Xtreme Fitness - Instructors

About Our Xtreme Instructors:

Xtreme Fitness was developed with YOU in mind! Our classes are fun and energizing and our programs are efficient and effective. Our dedicated instructors have a passion for fitness and commitment to people that will draw you right in.

Kris Thomas - Instructor & Owner
		Instructor Certification: A.C.E., CPR, Power / B.T.S., Zumba, KickFIT, Keiser Studio Cycling, U.P.A., Pilates Training Program (RAC) Education: B.S. Corporate Fitness (Health Emphasis) St. Thomas University Career History: Group Exercise Director/Coordinator, Children's Fitness Director, and Dance & Tumbling Director - Rochester Athletic Club (1993-2009) , Xtreme Fitness Owner, Instructor, and Personal Trainer (2009-Present) Dance/Cheer /Coaching/Training Experience: NFL Minnesota Viking's - former Minnesota Viking's Cheerleader , NHL Minnesota North Stars - Co-developed, coached, choreographed and trained the professional cheer/dance team, the Minnesota North Stars - Electric Stars U.P.A., UDA National Dance Champion (Memphis State University), UPA (United Performing Association) Regional Director, Choreography, Athletic Trainer and Hall of Fame Inductee . Acapulco Mexico - International Private Cheer & Dance Coach and Certified Judge.

Kathryn Ellinghuysen - Administrative Assistant
		I work full time as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher/Communications Technician for Mayo Clinic Medical Transport's Emergency Communications Center. I have 3 kids ages 21, 13 and 10. I teach KICK Butt, Beginners KICK Butt, Beginners Xtreme Strength, EST, Butts and Gutts, 6 Pack Abs, Insane Bag Drills, RIPPED legs, CHISELED arms, TABATA Protocol, Beginners TABATA Protocol, Cardio KICK. I started working out at Xtreme in June of 2010 and started teaching in October of that year. I am currently a Certified Group Fitness Instructor and am studying for my Personal Training Certification. What I love about Xtreme is that it is a gym like no other! No where else will you get the support and encouragement, make friends, get fit and have FUN while doing it. No matter what your goal, we will do everything we can to help you reach it. I love teaching and seeing the great sense of accomplishment that people get from trying something new and succeeding or in meeting goals they never thought possible. Being able to inspire people to make positive changes in their lives drives me to keep growing and developing myself.

Tamara Acker
		I started at Xtrme Fitness in September 2009. The classes were so much fun,and I was hooked right away on Zumba. What a great way to get a good workout and have so much fun doing it. I grew up taking dance lessons from age 5 years on, and this just felt great again, getting back into it. I am happily married with 3 wonderful children (22,18,16) living in Kasson. I have worked at Mayo for the past 21 years. I look forward to teaching, encouraging and hoping everyone loves the classes at Xtreme as much as I have.

Kelli Blaisdell
		I am currently a student at KM High School. I enjoy playing soccer, dance and track. About 2 years ago, I started working out at Xtreme was instantly hooked. Xtreme is a great place to work out and have fun. I went through the 3 day Group KICK Certification Training program in November. I am REALLY excited about Group Kick and can�t wait to share it with everyone.

Carol Burken
		It all started with my love of music... In 2006 I graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Music degree (with an emphasis in Music Therapy). After my internship at the University of Iowa Hospital, I moved to Rochester, were as a Board Certified Music Therapist I work with typically developing preschoolers, and also with kids & adults with mental & physical disabilities. I started my journey into fitness & health at the beginning of 2010 when I received my Bodybugg (that�s the black armband that you will Always see me wearing). However after months of using just cardio equipment I became very "elliptical board", so I went in search of finding something new. In November of 2010 that I found what I was looking for, a fitness class that combined high energy music & cardio ZUMBA I just couldn�t believe that I could burn a great amount of calories while smiling & having fun. I was instantly hooked & wanted to share Zumba with everyone! In May of 2011 I became a certified Zumba instructor, and I have been working on spreading Zumba love ever since.

