STAFF/ TRAINERS/ INSTRUCTORS

Christine Neu has been a certified Group Instructor for 35 years, has been a certified Personal trainer for 20 years, Spin certified for 14 years. Christine has worked for the Montana Athletic Club for 24 years as, a class instructor, personal trainer, sales associate, front desk manager, daycare manager, and currently Fitness Director for the

Ella moved to Montana from Texas in 1998, finding a home at Eagle Bend in Bigfork. While living in Texas, she worked at a CPA firm in Dallas. Ella enjoys golf, hiking and working out at the MAC. But mostly golfing.

I have been working at the Front Desk for the past 10 wonderful years! My husband Paul and I have been members of the club since it opened in 1993. We have raised three boys here in Bigfork and the MAC has been a huge part of that. Working here at the MAC has given me an opportunity to be an extended family member of the Bigfork community. It's a great place to work, work out, gather to see old friends, or make new ones!!

Coming soon.

Coming Soon.

Hayley was born in California, but moved to Montana at an early age where she learned that having an adventure is one of the best feelings ever. She practices Brazilian Jujitsu, has lofty dreams of being an actress and stunt woman, and loves God with all her heart. She also plans on competing on American Ninja Warrior in a few years, and will always do her best to make everyone smile and feel absolutely loved.

Coming soon.

Gigi is a devoted wife, mom, grandma, and dog lover; and has been a fitness enthusiast since 1994, lifting weights and training her own body. She loves working out and experienced a major transformation in her physique. She believes exercise can be fun, and hard work doesn’t have to be miserable. She specializes in bodybuilding

Gigi is LeMond Cycling Instructor certified, ACE Personal Trainer certified, and has taught various classes at M.A.C. since 2002. She has experience in elderly care, physical therapy, and various women’s issues. She advocates safety, as well as aggressive, result-oriented training. She can help you transform your body and reach your goals.

Craig graduated from CU at Bolder, majoring in Economics and has a minor in Finance. He is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, specializing in Sports injury Rehab and is a Certified Insanity Instructor. Craig suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2010 and worked to overcome and then succeeded in turning the injury into a positive

Craig suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2010 and worked to overcome and then succeeded in turning the injury into a positive experience. Craig’s hard work and dedication to fitness and commitment are evident in his professionalism and genuine concern for his clients. Craig has come full circle embracing his expertise in sports and sports injury.

Craig and his boys live in Bigfork. Active in our community, Craig coaches wrestling, football and baseball. His interests include: outdoor exercise, weight-lifting, skiing, hiking, biking and, most importantly, playing with his two sons!

Contact Craig for a customized personal training program that will be easy to follow, and results that are quick and sustaining.

Diane is a graduate of MSU with a degree in Exercise Physiology and a minor in nutrition. She is ACSM Health / Fitness Instructor certified, LeMond Cycling Instructor certified, and PhysicalMind Institute Pilates Instructor certified. She has extensive experience in Physical Rehabilitation, Cardiac Phase IV Rehabilitation, and Functional Fitness. She has trained individuals in post-surgery and injury rehabilitation, weight loss, and sports conditioning. She also teaches a variety of group fitness classes.

Like most people, Diane has to discipline herself to exercise. But she loves what it does for her and how it makes her feel. Her favorite activity is running outdoors in the fresh Montana air. She and her husband have four children and she spends every spare minute with them.

Certifications: NASM – Certified Personal Trainer, Insanity, Oula, Oula POWER, Les Mills Grit Ione was born and raised in Canada. She grew up in a Kenora, a small town on Lake of the Woods, in NW Ontario. She has a BA in English and French Literature, and is able to put together succinct sentences while

Ione was born and raised in Canada. She grew up in a Kenora, a small town on Lake of the Woods, in NW Ontario. She has a BA in English and French Literature, and is able to put together succinct sentences while pursuing her passion for fitness, fun, and most of all, her family. She has three sons, and together they have shared many wilderness adventures.

