Trainers
Braedon Arp
Braeden, a Waco native, has always had a passion for health and fitness. He is certified through ISSA and is currently finishing his University studies degree with concentrations in Coaching, Nutrition, and Business online at Texas Tech. In addition to his work as a personal trainer, Braeden coaches football, basketball, and track at Valor Preparatory Academy here in Waco. His goal is to support and motivate clients in finding a sustainable way to live a healthy lifestyle.
LauraRose Casillas
LauraRose was born and raised in Waco and graduated from Midway High School in 2003. She graduated from Tarleton in 2009 with a Mathematical Science Degree. She received her Master’s degree in 2011 from TWU. LauraRose started her Karate career at age 7. Her career rose to the elite level, where she was on Team USA and won the 2014 Pan American Games. LauraRose integrates Martial Arts into her training. Whether you want to do karate, boxing, or kickboxing, LauraRose focuses on form and body awareness.
Emma Cervantez
Emma is a Waco native who attended Lorena High School. Emma has a passion for health/fitness and grew up playing sports. She is certified through NPTA and specializes in strength training, weight loss, and conditioning at any age.
Gretchen Chiles
Gretchen received her B.S. in Education from Baylor University. She is Cooper Institute certified in personal training. She has been personal training for over 25 years and has been at WRS for 21 years. Gretchen's specialties are improved overall fitness, weight loss, and functional fitness. She is now the club director and continues to personal train as well as instruct the Cardio Bootcamp Class.
Julie Christensen
Julie received her B.S. in Exercise Science from Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX. She is a certified personal fitness trainer through the Cooper Institute in Dallas. Julie has been a personal trainer for 27 years all at WRS Althletic Club. She enjoys helping people of all ages and fitness levels.
Heather Gregory
Co-owner of Fit & Fed (Training & Juices), graduate from William Jessup Unversity, NASM & ACE Certified Personal Trainer with a specialization in corrective exercise and nutrition. As a wife and mother of four, I understand life can get busy. My passion is to help people change their lives in the simplest and most realistic way possible. I believe everyone deserves the right to good health and the opportunity to glorify God with ones body inside and out. Which is why my husband and I collaborated in offering training services alongside cold press, organic, 100% juices at WRS for the convenience needed in busy lives.
Annie Johnigan
Annie Johnigan was born and raised in Waco, Texas. She attended Midway High School and graduated from Baylor University with a degree in health and kinesiology. Annie was a 3x All-American pole vaulter at Baylor and competed professionally for 3 years after college. She is certified as a personal trainer through ISSA. Annie loves helping people gain muscle, lose weight, and reach their fitness goals!
Robbie Little
Robbie has been personal training for 28 years at WRS. He has a business degree from Ole Miss and is certified through NSCA.
Jan Michaelis
Jan Michaelis graduated from Baylor University and is a Cooper Institute certified personal trainer. She has trained at WRS for 24 years and focuses on strength training, nutrition, functional exercises, and post-rehabilitation strengthening. She teaches the balance and flexibility class at WRS.
Ross Rasner
Ross joined the WRS team in 2023. Ross went to high school locally at Reicher. He then went on to play football at the University of Arkansas. After being on the Denver Broncos practice squad for one season, Ross moved back to Waco and started his personal training business. Ross loves working with all types of clients who need help reaching their goals. He has a passion for working with young athletes who are looking to gain an edge.
Jerome Smith
Jerome has been training since 1991 and at WRS since we opened in 1995. He has a BS in Education with an emphasis in Health & Fitness. He is certified through the American Council of Exercise and the Cooper Clinic. Jerome has a lovely wife and 3 wonderful children and enjoys helping his clients reach their lifestyle goals through a number of different methods that are geared specifically to their needs and abilities.
Nick Wright
Nick was born and raised in Belton, Texas. He spent two years playing college baseball at Angelina College, before transferring to Baylor University to finish his degree. He graduated from Baylor in summer 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He’s spent the past 10 years teaching and coaching high school baseball at Bruceville-Eddy (4 years) and Midway (6 years). Nick has a strong passion for all sports, and a special interest in helping athletes understand how their bodies work and move to produce a desired outcome while competing. He also cares deeply about helping people of all ages learn how staying active benefits them for life.