Kara is the founder of Schlegel Training, and a faith-based business owner who specializes in women’s fitness and nutrition. Using her knowledge and experience, Kara has dedicated years to building a place for women to feel safe and encouraged, while focusing on overall well-being.
Kara attended The University of Akron, where she studied psychology and family development. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, earning her Bachelor's degree, and two additional Associate degrees (Applied Science and Art) with High Distinction. Kara is a certified Menopause and Pre-Postnatal Coaching Specialist (CSMC & CPPC), and a Family Life Specialist. Within her scope of practice, she is equipped to lead and coach in the areas of women's anatomy and physiology, nutrition, mental health, exercise and program design, and recovery.
Kara is an advocate for women in all seasons of life, and her mission is to educate and empower them throughout their health and wellness journey. She aims to deliver safe and effective programs that are appropriate for all body types, ages, and experiences.
Olivia is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with a passion for helping women feel strong, capable, and confident in their bodies. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of Akron, and has spent the last few years coaching and continuing to grow in the field she loves.
Currently, Olivia is pursuing her Master’s in Public Health (MPH) with a focus in Nutrition and Dietetics at UA. Upon graduation, she will be eligible to sit for the RDN licensure exam and begin practicing as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Olivia coaches both small group classes and personal training sessions. In addition, Olivia is our Nutrition Specialist, administering InBody composition analysis' and guiding clients throughout their nutrition journey.
Marjie is an International Sports Sciences Master Certified Personal Trainer and syndicated fitness columnist. With over 30 years of experience, she understands the importance of investing in our health, so that we can truly enjoy our lives to the fullest. She has also enjoyed a 30-year career as a health educator through her 'Road to Fitness' column, sharing her knowledge of all thing's wellness related.
Marjie’s specialties include, but are not limited to: custom designed exercise programs, strength and conditioning, improving balance and posture, fall prevention, senior fitness, and functional exercise.
Marjie works one-on-one with women who are 65 and older, at our Springside location. She also offers in-home training for women out of the comfort of their home, ideal for those who are recovering from any health-related setbacks or surgeries.
Hailey is a Certified Personal Trainer, and is currently pursuing certifications in Nutrition Coaching and Women’s Fitness Specialization.
Inspired by her dad’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle, Hailey developed a love for fitness and nutrition at a young age. She is deeply passionate about helping women care for and strengthen the bodies God has given them.
We’re excited to have Hailey join our team and look forward to supporting her growth and development as a coach.
Small group strength training classes bring together people with similar goals and abilities, empowering them to challenge themselves and support others. These classes are kept small, allowing the ability to provide one-on-one attention within the group, as well. Each session is part of a structured program (Strength Series) tailored to fit the needs of all participants, while prioritizing individual goals and abilities.
Groups tailored for teens, mixed ages, and 65+
Personal training is ideal for someone who is serious about achieving specific physical goals pertaining to their strength and overall functional movement. In a private 1 on 1 session, you will receive 100% undivided attention to guarantee proper instruction for maximum results and safety. Each session is part of a structured program (Strength Series) tailored to fit your needs, while prioritizing your goals and abilities.
If you are struggling with where to start or how to beat a plateau, I'm here to guide you. My goal is not to keep you locked in with unrealistic benchmarks, my goal is to help you fill your cup with the knowledge you need to sustain a lifestyle you desire.
“When I started with Kara in January, my main goal was simply to lose weight. I had been stuck in a vicious cycle of shedding a few pounds, only to gain back more than I lost.
Since joining Kara’s lifting program, not only have I lost weight—but I’ve gained so much more. I’ve regained my energy, my confidence, and my sense of self. I’m stronger, sleeping better, and the aches and pains I used to deal with daily are completely gone.
I’m so grateful for Kara and the guidance she’s provided every step of the way."
“Strength Training is the first and only workout I’ve ever stuck to. All credit goes to my personal trainer, Kara. If you’ve never worked out, or don’t think you could get through one session, girl…..same……or so I thought. Not only will you get through your first session, you’ll leave with confidence that you did it and keep going back! Kara is absolutely amazing at what she does. My goal last year was to be in the best shape of my life at 40 years old. Goal achieved ✔️💪🏻💯🏋🏼♀️ “
"I recently I finished up my 8 week challenge with Schlegel Training (best gym ever) and about 1/2 way through I was feeling quite discouraged. I didn’t understand why my scale wasn’t changing and why I wasn’t miraculously shrinking the way I feel I should have been.
