How I got here

Chris Engel picture

Welcome to Engel Fitness. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a love for anything related to dance, movement and athletics. I started doing somersaults when I was five, working my way up to doing flips and partner stunts for the BGSU College Cheerleading squad. When I began my career in marketing, I also joined the nearest gym and fell in love with weight training. This is when I learned first-hand about the “muscle burns fat” concept. I was shocked at how my body responded so positively to adding resistance training to my usual “cardio” training.

For the next 23 years, I continued working in the marketing field, but also studied and earned certifications in group fitness, weight training and Pilates. My friend and mentor attributes my multi-tasking capabilities to me being a Gemini.

Although I became very good at juggling my “dual” careers, I found that I really looked forward to teaching my classes and training my clients. It gave me an incredible sense of satisfaction being able to help others reach their individual goals while leading a healthier lifestyle.

The next logical step was to figure out how I could transition from the job that paid the bills to the career that I love and have a true passion for. With a lot of help, support and encouragement from my family, friends and colleagues, Engel Fitness was born.

I am so excited to start this new chapter in my life and feel privileged to have the opportunity to help and motivate others to let go of their fears, push past their obstacles and attain the healthy mind and fit body they deserve.

It has also given me the opportunity to spend more quality time with my husband Carl, my daughter Abby and my son Jake and that has been priceless.

I specialize in one-on-one and small group training and teach a variety of group exercise classes including TRX Suspension Training, Circuit and Core Training, Functional Fitness and Barre.

Check out the services/classes page for a schedule of classes and locations.

my philosophy

Over the years I have come to accept the fact that not everyone has a passion for and/or commitment to working out and eating right. I’m also the first to admit that staying fit and leading a healthy lifestyle is not always easy, but is absolutely worth it!

I believe that exercise should and can be fun and that is how I approach it with my clients.

Three words sum up what I strive to provide all my clients:

INSPIRE you to do your best.
Have you BELIEVE in your ability to overcome any physical and mental obstacles.
Help you ACHIEVE your personal goals.

Most people have no idea the power they have within to make extraordinary changes in their life. This is one reason why I love what I do - helping people find their inner strength, surpassing what they thought was not possible. Don’t wait another day – start your journey to a new you today! “If your mind can believe, the body can achieve.” MONTHLY FITNESS GIVEAWAY: Click here to enter for a chance to win a free Small Group Training class! A new winner will be chosen at the end of each month.