Rutan Athletic Club Team
I’m currently elite level powerlifter holding 6 state records in 2 weight classes. Pursing World Team 2024.
Was previously on World Team in 2017 representing the USA at Worlds.
IFBB Pro in women’s physique
I hold 3 state records in 2 weight classes for USA Weightlifting.
I previously was on the junior Olympic team in South Carolina for 3 years.
2x back to back Regional level CrossFit athlete representing the central east region.
D1 Cheerleader for Kent State
I hold 6 certifications -
Strength and Conditioning
Speed and Agility
Nutrition
Specialized 50+ Fitness
Specialized Women’s Fitness
Youth Athletic Development
Robert Polenik
Hello! My name is Robert Polenik. I started my health and fitness journey when I was 15 years old. I was skinny-fat, I didn’t like the way I looked, I didn’t like the way I felt, so I wanted to make a change. I immediately fell in love with the process of changing my body and the positive impact it had on my mental health. I trained my family and friends as I grew in my knowledge and started working with paying clients when I was 18 years old. I am now 40 years old and am still just as passionate and in love with the process as I was at 15 years old! I love helping others not only learn to love their body but also learn to love themselves more and realize what amazing things they can accomplish!
I have a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education.
A Master’s in Human Nutrition.
A Personal Training Certification from ACSMI.
I am a Corrective Exercise Specialist certified through NASM..
I also have a two certifications from ASFA.
Running Coach
Tactical Strength.
I host a daily podcast titled Brutal Iron Gym that has over 2,000+ episodes and over 300,000+ downloads! The podcast is listener-driven meaning anyone can make a topic request at any time, and I’ll make a podcast for them for free! We discuss nutrition, training, mindset, and more! The podcast has been downloaded across all 50 states and in over 100 countries!
My passion in working with others is to teach. I’ve taught at the university level for 7 years and loved empowering students with knowledge that they could use to shape their life! I would love to do the same with you!
Marisa has a deep appreciation for the world of sports and fitness due to her background in coaching high school varsity athletes, competing in competitive sports, and playing in the junior Olympics league. Currently, she enjoys the sport of CrossFit and powerlifting. With her 200-hour yoga training certification, she also understands the mind body connection. With all of this in mind, Marisa takes this approach in her sessions as she works with everyone’s unique needs, aiming to build muscle, while improving proper range of motion. In addition, Marisa is a strong advocate for properly fueling the body with pure, natural, and wholesome food. Most importantly, she truly loves witnessing her clients achieve new levels of mental and physical fortitude with exercise and fitness.
Hi, my name is Linda Manse-Skemp. I am married to my wonderful husband Joe. We are a blended family with 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Family is the most important thing to me. We are blessed to have all of our children live close to us and love when we can all get together.
I love the outdoors. We live at Lake Cable, right on the lake, and take advantage each day of being able to boat, kayak , swim and fish. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, hiking, biking, reading, all fitness related activities, and being a mom and “Mimi” to my family.
I graduated high school from Hoover and have a business degree from Walsh. I have always lived in this wonderful community and could not imagine living anywhere else.
I have been teaching fitness classes for over 25 years and have achieved several types of certifications over the years. The fitness industry changes so much and is always developing new & exciting ways to stay fit, so I enjoy learning new fitness regimens as they evolve. My most recent certification is in Yoga. I have been teaching Yoga for the past four years and currently working on my next level of certification.
Since 2015, I continue to love every minute I get to help change lives. I enjoy helping individuals adapt and overcome their fears of fitness. I especially enjoy seeing members get stronger and see results not only in their bodies, but also in their confidence levels, mental & emotional health. I enjoy the connection and friends I have made since coaching.
I have a full time career as the Office Manager/Controller at Toth Buick GMC, which I enjoy , but near as much as I do being a trainer coach at RAC.
Fun Facts About Me:
I have now completed my 500 hour yoga training, certified through Yoga Alliance
One of my favorite outdoor activities is paddle boarding
My favorite food is grilled salmon
Hello, my name is Lori Lucius. I currently live in Uniontown with my husband, Robert, and our cat, Richard.
We have officially joined the ‘empty-nester’ club, as the twins, Bailey and Chelsey, are currently serving in the US Marine Corps and Garrett is a student/athlete running cross country and track at Otterbein University. Bailey and his wife Kendall recently welcomed their first child, Nora, and we can’t get enough of her!
