Energy Pilates & Fitness

MEET THE Energy Pilates & Fitness TEAM

Debra

Debra started fitness instruction "back in the day", oh, about 25 years ago, leading the way in the '80s with aerobic classes. In between her thong-leotard days until now, many experiences led her to create an amazing and energizing fitness program at Energy Pilates & Fitness.

Adding to her fitness curriculum included accepting the position of Group Fitness Coordinator and subsequently Assistant Group Fitness Director for the chain of Life Time Fitness clubs. Although grateful for her kick start at a big club, her passion has been to branch out to create a well-rounded fitness program and atmosphere of energy, fun and specific instruction (think personal training meets group fitness) for both men and women.

Debra opened the doors to the Woodbury Energy Pilates & Fitness in March 2008. With a fast-growing membership, she was voted "BEST OF" by Woodbury Magazine, 2009. The following year, Energy Pilates & Fitness was again voted "BEST PLACE TO WORK OUT" and "BEST FITNESS CLASS - PUSH."

Voted Best Personal Trainer: Debra Tourek, Energy Pilates and Fitness
A well-known name on the Woodbury fitness scene for about 20 years, Debra Tourek opened Energy Pilates and Fitness in March 2008, offering a variety of functional, full-body workouts including pilates, yoga, kickboxing and even barefoot cardio. Tourek's goal: that each client walk out the door feeling good about themselves instead of focusing on what their body looks like. "After working out with Debra for a few months, what strikes me the most is how she respects everyone on the same level, no matter their fitness level," says a current client. 2110 Eagle Creek Lane, Suite 200, 651.492-9694.

• Owner & Director, Energy Pilates & Fitness
• Energy Instructor Certification Board Director
• Certified Pilates Instructor
• Certified Group Fitness instructor
• Certified Maternity Instructor
• Certified Pilates Reformer Trainer
• Certified Pilates Chair Trainer
• Member: Pilates Method Alliance

Nancy

Name a dance or movement style and Nancy has probably studied and/or taught it over the last 29 years. Her dance training has taken her from Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and Phil Black's Dance School in New York City to the University of Minnesota, Zoe Sealy Dance Center and Classical Ballet Academy in the Twin Cities to Jane Fonda's Workout Studio in LA. As Artistic Director of Downtown Dance, she encouraged people to have fun, learn, move, get in shape, and feel good about themselves. She is thrilled to have found Debra and Energy Pilates & Fitness. Energy Pilates & Fitness' commitment to provide disciplined, professional instruction in a fun, friendly and supportive environment is a breath of fresh air.

Nancy is a professional watercolor artist and develops and leads mission trips to Slovakia for the Lutheran Church.

• Certified Pilates Instructor
• Group Fitness Instructor
• Barefoot Cardio Expert

Wayne

Wayne began his practice of yoga in the mid-'70s as a teenager. After studying yoga for 20 years, he became a yoga teacher.

He has developed a blended style of yoga all his own, incorporating the teachings of masters from around the world. Wayne has lived in the US, Europe, and Asia, but found his way back home to the Midwest and his roots in the diary state next door! If you find yourself too stressed out to relax, you notice your mind is racing, but you don't seem to get anywhere, or your hamstrings are so tight they feel like tuning forks, we have a spot waiting for you in the front row!

Wayne favorite cookie is Tollhouse - adding dried cherries!

• Certified Yoga Instructor

Barbara

Barbara has been active in health and fitness and passionate about group fitness consistently for over 20+ years. As a long-time fan of Debra's fitness philosophy and cutting-edge Pilates and barefoot cardio training classes, she was inspired to pursue her group fitness teaching career. Barbara brings professionalism and a passion for empowering women and men in fitness as evidenced in the way she teaches and motivates her students in her classes.

Barbara is an attorney and lives in Woodbury with her husband and two boys. "Testosterone rules, thus laughter is THE secret to life."

• Certified Pilates Instructor
• Certified Group Fitness Instructor
• Barefoot Cardio Training Expert

Jen

Jen has been passionate about health and fitness her entire life. She is a second degree Black Belt and has enjoyed teaching Martial Arts for more than 7 years. She is excited to expand herself into the world of fitness instruction with Energy Pilates and Fitness. Jen has three beautiful children and enjoys outdoor activities, including walking, running, snowboarding and water sports.

