PERSONAL TRAINERS

Begin your journey to your best self.

Our trainers can help you to achieve your fitness goals, hone specific skills, answer questions regarding your health and well-being, and direct your fitness journey.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

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Wicker Park Fitness trainers understand that no two bodies are alike. They work with you to improve your individual movement patterns, increase your strength and cardiovascular capacity, and help you develop a workout routine that is both safe and effective for YOU.

We offer a variety of package options to help you meet your specific goals. Your new membership gives you 1 FREE hour with one of our trainers.

Contact us at info@wickerparkfitness.com or info@southportfitness.com to get started!

JOEL THOMAS, A-CPT, NPTI, CNC

“Life is so much easier when you know how to move efficiently.”

I started my life in fitness as a runner, completing multiple marathons, half-marathons, and countless 5- and 10-Ks. I then transitioned to Crossfit, and have since been training individuals with the concept of functionality as the primary focus.

My general philosophy to fitness is that stronger is better. However, I like to focus not only on muscle development, but also neuro-muscular communication and movement pattern improvement.

DEVONIAN MACKENZIE, NASM

“I want to help others be fit and healthy.”

I'm a type 1 diabetic, and have been since I was a young adult. I was always athletic, and being diagnosed forced me to stay in shape and understand how to keep myself healthy. As I began to learn more about health and fitness, I realized I wanted to help and inspire others. If I have a chronic illness and can be fit and healthy, then others can too.

I specialize in fat loss, muscle gain, and special circumstances. I really enjoy working with clients who have issues such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and even osteoporosis.

MARTIN GESHEV, NASM, NPT

Martin Geshev is a coach and former athlete from Bulgaria. In addition to his certifications, he is a massage therapist, fitness model, a national physique committee competitor, and a Man’s Physique Champion.

Martin specializes in strength training, sculpting bodies, fat and weight loss, correcting postural deviations and muscle imbalances, addressing aches, and assisting recuperation following surgery or injury.

SHELDON KESSEL, ISSA PT, ACE Group Fitness, ACE Health Coach

“Health is as much a state of mind as a condition of the body.”

Whether your goals are to feel better, perform better, or look better, I can help.

My obsession with fitness and health began at the age of eleven when my parents enrolled me in TaeKwonDo classes. I went on to participate in football, track and field, full-contact kickboxing, karate point-fighting, and bodybuilding. I was a karate competitor for over twenty years and hold black belt degrees in two Korean styles. I continue to participate in triathlon, running, cycling, and bodybuilding, and I’ve been a yoga instructor since 2011.

When appropriate for a client’s goals I incorporate lifestyle coaching, relaxation, meditation, and yoga techniques into my training protocols. As a fitness and health professional, my greatest success stories are of clients I have helped transition from a state of fat, sick, and broken, to a state of vibrant health. I especially enjoy working with hard-charging athletes who want to take their performance to the next level while avoiding injury.

TOM WILK, NCCPT

“Health and fitness are my greatest passions.”

I develop programs to meet my client’s specific training goals—weight loss, body building, sports specific, or conditioning—and incorporate strength training, high intensity interval training (HIIT), body building, plyometric training, balance, coordination, stability, and mobility.

AJ BOYCE, NASM-CPT

“Our bodies are sacred, unique, and complex vessels.”

I'm a native Chicagoan who was exposed to mindful and functional movement through dance, yoga, and athletics throughout high school and college. Nurturing my physical intelligence piqued my interest in our bodies’ development and its preservation.

Whether it be developing strength, losing weight, preserving mobility, or increasing balance and stability, I safely progress clients through programs that make exercise fun and goals attainable.

When I’m not exercising, I’m drawing, writing stand-up comedy, hiking, or vigorously ignoring my sweet tooth by reading. As an anime nerd, art aficionado, and advocate of science, I think i'm versatile enough to talk to anyone, so put me to the challenge and come say "Hi!"

SAMANTHA KORB, NASM-CPT

“The key to leading a happier and healthier life is finding balance in mind, body, and soul through fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness.”

Samantha grew up in the north suburbs of Chicago where she was a dancer, cheerleader, and competitive gymnast. After graduating from the University of Iowa, she worked in public relations and marketing for years from Los Angeles to Newport Beach and back to Chicago. Maintaning health and fitness during her time in the corporate world, Samantha happily left the corporate world to pursue her true passion of helping others become the best version of themselves through fitness and nutrition.

Samantha expanded her expertise by acquiring her Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification, and competing in body building. Although she no longer competes, Samantha became an NPC National Bikini Competitor.

JOHN HANSEN, ACE-PT

“Become the best version of yourself.”

My training philosophy focuses on investing in your body. You only get one, so take advantage of the opportunity to be great, beginning with your health. Some exercise is better than no exercise. Living well now will provide longevity and the foundation for the well-being of the future you. My specializations include resistance and strength training, bodybuilding, weight loss, and weight management.

As a graduate from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a B.S. in Kinesiology, I have the science, passion, and determination to help others achieve their goals in becoming the best versions of themselves.