise when trying to achieve optimal wellbeing. And now you can find her at the studio, organizing chaos, jumping in other instructors classes and teaching all classes marked with an “X”.
Her experience and years as a NASM certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Senior Fitness Specialist and AFAA Group Fitness Instructor have given her a deep understanding of the body and what it can accomplish. (At any age.)
She stops at nothing to help women realize that they are only limited by the stories they tell themselves. Her vast experience has provided her with the tools to create unique workouts guaranteed to challenge your body and give you life changing results. Mind, body and spirit.
“Be an inspiration”
Lisa
Lisa is our newest instructor to join the LU team. She is passionate about helping women push past what is holding them back from achieving their fitness goals.
When she is not working full time as a Gymnastics Coach, she is out being as active as possible. Whether it’s going to the gym, taking group fitness classes or even just taking her dog on long walks to unwind.
“Don’t be upset by the results you didn’t get with the work you didn’t do.” ~ Inky Johnson
Amy
Amy has an extensive background in musical theater and dance and has spent the past decade touring, singing, teaching and performing around Chicagoland. She brings a wealth of musical experience, unique creativity and unparalleled energy to the dance and sculping classes that she coaches here at LU.
Amy’s contagious positivity motivates and inspires the entire class, making each workout an exhilarating experience.
When not teaching and taking classes at LU, you can find Amy exploring Chicago on bike or nannying some very lucky kids! Working with children is the true joy in her life.
Fun fact. Amy recently worked as the Assistant Director on The Polar Express National Tour.
Cari
Cari “da RAGE” is a Dancer, Instructor and Mother of two girls. She has been professionally teaching dance, fitness and choreographing special events for over 18 years. When she is not in class, Ms.Cari is the choreographer/ dancer for several local musicians! The Chicago native founded Graffiti Rhythms in 2010 with the intention to make Dance & Fitness attainable for everyone.
She specializes in Hip Hop, but has experience in many traditional dance techniques including Ballet, Contemporary, Latin, West African, House and more. Cari “da RAGE” is currently certified in Zumba Fitness, MIXXEDFIT, STRONG by Zumba and CPR/First Aid. She is proud to be the Artistic Director at Alchemy Chicago Gallery in Jefferson Park and is very excited to teach at Level Up Fitness.
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” ~Frida Khalo
Tracey
Hola Chicas!!! I’m Tracey, and I’m super excited to be teaching at LevelUP! I’ve been in fitness my entire life, and I love to bring the party to my classes! Along with my AFAA group fitness certification, I carry specialty accreditations in TurboKick, Piloxing and Zumba. My passion is sharing my love of exercise and motivating members to find their own sense of strength and fitness. At home, my husband and I are the proud parents to my son who’s at college at the University of Iowa and my daughter who cheers at her high school. Outside of the gym, I work a busy full-time job, but I’m always dreaming of my next trip to a hot, sunny beach with a drink in hand!
“Be the Best Version of You!”
Linnis
Growing up, Linnis always had a passion for dance. Being of Puerto Rican descent and with a father who was a musician, dance and music were always a part of her culture. She has been teaching both Zumba and GROOV3 for the past four years but GROOV3 is where her passion lays. She has dedicated her dance life to teaching GROOV3’s fun, easy to follow, Hip Hop cardio format with anyone and everyone. Her passion for music shows when she teaches and can been seen in the smiles of her class participants.
“Not all who wander are lost”-JRR Tolkien
Susan
Susan found her fitness sweet spot in the form of Seido Karate which she practiced for over a decade; eventually achieving the rank of Shodan (first degree Black Belt) in 2001. A love of exercise remained even after she "retired" from active Karate practice and she continued to find joy in traditional Group Fitness classes. In 2009 Susan began to share her love of fun and energetic movement with others by becoming a Group Exercise instructor. She holds Group Exercise Trainer Certifications from AFAA as well as specialty accreditation in TurboKick, Yoga, WERQ, Zumba, Barre and PiYo.
Susan believes in a great soundtrack, high levels of positive energy and finding the FUN in Functional movement!
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift - this is why we call if the present”
ANNA
Anna is a Multidisciplinary Certified Yoga Instructor. She has been yoga teaching for 8 years in the Chicagoland area and is known for her energetic, supportive, and challenging classes. Certified in Power, Hot, Mediative, and LYT, 200hr Yoga; her classes are designed to inspire and empower her students. Anna's passion is to provide accessible yoga for all!
On her off hours you can catch Anna hiking, reading, running, exploring, or grabbing a cup of coffee. She loves escaping into the mountains and learning new things in nature. Anna is so excited to be a part of the LevelUp community!
“The only constant in life is change.” ~Heraclitus
Matthew
DIRECTOR OF KIDS/TEEN FITNESS &
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
Matthew graduated from Saint Norbert College in 2018 with a degree in Business Administration where he lettered in football for four seasons. He began his love for fitness when he was 14 years old after joining a gym, training for his football career. Matthew has had many mentors in the fitness industry throughout his time in various training programs. When he's not personal training or in the gym himself, he is enjoying his time outdoors playing golf and softball or spending time with his loved ones. He joins the LevelUp team with a new and exciting perspective.
"He who has a strong enough why can bear almost any how" -Nietzsche