Jen's entire family of 5 is involved in the Martial Arts. Four hold Black Belts and the grade-schooler is not far behind!

• Certified Pilates Instructor
• Group Fitness Instructor
• Barefoot Cardio Expert

Travis

Travis is an enthusiastic, 3rd Degree Black Belt. Travis has trained in the Martial Arts since age 6. Travis enjoys teaching Cardio Kick Boxing to all levels. His energizing classes are the "Real Deal"! Come experience what everyone is talking about - the PERFECT Cardio Kickboxing class taught by a karate instructor.

Fun Fact-In addition to being an accomplished Martial Artists, Travis can ride a unicycle and do unbelievable gymnastic "tricks". Ask him for a demonstration!

• Black Belt Karate Instructor
• Cardio Kickboxing Instructor
• Super Nice Guy!

Linda

Linda brings a diverse background to Energy Pilates & Fitness. She was born in Thailand and at the age of three came around the globe and was raised in Northern Minnesota. She makes excellent lutefisk eggrolls, no not really. She balances being a full-time mother of three young girls with her passion for yoga and fitness. She began teaching yoga and cardio-style classes 13+ years ago.

She guides people through her class with a positive and encouraging energy. She hopes that you always leave her class feeling great.

Linda has so many unique gifts! Linda is an artist - classically-trained in oil painting. So, yes, she does children's party in face painting! Linda has a degree in animal science with a focus on behavior in canis lupus (wolf) and has a pet pig named Elvis.

• Certified Yoga Instructor
• Certified Pilates Instructor

Jennifer

Jennifer became a member of Energy Pilates and Fitness while working in corporate sales. A decision that changed her life, both physically and mentally. She was so inspired; she made the decision to pursue a career in health and fitness. She got her certification as a personal trainer and became a group fitness instructor at Energy. In addition to teaching group fitness, Jennifer also runs her own business, LUXE In-Home Personal Training. luxehometraining.com

She is passionate about sharing the AMAZING benefits of physical fitness and truly believes in the power it can bring to the lives she touches!

Yes, you'll look twice sometimes in class, as Jennifer has a twin sister who takes classes all the time.

• Certified Group Fitness Instructor
• Certified Personal Trainer
• Certified Pilates Reformer Trainer

Caroline

Caroline's lifelong passion for fitness started with dance, including participating in competitive dance teams from high school through college. After beginning her career and feeling unsatisfied with big box gyms, Caroline joined Energy Pilates & Fitness in spring of 2008. She quickly became committed to Pilates and Barefoot Cardio Training - which allow her to combine her love of movement and physical challenge in a friendly, supportive and personable environment.

She is excited to share the truly amazing benefits and life changes that Energy has brought to her!

Caroline has a degree in Interior Design and still enjoys designing by consulting in her spare time. Could you use a "design eye" - email her:

• Barefoot Cardio Training Fitness Expert

Jill

Jill has worked in the sports and recreation field her entire life. She enjoys being active; from her years of playing sports to her new fitness loves of pilates, yoga, barefoot cardio and running (she has ran three half-marathons and counting). Being a long-time supporter of Debra's fitness philosophy and her desire to help others, the day has come for her to be an instructor and share all the wonderful benefits of a pilates workout.

Her goal is to provide an environment that allows you to empower yourself and be glad you made time for fitness.

Jill has a degree in Business Administration, Certified Professional Project Manager and Certified Basic Life Support Instructor. Need to be CPR certified? - email her: . Jill also enjoys the occasional adventure. Her list includes skydiving, bungee jumping and backpacking across Europe.

• Certified Pilates Mat Instructor

Kandice

Kandice has always just done "cardio"; going through the motions, not being motivated nor seeing results. She always stayed away from weights as she thought her vertically-challenged frame would bulk up. After a few short months after joining Energy Pilates & Fitness and adhering to their exercise philosophy, she saw her body completely transform and become defined with lean muscles. Without evening realizing what was happening, her way of living, thinking & posture changed as well. Kandice immediately set goals.

