Personal training at the YMCA at Schilling Farms

Get the personal attention, motivation and expertise you need to achieve your health and fitness goals with YMCA personal training.

Our nationally certified YMCA personal trainers are here to serve you and help you reach your fitness goals. They have the knowledge and expertise to develop a safe and effective wellness program to best address your specific needs and interests, including strength, cardiovascular fitness and flexibility. Plus, they're hired for their passion and commitment to upholding the Y's mission to help you reach your fullest potential.

The YMCA understands that everyone is not at the same fitness level, so we accommodate you at your specific level of fitness. Whether you are an avid exerciser or a beginner, you can feel confident knowing that our personal trainers ensure you are being trained in a safe environment and at a comfortable pace. We can assist you with single sessions for those who are self-motivated and just need to get started, or multiple sessions for those who need a little more motivation and coaching.

Personal training sessions are available to YMCA members only, are by appointment only (typically with a 24-hour cancellation policy), and may be provided by YMCA staff trainers only (members may not bring their own personal trainers). Sessions are approximately one hour in length. See a Welcome Center staff member for personal training options and appointments.

Schilling Farms YMCA Personal Trainers

Chris Anderson
Chris is an AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) certified personal trainer. He has a degree in Computer Networking, and is one of only a handful of certified Krav Maga Instructors in this area. After a crippling motorcycle accident in 2003 and 40 add pounds he has returned to his first love, fitness.

"I plan to put the 'personal' back into personal training while providing my clients with a healthy quality of life." - Chris

Rita Connally
Rita is an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certified personal trainer. She had completed the TRX Trainer certification, as well as the Level 2 TRX Sports Medicine Course. She teaches a number of TRX classes, including Senior TRX and TRX Bootcamp. She has attended a variety of workshops focusing on corrective exercise, fascia and trigger point therapy and she uses this knowledge with her clients. Additionally, she is a certified Zumba instructor, a Schwinn Group Cycling instructor, and an Aeropilates Reformer instructor. Rita has worked with clients of all ages and of all levels of ability and disability. She believes exercise should be functional, fun, and allow people to discover the potential inherent in everyone. She believes it is essential to stay current with new happenings in the fitness industry and she attends the IDEA World Fitness Conference annually.

"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." - Rita

Jacob Ford
Jacob is an AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) certified personal trainer. He played high school football and has been boxing in the Golden Gloves since he was 14. He also competes in the open division (college level). Jacob was one of the trainers in our Sports Performance program. He enjoys training all ages and helping everyone achieve their fitness goals. Whether it's building muscle mass or burning fat and trimming down, Jacob can help.

"I plan on using a combination of strength training, cardio, flexibility training, and boxing exercises (one of the best fat burning exercises out there) to help you reach your fitness goals." - Jacob

Allison Kelly
Allison is an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certified personal trainer. "God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and two precious little boys. I attended UTK and the U of M, and graduated with a Bachelors in Business. God has shown me through various trails in my life, that He is faithful. One way He has shown me this is by providing exercise as an outlet. Exercise is an essential part of my life and my passion is to help others. My favorite verse, especially when I workout is:

" 'I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me' (Phil 4:13), because quitting with HIS strength behind me is simply not an option!" - Allison

Jim Kennedy
Jim is an AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) certified personal trainer. He had been a YMCA member for 10 years. He was an amateur boxer at the age of 16 and has been weight training since 1985. He won 1st place in the "Big Bench at the French" over 40 competition in 1998.

"I have a passion for health and fitness and can help you achieve your fitness goals." - Jim

Blair Lanier
Blair is an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor. She has been teaching and training since 2000. Blair is a graduate of Lambuth University and Baptist School of Nursing. She is married to Tim and they have two daughters, Mallory and Grace. They share their home with three dogs. In her spare time, Blair enjoys running, indoor cycling and reading. She strives to help people enjoy fitness and, as a result, lead happier, healthier lives.

Lakein Mayfield
Lakein is an NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) certified personal trainer. She served five years in the Army as a Military Police Officer and completed one tour of duty in South Korea and then an additional tour of duty in Iraq. When she is not busy with her two-year-old daughter Isabella, Lakein enjoys running and weightlifting. Her passion for fitness developed while she was in the service and has led her to pursue a career helping others realize their full fitness potential.

"Those who do not find time for exercise now will have to find time for illness later." - Lakein

Sam Pike
Sam is a certified Krav Maga Instructor, certified KM-X (Youth Self Defense), certified TRX Instructor, and AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) certified personal trainer. He is the lead instructor and founder of Endurance Krav Maga, LLC (Self Defense). He is also a graduate of Northern Montana College. He teaches Krav Maga (Self Defense), Krav Maga Kids, Endurance Heavy Bag, and TRX classes. He discovered Krav Maga while seeking a practical, uncomplicated self defense system that works in real world situations to continue his own martial arts training. Since becoming an Instructor/Trainer, the individual successes of his students and knowing that he has helped people learn how to protect themselves are what makes him enthusiastic about teaching. He has one young son, who also studies Krav Maga.

"I believe everyone has the right to defend themselves. I enjoy helping people become safer and healthier." - Sam

Shannon Stewart
Shannon is an AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) certified personal trainer. She is also a Crossfit Level 1 trainer and Krav Maga Level 1 instructor, and a Certified TRX instructor. Shannon combines her many certifications to provide challenging and varied workout routines. She is ready to put you through the paces with a combination of Crossfit, Krav Maga, and TRX training moves. She's encouraging and motivating so get ready to sweat!

Cindy Vinsonhaler
Cindy has been a Certified Personal Trainer for 30 plus years. She enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities. Cindy has a B.A. in Physical Education and minors in Sports Psychology and Nutrition. She has taught school and coached track and field, gymnastics, and cheerleading. Along with her husband, Brian, she is the owner of the Good Feet Store franchise for the Mid-South. She has specialty certifications in the following areas: Pilates, Yoga, Core, Nutrition, Certified TRX Instructor, Running Coach, Resistance Training, Stability/BOSU Ball, Senior Fitness, Youth Fitness, Plyometrics, Prenatal/Postnatal, Diabetes and more. She is continually taking courses to keep up to date.

"I would love a chance to help you meet your fitness goals. Our first session is free!" - Cindy

Linda Wassmer
Linda is a certified Personal Trainer with the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She has been with the YMCA at Schilling Farms since it opened. Linda has a passion for helping members realize their full fitness potential. She enjoys all aspects of training a client and likes to incorporate cardio, strength, flexibility and balance into every routine for a well-rounded workout. Linda was named to Memphis magazine's 2010 Hot List as one of the area's best personal trainers. I believe people are capable of a lot more than they think.

"Those who don't make time for exercise will eventually have to make time for illness." - Linda