Personal trainers are here to assist you with your wellness and fitness goals. Trainers first assess your fitness level and then tailor a personal exercise program for you based on those assessments. All personal training staff are certified in CPR/AED procedures. 

Katie Likins received her Bachelor of Arts in exercise science from Capital University and is in her second year of pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Ohio State. She is an NSCA certified strength and conditioning specialist and CPR instructor with First Aid certification. Katie says she looks forward to helping her clients achieve greater levels of fitness.

Eric Stevens is a fourth year student in exercise science. He’s been a personal trainer with Recreational Sports for 2 years.  His passion is athletic performance training, but also loves working with those seeking general fitness goals. Eric’s workouts are high-energy based and utilize different training methods which help make them interesting and fun! Eric has a Marine Corp and multiple sport background dating back to high school. He says his future goal is to incorporate the coaching methods he uses today in the development of young athletes.

Mark Nizen received a bachelor’s degree in biology and pre-med from John Carroll University and is co-founder of the John Carroll University Strength and Conditioning Club. Mark is currently pursuing a master’s degree in nutrition from Ohio State. He is an NASM certified personal trainer with six years of personal training experience. Mark says he believes that molding a workout to the client’s body day-to-day is more effective than having a rigid program.

Anner Arroyo is a third year student in biology with an emphasis in bio-chemistry with a human nutrition minor. He is a NSCA certified personal trainer. Anner has seven years of wrestling experience, eight years of weight training experience, and three years of bodybuilding experience. He has placed in the top three in six power lifting competitions. He also currently wrestles at OSU. Anner says he loves working at the RPAC because he has the opportunity to teach people what he knows and loves.

Chris Skaggs is a third year student in exercise science and has been with the personal training staff for three years. He is a Free Motion Circuit program instructor. Chris says he works for Ohio State Recreational sports because he has the opportunity to work with a wide variety of individuals and enjoys helping others achieve their fitness goals.    

Brian Unverferth is a third year student in exercise science with a human nutrition minor. He is also pursuing the Phyiscal Therapy Doctorate program. Brian instructs a Free Motion class and has two years of personal training experience. He is an ACSM certified personal trainer and has worked as a personal trainer at Northwest Fitness club in Ottawa, OH. He says he likes to coach good technique with his clientele first and foremost and enjoys watching them achieve both long and short term fitness goals.

Kristen Lang is a fourth year student in nutrition and industry. She is an ISSA certified personal trainer and has two years of personal training experience at S&S Fitness center in Waverly, OH. She dances competitively and took part in the 2004 Columbus Marathon with Team in Training. Kristen says she enjoys helping others achieve a more healthy and active lifestyle at Ohio State.

Darien Robinson is a third year student in pre-computer information systems and has been with the fitness training staff for two years. He is a Free Motion Circuit program instructor and has been a boot camp instructor in the Buck-I-Robics program for three years. Darien is also enrolled in the US Army Reserves.

Leslie Paulus is a fourth year student in sports and leisure studies with an exercise science minor. She is certified personal trainer through WITS and the Exercise Safety Association. She competed in lacrosse and volleyball in high school. Leslie says she loves the RPAC because it gives you the opportunity to workout in new ways.

Luke Hatmaker is a second year student in biology. He is a Free Motion Circuit Instructor. Luke has been a YMCA member for ten years and was a YMCA employee and gym attendant for two years.

Ben Barszcz is a third year student in mechanical engineering. He is a Free Motion Circuit Instructor and has four years of weight training experience. Ben was involved in high school track & field as a competitor and the team captain. He plays intramural flag football and basketball at Ohio State. Ben says he has a big desire to be involved with the recreational sports program here.

Grace Capuano is a first year student in biology. She is a Free Motion Circuit and Women’s Weight Training class instructor. Grace has three years experience working with a personal trainer and was a high school varsity cheerleader. Grace says that her top priority is being friendly and cordial at all times.

Sundas Naseer is a second year student in biology (pre-med). She is a WITS certified personal trainer and loves to weight train and run on a daily basis. Sundas says she is looking forward to helping you achieve your fitness goals.

Sarah Fecser is a third year student in exercise science. She is a WITS certified personal trainer with six years of weight training experience. She has been a certified professional lifeguard for four years and a varsity track and cross country runner for five. Sarah was a gymnast for six years and has been a competitive swimmer for seven. She is currently in training for the next Columbus Marathon. Sarah says that she believes that there are three aspects to a well-rounded fitness lifestyle; these aspects are variation, consistency, and dedication.

John Birchak is a first year student in microbiology (pre-med) and a minor in entrepreneurship/business. He played four years of high school football at Cincinnati St. Xavier and was during that time was also involved in housing rehabilitation. John has been a track & field runner for four years and captain for two. He is a National Honor Society Member and an OSU Medical Center volunteer. John says that he has developed ways to get better results in shorter amounts of time.

Erin Kardine received her BS in exercise science at the University of Delaware. Her studies are concentrated on physiology and strength & conditioning. Erin is currently a student in the College of Dentistry program at Ohio State. She is an NSCA certified strength & conditioning specialist. She was a member of UD’s Varsity Women’s Volleyball program for three years and is an avid marathon runner. Erin plans to own and operate both a dental practice and a sports complex after graduation.

Ryan McFadyen is a second year student majoring in exercise science with plans to enter the Physical Therapy Graduate Program at Ohio State.  He is a certified personal trainer through the World Instructor Training Schools (WITS) as well as a State of Ohio Department of Education Pupil Activity Supervisory Permit.  He was a member of the Ohio State 8 man boat rowing team that went to Nationals.  He has 10 years football experience, 9 years of baseball, 6 years of track & field, 4years of soccer, 2 years of wrestling, and has coached at the high school freshman level in football.  Ryan has achieved district and conference honors in both football and track & field.  “Health and fitness is my greatest passion in life.  I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some amazing doctors and trainers who have trained professional athletes worldwide in a variety of sports.”

Peter Sayegh is beginning his third year as a finance major.  He is a nationally certified personal trainer through the World Instructor Training Schools (WITS).  He competed at a varsity level in basketball, soccer, cross country, and track & field.  Peter has also participated in baseball, football, tennis, and swimming.  Peter aspires to teach people about proper health and fitness since suffering from bulimia.  This is something about which he feels very strong and possesses a passion.  “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.”  William James

John Ross is a third year student majoring in exercise science with a minor in nutrition. He is an ACSM certified personal trainer and has been working in the fitness industry for three years and has become consumed with living a healthy and active lifestyle.  In the future he hopes to open his own medical office with an attached fitness facility.  He plans to attend medical school upon completion of his undergraduate education.  He feels his biggest strength is the fact that he has been through a lot in the past.  He has been overweight and out of shape and he understands the physical and emotional problems associated with not being satisfied with your own physical appearance.  He is determined to help others achieve their fitness and health goals and will do whatever it takes to make that happen.  "A good personal trainer is able to mold and shape his clients' bodies and minds like Michelangelo when given clay."