She wants to share what happened to her with others: the benefits (mentally and physically) of resistance training, the Pilates method and balance training creates a stronger, leaner, longer bodies.

I lived in Springfield, MO from 1988-1984 and went to the same school as the Pitts. Yes, I mean Brad Pitt. Of cause he is much older than I, (6 years) but he had 2 younger siblings (Doug & Julie). His sister and I cheered at the same time in 1983. and we always saw them around. Witnessed Brad in the high school play his senior year. SO FUN!

• BARRE BODY Trainer
• Certified Group Fitness Instructor
• Assistant Group Fitness Director, Energy Pilates & Fitness

Christa

Christa became a member of Energy Pilates & Fitness shortly after the birth of her second child. What began as an opportunity to get back into shape, turned into a life changing experience! The classes, the people, the philosophy and the energy have made working out something so much more. Christa has been passionate about exercise her entire life - a former soccer player and runner, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her new love of pilates and barefoot cardio. She hopes you leave her classes feeling better both physically and mentally.

Outside of the studio Christa enjoys her two kids, traveling, chocolate and on-line shopping; not necessarily in that order!

• Certified Group Fitness Instructor
• Certified Pilates Mat Instructor
• Private Group Fitness Manager, Energy Pilates & Fitness

Michelle

Michelle started Pilates and yoga over 8 years ago after having her second child, and then decided to become an instructor. training includes Pilates mat work, reformer, chair, Cadillac, jump board injury and special populations. She continues her education to keep up with the latest information. When Michelle is working with clients she encourages them to stay attune to their bodies to notice their strength and weakness and to work toward their personal goals. She enjoys teaching people how to improve their posture, mobility, flexibility and strength. She also strives to teach people to incorporate Pilates and yoga into their everyday lives, and to empower her clients to take control of their physical selves.

Michelle is crazy active with her kids - cross country skiing, swimming, hiking. Michelle is now embarking on a nutrition career as well.

• Certified Pilates Instructor
• Certified Pilates Chair Instructor
• Specialty: Injury and Special Populations
• Certified Yoga Instructor
• Certified Pilates Reformer Trainer
• Certified TRX Instructor

Chris

Chris became a member of Energy Pilates & Fitness with two goals in mind - to get back into shape after having 3 kids and to lower her cholesterol. What she didn't expect, was how being fit affected so many other parts of her life, from improving her downhill skiing abilities and golf swing, to giving her more confidence and improved self-worth. It was the Energy philosophy, members, instructors and the dramatic changes she saw in her own body (both inside and out) that inspired her to become a certified instructor. She's now made it her goal to help others. When you leave her class, she hopes you feel stronger, more motivated and that you've done something truly amazing for yourself.

Outside the studio, Chris and her husband own an employee benefit brokerage. She attempts to manage her 3 active boy's schedules and the 18 pets they somehow talked her into. She loves shopping, baking, scrapbooking and secretly wishes ice cream could be its very own food group

• Certified Energy Pilates & Fitness Instructor

Brenda

Brenda began teaching yoga classes 10 years ago in the corporate gym of a local insurance company. After taking a break from yoga and the corporate world to have 2 kids, she became a member of Energy Pilates to help strengthen her abs after pregnancies. She immediately felt at home with the philosophy, instructors and members of Energy Pilates. She hopes that you will find her Vinyasa-style yoga classes challenging yet fun. In her other life, she runs a distribution company for Swiss audio products so she always has chocolate - really, really good chocolate.

Brenda enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 kids, playing volleyball, reading - and loves yoga clothing so much, she's now Energy's Retail Clothing Manager.

• Certified Energy Pilates & Fitness Yoga Instructor
• Certified Pilates Mat Instructor

Erika

Erika joined Energy Pilates & Fitness after the birth of her daughter Charlye Marae (thanks to her sister-in-law introducing her to Debra and Energy Pilates & Fitness). Erika comes from a dance background, starting in the studio when she was two years old. She then continued dancing on her high school dance team. While attending the University of St. Thomas (where she earned a degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice), she joined the dance team her freshman year. Erika also danced professionally for two seasons as a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader and three years on the Minnesota Swarm Performance Team. To maintain her love for dance and fitness, Erika was a participant in the Midwest Fitness Competition. She then coached high school dance team for four years and now continues her passion for dance as a judge for high school dance team, studio, national and international competitions and professional teams.

