Jim Stellon
Education | Certifications | Specialities:
BS in Sports Medicine and Physical Education, University of North Dakota, NASM Certified, Weight Loss, Cardio-Respiratory, Strength, Conditioning/Toning, Youth Health and Fitness, TRX Suspension, Core and Balance
I have been with the YMCA for nearly 25 years and have been training at the Burnsville YMCA for eight years. While helping others attain fitness goals and/or maintain healthy lifestyles, I maintain my own rigorous personal workout schedule which includes running several marathons each year, wildland firefighting and mountain climbing. I enjoy these activities personally, with family, with clients and with friends. I set high achievable goals for myself and my clients. Age is never a factor - I train clients who are over age 80 and work with children.
Riley Peterson
Education | Certifications | Specialties:
B.S. Exercise Science Dakota State University, M.S. Exercise Physiology Minnesota State Mankato, National Strength and Conditioning Association, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Kettlebell
I find great reward in helping people define and achieve their goals, and I view physical fitness as a gateway to overall personal transformation. I enjoy staying current with the latest exercise techniques and trends, while also incorporating tried and true classics. My clients are diverse – crossing many age groups and abilities – and I embrace the challenge of figuring out what works best for each person. I’m known for my make-it-happen attitude and unwavering confidence that a “slow and steady” approach will give my clients results that have true staying power. Training at the Y focuses on you and your needs, not what you are wearing or what you look like. I enjoy sports and try to do something active for my own health each day.
“Working with Riley as a Personal Trainer helped me lose 40 pounds, regain the ability to run (after injury) and ultimately create a fitness routine that is challenging and ever-changing to maintain my interest. Riley thoughtfully listened to what I wanted to accomplish and was my partner in developing a plan to get there. He’s friendly, encouraging and persistent when he needs to be. I’m in the best shape of my life (at 41) and cannot thank him enough for the role he played in helping me get there!”
Sone Schutz
Education | Certifications | Specialties:
M.S. Health and Recreation St. Cloud State University, B.A. Exercise Physiology St. Scholastica, ACE- Personal Trainer, ACE-Lifestyle and weight management consultant, ASEP-Exercise Physiology, YMCA-Pilates Reformer, YMCA-Group Fitness, TRX, Kettlebell, Pilates Reformer, Aquatic Trainer
Covert Bailey once wrote, "If the benefits of exercise could be put into a bottle, it would be the most widely-prescribed drug in the world." I decided to pursue a career in health and fitness because no matter what age or ability, everyone can benefit from exercise. I currently work with clients from 12 to 81 years. I find it gratifying to work with all ages and abilities and to help them achieve personal success. I am delighted to work for an association that prides themselves on training and teaching their employees the latest trends and techniques that benefit my clients.
I started working with an 81 year old client in February. Her main goal was to improve balance and to be able to get up off the floor on her own. When we first started to work together she was only able to balance on one foot while hanging on to my hands. Now she can balance on one leg for over 15 seconds! Before she started training, she had not gotten up off the ground by herself or without holding on to something in 5 years. She can now successfully get herself up and down from the ground safely and efficiently! It has truly been a pleasure working with her and seeing all of her accomplishments!
