Meet Our Trainers
We’re a woman-owned company that believes in strengthening the body and mind! We are committed to educating our clients during the process. We also believe that trainers should make a real liveable wage, so we rent space to like-minded trainers!
Well hello there!
Hi, I’m Yasmeen, the owner of EmpowerFit and a busy mama of two very active girls.
My fitness journey is a sordid one. It began as a teenager when I joined a women-exclusive gym with my older sister. Like many teen girls, I believed I was overweight, out of shape, and wanted to be 90s model skinny. In college and grad school, I was in a relentless pursuit of the lean aesthetic. I pushed my body through ups and downs with an unhealthy body image, often cycling through extreme diet and exercise routines. My metabolism, body, and mind were on a rough rollercoaster ride. The older I became and the more I explored my own mental health, I knew that this was not a sustainable lifestyle.
Soon after the post-partum phase of my firstborn, I focused on a mindset change. I did not want my daughter to grow up with the same toxic messages I had. I needed to be a better role model for her. After leaving the mental health therapy world, I decided to dip my feet into group fitness. I discovered that not only was I good at motivating others to work out, I also had an amazing opportunity to combine my passions for mental and physical health! I pursued the gold standard in personal training education at The National Personal Training Institute. In addition to earning my diploma, I went on to earn my NASM certification. After 10 years in the fitness industry, I am continuously learning more from my own life experiences and from my diverse clientele.
My approach to fitness is guided by my own experience and the countless people who have traditionally felt left out in the fitness world. I am motivated to empower others to confidently learn how to lift weights and exercise in a way that feels right for their bodies. I believe that there is a fitness approach for every body out there. I understand the need to find the balance between the demands of everyday life and self care. Together, we will work to empower, embolden, and embrace your new self.
Education:
Masters in Forensic Psychology (The Professional School of Psychology)
BA in Psychology
Credentials:
Personal Training Diploma (National Personal Training Institute) National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certification
Certifications:
CPR/AED/FIRST AID
Hi, I’m Lizzy! A Chicago based personal trainer.
Growing up, I was the one whose parents always needed to involve me in various activities to help channel my energy. What began as a strategy to wear me out blossomed into a true passion for physical activity and its numerous benefits. After being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, I discovered that engaging in these activities was a powerful way to calm my mind and allow me to focus on the task at hand.
My enduring passion for physical fitness and its myriad of benefits has been a constant in my life, and I am eager to share that enthusiasm with others! After earning my degree in Public Health Studies, I spent two years working as a rehabilitation aide in physical therapy clinics. This experience allowed me to engage with diverse populations and work closely with individuals throughout their healing journeys. It also highlighted the significance of preventive care along with the proactive steps we can take to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Following my time in clinics, I decided to elevate my dedication to health and fitness by becoming an NASM Certified Personal Trainer with an additional certification in passive stretching (PNF technique). I have experience as a group fitness coach and personal trainer both online and in person. I am dedicated to working alongside my clients every step of the way and creating a program that works best for you! I believe that every body is unique and deserves a personalized approach to enhance body awareness and promote overall well-being.
Education: BS in Public Health Studies: Pre-Clinical Health Science
Credentials: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certification, Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC) Certified
Certifications: CPR/AED/FIRST AID, Applied Stretching Theory and Practice,
MEET SENSEI NOLYS CABELLO
Sensei Nolys Cabello has over 35 years of experience as a karate practitioner, 25 years of which he gained experience teaching in Venezuela, Orlando, and Chicago. Sensei Nolys acted as coach of the Venezuelan Federation of Karate Do for 2 years, coach of the national team of the SKIF Kodokai of Venezuela for 7 years, and was also a Pan American Karate Federation (PKF) referee for 3 years. He is the owner of Evolution Training Center.
Sensei Nolysoffers small group children and adult karate classes at Empowerfit, while he finds a home for Evolution.
Hi, I’m Emma—a personal trainer and group fitness coach based on Chicago’s North Side. My training philosophy is rooted in body neutrality, disability justice, and a commitment to creating queer- and trans-affirming fitness spaces. I meet clients where they are, blending accessibility with intensity so you can reach your goals in a way that works for your body and your life.
My Background
Movement has been part of my life for as long as I can remember—from playing soccer as a kid, to weightlifting in high school, to exploring running and martial arts as an adult. As a queer and nonbinary person navigating stereotypes and gender norms, I’ve found movement to be both grounding and deeply connective, to myself and others.
