MEET THE FITNESS FIRST TEAM
Each of our instructors bring a unique combination of passion,
education, and expertise to their appointments. They are committed to you,
and to your goals, strengthening you for wherever your journey leads YOU!
STEVE RITZ
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST AND FOUNDER
STEVE RITZ
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST AND FOUNDER
Steve has been involved in the fitness field since 1991 working with a wide variety of people ranging from cardiac rehab patients to professional athletes. Some highlights in his career as a fitness professional include Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for the MN Vikings and training both major and minor league players for the Cleveland Indians Organization. Steve has also had involvement in various college and high school settings including: Villanova University, North Dakota State University, Gustavus Adolphus College and Anoka High School. Fitness is a way of life for Steve, and he enjoys educating and making it a priority in other people’s lives. Steve has worked with clients of diverse age, gender and fitness level.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College, and a Master of Arts degree majoring in Exercise Physiology from Minnesota State University, Mankato
CERTIFICATIONS:
National Strength and Conditioning Association – Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Head, Neck and Spine Institute – Certified Head and Neck Training Specialist
INTERESTS:
Traveling, reading, participating and watching a variety of sports, outdoor activities (fishing, camping, hiking, etc.), public speaking, volunteering with church, civic and college organizations
GREG GERDING
FITNESS SPECIALIST
GREG GERDING
FITNESS SPECIALIST
Greg has been a Fitness Specialist at Fitness First since 2003. He has been responsible for formulating fitness prescriptions for clients with unique skills and goals, training clients from a broad demographic spectrum, and providing a monthly educational update for staff and clients on a variety of health and wellness topics. Greg has a calm, helpful and caring personality. Clients find training appointments with Greg to be challenging and enjoyable. He is also employed at Medtronic as a Principle Supply Chain Master Data Analyst. Greg’s business acumen allows him to relate with clients and the demands they face in the workplace. Greg is married to his wife, Ann, and they have three boys named Grayson, William and Erik. Greg believes strength training, conditioning and nutritious eating should be a priority in everybody’s life. Greg is excited and motivated to educate and help Fitness First clients upon their journey.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State University majoring in Business Management with a minor in Computer Science
CERTIFICATIONS:
American College of Sports Medicine – Certified Exercise Physiologist
INTERESTS:
Strength training, running, spending time with family, reading, music, basketball, and golf
TONY AUSTAD
FITNESS SPECIALIST
TONY AUSTAD
FITNESS SPECIALIST
Tony joined the Fitness First staff in June 2010 as a Fitness Specialist. Tony’s initial involvement with Fitness First was as a college intern during the summer of 2009. Austad has expertise in the areas of strength training, flexibility, nutrition and muscular strength and endurance testing. Tony has great knowledge and experience developing and implementing exercise prescriptions for people of all ages, gender, and fitness levels. He developed these skills through his experience as a Human Performance Lab technician while a student at Gustavus Adolphus College. Tony enjoys motivating and educating clients on the scientific fundamentals of fitness.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College majoring in Health Fitness, and a Master of Arts degree majoring in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology from Minnesota State University, Mankato
CERTIFICATIONS:
American College of Sports Medicine – Certified Exercise Physiologist
INTERESTS:
Strength training, hockey, fishing, music, and spending time with family and friends
NICK MCCOY
FITNESS SPECIALIST
NICK MCCOY
FITNESS SPECIALIST
Nick has been a Fitness Specialist at Fitness First since his June 2007 internship. Nick has experience in vo2, body fat, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance testing. McCoy also possesses a great deal of knowledge designing exercise prescriptions for people with diverse backgrounds. He acquired these skills from his experience as a Human Performance Lab technician while a student at Gustavus Adolphus College. In September 2009, he was promoted to a management position of the Chaska and Excelsior locations. Nick’s duties include opening and closing the facilities, staff scheduling, new client orientation, as well as design and implementation of exercise prescriptions. He is also involved in organizational and administrative duties ranging from the design of advertising and promotional materials to the hosting of college interns. Nick enjoys working with clients of all ages and abilities, deriving great satisfaction in helping people reach their health and wellness goals.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College majoring in Health Fitness with a minor in Coaching
CERTIFICATIONS:
American College of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer
INTERESTS:
Strength training, soccer, fishing, bowling
ZACH VINE
FITNESS SPECIALIST
ZACH VINE
FITNESS SPECIALIST
Zach joined the Fitness First staff as a Fitness Specialist in February 2015 after interning in summer of 2014. While a Human Performance Lab technician at Gustavus Adolphus College, Zach gained experience in body composition, flexibility, and aerobic testing. Vine has coaching experience ranging from youth athletes to the collegiate level. These experiences have allowed Zach to reinforce his passion for educating and motivating people helping them undergo physical and mental development. He enjoys working with the diverse clientele at Fitness First and derives great satisfaction helping them achieve their health and fitness goals. Zach is excited to apply his knowledge of physiology, combined with an approachable demeanor to provide the best service possible to the clients of Fitness First.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College majoring in Health Fitness with a minor in Coaching
CERTIFICATIONS:
National Strength and Conditioning Association – Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
INTERESTS:
Strength training, football, wrestling, coaching, lacrosse, music, and camping