Fitness has always been a part of my life. I played softball in highschool and later enjoyed running 5k’s and half marathons. I also had the privilege of coaching Girls on the Run for several years. I loved serving as a mentor to the young girls and helping many of them conquer their first 5k.
I work full-time as a Risk Manager for a national construction company. My job responsibilities include: helping individuals transition to their “new normal” after a life changing injury and providing compassion and a sympathetic ear to help individuals navigate through their most challenging times during the healing process.
My desire to help others with positive motivation is what I hope to bring as a coach to RAC.
Fun Facts About Me:
My husband and I have a passion for cars and can be seen at local cars and coffee or a local cruise-in (when the weather cooperates!)
My husband and I are also members of the Akron Sports Car Club and that’s how we spend many of our Sundays
Hello, my name is Cara Calland. I grew up in Westerville, Ohio and fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Although I didn’t think of it as ‘fitness’ at the time, I played soccer, basketball, softball, and many other sports growing up. This foundation of activity was rocked when I was in high school and had to get knee and wrist surgeries due to some injuries. I hadn’t realized how central being able to move and be active was to my happiness and wellbeing until it was taken away from me. This personal realization has, over time, led to my interest in coaching and educating others so that they can also live functional and healthy lives. This is what ultimately led me to my desire to work at RAC.
My education in fitness is ongoing, as I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from OU and my Master’s Degree in Teaching from Kent State University. These days, I have not played as many team sports, but I have gained a lot of interest in outdoor activities, such as hiking, paddleboarding, trail running, and kayaking.
I am so excited to see everyone (including myself) grow at RAC! . Certified Fitness Coach Program and obtained her ACE Personal Trainer Certification.
Fun Facts About Me:
I’m a pescatarian, mostly because I love cheese too much to ever give it up entirely (and I’ve tried!)
I grew up watching a lot of movies and one of my favorite things to do is go to the movie theater to see a cinema on the big screen
In the summer, I love to go to drive in theaters when it’s nice out
I have two cats at home, Rosa and Apollo, that I love dearly!
Hello! My name is Fred Parshall. I am 58 years old and a husband and proud father to two young adult girls. I did my formal education at BGSU, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Construction Management and then went on to KSU to earn a Bachelor’s in Architecture. I have worked in the architecture industry and am currently semi-retired.
I grew up in the woods, ponds, and creeks of Copley, Ohio. These were the playgrounds for my large gang of neighborhood friends. As kids, we played a lot of football, soccer, and baseball. I was 19 years old when I started playing rugby at BGSU. Rugby is my lifelong sports passion – my wife and I really enjoy travel and rugby dovetails nicely with experiencing the USA and other world cultures. I still attend practice at least one a week with my home club, the Akron Rugby Football Club.
I’ve tried to live by the motto “If you don’t use it – You lose it”, and I’ve tried to model an active lifestyle for my family. Despite that, it has always seemed difficult to maintain a lifestyle that includes exercise. Like most of us, I put a lot of responsibilities ahead of my physical well being. This resulted in years of fluctuating fitness levels and weight gain. By the end of 2017 my knees no longer allowed running. A year later, I was over 200 lbs.
I incorporated Strength and Conditioning into my schedule three days a week. I changed my diet and lost 30 lbs. Coach Aaron is perfect. He senses I want to be pushed and he guides me all the way. Strength and Conditioning got my legs back into shape and I was able to start running again. Now I am in the best shape I have been in decades. I am so happy with the results.
Fun Facts About Me:
Favorite Books: The Day the Universe Changed by James Burke, The Reasons Why by Cecil Woodham-Smith, From Bauhaus to Our House by Tom Wolfe
Favorite Vacation Spot: Europe, particularly France. My wife and I will be going to the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
Our family is smitten by our black cat, MoMA!
Hello, I am Nalana and grateful to be approaching my 55th birthday in August feeling healthy and strong. I have been married for 35 years to an amazing man. Last year I went part-time at my corporate job after 36 years to pursue my passion for health and fitness. I love animals and I am happy that I can combine this love with my love for fitness by volunteering at One of a Kind Pet Rescue walking/running with the shelter dogs.
I started working out at 19 and never stopped. I obtained my Group Fitness, Barre and HIIT certifications. RAC has the same core principles that I have when it comes to fitness. I love the family and team atmosphere!
