At Next Level, we pride ourselves in having Trainers that live the lifestyle we teach.  All of our Trainers have unique teaching skills and they all have amazing stories about how they came to be at Next Level. 

Training Specialties:    Sports specific training, Team training/ Coaching, Nutritional Counseling, Self-Defense/ Boxing, Post Physical Therapy, and Biosignature Modulation.

Training Background:  Chad has been a competitive athlete for nearly his entire life, starting with Karate competitions where he earned several honors.  Chad also went on to playing Baseball and Football until the end of his high school career, due to several shoulder dislocations.  During his time as a football player he began to find himself in the weight room at the age of 15 and has embraced it ever since.  Chad has continued his education in the arts of self-defense with a certification in Jeet Kune Do, as well as training in the boxing arena.  Chad also has extensive continuing education credits in the fields of Biomodulation, sport specific training, and rehabilitation protocols.  Chad has been a Personal Trainer since 1997 and has worked with an extremely diverse clientele, including professional athletes.

Hobbies:  Chad’s hobbies include Dog Training and skateboarding behind his dogs, Maximus and Nala, as well as jumping into large pick-up truck beds!  He also enjoys playing any sport such as sand volleyball or dodge ball- you name it, he will play it.

Goals:  Chad’s main goal is to revolutionize the way people look at fitness and fun in the Lawrence community. 

Personal Philosophy:  Chad’s personal philosophy is one that includes hard work, perseverance, and determination. However, Chad also says that, “Life is the ride.  If you can’t enjoy the process then you are missing the point.” 

Contact Chad: chad@nextlevelrising.com

Education:

• Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science - University of Kansas

• Biosignature Modulation Level 1 Certification 

Training Specialties:

• Sports specific training
• Nutritional counseling
• Flexibility
• Self-defense
• Boxing

Training Background:  Laura has been a competitive athlete in softball, track, volleyball and power lifting.  At the advice of the High School football coach, Laura began her weightlifting career at 15 with various power lifting competitions.   She also went on to play softball for the University of Kansas. Laura has also dedicated several years to the art of self-defense including Tae Kwon Do, Boxing and Jeet Kune Do.  Laura has been a Personal Trainer since 1999, working with a wide variety of athletic abilities.  


Hobbies:  In what very little spare time she has, Laura enjoys painting, rock climbing, skating,  trail running, and Cyclocross racing with the Women's Free State Racing Team. She also enjoys spending time on the trails with her two dogs, Maximus and Nala.  You might see Max and Nala out with Laura on roller blades, or even on skis when it snows.


Goals:  Laura is always looking for (or creating) fun competitions and finding outdoor adventures of any kind.  Currently, her goals are focused on making Next Level the facility of choice for anyone in the Lawrence/Kansas City area who is looking for improved sports performance.  As well as, growing her creation, The Next Level Games, to a National level.


Personal Philosophy:  Laura has dedicated her whole life to hard work with a perpetual focus on maintaining moral integrity.  She firmly believes the key to success is constant repetition towards whatever goal one is striving to achieve.  You can always hear her say, "Once you set your mind to do something, it's only a matter of time before it becomes your reality through hard work and perseverance."

Contact Laura: laura@nextlevelrising.com

Hometown: Leavenworth, KS

Personal Training Philosophy: We all are different vehicles and engines;  from Amateurs to  Masters-level athletes and everyone in between. I tailor the program to fit not only the goals of the client, but their individual physical needs.  I look to attack the situation from all angles.  Different periodization theories, plyometric and strong-man training are utilized when working with clients. To be balanced is to be strong.  I take personal satisfaction and pride when a client achieves their goal. I know I have the knowledge, energy and effort to assist them on their journey and am blessed to share in their success.



Education/Qualifications:

• Poilquin International Certification Program Level 1: Regional Strength Coach

• Bachelor of Science - Marketing - Cum Laude - Emporia State University

• Scholarship recipient - 4 years - Basketball - Emporia State University

• Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association Commissioner's Honor Roll
• Biosignature Modulation- Level 1
  

Training Background/Success Stories:  As a former collegiate basketball player, I thrive on preparing athletes for their upcoming seasons.  One of my favorite success stories begins in the summer of 2008.  I was contracted to work with a professional basketball player who had just completed his first year in Greece.  Coming off a sports hernia operation, the player had lost significant weight and was susceptible to further injuries. After gaining close to 15 pounds of lean muscle and a structurally balanced body, in 12 short weeks, he was asked to an NBA off-season vet camp. With his performance and healthy body, he earned another 6 figure contract in Europe. 

Hobbies/Fun Stuff: I enjoy traveling and try to get in a game of golf wherever I go. Longboarding and slopecycling are a blast and I, of course, watch a lot of basketball!

Contact Scott: scott@nextlevelrising.com

Nickname:  Slave Driver (kidding...kinda)

Hometown:  Manhattan, KS

Personal Training Philosophy:  To bring people as close to their athletic potential as possible.  I make athletes.  

Training Specialties
Aaron's specialties include Sport specific training in the areas of football, basketball, and track. As a successful athlete himself, Aaron possess the skills and principles of speed training, agility, plyometrics , and power lifting techniques.



Education/Certifications

•  Pinnacle Career Institute - 2007
•  National Strength & Conditioning Association - Certified  Personal Trainer - 2007
•  United States Weightlifting (USAW) - Level 1 Performance Coach - 2010

Training Background
Aaron has been active his whole life, doing practically everything under the sun.  He has been a track athlete since the age of nine, and continued to excel at the sport throughout his high school career.   Aaron also played basketball and football in junior and senior high school.  Aaron was named All I-70 Return Specialist for football his senior year.  Aaron furthered his football career as a defensive back at Hutchinson Community College.


