Brian Degerness
Owner
Biography:
I began training in my early 20’s following a major injury, and watched myself go from totally disabled to totally enabled in about two years’ time. Many years of rock climbing, mountaineering and general dirt bagging followed and as I crash into middle life I have no interest in slowing down. Fitness has become a life style, and the harder you train the more fun life becomes. I am looking forward to a great future sharing the helm of the Fitness Connection with the love of my life- surrounded by friends both old and new- this is literally a dream come true. Life’s not a spectator sport, come and join us for the ride!
Gail Rakitnich
Owner, Holistic Nutritionist, and Yoga Instructor
Biography:
Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach, Certified Vinyasa Yoga Instructor, (Gentle Yoga and Chair Yoga Classes)
By incorporating holistic nutrition, yoga and fitness, we offer a unique wellness plan that fits into any lifestyle. Awareness, mindfulness, knowledge, enthusiasm, and willingness to effect change, and step outside of the comfort zone...these are some of the major keys to success. Are you willing to take the leap?
Yoga—Creating beauty and wellness! I teach to educate others on the health and wellness benefits of yoga. Yoga changes the physical body, strengthening and stretches the muscles and helps you change the way you look at the world around you. Yoga helps reduce stress, practice non-judgment, self-awareness & patience. Private or group lessons avail. Call for consultation & pricing options
Josh E
Personal Trainer & Senior Fitness Class Instructor
Biography:
In High School I was a wrestler and multi-sport athlete. After I graduated I was tired of being the skinny guy in my group of friends, so I began weight lifting. Soon I discovered it was my passion. It gave me confidence in every aspect of my life. I gained over 60 pounds of muscle my first year of training. In the summer of 2013 I became a certified personal trainer. My specialty lies in Explosive strength and Muscle hypertrophy, but these are simply my specialties, not my limitations. I have trained people from all walks of life. While still a private, I was put in charge of my squad’s personal training while overseas. I also plan to compete in both bodybuilding and power lifting competitions in the near future. If you have any questions or need a spot don’t be afraid to ask! I might look mean, but that’s just my face.
Lori Nasshahn
Personal Trainer and Senior Fitness, & Strength Class Instructor
Biography:
Re-unions, preventable diseases, longevity, mental and physical health, we all have our reasons – our moment. I remember my moment clearly. I was 40. My second and youngest child was 4. She patted my stomach and said, “Mommy, you have a baby in your tummy.” Ouch! That was it for me. I hit the gym - first with cardio, because that was all I knew how to do. But my love for fitness came when I discovered weight training. As my love for fitness grew, I started noticing people come and go from the gym wanting to change, but not knowing how. My decision to become a personal trainer was not only to increase my own knowledge, but to be able to help others, as well. My passion is to help others find their inner athlete, build confidence, and take control of their health and life.
Whether you are new to fitness or ready to take on a new challenge, I’m here to help you take your reason, your moment and make it happen.
Kristin C
Spin Class Instructor
Biography:
I have been interested in staying fit my entire life. Two years ago I took my first spin class and I was immediately hooked. I took on the challenge of instructing spin class a year ago. I love helping others push their limits and reach their goals! When I am not teaching spin class I am a wife and a mother to our four children. It’s very important when I come home I continue to inspire my family to live a healthy fit life.
Erin B
Barre Class Instructor
Biography:
Fitness has been the biggest part of my life for most of my life. Raised by athletes, an amateur bodybuilder with a Master's degree in Physical Education, a Provincial Champion Gymnast, my Nana an English Diving Champion, my Papa swam the English Channel, you could say it's in my blood.
From professional dance to bodybuilding I've done it all and lived not only to tell about it, but live to bring those experiences to others. The human body is amazing and what it's capable of when given the right treatment, which I firmly believe comes with fulfilling the needs of the individual, is simply remarkable. We were meant to thrive and one of the best ways to do that is to bring people alive through fun and functional forms of exercise.
Multi-cert Master Trainer
200hr RYT Level Yoga Teacher
Fitness Nutritionist
Jen M
Spin Class Instructor
Biography:
My name is Jen and I have been teaching spin class for 8 years. I have my AFAA certification for overall group fitness, and a certification for teaching cycling class. Besides my passion for fitness, family is most important to me. I have been married for 18 years and I'm a proud mom of two wonderful girls!
Karyn M
Spin Class Instructor
Biography:
In school I was a gymnast, dancer, cheerleader, cross country track & field. I was active and very fit. After getting married and a job where I sat all day, things changed I needed to get serious about losing some weight and regaining the life I loved. I started taking fitness classes and fell back in love with being active. I became an ACE Certified Fitness Instructor. I reclaimed my excitement about health and fitness and I lost 65 pounds! I am so passionate, so much that I became a Master Instructor. I love it all; fitness classes, body building, dance, cycling and kickboxing! As a Master instructor, I have trained dozens of fitness instructors and I even teach Ballet and Tap dance to children. My latest certification is TRX.
I have two daughters and one son. I own Scappoose Outfitters. Check out my early morning spin class! You’ll feel energy all day afterward!
Katy V
Vinyasa Yoga, Strength & Conditioning, Summer Jam Instructor
Biography:
Paula W
Zumba Class Instructor
Biography:
Hi, I’m Paula and I love teaching Zumba classes. The work-out is fun and effective for toning and slimming your entire body. The work out is basically watch and follow. The moves are repeated often enough for you to catch on and they’re not complicated. The routines are repeated week after week with new additions every now and then to spice things up and challenge the mind and body. Since discovering Zumba I have never felt more in shape or more confident about myself! The atmosphere that is created in a Zumba class is absolutely intoxicating, the energy is exciting and I LOVE being able to share that feeling! Whether you decide to come to lose weight, dance with a group of people, listen to the awesome music or just to leave your worries behind for an hour, I promise that you will get improve your health and have fun getting fit the Zumba® way!
Licensed ZUMBA® Fitness Instructor
Tim R
Personal Trainer, BootCamp & Core Fusion Class Instructor
Biography:
I have a passion for results. Whether it is in my job as a real estate professional, or working with gym members to achieve their goals, I love driving improvement! I live by the motto "Your fitness success isn't determined by you against everyone else, but rather, you against yourself yesterday." I've lived in Scappoose my entire life. Married to Breanna, a Nurse Practitioner. Graduate of PSU My interests are basketball, marketing, and music. Currently working toward my Personal Training Certification.