I also know what it’s like to navigate setbacks. Years of contact sports brought injuries including concussions, an ACL tear, and an Achilles rupture. These experiences—and the countless hours spent in physical therapy—sparked my interest in helping others recover and rebuild. I began my career as a rehab aide in a physical therapy clinic, and soon realized how much I loved helping people retrain both mind and muscle. That led me to earn my NASM Personal Trainer certification and apprentice at Han Training.
In 2022, three successive COVID-19 infections forced me to rethink my relationship with exercise. Months away from my usual routines challenged me to prioritize long-term health over short-term milestones, and to integrate lessons from disability justice advocates into my work. I learned firsthand the importance of balancing ambition with care—something I bring to every client relationship.
Why I Coach
For me, training is a collaboration. You bring your goals and experiences; I bring guidance, structure, and encouragement. Together, we’ll find ways to make movement supportive and sustainable.
Education
BA in Cognitive Science
MA in Public Policy
Credentials
Certified Personal Trainer, NASM CPT
Certifications
CPR / AED / First Aid
MEET PARKER HAINES!
Movement has been a constant tool for me in building confidence, resilience, and mental well-being. Across the last 50+ years, movement has been both my work and my play, and I’ve learned how to adapt it to accommodate the processes of aging, injury, illness, and gender transition. Growing up in an athletic household, I played sports as soon as I could walk. In my 20s, I reclaimed what “fitness” looked like for me and began my own journey in movement. I joined a boxing gym during a time when I was out of shape and unhappy. I boxed Golden Gloves for 4 years, winning titles “Most Improved”, “Most Dedicated”, and “Best Boxer.” Truly one of the highlights of my life was the time I spent training with my Coach and challenging myself physically and mentally. Alongside winning those titles, I also found happiness.
In my 30’s I discovered my true love in movement through practicing yoga and becoming a certified yoga teacher. Working intentionally with the breath became a foundational part of my movement, mindfulness, and mental health. This supported me as I transitioned in my 40s and used weight training to embody and affirm my gender. I give so much credit and gratitude to the teachers I met along the way. I can’t think of a better way to thank them than to pay it forward, which is why I began to teach.
My approach to personal training and coaching is rooted in care, accessibility, and connection. I’ve worked in a variety of physically rigorous professions, including nightlife, drag/burlesque, and food service, while navigating chronic illness and recovery from surgeries. With the support of physical therapists and mentors, I’ve learned how to negotiate with the body through using yoga and strength training as part of recuperation and recovery. I’m passionate about collaborating with clients to create effective and sustainable workout programs that prioritize strength, mobility, and mindful movement. Mental health is an important part of my coaching philosophy, and I believe progress comes from listening to your body every day and moving with compassion.
I understand that starting a fitness journey can feel vulnerable, and my goal is to help my clients feel comfortable, supported, and at ease from the very beginning. Being Black, Non-binary, and Trans, I also know that not all spaces are welcoming or safe. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment for members of the LGBTQIA community.
As an accessible, supportive coach, my goal is to help you feel stronger in your body, steadier in your mind, and supported by a community that reminds you that you are never doing this alone.
CREDENTIALS:
RYT200 -CORE POWER YOGA
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SPORTS MEDICINE (NASM CERTIFIED)
CERTIFICATIONS:
CPR/FIRST AID
DEI CERTIFICATION CORNELL UNIVERSITY
MEET CONOR TOBIN
I have always been active throughout my life, whether it was playing sports or starting my own training in high school. Movement has always been a constant for me. After graduating from college, I thought I was supposed to join the corporate world and sit at a desk like many of my peers—but I quickly realized that wasn’t the right fit. I found myself constantly thinking about how and when I would fit my workouts into my schedule, often prioritizing them over my work. That’s when it clicked: exercise was the most fulfilling part of my day, and I wanted to share that with others.
My background as a Psychology major plays a big role in my training style. Fitness isn’t just physical—it’s mental, too. I’ve experienced firsthand how the same workout can feel completely different depending on your mindset, energy, and stress levels. Because of that, I stay tuned in to how each session feels, and I bring that same awareness to my clients. I know that every day is different, so I’m constantly checking in and asking questions to make sure each session meets you where you are.
Exercise is incredibly powerful—the physical and mental benefits can truly transform your day. But it can also feel challenging or overwhelming at times, and that’s where I come in. I want my clients to feel supported and confident, knowing they have someone in their corner. I’m here to guide you, push you when needed, and help you build something sustainable. I’m excited to work together and help you reach your goals.
Education – B.S. in Psychology, Xavier University
Credentials – CPT, ISSA
Certifications – CPR/AED/First Aid
