Trainers


Daniel Stevens

Certifications/schooling:

  • Bachelors of Science in Economics from Northern Illinois University
  • Certified Personal Trainer (ISSA)
  • Specialist in Sports Nutrition (ISSA)
  • Specialist in Exercise Therapy (ISSA)
  • ISSA Elite Trainer 1 Certification
  • American Heart Association CPR/AED Certified
  • Associates of Arts from Rock Valley College

Areas of expertise:

Diet assistance and programs, weight training, bodybuilding, endurance activities

Biography:

Since a very young age, Daniel has been heavily involved in Athletics. He started off in triathlons, eventually gravitating his way into the sport of cycling. He competed at a very high and elite national level, accumulating many sponsors and awards. In addition, he was coached by the same coaching team (Carmichael Training Systems) as multiple Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong.

As time went on, he became more and more interested in weight training and now is involved in the sport of bodybuilding. In addition to being an NPC competitive bodybuilder, Daniel founded Daniel Stevens Personal Training (one of Rockford’s only private personal training studios) in August of 2008 and started Premier Fitness in December of 2011. He is also an Optimum Nutrition and American Bodybuilding sponsored athlete and is currently coached by IFBB Professional Bodybuilder, George Farah as well as Top NPC National Level Bodybuilder and the creator of Mountain Dog Training, John Meadows. To aid in contest preperation and training, Daniel also regularly works with one of Illinois' only IFBB Professional Bodybuilders, Chuck Sanow. Daniel currently holds three certifications from one of the industry’s leaders in fitness certifications, ISSA. Daniel also has a B.S. in Economics from Northern Illinois University to go in conjunction with his love for the business world and investing.

Availability:

Limited openings and availability, please call the gym for more information regarding training with Daniel as he is taking new clients on a selective basis.

Luke Ptasienski

Certifications/Schooling:

  • Certified Personal Trainer (ISSA)
  • Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from Iowa Wesleyan
  • CPR/AED Certified

Areas of Expertise:

Resistance training, athletic training specfically running and soccer, weight loss

Biography:

I attended Stillman Valley High School and played soccer for 3 years on the Varsity team. I was voted a captain and received All-Conference honors my senior year and graduated in 2008. I was recruited by Iowa Wesleyan College to play soccer and run track. I started 14 games on the soccer team, but in the summer of 2009, I suffered a career-ending injury. I was still allowed to run, so I joined the cross country team and continued competing on the track team. Due to more issues, I decided to become a Student Assistant Track Coach my senior year.

In the summer of 2012, I completed my internship at Premier Fitness under owner and trainer, Daniel Stevens. In this time, I also received my Personal Training certification through the ISSA. I graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Exercise Science and Wellness.

I started lifting in college as part of my sports programs. Therefore, my goals as a trainer are to use my knowledge in exercise prescription, as well as athletic experience in soccer and endurance activities to help clients with weight loss, increasing endurance, as well as injury prevention in their activities.

Availability:

  • Monday-  12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday- 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday- 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Thursday- 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday- 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.



Michael Knaul

Certifications/schooling:

  • Certified Personal Trainer (WITS)
  • Red Cross CPR Cetified

Areas of expertise:

Athletics (including martial arts), strength training, weight loss, cardiovascular conditioning/muscular endurance.

Biography:

Michael became involved in athletics at the tender age of five, beginning in baseball and soccer, planting a seed that would grow into a lifestyle. By his twelfth birthday Michael had also been involved in gymnastics, football, distance running, and speed skating in which he competed at a national level, in addition to having been on multiple all-star teems in baseball. Later Michael began to learn multiple martial arts and began playing volleyball and tennis in a recreational capacity.

As an athlete Michael had the opportunity to learn from many talented coaches including former Olympic athlete, Chantal Cermak. Michael took every chance to learn from these coaches to add training knowledge to his athletic experience. Now as a personal trainer it is Michael's aim to help his clients reach new standards of fitness and performance.

Availability:

  • Monday- 8:00am-8:00pm
  • Tuesday - 8:00am-8:00pm
  • Wednesday - 8:00am-8:00pm
  • Thursday – 8:00a,-3:00pm
  • Friday - 8:00am-7:00pm
  • Saturday – Limited availability
  • Sunday - Unavailable