Beth Ebnet
		Beth has always had a love of movement and music. She danced from age 5 through college, coached the KM Dance Team and has taught Just For Kix. After starting Zumba classes in August of 2009 she was hooked. Zumba brought all the elements of dance that she loved back and fused them with a fabulous fitness program. Making fitness fun and finding new ways to get and keep people active are the reasons she chooses to teach. With her husband Chris, and daughter Maleah, she resides in Mantorville. Outside of her fitness love, she works from home running a wedding planning website, go2wed.com, and planning events. She is passionate about what Xtreme has to offer and the community its built for all of its members. Fitness has never been more fun and made more friends.

Denise Funke
		Denise is a mom of two very active children ages 6 and 4. She in lives in Mantorville with her husband. She is a Registered Dietitian working full-time as the Drector of Nutrition Servicds at Olmsted Medical Center Hospital and has a certificate in Adult Weight Management. Denise has been with Xtreme since Kris started in her basement in 2009 and enjoyed every minute of it. The fun and variety that each class brings had her hooked! Exercise has always been a part of her life and she is now very excited to be able to share it with all the Xtremies in her classes. It is so exciting to see our members transform their bodies and have fun doing it. Denise has started to participate in a variety of races including the Muddy Buddy, The Warrior Dash and a variety of 5K's thanks to being in better shape from Xtreme. The gym has helped me learn to push myself and it's been an amazing journey.

Garret Garness
		My name is Garret Garness, and I am 18 years old. I am currently a senior at Kasson-Mantorville High School. I have just finished my career as a KoMet wrestler with a career record of 221 wins and 35 losses. I was a 5x state entrant, 4x section champion, 4x state medalist, 3x state finalist, and was a state champion in 2007. I was also recently awarded the Southeastern Minnesota Wrestler of the Year Award. Next year I will be wrestling as a member of the Ohio University Bobcats wrestling team, while majoring in Sports Administration and minoring in Sports Psychology.

Marie Head
		I started working out Xtreme Fitness to get my blood sugars down and to get in better shape. By watching what I eat and portion control, along with 5 days of classes at Xtreme, I have lost 30 pounds and 25 inches in 7 1/2 months! As a child and teenager I was involved in every tumbling and dance class available. I couldn't get enough. Now I find myself feeling the same with Xtreme. Xtreme challenges you and gives you variety. I am proud to be an instructor at Xtreme.

Donavan Hellkamp
		Donavan Hellkamp is a Russian Kettlebell Challange certified kettlebell instructor. Donavan spent nearly 2 years away from his family with the U.S. Army in Iraq. In Iraq, Donavan suffered from the after effects of two different IED blasts (improvised explosive device). Donavan received physical therapy for 6 months and thought he was doing pretty well. Once back home his daughter asked him to get down and play on the floor with some toys. Donavan had a false sense of what his back health really was. Through the urging of loved ones he gave the mysterious steel object (the kettlebell) a try. Two workouts later, he was crawling around with his daughter again. Through a lengthy amount of time he sought out to rebuild himself and find the top organization to get certified through, which he accomplished in April 2009. Donavan recently was recertified through Dragon Door's May 2011 event where he was asked to be an assistant instructor to help certify new kettlebell instructors. Two weeks later Donavan attended CKFMS training and is currently finishing the neccassary tasks to add that to his bag of tricks. Donavan lives in Rochester, MN with his wife and four beautiful kids, he loves getting to share his knowledge and love of fitness. With the assistance of the Xtreme Fitness Team, Donavan hopes to benefit Kasson and the surrounding communities population with improved health and a proper understanding of what we are all capable of if we are willing to try!

Michelle Jacob
		Michelle is a Registered Nurse specializing in Geriatrics and is also a Certified Wound Care Specialist. She currently works part-time outside of the home so she can be the best full-time wife and mother that she can be. Her journey with Xtreme started September 2009. Once she found the combination of Kickbutt and the various strength training classes, she knew she had found her passion in fitness! "The combination of the classes are amazing!" Nothing will change your body faster with cardio and strength training combined. You burn a crazy amount of calories and tone/build muscle! If you are looking to feel strong and confident,these are the class for you! Michelle has always loved staying fit and truly believes that "no matter what your size, if your heart isn't healthy, YOU aren't healthy!" Our goal here at Xtreme is to guide and motivate each person to be the best that they can be, inside and out!

