JULIA KEEPPER, M.A., ACSM-CES

Julia Keepper is the supervisor at McLaren Fitness. She is a Clinical Exercise Specialist and graduated in 1990 with a Masters Degree in Exercise Science from CMU. She earned her B.A. from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Julia is nationally certified through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as an Exercise Specialist. She has been with McLaren-Central Michigan since 1990 where she started in the original Fitness/Cardiac Rehab/Diagnostic Testing Center (Center for Human Performance). She spent many years working in the Cardiopulmonary Rehab department before becoming supervisor at WCF in November of 2005. Julia is a strong advocate of fitness as a key component to overall health and well being.

JOHN PILLING, B.S., ACSM-HFS, USATF Level 1 Coach

John Pilling is the Lead Exercise Physiologist at McLaren Fitness. He graduated from Central Michigan University in 2007 with a degree in Health Fitness in Preventive and Rehabilitative Programs. John is an ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Certified Health and Fitness Specialist. He is also a certified USATF (USA Track and Field) level 1 coach and a throws coach for the Dynamo Throws Club of Mount Pleasant. John continues to compete in Track and Field after graduating from CMU. He believes that living an active lifestyle has a positive effect on all aspects of life.

KRISTY POLLATZ, M.A., NSCA-CPT, ACE

Kristy Pollatz is an Exercise Physiologist, Group Exercise Coordinator and a Personal Trainer at McLaren Fitness. She obtained her national certification in group exercise through American Council on Exercise (ACE) in 1994. She has been teaching group exercise for a total of twelve years. Kristy has also been nationally certified as a personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) since December of 2004. She has her B.A. and M.A. in education as well. Kristy truly enjoys helping clients achieve their fitness goals and encouraging their self-confidence in exercise. 

CRYSTAL PARSONS, B.S.

Crystal Parsons has worked as our Fitness Information Assistant since 2006. She has a B.S. in Biology from Central Michigan University. Crystal is also our SilverSneakers® Senior AdvisorSM, the administrative liaison between our SilverSneakers members and Healthways. She has become a fitness advocate and feels that exercise really works! Exercise does help you to lose weight and bring down those dreaded numbers (like sugar and cholesterol). Crystal continues to strive to be proof of that!

JUDI SWARTZ, B.S., M.A., AFAA

Fitness Specialist Judi Swartz has been an aerobics instructor at McLaren Fitness since 2002. She is a certified Personal Trainer through AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America). She holds certifications in Primary Group Exercise, and Kickboxing from AFAA. She is also an Examiner for AFAA, adjudicating practical exams for new aerobics instructors. She also holds certifications in Turbo Kick© and PiYo© from Powder Blue Productions as well as certifications in Zumba, Zumba Toning, and Zumba Gold.. She has been certified to teach MSROM (Muscular Strength and Range of Motion), Cardio Circuit, and Yoga Stretch for the Sliver Sneakers® Program. Judi is currently a student at CMU taking classes in Exercise Science. She is a group exercise instructor at Nimkee Fitness Center as well as a temporary faculty member at CMU. Judi holds B.S. and M.A. degrees in education. She is a dance instructor for tap and ballroom at Off Broadway Studio of Performing Arts in Mt. Pleasant, and at the Academy of Performing Arts in Alma. Judi is a "life long learner", and believes that it is never too late to begin an exercise program and develop new skills. 

BRENDEN WELSH, B.S., ASCM-CES

Brenden Welsh is an Exercise Physiologist for McLaren Fitness. He earned his B.S. in Health Fitness in Preventive and Rehabilitative Programs from Central Michigan University in 2010. He completed his internship in Preventive Cardiology at Henry Ford Hospital in 2010 and is currently a certified Clinical Exercise Specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

CHAD LANGE, M.A., ATC, CSCS

Chad Lange is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is employed full time by McLaren-Central Michigan and divides his time between McLaren Fitness, Physical Therapy, and Sacred Heart Academy, where he is the Head Athletic Trainer. Chad received his B.S. in Sports Medicine form CMU in 2000 and completed his M.A. in Sports Administration at CMU in 2006. He has worked at McLaren Fitness since April of 2006. Chad enjoys helping people to meet their specific fitness and performance goals.

Tara Schiltz, B.S.

Tara Schiltz is an Exercise Physiologist at McLaren Fitness. She graduated from Central Michigan University in December 2010 with a B.S. in Health Fitness in Preventative and Rehabilitative Services. She completed her internship at McLaren-Central Michigan, with the Center of Human Performance and Cardiopulmonary Rehab. She is currently studying for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Specialist Certification. Tara believes that one of the biggest challenges is getting through the front doors but once you're inside you can achieve everything!