Ione is passionate about leading a fit and healthy lifestyle, inspiring others and she is passionate about enhancing the quality of lives of the people she encounters. She
teaches swimming lessons, and coaches the swim club at the MAC. She offers personal training both on land and in the pool. She is known for helping people stay motivated throughout their fitness journey and specializes in transforming their health and body through fitness and proper nutrition. Ione’s Fitness Philosophy: “Attitude is Everything”. You are in the hands of a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor that is going to help you get the most out of every single session and class and who will
give you the accountability and support you need.

In 2008 Susan found herself weighting over 200lbs so she came to the MAC tired and on a mission to get back on track. After putting in lots of hard work and dedication she lost 70lbs and found a new love for the gym and her healthy lifestyle. It is the same love and dedication to health and fitness that she brings along with her into teaching classes and personal training at the gym.

She teaches water aerobics, toning classes, TRX, and does personal training at the Montana Athletic Club. She has worked with clients on weight loss goals, pre and post op knee and hip replacement surgery, cardiac surgery rehab, high school athletes, and even personal trains in the pool.

Susan has been personal training at the MAC since 2016 and is a National Registered EMT with the Bigfork Fire Department.

Growing up with a pharmacist mother and a teacher-counselor father, I have always been around health and education in some form. Then, at the time I was a pre-nursing student at California State University Chico, I realized that my interests were centered more around pre-sickness health; diet, exercise, lifestyle choices and how these play such a significant role in overall health. Food had also always played a big role in my life. I put myself through school working in the restaurant business. This resulted in my achieving a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. After half of a lifetime in the Food Service Industry, I decided to return to my roots. Holistic Health and Nutrition Coaching is a perfect fit.

I work with the full spectrum of clients with quite varied needs (weight loss, more energy, better moods, better sleep, getting off medications…) and help put them on the path to their health and wellness goals with tailored nutritional and lifestyle strategies.

Janis is a Board Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

Terri and her family are thrilled to have made Montana their home for over twenty years. She is an experienced Personal Trainer, Physical Therapy Technician and passionate about the positive impact of fitness. Terri has earned professional certification as both a Personal Trainer and Certified Strength Coach through the NCSF – NCCA Accreditation.

Terri has earned professional certification as both a Personal Trainer and Certified Strength Coach through the NCSF – NCCA Accreditation. Her experience with injury prevention through proper form, with the understanding and ability to bring clients of all fitness levels to their potential, are valuable traits she offers. Functional fitness to include HIIT training, body weight exercises and strength/conditioning are her areas of focus and expertise.

Terri’s participation in and support of fitness have been a constant; however, an accident resulting in a broken back, six months of paralysis and a two year physical rehabilitative journey are the impetus for her immense passion and experience in the benefit of maintaining fitness. Terri earned her BS degree in Business Administration, then her MBA; she previously enjoyed a career in corporate business. A number of years ago she pursued her passion for fitness and changed direction.

Enjoying life on the cherry orchard with her wonderful husband, she is also a mother and proud Grandma. She enjoys training herself and others, a paddle-board with her husband, an occasional Spartan race, or hiking a local trail. She enjoys offering a variety of training programs that are specifically tailored to you and your needs. She cares enough to be a tough little trainer but also insists on including a good laugh!

I bring years of my own fitness, wellness and a firm belief that most anyone with a desire can reach their fitness goals with guidance and support. It’s my desire to help and support people with that desire. Both myself and everyone at M Team will be with you every step of the way. I will help you find your path to health and wellness.

I worked as an addictions counselor for 18 years, I’m a certified personal trainer with the American College of Sports Medicine, and a Wellness coach, trained with Wellcoaches School of Coaching.

Though they don’t give out degrees for it my greatest challenge and joy has been the privilege of raising five amazing daughters. Who are all healthy and loving all that life has to offer here in the Flathead.