Lacey Jech
		My favorite full time job is being the best mother that I can to my amazing son Hunter...Whom you may have seen helping in class here and there. I instruct fitness classes at Xtreme Fitness, WOW in Rochester, and in Adams through Community Education. I also teach hip hop classes to 3 different age groups in Albert Lea. I started working out at Xtreme and just fell in love! I first joined the instructor crew March of 2010 when I became a Certified Zumba Instructor. It is such an amazing class because I love music and dance. I always stress in that class to have FUN!! I completed Group Kick Training and know formats to instruct Kick Butt, 6 Pack Abs, Ripped Legs, Chiseled Arms, E.S.T. and Insane Bag Drills. I will be completing the WillPower & Grace certification in November, completing my A.C.E. Certifications in Group Instructing and Personal Training. I am also CPR and First Aid Certified. I have a passion for fitness and trying to make a difference in people's lives. I want to help people regain their focus and give them motivation to push and believe in themselves. It's not about what size you are, how much you can lift, or how coordinated you are, it's the fact that you are THERE to make that difference in your life! Can't wait to see you in class!

Dustin Johnson
		I started at Xtreme in September of 2010. The classes and all the Xtremies were so great that I couldn't stop going! I worked out several months and saw how amazing and motivating the instructors were that I wanted to do the same thing. So ... here I am! I'm 22 years old and work at R.E.M. Woodvaile in Kasson Mn. I'm CPR and First Aid Certified and I have worked in health care since I was 17 years old. I love helping people in their daily lives and making their lives better. This is another reason I have become an instructor. I hope you will get to attend some of my classes which include Group Kick, Insane Bag Drills, Tabata Protocol, WillPower & Grace and 6 Pack Abs. Join me on my journey through the fitness world!

Karyn Jones
		I joined Xtreme in July 2010. Kick Butt was an immediate addiction for me. I had been running for years. I completed the Twin Cities Marathon along with a variety of 5K races (Bunny's Run for the Bloody was one of my personal favorites). After the birth of my twin boys Jake and Charlie, I couldn't get motivated to run or work-out. I forgot what it was like to enjoy exercise. I needed something new, something different. Xtreme Fitness was my gift to get back on track. Now, I look forward to helping others find or re-find enjoyment in their fitness routines. I live in Byron with my husband Nate, Jake, Charlie and Otto our 8 month old yellow lab. I also work full time for RR Donnelley as an Account Director.

Stephanie Neher
		Stephanie Neher has a deep love and passion for music, and dancing is one of her favorite ways to express that passion. She has been involved in some form of dancing for most of her life: clogging on a competition level, ball room dancing, leading group worship dance and now Zumba! Stephanie also teaches The Bradley Method� of Natural Childbirth classes and has a deep appreciation for how the body is meant to function when given the right tools and opportunity. Since she started participating in Zumba classes in 2009, Stephanie has lost a total of 23 pounds and dropped 3 pant sizes! She knows first hand the effectiveness and just plain fun of a good Zumba class and enjoys sharing her passion with anyone who cares to join her in shaking their groove thang! So, come on out! Ditch the workout, join the party!

Amy Petersilie
		My name is Amy Petersilie. I graduated from Kasson- Mantorville High School and the attended Luther College. I majored in Health and Physical Education and minored in Athletic Training and Coaching at Luther. After Luther, I started teaching in Rochester Public School Systems. Five years ago I transferred over to Golden Hill Alternative Learning Center teaching Health, Physical Education and Prenatal Education. After working with my students for a couple of years, I realized there was a real need to find ways to teach students how to decrease stress levels, work on their breathing as well as learn ways to remain healthier. That is when I decided to get my Yoga Instructor certification. I did my training through YogaFit in July of 2010. Even though I am still fairly new at yoga, I have a great passion to help others find the love and benefits of yoga.

