Ben is a certified personal trainer through American Council on Exercise. He holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in business where he also competed on the Track and Cross Country teams.

Ben loves to share his passion for fitness with clients and help them increase their energy, become more fit, and reach their personal goals. He enjoys the variety of working with a diverse group of clients. He challenges them with balance, coordination, and strength exercises that meet their specific fitness needs. His philosophy is to work smarter, not harder; maximizing the valuable time exercising and staying balanced through appropriate rest.

Ben has over 10 years of experience coaching high school and collegiate athletes in Cross Country and Track & Field. He is an avid runner and cyclist, competing in a variety of competitive events since he was a youngster and holds personal records of 4:29 for the mile, 16:00 for the 5K and 2:50 for the marathon. He personally enjoys anything active and outdoors, especially yoga, kayaking, snowboarding, fishing and travel.

Q&A with Ben Van Male

Q. How long have you been a personal trainer?
A. Just over one year.

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I have an extremely varied clientele, from mid 20s to mid 70s and very athletic to just starting out in a fitness program. I enjoy the challenges of it all, from training someone to run a marathon, to taking their first steps into living an active lifestyle.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I have coached cross country and track & field for 13 years and have always been a book nerd that wanted to study what all the great coaches and athletes are doing to become better both physically and mentally. My style is based on that background, my ACE training and continued thirst for knowledge about what great trainers are doing.

Q. What can a new client expect?
A. Every client is different, but I use some variety of resistance training, cardio, plyometric, and balance work to some degree with everyone. I am attentive and use progress and regress exercises throughout the workout to create a challenging, yet fun and varied workout.

Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. Natural running and the advantages of getting out of these big chunky shoes that have been marketed to people for way too long!

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I want to avoid lower back pain after having some overuse injuries a few months ago that have kept my running moderated and more appreciative of the powers of yoga and stretching. I want to run some track races and break a 16 year old personal record of mine in the 800 meter (half mile). I’d like to work on more speedwork, getting stronger and staying healthy.

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. The lakefront and Lake Drive all the way up to Port Washington, running and biking is beautiful and there are so many active people along the way. Also, a hidden gem is the Milwaukee River, especially between Hampton and North Ave, where there are awesome biking, hiking and running trails that are convenient to exercise in a very quiet space.

Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Nessun Dorma is a low key restaurant with terrific food and friendly staff.

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Running, biking and fishing. Running and biking keep me healthy and are a big part of who I am. I don’t get out fishing that often, but it’s a great way to slow down and get away from my hectic life.

Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Yoga or reading a book at a coffee shop.

Garrett is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is also an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer. He holds a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology-exercise science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master of science degree in kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Garrett has been a personal trainer and CSCS since 2003. His work experience includes an internship with the Milwaukee Brewers as assistant to the strength and conditioning coordinator, group exercise leader at the University of Wisconsin Health Sports Medicine Fitness Center and recreational sports supervisor for the University of Wisconsin Intramural Department.

Q&A with Garrett Van Auken

Q. How long have you been a personal trainer and certified strength & conditioning specialist?
A. Since 2003.

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in functional strength, core work and multi-joint exercises.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I realized quickly that functional and multi-joint exercises allowed me to get more “bang for my buck” while working out. I was able to hit many more muscle groups in the same amount of time as standard, single joint exercises. Plus, knowing that a majority of my clients would NOT be professional athletes, functional training allowed me to impact their everyday lives.

Q. What can a new client expect?
A. Obviously to work hard. I typically hit a lot more exercises with more variety than a lot of other personal trainers out there.

Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. More people and trainers are continuing to focus more on functional training. Also combining modalities, such as yogalates and cardio kickboxing, is becoming a hot trend.

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I have always had a hard time putting on weight. People are probably going to get mad at me for saying this, but I’m pretty much the same weight since high school. So my goals are putting on 5-10 healthy pounds by continuing to lift weights and eating well.

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. For me personally, you can’t beat Bradford Beach on a perfect summer day.

Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. I’m a fan of food, so I have a favorite Italian place, sushi place, etc. So way too many restaurants to name here.

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I’m big into sports. HUGE Badgers and Brewers fan so I’ll go to a lot and watch a lot of their games. As for me participating, I play volleyball, kickball, and softball. I’m also a runner so I’ll enter a lot of 5k and 10k races. Also in the past couple of years I’ve added miscellaneous races such as the Navy SEAL challenge, the Tough Mudder, the Warrior Dash, etc.

Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Nothing seems to work better than exercise and some good music while I’m working out. If it’s after a long day, I just like to go home and take off my shoes.