I’ve lived in and loved the Flathead valley for 33 years, where I enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and cross-country skiing. I want to see others have a level of fitness and health to enjoy this area, and if they like, the great outdoors of Montana!

Cord Prettyman is an IDEA Master Personal Trainer, who has been certified by the American Council on Exercise, American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association and the YMCA. He has worked in the fitness industry since September of 1988 and has served over the years as a Fitness Center Supervisor for the YMCA, Health and Fitness Director for the Laguna Hills Chiropractic Center, General Manager for Nautilus Aerobics Plus Health Club, Strength Trainer for the Accident Rehabilitation Center, Co-Owner of the Personal Touch Health Club and Rehabilitation Center and Owner and Personal Trainer for the Absolute Workout Fitness and Post-Rehab Studio.

Cord designed and directly supervised the fitness training program for Mrs. California 1992 in preparation for the 1993 MRS. USA. Pageant, which she won. He served as her personal trainer throughout her reign as MRS. USA. Cord has also trained numerous tennis pros from the tennis staff at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. And, he has lectured about and taught sea kayaking on both the east and west coasts.

He has lectured extensively on health and fitness throughout California and Colorado and has taught classes in certification workshops for the American College of Sports Medicine. For 23-years, Cord wrote a weekly fitness column entitled “Fit & Healthy” for the Pikes Peak Courier newspaper, which serves all of Teller County and parts of El Paso County in Colorado. He has also been published in numerous health and fitness magazines over the years.

Cord has over 40,000 hours of hands-on personal training experience working with both the physically fit and the physically challenged. He has extensive experience designing functional fitness and core conditioning programs for those who are training to improve the quality of their life. Cord has also trained professional, recreational and scholastic athletes as well as clients training for specific athletic events, such as climbing Fourteeners, the Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent, mountain and touring cycling events and a variety of endurance contests.

Today, Cord’s interest is in – but not limited to – designing and implementing programs for Pre-Surgery and Post-Rehab joint replacement clients as well as clients with auto-immune disorders, chronic pain and movement issues. He has worked with numerous clients over the years with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Chemical Sensitivity, Epstein Barr, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Myasthenia Gravis, Diabetes and Cancer.

Cord prides himself in being conservative in his training approach and interactive while training his clients. He is dedicated to educating his clients in the arena of health and fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. Cord is passionate in his pursuit of continuing education to ensure that his clients have access to the very latest health and fitness information and expertise. He sees his job as a personal trainer as designing, implementing and motivating his clients in safe and effective client-specific fitness programs.
Cord, his wife Lizzie and their dog Annie Fanny relocated from the mountains of Colorado to Bigfork on May 1, 2020. When asked “How are you doing,” his immediate response is “I woke up today in Montana, so I’m good.”

An experienced wellness professional with a high level of knowledge and a strong sense of integrity. Wade believes in a holistic, homeopathic approach to health and fitness. He was born and raised in San Diego, CA, is a husband and a family man. He is certified by The "National Exercise and Sports Training Association", NCAA accredited. An avid outdoorsman and a lover of nature's flora and fauna.

Snow was a firefighter reserve for Heartland Fire and graduated from paramedic school, (EMSTA Class #3).
He trained in advanced prehospital life support, (medical and trauma), fire suppression, rescue and wildland operations. Third degree burns and a subsequent hospitalization, including multiple skin grafts from a training fire led to his departure from the emergency medical field. Wade loved being a firefighter, helping others in need and emergency medicine.

In the years that followed, he founded, owned and operated a personal training gym, Jump Start Fitness, LLC, for over 10 years in southern CA prior to relocating to Bigfork, Montana. Wade dedicated his life in assisting his clients' transformations of their mind-body-spirit complex. JSF was initially a mobile business of portable weights and equipment for individualized training sessions. It grew into a private, commercial-leased, store-front studio. Training programs were specific to client goals, skill levels and took into account injuries and limitations. Nutrition, inspiration/motivation, musculoskeletal stimulation and cardiovascular training concepts were the primary focus.

