Gretchen

Gretchen is the manager of SHF, as well as a class instructor. You can usually find her working at the front desk, cleaning ALL. THE. THINGS., or teaching our weekly HIIT class. She is a 2008 graduate of Bluffton University, with a Major in Sport Management and a Minor in Business Administration. From there, Gretchen began working in the fitness industry but took a break to work an office job in 2014 in order to have more time with her young family.

In 2020, Gretchen got back into the fitness industry through teaching here at Strive. When a management position became available with us in 2022, she decided to leave her office job and jump back into the fitness industry full-time! 

I love being here to help everyone achieve their fitness goals.  

At one point I was a soccer and softball player.  Now I enjoy all things cardio and force myself to weight train.  My current fitness goal is muscle definition.  I played sports through college and have never had much definition.

My family has lived in the Loudonville area since 2016.  We enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and recently we have started running 5k's together.

Katie

Katie joined the Strive Team as a personal trainer in 2022 and has since begun working as a class instructor and at the front desk. She is both a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, as well as a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist. Katie completed her bachelor’s of education at Bluffton University where she received a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. While she was there, she also played for their NCAA Division III volleyball team. After college, Katie went on to complete a 1000-hour Dietetic internship at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) as well as a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health. It’s safe to say that Health and Wellness are a top priority for Katie!

When Katie isn’t busy focusing on physical health and wellness, you can find her focusing on her spiritual health at church, spending time with her family, or enjoying time in nature.

I have always been passionate about nutrition and exercise and truly believe in the power of a healthy lifestyle. I strive to teach my clients how to balance fitness and nutrition in everyday life while encouraging short and long-term goal setting practices. My mission as a personal trainer is to help you achieve your goals
and create a self-efficiency that leads to sustainable change.

Jim and Linda

Jim is a Board Certified, Senior Tai Chi Trainer. He has practiced martial arts since the 1970s. Jim has black belts in Tai Kwon Do and Tiamoto and taught classes in Loudonville for over 10 years, as well as in Mansfield & Ashland. As a commissioned officer for the State of Ohio, he taught self-defense at the Ranger and Ohio Peace Officer Academies. After retiring from a long career in the Ohio State Division of Parks and Recreation, he began his study of Tai Chi. Jim studies with Master Trainer Becky Rahe, Dr. Paul Lam, and other master trainers. Jim’s wife, Board Certified Instructor, Linda started her practice of Tai Chi in 2013 after her retirement as a director of Food Services/Licensed Dietitian.