Your Team

Connie Rice

Group Fitness Instructor | Personal Trainer

Unlike many trainers, I did not grow up participating in sports and had no experience whatsoever in an active lifestyle—until I moved to Aspen in my early 20s. The lifestyle of the Roaring Fork Valley prompted me to join in and become active myself. This led me to sharing what I learned with others. The desire to help people achieve a healthy lifestyle and meet their fitness goals motivated me to obtain my personal trainer certification. In addition, I have worked in the sports medicine field for many years. This has given me a unique perspective and knowledge which I integrate into my personal training.

As your personal trainer I will assess where you are currently, set goals with you, create a program/plan for you, and coach and motivate you to stick with it so those goals can be achieved. Consistency over time is the cornerstone that I emphasize, and the nutritional component is not overlooked. Although hard work, I think most workouts should be fun and empowering.

I am a certified American Council on Exercise personal trainer, a certified TRX instructor, and am trained to teach SpinPower indoor cycling. Other skills include small group and one-on-one training—from teens to seniors. I love learning and keeping current about health and fitness and currently am working towards a certificate as an Orthopedic Exercise Specialist.
My hobbies include running, hiking, skiing and biking, spending time with my husband and also giving back to our community.

Sara Broome

Personal Trainer | Group Instructor | Plant-Based Nutrition Coach

NASM – CPT, CES, WLS, YSS
Cornell – Plant-Based Nutrition
TRX
AFAA – Primary Group Fitness Les Mills

Sara B is a long time local who played all the sports and continues to enjoy everything the Colorado outdoor playground offers. When not at TAC, you will find her bombing down the snow-covered mountains, running the trails up and down the valley, camping off-grid or chasing the sunset to find the best “magic hour” viewpoint.

Sara B is an experienced trainer of over 10 years with NASM Certifications for overall Personal Training, Weight Loss, Corrective Exercise and even Youth Sports. She is also certified through Cornell University on plant-based nutrition to complete your healthy lifestyle goals! As she likes to coach, “80% of your workout success comes from proper nutrition to fuel your efforts.”

Sara B is here to get you to your next level whether that’s stepping up your athletic performance, weight loss, ski, and snowboard training, thriving as a senior or maintaining your overall fitness and health.

Emily White

Personal Trainer | Group Instructor | Performance Coach

Accreditations:

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), CPT
Hatha Yoga Instructor, 200 hour
Functional Movement Systems (FMS), Levels 1 & 2 Certification

I love helping athletes of all ages move better. In my younger years, I played many sports and felt most alive when I was challenging my body to perform. I ran to stay in shape for other sports and then found myself dropping into a space of joy and ease as I attuned to my breath and connected to my own rhythm. This led to a desire to challenge my body more and more as I prepared for my first marathon. Since then, I’ve loved training for athletic pursuits and allowing myself to relax into my true strength.

Along the way, I had to work through injuries from compensation patterns I had developed overtime. I half-heartedly did my PT exercises and I thought my young and resilient body would heal itself. It didn’t. Back in Vermont, I had the good fortune to work with an adept fitness trainer that helped me become strong, nimble and fit, which fueled my desire to do the work.

I landed in Colorado in 2011 and became part of the the team at Independence Run & Hike in Carbondale. This was a perfect transition from my previous job managing a run center in Vermont, where I had developed a keen eye for analyzing and detecting imbalances in runners gait patterns. This work lead me to immerse myself in 5 Gems Yoga Teacher Training, which opened the door for me to cultivate a more intimate relationship with my body as well as a refined method for strengthening my body from the inside out. Soon after, I joined S.P.O.R.T. PT in Carbondale as a PT Aide and spent the next four years learning how to help folks rehab from injury and surgery. I became a N.A.S.M. personal trainer in 2016 and have been helping folks get back to doing the activities they love ever since.

My goal is to help you feel better in your body and teach you why, how and what you need to engage or lengthen to move with less effort and more ease. My approach is collaborative, exploratory and thoughtful. It is important to me that you are using proper postural alignment when you load any pattern. I am dedicated to helping you coordinate your movements through life, in a healthy and sustainable way.