When not at Energy, Erika works full time for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. She enjoys photography and has one daughter &^ two dogs (a Siberian Husky and Great Dane). Erika believes that surrounding yourself with positive energy is key to a balanced and healthy life.

• Certified Energy Pilates & Fitness Instructor

Elaine

Health and fitness have been a consistent part of Elaine's life for as long as she can remember. She grew up taking dance classes, playing sports every season of the year and lifting weights with the boys in the high school weight room! As an adult, her love of fitness evolved into cardio exercise, fitness classes, strength training and yoga. Elaine has been teaching fitness classes since 2004 and her repertoire of varied formats is near complete with the addition of yoga!

She believes in lifelong health and wellness practices and is passionate about sharing her love of fitness and health with others.

When she is not teaching in the studio, Elaine can be found teaching Math to high school students!

• Certified Energy Pilates & Fitness Instructor
• Certified Yoga Instructor

Kathy

Kathy is a life-long fitness enthusiast with interests in running, yoga, aerobics and Pilates. She has joined the Energy team with two years of Pilates instructor experience and is trained in both mat and reformer.

Kathy is married and has five children. She enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, cross country and downhill skiing, walking her dog and watching The Good Wife.

• Certified Pilates Mat Instructor
• Certified Pilates Reformer Instructor

Sarah

Health and fitness are a true passion for Sarah. After a childhood filled with gymnastics and dance, she longed for the intensive training and fun that came with sports. She took her first group fitness class at the University of Minnesota recreation center and was hooked. Sarah has taught group fitness for over 11 years - specializing in cardio kickboxing and resistance training courses. As a longtime admirer and student in Debra's classes, she is excited to join the Energy Pilates & Fitness team!

Sarah has worked in Corporate Wellness for over 10 years and currently works as Director of Health and Wellness/Wells Fargo Insurance Services where she consults with a variety of companies to help improve their organizational culture and health/well-being of their team members.

In addition to group fitness, Sarah enjoys participating in 5k/10k races for charity. Sarah and her husband have two children.

• Certified Group Fitness Instructor

Lindsey

Lindsey has been doing Yoga since she was 14 years old when her sister started teaching. Knowing that yoga offers a great blend of benefits such as: strength, flexibility, balance, focus, and relaxation, she decided to start teaching after she had her little 1st child. Her passion is to help others love yoga and themselves. She feels that everyone's body is different, and it is so important to acknowledge limitations and accept them, then work with those limitations so that you can find and be the best you. Lindsey loves being in-tune with her body, and is passionate about the fitness world and witnessing how it can change lives.

Besides Yoga; she loves weight lifting, cardio, and trying new things! In her free time you can find her oil painting or spending time with her family and Schnauzer, Rupert!

Lindsey is a tropical aquarium fish geek and loves to go to pet stores and "fish"

• Certified Yoga Instructor

Lisa

Lisa has been teaching group fitness for over 20 years. Her passion for motivating people started at the University of Minnesota where she started teaching "step" at both campuses. Lisa has taught many formats such as "step", aqua fitness, strength and cardio classes, kickboxing & spinning. Being a busy mom of three and working full-time as a project manager in the advertising field, she understands how difficult it can be to incorporate a regular fitness routine as part of your day. Her consistent message to members: "everything counts, something is better than nothing", if you don't have 2 hrs to work out, then make just 30 minutes count! She is thrilled to become part of Energy Pilates and Fitness and grateful for the opportunity.

Lisa's guiltiest pleasure is having a "treat" at night, alone, when her kids are in bed, that way no one can ask her for a bite of anything.