Tammy Pfeffer
		Tammy enjoys participating in all of the classes Xtreme Fitness has to offer and is excited to be part of the Xtreme Fitness Team as an EST Instructor. She believes that strength training is an important part of an overall fitness program. Early in her career, Tammy taught aerobics and strength training on a part-time basis and found a passion for running ten years ago. She ran numerous 5K and 10K races and ran the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon at Grandma�s Marathon in Duluth, MN. Tammy�s philosophy is �Use It or Lose It�! Years of sitting behind a desk in her full-time financial career have convinced her that strength training does wonders for your physical and emotional well-being. Join her and make strength training part of your quest for better health!

Carron Shubert
		Carron is a full time Registered Nurse specializing in pre and post operative care of patients at an outpatient unit within Mayo Clinic. Carron is also a wife and a mother to 4 wonderful children ages 11yrs, 5 yrs, 4 yrs and 7 months. Carron has always enjoyed intense exercise ranging from running, kick boxing to strength training. She started coming to Xtreme in November 2009 and experienced her very first Zumba class and she has been addicted ever since! Carron loves the fun energy that Zumba brings into her workouts! Carron's motto is "Exercise should not be a chore. Find something you love and have fun with it!" Carron shares her love for Zumba with her classes and she is very excited to be a part of the Xtreme Team. She looks forward to where this adventure will take her.

Kerri Snyder
		Kerri is excited about continuing her Zumba journey as an instructor. She started working out at Xtreme Fitness in July 2009 and got hooked on Zumba from the beginning! She just believes that there is something about Zumba that never makes you look at the clock! When she's not working out, Kerri's works at Kasson-Mantorville High School in the Guidance Office as a School Social Worker. Kerri has a BS and MSW in Social Work from the University of Minnesota and is a passionate Gopher Fan! Along with her husband Dan and daughter Camille, Kerri have lived in Kasson for the past 14 years. So ditch the workout and join Kerri for the Zumba party!

April Swarts
		April has been going to Xtreme since the fall of 2009. She lives in Kasson with her husband, 3 kids and a chocolate lab. She enjoys camping, swimming, biking, and going up north with her family. April says "Staying active with my family is very important to me so being in shape just to keep up with them means a lot to me!" Between KICK But, Strength Training, Kettlebells and Warrior, April feels these classes are a great way to keep her staying on track. April believes with a little 80's music to pump you up you will be sure to enjoy her 1 hour workout. She says "Try it ... YOU CAN DO IT!" April is a CRD; RDA Dental Assistant in Byron. Before that ran her own day care for 5 years.

Dr. Dawn Underwood
		Dr. Dawn Underwood PT, DPT, OCS. Dawn has a B.S. in Biology from Winona State University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Baylor University. Dawn specializes in pelvic pain and women�s health issues and is also an orthopedic certified specialist. She presents locally and nationally on physical therapy and women�s health conditions. Dawn has an extensive dance background. She was on her high school and college dance teams and did choreography for both. She has been an instructor at summer dance camps and currently works with the Kasson-Mantorville music and theatre departments creating choreography for musicals and Coffeehouse productions. She is very excited about her new opportunities as a Zumba instructor at Xtreme Fitness.

Jessica White
		Jessica is a wife and mother of four children ages 8, 6, 3, and 2. She participated in gymnastics for 16 years. Jessica helped with community ed gymnastics for 6 years and coached the Byron Varsity gymnastic team for 1 year. Basic gymnastic skills will be taught in her Xtreme Gymnastic classes. Your children will have a fabulous time this summer in Jessica's classes.

Anthony Williams
		Anthony began his journey with yoga in early 2008. He had always had an interest in trying yoga but had not taken the opportunity until one day, at the gym, bored with his usual fitness routine, Anthony decided to try out an L1 yoga class. Walking out of that first class he knew he had discovered something that had the potential to change his life. He felt as though his eyes were truly open for the first time and he was eager to continue exploring the beauty of the mind/body connection through yoga. The personal revelations and spiritual healing that emerged from his practice inspired Anthony to want to share the power of yoga with others through teaching. Anthony completed the Corepower Teaching Certification and began his dream to guide others in their own personal journeys through yoga. Anthony wishes for all his students to experience the peace and healing potential within themselves that can be obtained on the mat and is extremely grateful for the opportunity to be able to connect with and share his love of the practice in his classes.