Karla Salas

Front Desk Staff | Personal Trainer | Performance Coach

I grew up in the valley and graduated from Aspen high School in 2012. I spent four years in Oregon at Pacific University where I received my BA in Business Management. I grew up playing sports but fell in love with lacrosse and ended up playing two years in college. In my last year of college, I tragically lost a family member which brought me back to live in the valley. That’s where my true health and fitness journey began.

I avoided the grief I was experiencing and abused my relationship with food. My emotional and physical health suffered because of it. Before I even knew it I had gained all this weight and lost all and any motivation to do to the activities that I loved. After spending almost a year and half letting self pity take over I finally found the strength to overcome my embarrassment and join a gym.

After spending 3 years at TAC not only was I 40+ pounds down but I was creating a normal routine, a healthy relationship with food, and found a positive headspace again. Once I began working for TAC I knew that I wanted to inspire other people in their life no matter what they might be experiencing. General fitness has become my new passion, because it’s brought new challenges and milestones in my life that I never thought I’d see myself achieving. Getting to where I am today got me to pursue my personal training certification as I want to be that person to push you one second longer when just when you think you can’t do it anymore.

When I am not at the front desk or coaching a Performance Center class, you’ll now find me all in black discovering new trails to hike or run.

Bryant Matthiessen

Assistant Manager

Favorite Quote: “True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united.” – Wilhelm von Humboldt

Jennifer Mendez

Lead Personal Fitness Trainer | Performance Center Co-Director

Accreditations:

Personal Trainer/Instructor
CHEK BioMechanics Certified
TPI Certified – Level 2 Golf Fitness Professional
Functional Movement Screen Certified
NASM – Sports Fitness Specialist
NSCA-CSCS Certified

I use a wide variety of fitness tools to bring out the Best in You. My workouts are fun and challenging and will push you in a direction based on your specific goals and needs.

When I left the accounting field in 1998 to pursue my interest in fitness, it immediately became a passion. I have extensive training and certifications which all complement my belief that anyone can have improved posture, flexibility & strength at any age. I specialize in the biomechanics of the body to help each client excel in their sport including golf, tennis, running, skiing, endurance training as well as general fitness. I have a talent for helping my clients overcome back pain and balance issues as well as improving posture, fitness endurance and injury prevention.

I also believe that the body is a system of systems that all work together and feed off each other. I want to help you to discover more about how your body moves and how you can train to feel better, become more energized and stay moving pain free for the many years to come!

Jen has over 30 certifications in the fitness/health field including:

Golf BioMechanics (at the renowned CHEK Institute)
TPI Golf Fitness Professional – Level 1 & 2 (Titleist Performance Institute)
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
National Academy Sports Medicine (NASM) – CPT & Sports Fitness Specialist
Integrated Flexibility Training (through NASM)
Scientific Back & Scientific Core (CHEK Institute)
Advanced Metabolic Typing Advisor (finding yours and what foods work best for you)
Nutrition Lifestyle Coach (CHEK Institute)

I am a Dallas native and graduated from University of North Texas with an Accounting degree. I have been doing various races since 1992 — road & trail runs, adventure races, triathlons, marathons, ultra-marathons, winter up-hill races, etc. I also enjoy golfing, biking, hiking and eating! I moved to the valley in 2009 and absolutely love the energy and activity of the Roaring Fork Valley.

Kate Lokken

Performance Center Co-Director & Coach
ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
FMS Level 1
StrongFirst SFG1

Originally from Iowa, I moved to the Roaring Fork Valley 12 years ago. A collegiate athlete in both volleyball and basketball, I have been active my whole life, with a passion for fitness, sport, and nutrition since a young age. I worked with the Aspen Club for several years, developing and executing programs focused around whole health, including the Younger Next Year Total Immersion retreats, a lifestyle change program on how to move better, feel better, and connect into your 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. I have been fortunate to work under and with some of the best physical therapists, trainers, instructors, and professionals in the industry.