Become the best version of yourself spiritually, mentally and physically . Do the best you can with what you have, because that's plenty. Absorb the precious now-moment and the universe will yield to your will and unfolding. Live your dreams.

As far back as I can remember, I have always been interested in some form of physical activity. It started at a young age with gymnastics and later it was all that Montana had to offer in outdoor recreation and sports.

When I was in my 40s, I began to have issues with my joints and tendons. I was in and out of physical therapy and struggled to stay active. I eventually found a trainer that inspired me with his approach and I became determined to learn all I could about Personal Training and Corrective Exercise. This was incredibly enriching for me and slowly but surely I learned to heal myself through movement and nutrition and finally saw the progress I had been craving. I am no longer in physical therapy, and more importantly, I have developed a love of consistent movement in the gym. Now I want to help others do the same. I want to help you build and maintain your strength and endurance and restore your range of motion. I want to help you achieve a body that you love; a body that will work for you when you ask it to. I want to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be.

When I’m not in the gym, you just might catch me on the trail with my four-legged workout buddy, Bella! We’re always out on some adventure!

A compassionate and knowledgeable wellness professional with a strong desire to bond functionality with fitness. Taylor approaches fitness with the mentality that the efforts we make towards bettering our physical health translate into our overall well being. She and her boyfriend relocated from Michigan to Montana with the intention to chase the American dream of working hard, planting roots, and growing their life surrounded by mountains. She is certified by the International Sports Science Association. If you don’t see Taylor at the gym, you can find her playing in the lake, walking her dog, Odin, or hiking on the many beautiful trails in the area.

During her undergraduate years at Butler University, Taylor discovered her passion for fitness and personal development through group training. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Risk Management, Taylor began to focus on her own fitness journey as well as professional growth. Over the years, she started to understand the impact that “Diet Culture” had on her relationship with food, fitness, and mental health. With that in mind, she decided it was time for her to not only heal those relationships for herself, but to share that journey with others and walk alongside them in their own journey to wellness. She is now a small group training instructor, a fitness coach, writes custom workout programs, meal prep guides, and is personal training.

Taylor specializes in functional fitness training, strength training, mobility training, and joint rehabilitation exercises. She cares deeply about her clients and finds the most value through helping clients through an experience that makes them happy, confident, and strong.

“With self-discipline, most anything is possible.” - Theodore Roosevelt

“I believe that everyone deserves the energy to pursue the quality of life they desire.”

Janis is a Board Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners

Growing up with a pharmacist mother and a teacher-counselor father, I have always been around health and education in some form. Then, at the time I was a pre-nursing student at California State University Chico, I realized that my interests were centered more around pre-sickness health; diet, exercise, lifestyle choices and how these play such a significant role in overall health. Food had also always played a big role in my life. I put myself through school working in the restaurant business. This resulted in my achieving a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. After half of a lifetime in the Food Service Industry, I decided to return to my roots. Holistic Health and Nutrition Coaching is a perfect fit.

I work with the full spectrum of clients with quite varied needs (weight loss, more energy, better moods, better sleep, getting off medications…) and help put them on the path to their health and wellness goals with tailored nutritional and lifestyle strategies.

A Holistic Health and Nutrition Program Includes:

-Two 50-Minute sessions per month for six months
-Support Materials such as recipes, articles, books, cds
-Regular email dialogue
-Special events, group seminars, workshops, guest speakers
-Complete Confidentiality

Contact Janis to schedule your appointment today:
406-261-9388
JBartonHealthCoach@yahoo.com

Jan Olson has taught Silver Sneakers for the past seven years and loves her job and the wonderful people in her classes! Her emphasis is on “Fun, Fitness, and Friends”. Her full body workouts include low impact aerobics in addition to strength, flexibility and balance training. She utilizes resistance bands, hand held weights and small balls to work all areas of the body.