Hobbies:
I am a real down to earth kind of guy.  I am very driven and I always put my full effort into anything I do.  I love to read and listen to music.  I officiate basketball all over the state of Kansas.  I love the outdoors, but more than anything, I love to chill with my dog Marley.  Don't tell anyone, but I'm a total nerd at home.

Contact Aaron: aaron@nextlevelrising.com

Hometown: Leavenworth, KS

Personal Training Philosophy: I approach each client individually and assess their strengths, areas of imbalance and needs.  From there, I formulate a program that will enable that person to achieve balance, strength and overall well-being. 

Education/Qualifications: Bachelor of Science - Sports Science - emphasis Exercise Science - University of Kansas

Success Stories: One of the most rewarding experiences as a Personal Trainer has been working with the kids at Smart Strength. Smart Strength is an after-school program for Jr. High students helping them learn to live a healthy and active lifestyle. 
 
Hobbies/Fun Stuff: Golf, basketball and watching Food Network.

Contact Matt: matt@nextlevelrising.com

Hometown: Lawrence, KS (yes, I'm a townie)

Personal Training Philosophy:   I create programs that not only help my clients reach their goals, but also push them towards success they never dreamed possible. I believe a person truly becomes stronger when they step outside their comfort level and discovers their own personal greatness.


Hobbies: Most of my free time is spent chasing my daughter, Lola.  However, when I do get a day off, I like to catch up with the latest fashion magazines and find so much satisfaction in finishing a crossword puzzle.  Of course I love spending time with friends and family and, don't tell anyone, but I have a secret obsession with Anna Wintour.  


Success Stories:  My biggest successes are not only when my clients meet their goals physically, but when there is a mental change.  I feel success when my clients realize that they actually look forward to coming in to train...even on bad days...because they know they will feel better afterwards.  Their lives have been changed for the positive and there is no looking back.

Contact Marlo: marlo@nextlevelrising.com

Hometown:  Pittsburg, KS

Education & Qualifications:

• University of Kansas - Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology - 2011
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, NSCA
• Poilquin International Certification Program Level 2: State Strength Coach
  
• American College of Sports Medicine - Member 2010
  
• NSCA Member - Member - 2009
• National Academy of Sports Medicine - Certified - 2007

Training Specialties
Chris's specialties include sport-specific training and injury prevention in the areas of rugby, football, baseball, basketball, and track & field. As a competitive athlete himself, Chris possesses the skills and knowledge of strength training, conditioning, flexibility, and proper lifting techniques.

Training Background
Chris has trained under international Olympic level strength coaches. While attending the University of Kansas Chris worked as an intern in KU Athletics with the strength and conditioning staff working with the men's and women's basketball teams, baseball, and track and field. Chris has also played collegiate and club side rugby.

Contact Chris: chris@nextlevelrising.com

Hometown: Manhattan, KS

Education:

• Associates of science - Cloud County Comm. College

• Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology - Health Promotion/Disease Prevention- University of Louisiana Monroe

• Pinnacle Career Institute - Massage Therapy- Massage & Bodywork Licensing exam (MBLEx)

• Active Release Techniques (ART)

• USA Track & Field (USATF)

• Level 1 Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Training Background:   Isaac grew up in a competitive family and participated in sports such as Track & Field, Soccer, Basketball, and Football throughout high school. Isaac Earned a Track & Field scholarship to Cloud County where he was a 4x all American and National Champion runner up in the multi-events. He transferred to ULM where he made 5x All Conference in the jumps & multi-events, 2x Conference Champion, Conference record holder & NCAA Regional and National Qualifier. Isaac was a team captain at ULM and has been coaching Track & Field for 7 years with numerous teams, and a select few individuals qualifying for AAU & USATF National Junior Olympics.

Personal Training Philosophy: "Strive for perfection to optimize function!"  I believe in doing everything your best - one day at a time.  I love working with a variety of individuals who are looking to restore function and increase longevity, as well as athletes who are driven to accomplish athletic goals. I like to incorporate a combination of functional training - restorative or sport specific, flexibility, and motivation with all clients. "Feel free to pick my brain!"

Hobbies: I enjoy doing anything active, from playing almost any pick up game to still competing unattached in Track & Field. I like to get outside on any decent day with my Great Dane, Queen, for a run or relaxing walk and enjoy life's simple pleasures!

Contact Isaac: isaac@nextlevelrising.com

Maximus has been a Personal Motivator for Next Level since 2005.  He grew up in the gym since he was 12 weeks old.  Some clients were a little nervous about him becoming a full grown Pitt Bull, but with the hard work of his owners and their strong belief in “Casear’s Way” Max is proving that with exercise, discipline,  and proper socialization that the breed is one of the most loving and gentle of all dog breeds today.

Maximus’ hobbies  include greeting all members of Next Level, pulling his owners on skates/ skate boards, chewing on bones, and laying in the sun while making pig noises.

See Maximus in action

Nala has been a Personal Motivator for Next Level since 2006.  She was found at the Humane Society when she was around 6 months old, and ever since has been learning the ropes of growing up in a gym from her big brother Max.  Members of Next Level will usually find her laying quietly under equipment, trying to stay out of the way, yet still be close at hand to motivate anyone to smile and squeeze out a few more reps.

Nala’s hobbies are running, running, and running.   She loves to do work of any kind, and is eager to please her human owners.