My training philosophy is to improve performance in everyone, no matter the fitness level. Mobility, stability, and proper movement patterns allow individuals to do what they love at all ages. To achieve longevity in health and fitness, it’s critical to emphasize safe and effective foundation training and programming that will enhance the lives of any client. Increases in strength and endurance in the gym transfer into our everyday activities. I work with a variety of individuals, including young athletes, those who strive to manage weight, and those who simply want to feel better by training in the right way to manage or eliminate pain. I believe that by addressing all components of our health (mental, emotional, physical), it gives us the best chance at attaining goals and creating sustainable, lasting change, with exercise being the catalyst.

In addition to being Co-Director of the Performance Center, I serve as the Director of Development for TAC and as a board member of TACcess to Health, a non-profit providing assistance to our community by empowering access to health and wellness, resources and education.

In my free time, you’ll often find me on the volleyball or basketball court, trying out a new sport or activity, or paddle boarding in the summer on the water. I love spending time with my family, my friends, and my dog and taking advantage of the many things this community has to offer.

Carly Kramer

Personal Trainer | BirthFit Coach | Prenatal Training & Postpartum Recovery

Carly Kraemer

NASM-CPT, BIRTHFIT Coach

Having always been interested in fitness and nutrition, I am enthusiastic about constantly learning and expanding my knowledge of whole body health. Passionate about empowering individuals through intentional movement, a positive growth mindset, ongoing education and cultivating a deeper connection to their body, I am thrilled to be working with clients at TAC, where the approach to wellness encompasses all aspects of health.

I love experiencing the different ways in which my body can move and experiencing the result of consistent training and discipline. I also fully embrace the concept that life consists of different seasons in which our abilities and goals change and evolve- whether that be year-to-year or day-to-day. A successful and sustainable training program honors that ebb and flow to maximize benefit for the individual in the long term.

As a BIRTHFIT Coach, I am especially passionate about helping women during the parenthood transition by providing prenatal training and postpartum recovery in a supportive, safe, and encouraging environment.

One of the aspects of training I find most rewarding is seeing a client progress towards their goals, realize their potential, and become more at home in their body.

Kylee Van Horn

Sports Dietician

For as long as I can remember, I have been an athlete. As a young child, I grew up running with my dad down the country roads of South Central Pennsylvania. A hobby transitioned to a passion, as I achieved many state medals and school records in middle and high school. I ran cross country and track and field on full scholarship for both the University of Richmond and Metropolitan State University. Post collegiately, longing for mountains and a change of pace, I moved to Colorado and never looked back. In 2012, I attempted to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the marathon but was just shy of the qualifying time. My current athletic pursuits include: trail and mountain running/racing, cycling, and ski mountaineering. In my free time, I also lead the Maroon Belles, a women’s trail running group in the valley, and race direct the Aspen Valley Marathon and Half Marathon.

Nutrition is a key piece of health and performance that many people overlook, even though food is deeply engrained in our lives. My passion for nutrition grew as I realized the overwhelming amount of misinformation that is given to the public on a daily basis. In 2013, I went back to school to obtain my B.S in Human Nutrition from Metropolitan State University and most recently completed my practicum hours of my Dietetic Internship with the University of Northern Colorado.

I strive to dig deeper with clients by critically analyzing nutrition status, simplifying evidence based nutrition information, and restructuring lifestyle habits to work towards their health goals. I use current evidence based medical nutrition therapy practices that integrate Eastern and Western nutrition principles to guide my recommendations. My specialties include: sports and performance nutrition, digestive issues, integrative nutrition, and weight management. I look forward to helping people unlock their missing piece to optimal health!

Stephanie Power Smith

Lead Fitness Instructor

At the age of 15, I was introduced to the world of group fitness at the first all women’s facility in Gainesville, Fla., and fell in love with it immediately. I was hooked! The comfort of feeling safe, surrounded by strong, amazing and energized women was incredible. It was the perfect start to my journey into health and fitness. My favorite class was Step Aerobics (remember that?) and it gave me the stamina and strength to pursue my next goal…running! I became an avid runner and couldn’t get enough of it; participating in every 5K possible, then 10K, and finally reaching my goal of completing two half marathons (which in my mind equals 1 full marathon!)