In addition to my 4 mornings a week in the gym I also hired Kara for nutrition guidance - and i was very consistent with it - My goal for this round was muscle gain, and I am so glad I took the “before” picture. Because looking at the numbers did nothing for me. However with the cleaner eating I was SO.MUCH. STRONGER. I felt so satisfied during testing week with my PR with leaning landmine lunge at 185# and my box steps at 180#
I have healed my core from my DR (diasti recti) (I’ve been working in that since august) and it too is so much stronger.
It’s really hard to not feel discouraged by the numbers, and although my changes were only 0.5% difference (higher muscle, lower fat) I can see and feel the transformation. What I learned from this challenge was to shift my perspective. My results are not going to show much in my plateaued numbers, I’m going to see the fruits of my labor in the gym- with my mobility and strength. I’m looking forward to another 8 weeks of challenging my body to do great things."
"I have to give a serious shout out to my trainer, Kara Schlegel.
I started working out with her this past January, and in 9 months, I look and FEEL like a completely different person. I started out working with her 4 days a week consistently on January 4th, so that I could gain enough strength to start running again. My ultimate goal has always been to increase my strength so that I can run SAFELY.
I of course am pleased with how I look in comparison to those 9 months ago. I birthed a baby and my body was healing. But I was ready, and Kara saw my determination. She pushed me. To lift heavier. To try one more rep. To get stronger. I’m here. I’ve accomplished so much in such a short period but I WANT MORE. So I continue to lean on Kara to help me meet my goals, and next spring I am going to crush my next goal - a half marathon."
"Fitness is so much more than working out... Over the course of many years I’ve tried several workout programs, gyms and Fad diets. I’ve even worked with other trainers and coaches one on one. When I made the decision a few short months ago to give it one last shot, before just joining another public gym I reached out to Kara.
My story has been a little different over the last few months, and specifically the last 8 weeks I have found new determination, dedication and strength. I never once complained about having to go to a workout, and in fact looked forward to workout day for the first time ever! I would push myself to the MAX each session and look to make it more difficult, rather than settling for what was tolerable.
During one of my first workouts at Schlegel Training I put a barbell on my back and sat down on a bench, I couldn’t get up! I then tried to do it without the barbell and I still couldn’t get up with just my legs, never mind doing it from a box 12 inches off the ground. Then there were the split squats that everyone else was in a free stance and holding additional free weights while taking their knee to the ground and getting right up, meanwhile the first one I did I toppled over onto my side. After that I was expected to do an ipsilateral bird dog, which looked so much easier when demonstrated than it actually was, once even using the lightest weights I toppled over to the side, just trying to get the form down. Lastly, I was to hoist a bottoms-up kettlebell into the air, while holding another bottoms-up kettlebell in my other palm, yep once again even the lightest weight was a struggle for me!
I honestly was ready to give up until Kara saw me struggling and came to my modification rescue! I left that first week not feeling ready to quit just yet, but wanting to conquer the climb up the mountain. That is exactly what I did! We worked on strengthening my body from its core to gain stability and balance. I never gave up once, although I felt at times I wanted to! By the end of the 8 weeks I came out victorious. I had dropped 8.4% body fat and gained 4.1% muscle mass! I thought to myself “Who does that, well I did!”. I also finished by being able to put 60lbs on my back and squatting down to a box, and able to get up on my own. I stabilized my core to be able to meet the floor with just one knee and get up all on my own without device assistance. Those weighted kettle bell presses; yep! I was able to hoist 20lbs into the air while maintaining a steady stance and the ipsilateral bird dogs, not only could did I finally master the perfect form without falling over, but I was able to use a 15 lb. dumbbell while maintaining that perfect form.
Had I given up, like I did so many times before this, I wouldn’t of been given the opportunity to write this. I have been given an opportunity to thrive and succeed in conquering my fitness and weight loss goals, so that I can be the best Mom to my two girls. Who knows maybe I’ll someday have the opportunity to help another woman in my shoes, trying to find her place in fitness! But for now, I owe a lot of gratitude to my coach and friend Kara Schlegel, for pulling me out of my shell and giving me the courage to conquer this climb one mountainous climb at a time."
8-week Progess:
⬇️ 25.4lbs
⬇️ 8.4% Fat
⬆️ 4.1% Muscle
⬆️ Confidence