• Bachelor of Science-Kinesiology
• Certified Group Fitness Instructor
• Certified Pilates Mat Instructor
• Certified Spinning Instructor

Joy, Special Events Manager

Joy became a member at Energy Pilates & Fitness at the start of 2011. Little did she know that her New Years' resolution would be so life-changing. Joy has been involved in sports, running, and yoga for many years but never really found a gym where everything "clicked." At EPF she found immediately more energy, saw changes in her body within a few weeks, improved her self-confidence, met a great group of friends, and felt at home with such a welcoming group of instructors. She worked as a corporate recruiter/trainer for 9 years and recently made the decision to stay home with her 3 young children. Joy will be responsible for any special events held at and outside Energy Pilates & Fitness, such as Girls' Night Out classes, Mother & Daughter Pilates Classes, Family Pilates Classes, Energy Instructor Certifications, Workshop/Nutrition Seminars, Corporate Pilates/Fitness Classes on-site, and the like.

Contact her for more information:

Joy enjoys spending time with her kids, shopping, cooking, running and just hanging out with friends, a natural social butterfly! I've also worked on the side with wedding flowers for years so if you need a florist let's talk!

• Special Events Manager

Krista

As a girl who could rarely ever sit still, Krista is active by nature. She has been involved in several sports including softball, dance and even bowling since she was a young child. Her involvement in these activities continued until she graduated from college, and team sports were no longer prevalent. She soon joined a gym and became addicted to group fitness. She naturally stepped into the teaching role and became a group fitness instructor for a high-intensity, sports-inspired cardio class.

She was encouraged by her aunt to join Energy Pilates & Fitness and fell in love immediately with the formats. She could not get enough of the energy, the people and the way this studio made her feel! She is now a Barefoot Cardio Training Fitness instructor and loving every minute of it!

Krista lives in Woodbury and works full time as a project manager at Thomson Reuters. When she is not working or workin' on her fitness, she truly enjoys spending time with her family and baking. She and her sister (who is also a faithful Energy Pilates & Fitness member) own a small baking business called Holy Hannah's. Energy Pilates & Fitness is a great balance to all of the desserts they enjoy!

• Group Fitness Instructor
• Barefoot Cardio Expert

Kristen

Kristen began teaching group fitness as a college student at the US Naval Academy in 1987, and has been active in health and fitness ever since. While serving as a US Naval Officer, she designed and implemented physical conditioning programs to help men and women meet military standards.

Initially embracing yoga as yet another form of physical exercise more than 20 years ago, she quickly found that regular yoga sessions not only strengthened her body but also had a calming and centering effect that helped her better manage emotions and stress.

Kristen is passionate about sharing yoga with as many people as possible and her powerful flow classes are filled with options making yoga accessible and safe for anybody!

• Certified Personal Trainer
• Certified Yoga Instructor

Melissa

After her third daughter, Melissa left her career to start a new path that revolved around something she loves; being active and adventurous. She began her journey with rock climbing/mountaineering and soon found yoga. She discovered the strengthening benefits of yoga apply to the whole self, not just the physical. Since then, yoga has become an amazing addition to her life; always changing and always challenging. Melissa is now a registered 200-hour Yoga Alliance Instructor, teaches an early childhood class and can be found hiking the stairs of Stillwater training for her next mountain.

Melissa is originally from Connecticut; grew up in Cincinnati, OH and now calls MN home!

• Certified Yoga Instructor

Kara, Child Care Manager

Energy Pilates instructor, Denise, introduced me to EPF with a 2-week pass about a year ago and I have been hooked ever since!! I was sure I would love the classes, as I have always lived an active lifestyle. However, I had a recent neck injury which made me hesitant to join a club and not be able to participate without causing further injury. She assured me they could modify anything and I would become stronger and that is exactly what happened! I can truly say I have seen transformation in my body and overall well-being and have had no further injury.

When not taking classes I am a busy stay at home mom of two. I enjoy volunteering at school, rollerblading and walking the beautiful trails of Stillwater and spending time at the cabin!

• Child Care Manager

THREE LOCATIONS

Woodbury 2110 Eagle Creek Lane, Suite 200 Woodbury, MN 55129 (651) 337-0535

White Bear Lake 5350 Highway 61 Suite 8 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651) 337-0535

Stillwater 5980 Neal Ave. S., Suite 500 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 (651) 337-0535