Professional Fitness Staff
Denise Blackdeer-Wagner: Fitness Director
Born and raised in Madison, Denise Blackdeer-Wagner has had a love for competitive sports and fitness since she was a child. After her first golf lesson at the age of 7, she was hooked.
While pursuing her degree in Social Work at the UW-Madison, Denise stumbled into a group exercise class and discovered her true passion. It took a little prodding from family and friends initially but soon she began teaching Group Fitness classes. While completing her Master Degree, she became certified in Turbokick and the Bosu trainer. These formats became two of her favorite classes to teach. While Denise loves the energy from the classes, she most enjoys helping her clients try new innovative ways to improve their physical fitness.
Denise has three young children and taught group fitness classes throughout all three pregnancies and thus, has both personal and professional experience dealing with pre/post natal fitness issues.
Denise has over 10 years in federal service working for the Veterans Administration as a clinical psychiatric social worker. Coupling her love for fitness and her professional experience working with groups and individuals, Denise has a strong foundation to help her clients improve their self-esteem through a life style that embraces physical and emotional well-being.
Professional Qualifications:
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)- group fitness instructor
- BOSU master Instructor- GURU Fitness
- Turbo Kick Instructor- Powder Blue Productions
- Traveling Fitness Professional- Fit Bodies, Inc
- American Heart Association- CPR certified
- Masters of Science in Social Work (MSSW) UW-Madison
Classes:
- Cardio Challenge
- Core Sculpt
- Step/Bosu Drills and Intervals
 Dane Bowler
Dane is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. All of his workouts are based on the scientific foundations of exercise. He specializes in training for speed, strength, power and body composition. Dane's training sessions focus on two or three muscle groups for fast and long-lasting results. Having worked with all ages from children to seniors, he has the experience to optimize your workout.
Classes:
- Stretch
- Youth Core
- Youth Strength
 Karen Carroll
Karen is a SCW certified pilates teacher. She is dedicated to making each session fun and challenging. Each class will strengthen your core and tone your muscles.
Classes:
 Liz Gehlin
Liz has studied yoga since 1994 and has been teaching since 2003. She is a Yoga Works Certified Instructor affiliated with Yogaworks Teacher Training programs. Liz holds a certification in personal training, group fitness, spinning and yoga. She also has a passion for running and has completed six marathons and four triathlons.
Classes:
 Kat Hawkins
Kat Hawkins began teaching group fitness in 2000 in health clubs, studios and hospitals. Kat is certified in AEA, ACE group fitness, Les Mills Body Jam and Body Flow.
Classes:
 Sydney Kretschmann
Sydney is a passionate believer of the benefits of her Power Pump class. It is a barbell class that strengthens your entire body. This 60 minute workout challenges all your major muscle groups by using the best weight room exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls. Great music, fun instructor and your choice of weight inspire you to get the results you came for - and fast! She also teaches Pilates which gives every member a challenge by making every move a core-strengthening exercise with beginner, intermediate, and advanced moves. During her personal training sessions, she provides new and exciting workouts designed to your personal skill level.
Classes:
- Power Pump
- Plyometric Boot Camp/Strength
- Yogalates
 Daniela Rumpf
Daniela has been teaching yoga since 2008 and received her yoga teacher training from Feel Your Best yoga school in Mequon, WI. Her inspiration comes from helping others feel better about themselves. She has an intuitive teaching style and gears her sessions based on the individual's workout desire.
Classes:
- Continuing Yoga
- Intro to Yoga
- Power Stretch
 Martha Vradenburg
Martha developed her passion for aerobics while a member at Cherokee. She trained and received a certification in Group Aerobics Instruction and also is certified to teach Zumba.
Classes:
- Cardio Toning/Step
- Stability Ball/Strength/Abs
- Stretch
- Zumba Mix
 Julie Zacher
Julie has been involved with fitness and sports since childhood (her father being a retired physical education teacher didn't leave her much choice). In each session, she challenges you to push yourself and you will be amazed what your body can do. Equipment and exercises change every week to keep you and your body guessing. Look forward to using balls, stairs, benches, chairs, weights and other equipment to get a great workout. Attend her classes with a plan to work hard. She enjoys interacting with people while sharing the craziness of her life. Don't ever be afraid to jump into one of her classes late or leave early. Stop making excuses and get moving!
Classes:
- Stability Ball/Sculpt/Abs
- Stability Ball/Strength/Abs
 Paula Zakariasen
Paula has many years of teaching experience in Canada and the United States. She enjoys making her classes fun and challenging for participants.
Classes:
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