FOLLOW RICKY ON INSTAGRAM @ricky_from_peak

FOLLOW RICKY ON INSTAGRAM @ricky_from_peak

Ricky
Grabow

In my day to day life, I am often asked “Why did you become a personal trainer?” The answer is simple; I became a personal trainer because fitness is my true passion in life! In pursuing my passion for exercise, I found an even deeper passion in sharing my knowledge and expertise with others!

I am very blessed to now have a platform like Peak Physique to reach more people in the community. When I see members of Peak grow and improve in both exercise and nutrition it brings me true happiness. My hope is each person I coach can take something I've taught them and make it part of their lifestyle forever!  

 

FOLLOW JESS ON INSTAGRAM @reimer1610

FOLLOW JESS ON INSTAGRAM @reimer1610

Jess Reimer

Hometown: I have lived in New Berlin most of my life. I went to New Berlin West and then commuted to UW-Milwaukee for a couple of years before moving to the East Side of Milwaukee to finish out my schooling. After about 10 years, my husband Kelly and I decided to move back to New Berlin. We built a house on land that once belonged to his grandparents and great grandparents.

Pets: I have a 11 year old dog named Cooper. He’s a 70 pound Red & White Irish Setter with tons of energy and a knack for middle of the night wake up calls. Little did we know that being described as a 70 mile a day dog really meant that he could run 70 miles a day, every day and wouldn’t sit or nap ever! Now that he’s an old man, he has definitely slowed down a bit but still looks and acts like a puppy most days. He is so good with my son and daughter and is my loyal and trusty walking companion. He loves playing fetch, swimming, treats and greeting visitors by opening the doors for them.

Describe some of your favorite hobbies.

It’s hard to pic a favorite. Summer is my favorite season! Boating and going to any beach or lake is high on the list. My daughter is a water lover and my son loves to fish and my husband is great at setting up our fishing poles and being the captain of the boat! Reading a book on the beach with my feet in the sand, playing with my kids and dog in the water, tubing and swimming brings me great joy and contentment.

What is your favorite thing about Peak Physique?

The people and environment are so supportive and fun. We lift each other up, make each other laugh and get stronger together. I also love it that Ricky has a mind like a steel trap. I have no idea how he remembers what weight we can squat or bench press. It makes me work a little more each time so I get stronger and stronger!

What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to hit their goals? Speak to yourself the way you would speak to someone you love. Grant yourself grace and understanding. Life will be hard, but it was, and always will be about individual effort when it comes to success in nutrition, fitness, relationships, career and life. The intensity of our efforts will ebb and flow based upon our circumstances, but our effort should never be shut off. Don’t be perfect, just be consistent. Find ways to press the easy button…find the why behind the why and write it down. Set up reminders on your phone and commit to yourself. I always say, if I told a friend I was going to meet them for lunch, would I just cancel because something came up? No, I would find a way to keep my commitment. So I make a commitment to myself so I can be the best me. Don’t be afraid to start over again. This time you are not starting from scratch, you are starting from experience!

 

Laura Hedden

Hometown: East Greenbush, NY (I moved to WI 9 years ago)

FOLLOW LAURA ON INSTAGRAM @trainedxlaura

Pets? I have a 4yr old black cat named Luca. He's spoiled and even has his own room in my house.

Favorite Summer Activity: Camping! It entails all the things I love- being outdoors, bonfires, hikes, kayaking. I always love to check out new camping spots each summer.

Favorite Quote: "If you come to a fork in the road, take it."- Yogi Berra

Describe some of your favorite hobbies.

Working out (obv), going for bike rides, hiking, woodworking, snacking, cuddling with Luca, watching documentaries, watching all the sports, visiting my family in NY, and I always seem to be starting projects. My newest one is brewing my own Kombucha.

What is your favorite thing about Fitness?

It's my zen. When I work out, I am not thinking about anything else. And if I was having a bad day mentally, I always feel better after a good, hard workout.

What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to hit their goals?

I know it can be frustrating but keep going. This is the only body we have so it's worth the struggle to get to the end goal, even if it's a week, a month, or a year from now. Keep a positive mindset and always remember your "why", what is the main reason behind your goals? Use this as motivation to keep working hard and the goals will come.

 

FOLLOW ALEX ON INSTAGRAM @elliemarie_skittle


Alexandria “Skittle” Feavel

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Pets? Cat - Phoebe (Really Andy’s Pet) & Dog – Marshmallow


Children? Proud Mama of 4 amazing children
Jeremiah (JJ) – 17
Ryland – 14
Za’Liyah (Z) – 11
Mikaela (Miki) - 8

Favorite Summer Activity: After many years of dreading being outside in the heat, I love going for a nice power walk or run first thing in the morning (preferably 6am). I love being outside with my family playing games, lounging in a chair soaking up the sun and eating everything that Andy puts on the smoker. Now that I have a new bike, I am sure that will be a frequent activity along with visiting new cities and making memories with my children.

Favorite Quote: “I love the woman I’ve become because I fought to become HER.”

What is your favorite thing about Peak Physique?
Peak Physique has changed my life in more ways than I can even describe. The sense of family and acceptance this gym offers makes me want to spend my entire day there. Ricky has challenged me in more ways than I thought possible when I was solely working out at home. He has pushed me to take my wellness to the next level and has built up my conditioning to a level I did not know existed. He supports every goal I have ever told him and holds me accountable.

I remember being so shy at my first class because I had no idea what I was doing. Meggie was the first face that I saw and assured me that I was going to be okay. She was my first gym buddy and I couldn’t shut up talking about her to my husband. Fast forward 6 months, I cannot express the gratitude to everyone at the gym for embracing me with open arms. I am a unique soul and very loud most of the time. You all accept me for who I am and I cannot thank you all enough for allowing me to be part of this family. I do not consider any of you friends…you are FAMILY.


What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to hit their goals?
Wellness became a staple in my life in September 2019 and I have never looked back. It has not been a perfect journey by any means. I have slipped up several times and moved 2 steps backwards after busting your behind to move 1 step forward. Your wellness journey is what you make it and the effort you are willing to put in. It is a lifestyle change that will make you grumpy in the beginning but the results make up for the bumps along the way. This journey does not come with instant gratification as many of us often seek when we step on the scale after an intense, sweaty 1-hour cardio workout. The scale is the enemy as I have learned because your body is molding itself into the best version of you which is not all about losing weight. You are toning a well-oiled machine that will have so many healthy aspects that cannot be measured by a number on a scale.
Accountability and perseverance are what makes or breaks any journey that you start. It all starts with you and the amount of work you are willing to put in. Through hours, days, months, hell even years you will sweat, cry, fall down and possibly think about giving up. Life is full of curveballs that are meant to throw you off track. Your journey to a better relationship with fitness will not be perfect but will show in your physical appearance, your mood and overall quality of life. BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE AND LET THE WORLD SEE YOU SHINE!!

Angie Zehm

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Hometown: MKE, WI

Pets: 2 cats Kami and Willett. (Willett is the one who ate the dryer sheet.) 

Favorite Summer Activity: long bike rides on the trails 

Favorite Quote: "A day without sunshine is like, you know, night."

Favorite Part about teaching yoga: The ability to connect to my whole self, not just on a physical level. I am attracted to the mind, body, and spirit element of the practice. That savasana euphoria blows my mind, everytime and I want to share that with everyone around me. 

What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to hit their goals: Failure is a tool to success. The bumps, dead ends, challenges, and obstacles are just a part of the journey. No goal is ever a straight line. Be a part of that journey.