Jan is a retired educator from Helena, MT, who moved to the Swan Valley in 2007. She is the proud mother of two girls and a devoted grandparent of four GRANDchildren ranging from age 7-21. She enjoys hiking, golfing, cooking, travelling and volunteering at her church and other organizations.

I was born and raised in Boise Idaho but my mother grew up in the valley so I have always had a special place in my heart for this area. I moved to Montana to go to school and play soccer at Carroll College where I graduated in 2012 with a Health Science degree. After living in Helena for almost 10 years my husband and I moved to Bigfork in 2017 and love where we live. We enjoy adventuring with our 2 pups and being outside and active as much as possible.

Christine Neu has been a certified Group Instructor for 35 years, has been a certified Personal trainer for 20 years, Spin certified for 14 years. Christine has worked for the Montana Athletic Club for 24 years as, a class instructor, personal trainer, sales associate, front desk manager, daycare manager, and currently Fitness Director for the last several years. She is married with two grown boys, loves Bigfork and her job!

Certifications: NASM – Certified Personal Trainer, Insanity, Oula, Oula POWER, Les Mills
Ione was born and raised in Canada. She grew up in a Kenora, a small town on Lake of the Woods, in NW Ontario. She has a BA in English and French Literature, and is able to put together succinct sentences while pursuing her passion for fitness, fun, and most of all, her family. She has three sons, and together they have shared many wilderness adventures.

Ione is passionate about leading a fit and healthy lifestyle, inspiring others and she is passionate about enhancing the quality of lives of the people she encounters. She
teaches swimming lessons, and coaches the swim club at the MAC. She offers personal training both on land and in the pool. She is known for helping people stay motivated throughout their fitness journey and specializes in transforming their health and body through fitness and proper nutrition. Ione’s Fitness Philosophy: “Attitude is Everything”. You are in the hands of a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor that is going to help you get the most out of every single session and class and who will
give you the accountability and support you need.

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Leona and her family moved here 13 years ago from NY and haven’t looked back. The move was to be closer to family and have a better lifestyle for their daughter. Lauren (14). When not teaching at the club Leona works as a hospitality consultant around the country and at Flathead Lake Lodge. Leona and her family are also concessionaires for Forest Service campgrounds around Georgetown lake. They love to ski, hike, play on the lake and love the MT lifestyle.

I welcome anyone to join my high energy cardio,balance moves, and yoga water workout. I am currently water aerobic certified and water yoga certified and have been teaching for 22 years. Come join the fun!

Shawna is a Montana native who attended school in Bigfork from Kindergarten through her senior year. She played basketball, volleyball and ran track for Bigfork High School and has always had a love for being an athlete.

After high school she spent 8 years in Arizona attending University for a short time, beginning a career as a professional portrait photographer, and marrying her High School sweetheart. Shawna and her husband moved back to Montana in 2007 to raise their two amazing kids.

Shawna joined the Montana Athletic Club team in February of 2018 to teach the Sprint class as part of the launch of LesMills to the club. She loves encouraging others to work really hard and push for positive change in fitness and in life.

Did you know there IS such a thing as working out and having fun doing it? I challenge you to a workout that will leave you sweaty and anxiously waiting to come back for more! How can this be possible, you
ask? THE MUSIC! It’s all about the MUSIC! I spend countless hours designing various types of rides… themed rides, drills, timed trials, watt tests, as well as welcoming song requests from my
riders! Every ride is different so you’ll NEVER get bored! Don’t wait any longer! Come see for yourself and join my amazing “spin family”! You won’t be disappointed!

I have been teaching spin classes at the MAC since 2014. I am spin certified through Mad Dogg as well as Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Along with spin, I am also a certified Les Mills Step Aerobics instructor.

I grew up in a small town in Eastern Washington. I attended Eastern Washington University on a basketball scholarship while completing my Elementary Education degree.

I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, Jason, and two adult kids, Rakiah and Gabe.