Upon completing my degree at the University of Florida in Health and Human Performance, I made my way to beautiful Aspen, Colorado for a “short stay” with a good friend to finish out the ski season in February of 1992, and never looked back. I have happily called the Roaring Fork Valley home for over 25 years, I have a wonderful husband, Tim, and 2 amazing children…Jacob, my 16 year old son and Jenna, my 13 year old daughter. I found a niche in the hospitality and tourism industry working for several businesses and organizations but my passion was always fitness. It was in 2008 that my life changed…I found BODYPUMP. It was the first time I was truly inspired to become a fitness instructor and not just a participant. I completed my certification in Les Mills BODYPUMP in 2014, followed by my certification in Les Mills Born to Move program, inspiring young people to fall in love with physical activity at an early age. I then became certified in Moi Cycle followed by TRX Training in order to offer a well-rounded selection of fitness classes to transform our members.

I have been instructing fitness classes for the last 5 years and have been a part of the amazing TAC Fitness team for almost 2 years. Having found my niche in the fitness world has truly changed my life but seeing the effects of these classes on my participants not just physically but mentally as well is where I find my true satisfaction.

Amy Honey

Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor & Merchandiser

I have been in the fitness world as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor for almost 20 years. What started as a ‘day job’ during my starving actor days in Los Angeles has now become a true passion. I believe that fitness and health are two of the greatest gifts, and I find great satisfaction in helping people find the workouts that work for them. I want clients to get results and to enjoy the process, discovering classes and activities that energize them and bring gains in cardio fitness, strength, stability and flexibility.

As a somewhat recent transplant to the Roaring Fork Valley, I am thrilled to be in an area that embraces such a healthy lifestyle and so many athletic endeavors. I am excited to be in a position to help gym-goers get stronger and better able to do the things they love outdoors.

I am an ACE certified personal trainer, certified Barre Intensity instructor, spin instructor, and also bring many years of dance and yoga experience to my work in the gym. As a mother of three I also have lots of experience with pre- and post- natal fitness and getting back into shape after taking long breaks!

Thor Knutson

ACE Certified Personal Trainer

I have been a fitness instructor and personal trainer for five years now, dating back to my days in college at the University of Minnesota. I was first ignited with a passion for movement and the body after an injury in high school, in which I ended up working with athletic trainers and physical therapists to get me back into sport. Since then, I have shadowed athletic trainers, aided physical therapists, studied kinesiology in college, and worked as a personal trainer and fitness instructor.

I moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2017 and haven’t looked back. The Valley is both very active and very outdoorsy, which are two things I enjoy the most about living here. Being able to combine the fitness world with an outdoor community i truly a dream come true. When I’m not at the gym, you can find me instructing on the ski hill, mountain biking up and down trails, hiking a 14er, or even going on a backpacking trip in the mountains.

I have trained with the Aspen Club, the Aspen Recreation Center, and the Snowmass Recreation Center before coming to TAC Fitness. With these experiences, I hope to expand your knowledge on movement and training. I am looking forward to continuing my fitness journey here and helping you continue yours!

Justin Gross

Personal Trainer | Performance Coach |NASM | Training for Warriors (TFW) level 1

My name is Justin Gross, the health and fitness of others is just as important to me as my own.

Once I became a Personal Trainer in 2015, I immediately realized that this is what I was called to do. Not only did it allow me to help others succeed physically, but I was capable of helping them grow mentally as well.

Playing a wide variety of sports growing up in Los Angeles, I’ve always been an athlete. Driven to pursue anything to get me outside and moving, my passion for volleyball grew and during my junior year of high school my club team was invited to the Junior Olympics. That year I ended up fracturing my L-5 vertebrae and wasn’t able to take the opportunity. As a result I began to lose my identity as an athlete. I went off to college and struggled with a variety of mental health related issues, which is when I started getting involved with fitness outside of sports. I became persistent with training for my personal health and quickly noticed the powerful effect fitness and nutrition had been in my own life and wanted to share my knowledge with family and friends.

I moved into the valley to work at Jaywalker Lodge, to help work not only in physical health but mental health as well. That took me into having my own business in that industry. After working in substance abuse for a few years and enjoying it, I realized it didn’t give me what I really enjoyed about training and coaching.