Nalana gives this advice: “You are the greatest project you will ever work on. Take it seriously and commit 100%.”
Fun Facts About Me:
Favorite Vacation Spot – Riveira Maya, Mexico
Favorite Food – chicken and rice bowls (healthy) but I really like pizza
Favorite Exercise – push-ups
Nalana also says; “I am 100% dedicated to every project that I take on and I never give up.
Taylor is a personal trainer who specializes in strength training and empowering her clients by showing them how truly strong they really are.
Taylor trains men and women from ages 13-75 and loves having a wide variety of clients that challenge her every day. She is passionate about what she does and loves every minute of it!
She graduated from Kent with a degree in Physical Activity and Sports performance and is a certified personal trainer through ACE as well as a group certification. Taylor is very passionate about Olympic Weightlifting and has competed in 6 meets including The Arnold Classic. Taylor also has a background in CrossFit, powerlifting, and strongman and has completed 2 triathlons and numerous CrossFit competitions as well.
Hello, my name is Trevor Stankavich. I started my fitness career as an athlete training for soccer, football, and track. I went on to play college soccer for Baldwin Wallace where I received my degree in exercise physiology. Following my college career I went on to powerlift for 10 years and just recently have switched to the sport of Olympic weightlifting. I have been a personal trainer for 10 years and have worked in a variety of settings from gyms to chiropractic offices and rehabilitation clinics.
I have the following qualifications:
◦ Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology
◦ Licensed massage therapist
◦ Strength and conditioning coach from NSCA
◦ Corrective exercise specialist from NASM
◦ Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified
My name is Lauren Hmiel. I live in Massillon, Ohio and have been a teacher at Perry High School for 14 years. I am CrossFit level 1 and 2 certified and have been coaching for over 11 years.
I have always been an active person who loves learning new things!
I was fortunate to play basketball at Ohio University where I received my undergrad in integrated science education. I then received my Masters from Akron in educational administration.
I played several sports growing up and still continue to be involved in anything I can. I recently picked up pickleball and have enjoyed it so much! Otherwise, I love to travel and explore new places, I love watching football and spending time with my dogs.
I look forward to continuously meeting new people and sharing the experience of fitness/exercise together!
Hi, my name is Stacy DeLucaI. Born and raised in Akron, OH and live in Green with my amazing husband Dan. We have been married for 23yrs and have to grown adult children. My family is my life.
I am an employee of Akron Public Schools working with children with special needs. I have been there for the past 22yrs and love my job. While challenging at times, it is extremely rewarding.
Fitness has always been a part of my life. I played volleyball, basketball, and track in high school. Today I try to stay active by playing sand volleyball, pickleball, and indoor soccer.
I started my fitness journey February of 2011 at Crossfit Utility in Akron, OH. In 2012 I became a Level 1 Crossfit Trainer and coached from March 2012- May 2023.
In 2019 I programmed and coached the strength and conditioning program for Impact Sports Academy Volleyball Program.
My passion is helping individuals find a love for health and fitness so they can achieve their goals like I have.
Darcy is a West Virginia native who has loved sports and fitness since she was very young. In high school she lettered 16 times in 4 sports and was a state champion pole vaulter. She then was a 3 sport (volleyball,basketball and track) Division 1 athlete at Robert Morris University where she got her undergraduate degree in Marketing and her Masters degree in Communications Informations Systems.
After finishing college she followed her love for volleyball and became an assistant volleyball coach at the University of Dayton for a year and a half. She continued to climb her way up the coaching ladder and became the assistant coach at Villanova and finally Youngstown State University. After 5 years of Division 1 volleyball coaching she decided to follow her love for fitness and become a personal trainer.
She started with teaching fitness classes and personal training at WV Fitness in Bridgeport, WV in 2010 and has 14 years of experience in the field. She is ASFA certified CrossFit level 1 certified and Olympic lifting certified. She currently competes in CrossFit and is 118th in the world in her age group.
Kristen Zwick has been an NCEP Certified Personal trainer since 2017. She earned her certification in Lincoln Park, Chicago and has been training women of all ages ever since. Kristen is also a wife, a mother of four children and a French/Spanish teacher with over 12 years of experience teaching in public and private schools. Her favorite workouts are Metcon-style and she has an affinity for TRX.