MEET THE TRAINING TEAM

JEREMY THOMAS | DIANE THOMAS | DARLA BENNETT | GWEN STRAKA | TINA STATHIS | KAREN BURRIS | LAUREN WADE | MEGAN ZECKOWSKI

CLICK HERE FOR CLASS SCHEDULE | CLICK HERE FOR CLASS DESCRIPTION | MEET THE CLASS INSTRUCTORS

Diane Thomas | return to top
Diane has been working in the Health and Fitness Industry for over 30 years. She is a positive minded and goal orientated individual committed to helping others achieve their health and fitness goals. Diane is an avid runner and has competed in running events ranging from Marathons to 5k races. Diane's professional education includes a B.S. in Physical Education and a Masters in Exercises Physiology from the University of Washington. Additionally she has held positions as a Cardiac Rehab Program Director, Physical Fitness Specialist, Health Promotion Coordinator and Director of Health and Fitness. Diane was the prime mover in establishing the Health and Fitness Division for the United States Army Europe, Frankfurt Military Community. In 1993 Diane and Jeremy returned to Orlando Florida to create their own business, Fitness Partners. Through the years, Diane has remained true to her vision of helping clients get in shape and live healthier lives.

Jeremy Thomas | return to top
Jeremy has been in the Health and Fitness Industry since 1984. He is enthusiastic, full of energy, and highly motivating group exercise instructor and personal trainer. Jeremy loves to compete and has competed in many ½ marathons, 10K's, 5K's and Triathlons. Basketball has been a life time love and remains a favorite exercise to stay in shape. Jeremy is certified through the American Council of Exercise (ACE) and holds an Advanced Personal Training Certification from the Cooper Institute, Dallas Texas. Jeremy worked as Fitness Specialist with United States Army in Frankfurt Germany and coached basketball, volleyball and baseball at the Frankfurt International School. In 1993 Jeremy and Diane returned to Orlando Florida to create their own business, Fitness Partners. Since returning he has continued coaching, two years as Head Varsity Girls Basketball coach and 3 years as an Assistant Varsity Boys coach at Lake Mary Preparatory School Florida. He has over 14 yrs. experience coaching and training clients and athletes to achieve their very best.

Darla Bennett | return to top
Darla has been in the Fitness Industry since 1997 after being diagnosed and overcoming breast cancer. Darla made it a personal challenge to become physically fit and better educated in the area of health and fitness. Exercise played a major roll in her healing process and motivated her to become a Certified Personal Trainer and Powerhouse Pilates Instructor.Darla is an avid runner and was chosen to run for Team Track Shack. She places in almost every race she competes in and has qualified twice for the Boston Marathon. For the past 10 years Darla has run the Susan B. Kolman Race for the Cure in Orlando and has finished as the 1st place cancer survivor each year.

Darla recently has trained players from the NBA’s Orlando Magic Basketball team in the Pilates Method to help improve their core strength development. Darla along with her husband Dr. Dave Bennett, a local chiropractor are dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle and helping others to live one as well.

Megan Zeckowski | return to top
Megan has been in the fitness field since 2004 after receiving her Group Fitness and Personal Training certifications from the American Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She has continued to expand her knowledge with additional certifications in Yoga and Pilates (Mat & Reformer). Megan is enthusiastic and energetic and believes in having fun while working out. Coming from a family plagued with obesity and serious metabolic and chronic diseases, she is determined to beat the odds. It is her passion for healthy living that drives her to motivate and encourage others to live healthy!

Lauren Wade | return to top
Lauren has been active in the health and fitness field as a Personal Trainer/instructor since 2003 and has been a participant for over 30 years. She is certified as a Personal Trainer and a Peak Pilates Instructor (Mat and Reformer) and has extensive background in Yoga as well. Lauren has been a runner most of her life and has completed 11 marathons. One of her latest achievements was running the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim. Lauren is dedicated to a life of balance with exercise, eating healthy, and having fun, while helping others achieve their fitness goals.

Gwen Straka | return to top
Gwen has been involved in the fitness industry since 1996, although she has always had a love for sports and physical activities. Beginning as a student, Gwen’s passion for fitness grew and inspired her to become an instructor. Gwen is certified as a Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor and dedicated to providing safe and effective programs to her clients.

Karen Burris | return to top
Karen’s love for exercise began at an early age as an accomplished ballerina. Additionally, outdoor activities such as water skiing, mountain biking, running, hiking and swimming have been a passion throughout her life including marathons and triathlons. Karen has been teaching and training since 2004 after earning certifications in Personal Training, Pilates I, Group Fitness, and Spinning. Karen likes taking fitness to the extreme, specializing in boot camp and kickboxing style classes. She has also been involved in Teen and senior fitness programs. Karen’s love for fun and teaching is evident in her classes and training.