I’ve always been motivated to help people reach their goals and through my own personal journey I’m driven to provide a service that helps others reach their full potential. Because of the incredible coaches who shaped me into who I am today, I’m passionate in helping young athletes thrive in their respective sport. While I enjoy training sports focused clients, my main goal is to help everyone live a healthier and happier life.

Lauren Hinson

NASM CPT | CES

Lauren Hinson Personal Trainer NASM CPT, CES

Originally from North Carolina, I moved to Glenwood Springs in 2010 with my husband, and we completely fell in love with the Colorado lifestyle. I developed a passion for hiking that led me to a greater appreciation for my body’s capabilities. I had been out of shape for so long, it felt great to be stronger. I was able to hike longer distances, steeper mountains, and I began challenging myself with a couple of the 14’ers and the magnificent Mount Sopris.

I grew up playing sports like softball, tennis, and swimming, but in college I really started to feel out of control around food and exercise. As a long time yo-yo dieter, and someone who has had weight loss on the brain since age 12, I’ve lost and gained the equivalent of several people over the years. I have lost 50lbs two separate times, with 2 years of self-loathing in between. In 2014 I decided to stop giving up on myself and change my focus from weight loss, to making exercise a part of my life to feel great. I stopped using exercise as a weapon to punish myself and started to enjoy movement. I used my hikes for mental health instead of fat burn. I became so passionate about the power of exercise that I made it my career. In 2017 I became a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM, and 2 years later I got a specialization in Corrective Exercise through NASM as well. My biggest passion is group fitness, because I love the energy and community. I am a certified Les Mills Bodypump and Grit instructor, and I love challenging people to be their best. My goal as a trainer is to help people feel stronger, move better, and believe in themselves.

Amanda Wagner

President/CEO | Health Coach | Personal Trainer | Group Class Instructor
NASM
StrongFirst SFG1

Born and raised in Glenwood Springs. Loves everything outdoors – mountain biking, hunting, camping, hiking…literally everything!

Amanda is Colorado Mountain Girl through and through. Born and raised in Glenwood Springs and a graduate from the University of Colorado with degrees in Psychology and Communication.

She learned quickly out of college that she can’t do what she loves if she did not spend time consistently focusing on her personal health and wellness. So after 10 years in the hospitality industry, she quit her job, got her Personal Training and Health Coaching Certifications and helped start TAC. That was 7 years ago. Today, Amanda is still committed to inspiring, cultivating and celebrating health and vitality throughout Colorado. Her aim with TAC is to assist individuals and organizations in total health and encourage awareness of health related issues to empower individuals to lead a healthier and fuller life.

Her life motto is: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.”

Favorite Quote: “Chance favors the prepared mind.”

Cindy Beck

Director of Operations

Born and raised in Aspen CO. Love learning and traveling.

Favorite Quote: “The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain

Lisa Paige

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management
Certified Health and Wellness Coach

Range. As the lead dietitian in a local hospital, I became aware of the need for our community to have access to professionals trained in evidence-based medical nutrition therapy.

For many people, the image of a dietitian is someone in a white coat who hands out the menu at the hospital. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Health Coach, I assist people with the lifestyle and nutrition changes they want to manage their medical conditions. I specialize in nutrition for Adult and Pediatrics Weight Management, Chronic Disease Self-Management, Emotional Overeating, Cancer Survivorship, and Healthy Aging.

When not working with clients, I enjoy the incredible outdoor playground we live in! From hiking 14ers to music festivals, I’m loving it all.

Group Fitness Instructor | Personal Trainer

Connie Rice

Group Fitness Instructor | Personal Trainer

Personal Trainer | Group Instructor | Plant-Based Nutrition Coach

Sara Broome

Personal Trainer | Group Instructor | Plant-Based Nutrition Coach

Personal Trainer | Group Instructor | Performance Coach

Emily White

Personal Trainer | Group Instructor | Performance Coach

Front Desk Staff | Personal Trainer | Performance Coach

Karla Salas

Front Desk Staff | Personal Trainer | Performance Coach