Jess Higgins
Education | Certifications | Specialties:
B.S. Exercise Science with a minor in Coaching St. Catherine University, NASM Personal Trainer, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist NETA Group Exercise, NETA Pilates Reformer, NETA Yoga, Kettlebell Training, TRX Suspension Training, Weight Management
My interest in fitness started at an early age when medical professionals told me that I would never be an athlete or participate in sports due to a childhood illness. Using dance and tennis, I took on the challenge to improve my balance and coordination in pursuit of the active lifestyle I desired. My love of fitness grew as I saw results and so did my success as I eventually went on to play collegiate tennis at St. Catherine’s. Personal training allows me to do what I’m passionate about and also help others achieve whatever obstacles they may face. I am dedicated, driven and possess the ability to develop comprehensive individualized programs for clients of all fitness levels, abilities and ages. I am a motivator and believe everyone can achieve personal success!
“About a year ago, we started working with Jess to lose weight and get in better shape. Jess began with a fitness assessment on both my husband and myself and we realized that we had a lot of work to do but it was a starting point and a wake-up call on how out of shape we both were. We joined her Get Fit Club and started doing personal training regularly with Jess. She sat down with us individually and designed programs specific to our needs. Also, we started tracking our food intake, monitoring our portion sizes and recording our weekly workouts, which helped us become more aware of areas to work on. One of the keys to our success has been working with Jess as our personal trainer each week. With a large amount of weight to lose, keeping motivated can be difficult and she is an unbelievable motivator. Between the two of us, we have lost 100 lbs. to date. Also, we have incorporated exercise (working out 4-5 times a week as well as weekly personal training sessions) and food monitoring into our lifestyle. We can’t say enough good things about Jess. She is our inspiration!”
Barb Iacarella
Education | Certifications | Specialties:
3 years towards a B.A. Elementary Education, YMCA Fitness Specialist, ACE Personal Trainer, YMCA of the USA Group Exercise Faculty Instructor Trainer, YMCA of the USA Group Exercise Instructor Trainer in Group Exercise, Group Cycle and Cardio/Step, YMCA Group Exercise Instructor, YMCA Pilates Reformer Powerhouse Pilates Reformer, Kettlebell Training, TRX® Suspension Training
I signed up for a membership at the South Family YMCA in June of 1992 in order to get my three small daughters involved in swimming lessons. Shortly after, I joined the staff team helping with everything from birthday party planning to my role as the Youth Sports Director. During this time I still continued to work out in the group fitness classes and loved every minute of it, so of course when I heard there was a need I jumped at the chance to get certified to teach classes myself. That happened in 1994 and I’ve enjoyed teaching classes ever since! It gives me no greater pleasure than to see others working out, getting fit, and staying healthy. I truly believe in the YMCA and its mission. I believe it is a place that welcomes everyone and embraces diversity. The Y has been a great place to bring my family and has given them a safe place to grow up. Currently all three of my children are employed by the Y.
“Barb has been an incredible inspiration, encourager, motivator and life changer for me! She took me from where I was at, out of shape, undisciplined and somewhat unknowledgeable about fitness and nutrition, to in shape, motivated, decreased body fat and weight and feeling great! She provided me with resources to make changes, and then continued to encourage me to excel and reach my potential. I love Barb's upbeat and motivating personality which inspires so many of us to come to the Y and work out and feel better!”
Kelly Jo Underdahl
Education | Certifications | Specialties:
Associates Degree Exercise Science Globe University,
NASM Personal Trainer, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, NETA Group Exercise Instructor, Pilates Reformer, Yoga, Weight Loss, Water Personal Training, Kettlebell Training, TRX Suspension Training.
I have long been passionate for sports, health, and fitness. I’ve been very involved playing softball, competing in gymnastics, and racing snowmobiles for WSA Pro Ice. I began Personal Training 7 years ago, and was a volunteer coach for High School Gymnastics at Spring Lake Park Senior School. I enjoy the diverse clientele I work with as a Personal Trainer, excelling with people of all ages and all fitness levels. I also love to work out, spend time with friends and family, and travel around the country cheering for my husband while he drag races his Pro-Stock Motorcycle at various tracks throughout the US.
Derek Otto
Education | Certifications | Specialties:
B.S. Kinesiology University of Minnesota- Twin Cities, ACSM Personal Trainer, New Leaf® Metabolic Training, Active Older Adults- Strength, Stamina, Balance & Coordination, Sport/Activity-specific performance training, Weight Loss
From seniors looking to “turn back the clock” on an aging body, to beginning runners turned marathoners, I have a long and proven track record of guiding individuals of all ages and fitness levels past challenges big and small to accomplish and surpass all their fitness goals. When not at the Y, I'm an avid runner and love seeking out new physical challenges. I can often be found enjoying all things active and outdoors including climbing, skiing and playing hockey. I also love tennis and my position as the head coach for Woodbury High School’s Boys and Girls Varsity Tennis Teams.
“Derek and I began a program of Personal Training about two years ago. He took on the job of helping me improve my balance, strength and stamina. Derek has been adept and creative in tailoring the program of exercises to meet my abilities, made necessary because of knee and hip replacements, not to mention my age :) He has been very patient with me as I attempt to follow his instructions and when I sometimes fail. His concern, encouragement, cheerful attitude, and knowledge of how to present Personal Training to me, have made the past two years not only challenging for me, but also fulfilling, at times fun and, of course hard work, as I look forward to activities that I might not have been able to accomplish without both of our efforts. This past year I was fortunate to “tackle” and complete two adventures. In March, I was in the ocean off Grand Cayman, playing with the Stingrays and snorkeling. In September, I hiked to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Without the confidence I've gained with your help, I would not have even tried these activities, much less completed them. Thanks, Derek!” ~Jean, Age 73
E-mail from Jean’s daughter: “You know this as well as I do, but my mom ROCKS. I really think that the combination of her determination and tenacity, coupled with your thoughtfulness and gentle encouragement of her have kept her doing all the things she loves.... and more... She's an amazing woman who is not about to let "speed bumps" slow her down.... too much. I wanted you to know that you have made a big difference in her life since she's started training with you. She's younger now than she was when she started. :) And... that you are truly appreciated.”
