The Best Female Fitness Trainers & Wellness Leaders in Chicago
Happy Women’s History Month! Women’s History Month commemorates and encourages the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
In the fitness and wellness industry, women have made a significant impact by breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. They have become leaders in areas such as yoga, Pilates, personal training, and nutrition, and have inspired countless women to prioritize their health and well-being. Women have also been at the forefront of promoting body positivity and inclusivity in the industry, encouraging people to embrace their unique bodies and strive for overall wellness rather than conforming to unrealistic beauty standards. Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions that women have made and continue to make in all aspects of society, including the fitness and wellness industry.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we will be celebrating the influential and brilliant women that have made advancements and a huge impact on the Chicago fitness community! We truly believe that Chicago has some of the most knowledgeable, approachable, communicative, and professional trainers & wellness leaders in the country. We're proud to bring you the Windy City's very best so you can discover them, too! We’ve gathered a list of the very best fitness & health professionals in Chicago all in one place so you can discover and support them!
Amelia Bell Sargent - @dancepantss & @dancefirstthinklaterco
Amelia is a lifelong performer, competitive dancer, and athlete. She trained extensively in "game day" style, dancing for competitive high school, college, and semi-professional teams for 15 years. She went on to dance professionally with the Chicago Bulls as a Chicago Luvabull for four seasons and now dances commercially for TV and film. Amelia is also running her dance, fitness, and choreography business she launched in 2018. She is a master of all things dance team, specializes in barre and cardio, and loves creating memorable and accessible choreography for events and weddings. She leads with an infectious positive attitude and will make a positive difference in your life.
Amy Morris - @amyruneatplayrepeat
Amy attended DePaul University and graduated with a double major in Accounting and Finance. During junior year a close friend convinced Amy to join her in the Race To The Taste 5K. With little running experience, but a serious love for food and always up for a challenge, Amy naturally accepted and her love for running was born! Thousands of miles later, 30+ Spartan/ OCR/trail races, competing in the 2017 OCRWC in Canada, 2 Ultra Ragnar’s, countless half marathons and currently training for her 13th & 14th full marathons, Amy still can’t get enough and is currently working towards her goal of running in all 50 states. Amy is also a RRCA Certified Running Coach and loves helping runners find their legs!
After 8 years in corporate finance and accounting, Amy tossed her calculator out the window and decided to follow her heart and became a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. Amy believes fitness and exercise is for everyone. Leading by example, Amy tries to continually challenge herself and those around her to find their fitness passion by adding variety, education, grit and a touch of laughter to each session.
Amy’s Moto: You’ll be amazed by what your body can do if you just try!
Favorite exercises: Running, Olympic Weightlifting, Pull-Ups and heavy Back Squats!
Angie Pote - @yogabyangie
Angie is a yoga instructor and Reiki II practitioner. Angie first discovered yoga as a means to treat PTSD as well as a method to de-stress from the corporate daily work life. Angie started her journey through aerial yoga (suspension/hammocks) and from there ventured into vinyasa, hot and hatha yoga back in 2017. Within a few months of practicing yoga, Angie found a sense of community as well as ways to de-stress and relieve anxiety from the practice. Angie's style of teaching is on a more vinyasa/hatha/yin mix, often just considered a slow intentional flow. If you are looking for compassion-centered teaching, look no further, Angie encourages the growth of both the physical and spiritual self.
Angie is a Yoga Alliance 500RYT and received her training from Jeannine Bush-Clinton at Essencia Yoga in Wheaton, Illinois as well as Barre Above certified barre instructor, Aerial Yoga through Kapok Pilates and Wellness in Clearwater, FL, Reiki II and Trauma Sensitive Training through I Heart Yoga in Cary, IL.
Ann-Marie Gover - @annmariego
Ann-Marie is a movement artist and fitness instructor based in Chicago. She is a graduate of University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. After graduating, Ann-Marie began an apprenticeship with Shen Wei Dance Arts while also teaching across the US with physical theater company, JUNK. She has taught Pilates for the last 6 years including at Equinox Sports Club and Dynamic Body Pilates in Manhattan, and at 2nd Story in Jackson Heights. She enjoys working with clients of all levels. She brings her extensive dance background and work as a Reiki practitioner to her classes, tailoring her approach to each client to best suit their fitness goals. She is thrilled to join the Chi-Society team and begin teaching Pilates to the Chicago community!
Aya Muramatsu - @ayammuramatsu
Aya Muramatsu is a former dancer and has been working in the fitness field since 2014. Raised outside of Boston, she has also spent time working in fashion and living in New York and Los Angeles. Aya has called Chicago home since 2015.
Aya has been teaching at SoulCycle since 2014 where she is a Master Instructor and founding Chicago instructor. She has taught in various cities around the country and loves connecting with the community everywhere she goes.
Aya also holds a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification with the Yoga Alliance. She has been a practitioner of yoga for over 12 years and is delighted to be able to lead yoga classes in-person and virtually. In her class, you can expect to feel stretched, strong, and connected while you listen to a great curated playlist.
In addition to sharing her love for community, music, and movement, Aya is also passionate about body image and mental health. She hosts events and retreats focused on honest conversation on these subjects. She strives to bring people together to speak vulnerably and authentically as well as make movement accessible to all. She is a certified Health Coach through the Nutrition School and has been a lululemon Ambassador since 2015.