Our Trainers
The Coaches Behind the Results
Certified. Experienced. Obsessed with helping you hit your goals.
Coach Mike Rivera
Mike started powerlifting at 16 and never looked back. After earning his CSCS and spending five years coaching D1 college athletes, he joined Apex as head strength coach. His programming is methodical — 6-week periodized cycles that build real, measurable strength. He's coached everyone from first-time lifters to competitive powerlifters, and he treats each client's goals with the same intensity.
“Strength isn't just physical. It's the discipline to show up, the patience to trust the process, and the humility to keep learning. I build programs that respect your time and deliver results you can see.”
Sarah Kim
Sarah was a D1 soccer player at Northwestern before a knee injury ended her competitive career. She channeled that energy into coaching, earning her NASM certification and specializing in high-intensity training. She's helped over 200 members lose weight and keep it off. Her HIIT Burn class consistently has the longest waitlist at Apex — and there's a reason.
“Fitness should make you feel powerful, not punished. I design workouts that are brutal in the best way — you'll hate minute 20 and love yourself at minute 30.”
Devon Carter
Devon grew up in a boxing gym on the South Side and went on to compete as an amateur middleweight for six years. After retiring from the ring, he turned to coaching — first at youth programs across Chicago, then at Apex. Devon's classes are technique-first: proper form, clean combinations, and conditioning that carries over into everything else you do.
“Boxing taught me that discipline beats talent every time. In my classes, we focus on form before intensity. When the technique is right, the power follows.”
Lisa Chen
Lisa discovered yoga recovering from a running injury and was stunned by how much it changed her body and mind. She completed her 500-hour teacher training in Bali, then earned her NASM Corrective Exercise certification to bridge the gap between yoga and athletic performance. At Apex, she works with everyone from desk-bound beginners to competitive athletes who need better range of motion.
“Mobility is the foundation everything else is built on. If you can't move well, you can't train well. I help people move better so they can do more of what they love.”
Marcus Brown
Marcus discovered CrossFit in college and became obsessed with functional fitness. He earned his Level 3 certification — one of fewer than 1,500 coaches worldwide — and has coached athletes to regional competitions three times. His WOD programming is demanding but thoughtful, always scaled to meet each athlete where they are.
“Functional fitness means training for life, not just for the gym. I program movements that make you stronger, faster, and more resilient in everything you do outside these walls.”
Train With the Best
Every membership includes access to all group classes. Personal training sessions available as add-ons or included with Elite.