RISE FITNESS + WELLNESS

When Rachelle Kienlen, a longtime RISE client and Challenge participant and past RISE barre instructor, decided to take part in the January 2021 RISE Challenge, she knew if she got her two sisters and mom to team up, they would not only support each other through it and meet individual goals but become healthier as a family. "My sister talked us Bargi girls into the Challenge, gratefully," says Regina ODonnell. "I needed a change. I needed a reality check. I needed to get tha

Like for many of us, dealing with the pandemic became a challenge to Monica Barton's mental and physical health. "Over the past year, I continued to gain and, in turn, was feeling more and more lost," says Monica. "I knew I needed to start making some changes." After doing a lot of research on different programs, someone in a local Facebook group mentioned RISE and a new challenge coming up. Although Monica had no idea what the RISE Challenge was, she was intrigued. "I called

When Megan and Peter Clifford's neighbor Elizabeth Greco recommended they try out RISE for its classes and Challenges three years ago, they decided to give it a shot, loving the idea of supporting Glen Ellyn based business. "Elizabeth invited me to the Saturday kickboxing class with Katelyn teaching," says Megan. "I had no idea what I was doing and just did my best to follow along. Well, I loved it and was hooked (and it’s still one of my favorites)." What the Cliffords found

Can you feel it in the air? Spring is finally here, so it's time to get outside. More time outdoors can give an extra bump to not only your fitness and nutrition but also that oh so important Vitamin D, which keeps your bones, teeth and muscles healthy while benefitting your mental health. Here RISE instructors Allison Billingsley and Danielle Bollman share how they integrate workouts and meals to their time outside. Getting Fit in Your Own Backyard Still staying close to hom

When a friend of Amy Smid's told her to try a free RISE class years ago, she ventured into Carin Fanter's kettlebell and found that for her RISE was the whole package. "It is the only time I carve out for myself in my day, so it has to count. And it does," says Amy. "Aside from the obvious fitness benefits and the fact you can take SO many different types of classes, the instructors are what really stand out at RISE. They bring their ‘A’ game every day with an energy and posi

When Maggie Gleason's sister (the one and only Katelyn Kaese, owner of RISE) recommended she try it out many years ago, Maggie was immediately connected to RISE. "Since then, we've both become lifetime RISERs," says Maggie. "There is a positive energy not just with the RISE staff, but also with those working out in the classes. Judgement is hard to face in any situation, but when you're trying to become physically fit, it can be extremely detrimental. I have never once seen o