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I have been involved in athletics my entire life. From running track in college, to playing racquetball, riding horses, and working out. I had to return to California in 2002 for my work and while there got involved with Yoga and swimming. I gave up the rigors of running as one day my body rebelled and no longer wanted to continue that long time habit. I became a Yoga teacher, and have taught at the Club since 2008. I also like using the stair stepper, elliptical, weights, and swimming. I have always been affiliated with an athletic club and Montana Athletic Club is by far the best club I have ever been involved with, from its friendliness, amenities, and wide range of activities.

My personal practice and teaching has evolved from a more rigorous style to a gentler approach, more tuned in with my body awareness, breathing, alignment, and posture. My class, Comfort Yoga, combines these elements to keep the body flexible, strong, and balanced. I value keeping body and mind moving with ease and flow. My mantra is, “Whatever Arises, Love that!”

Yoga, to me, is about coming together as a community in a safe a loving environment, exploring our breath, our bodies and our sense of playful adventure! This time together allows us to focus on reconnecting with our true selves without the distractions of the world. Ego is left outside the room and we work on accepting where we are, right now. Remember that it is called “yoga practice” and not “yoga perfect”. The secret to having a strong, graceful, flexible body……keep coming to yoga. If you make it to class, the rest will take care of itself. I am humbled and privileged to be with each week and I look forward to seeing you soon. Namaste.

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Michelle Wiggins has been an instructor at Montana Athletic Club since 2006. She instructs group classes four times a week and is available for Private Personal Training in each of these areas as well. It is her goal to help each member of her classes to build a strong body, with a mindful connection to how our body operates most efficiently, and progressively helping people meet their fitness and wellness goals. Her greatest joy comes from seeing people make positive gains in their consistent efforts to benefit from their membership at the MAC. She enjoys participating in community events that require physical activity, such as the Spartan Races, Paddlefest, as well as snowboarding, downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, hiking and any other adventurous ways to explore Montana. She is the mother of 4 children and 2 grandchildren, so staying fit is important for her to engage in these activities with her family.

Lesli Skidgell is a Level 3 Peak Classical Pilates Instructor since 2011. In 2016, Lesli certified with Pure Pilates in Laguna Niguel, CA. Lesli is also a trained Yoga Instructor from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco(1999-2001). Lesli"s teaching approach is based on increasing mobility and flexibility while creating classes that are unique to the individual or group. Lesli's passion is a commitment to continued education in her field and sharing that information with her students.
Lesli has a unique approach to teaching..."I really enjoy teaching a more classical session with beginners, the repetitive order of Joseph Pilates Methode builds confidence within the student. My classes lean to the contemporary art of Pilates adding variation to the Reformer, Tower and MVE Chair."
Lesli brings a diverse background in holistic health with a 25 year history in therapeutic body work including deep tissue, Swedish and reflexology massage. In 1991 she was appointed "Best Of Austin" in her massage therapy practice. Lesli is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and Whole Foods chef. Other interests include; golf, travel, sailing, fine dining, time in nature and dog walking!

Testimonials:
"Lesli Skidgell is a Pilates Trainer Extraordinaire! No lesson is the same. She is always working different muscle groups and concentrating on balance. She is simply amazing! A true definition of a professional trainer!" Sandra M.

"For the past several years Lesli has been helping us keep moving by tailoring our Pilates to increase flexibility, balance and strength, so we can continue to manage our sustainable family forest. She makes it fun for us and is an excellent instructor!" Mary, Don G.

"I have been practicing Pilates Reformer for at least 17 years. Lesli is a talented and knowledgable instructor. She has Literally transformed my body through difficult physical challenges I have had most of my life. It is obvious she is passionate about her work. I look forward to each class and hope she never retires!" Denise G.

"I am an avid weight lifter. I was receiving several chiropractic adjustments per month when my chiropractor encouraged me to get into Pilates or Yoga to increase my flexibility. After months of Pilates, I no longer need Chiropractic services. I give credit to Lesli and her ability to coach me in Pilates." Patrick S.