Kaila graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. After graduating college she worked in a Physical Therapy office for a year as a Physical Therapist Aide. Her inspiration to become a personal trainer came from working with patients in the clinic. She wanted to help them continue with their therapeutic program outside of the clinic once being discharged. Kaila has been in the fitness industry for five years and specializes in pre and post rehab of the knees and hips. She has her personal training certification through the International Fitness Association. Not only does she love to help clients meet their therapeutic goals, she also enjoys helping people meet their weight loss and fitness goals. Kaila believes that goals are the most important details in life. Write them down, post them, and strive to achieve them, she is here to help you. Kaila’s motivation to continually pursue a high level of physical fitness not only comes from staying fit and healthy, but she wants to be a good role model to her clients, friends, and family. Her passion for fitness and promoting a healthy lifestyle will help to keep those around her motivated and excited about their fitness.

Q&A with Kaila Schwartz

Q. How long have you been a personal trainer?
A. I have been a personal trainer for 5 years.

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in functional training as well as pre and post rehab of the knees and hips.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. My initial interest in Physical Therapy brought me to my current style of practice in functional training.

Q. What can a new client expect?
A. An energetic trainer excited to get you to your fitness goals!

Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. Functional Training has become more and more popular. Performing exercises using our own body weight not only gets results but also helps us to perform in our day-to-day life.

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. My personal wellness goal is to regain the body I had while being a gymnast now at the age of 30. I am hitting the gym for some cardio and weight training but also implementing classes such as yoga and pilates to help in reaching my goals!

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I love a beautiful day at Bradford Beach with a group of friends.

Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Lakefront Brewery for their Friday night fish fry!

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. First and foremost I love spending time with my family and friends. I love taking walks with my teacup Yorkshire Terrier, Ellie, and relaxing on my balcony on a day off or after a busy day at work.

Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. I will hit the gym for a great workout and then curl up on the couch with my cat, dog, and a good movie.

Kellen joins INVIVO, extremely motivated to bring his unique blend of training to the Milwaukee area. A passionate teacher and a lifelong student, he earned his Masters degree in counseling psychology from the University of Wisconsin. Afterwards, he chose to dedicate his life to helping people align their physical and mental health through fitness.

Since entering the industry in 2008, Kellen has acquired several advanced certifications and amassed a wide breadth of experience as both a personal trainer and instructor. He advocates a holistic approach to training that immerses his clients in a wide array of movements to develop body awareness, strength, mobility, and coordination.

“I believe that the optimal fitness experience lies at the intersection of movement and lifestyle, therefore fitness is unique to the individual. I am honored to be a guide to my clients on the path to a deeper understanding of their bodies and the realization of their health and wellness goals.”

Q&A with Kellen Milad
Q. How long have you been a personal trainer?
A. I have been helping people reach their health and fitness goals since 2008. It’s been a great ride so far, I look forward to many more years to come.

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I specialize in natural movement – helping my clients understand how to apply good movement through a wide array of activities. My training emphasizes mobility, body awareness, coordination, and practical strength. I’m a stickler on proper form and make safe / appropriate progression my priority. I am a believer that fitness isn’t an absolute standard, it looks different for everyone, I help people find what works for them.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. After years of high intensity workouts started to take a toll on my body I began to rethink my approach to training. Yoga, Functional Movement Systems, and MovNat were among the major influences that spurred me to see the bigger picture of movement. As my training evolved I found my chronic pain disappeared, my abilities reached new heights, and I was more connected to the world around me.

Q. What can a new client expect?
A. To build a foundation of solid movement patterns, skills, and conditioning. Expect to look at movement in a whole new way. Expect support and education at every session. I view personal training as a collaboration – you supply the work and I’ll guide you on the path. Together, we’ll have a lot of fun and create a better version of you.

Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. I’m all about any practice that connects the dots between how you move, how you feel, and how you think. So I’ve been really excited about the resurgence of “movement culture”. More research studies and media coverage are highlighting the many benefits of mindful movement practices such as yoga, gymnastics, and martial arts. As a result, people are exploring new activities and getting more out of their fitness – I hope this trend keeps gaining momentum.

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Wellness is all about self-care, maintaining balance, and growth. In my training, I work to balance the activities that stress my body with activities that restore my body. In my life, I strive to balance my dedication for my career with exploring new interests, building new friendships, and challenging my comfort zone.

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Big Bay Park. Sitting at the end of the pier at sunrise. Perfect.

Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. I really love good food. A few Milwaukee favorites are Blues Egg, Simple Cafe, Smoke Shack, Braise, & Maxie’s. I’m always open to new suggestions.

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Cooking, practicing handstands, and discovering new music.

Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. When all life’s little stresses start to overwhelm, nothing clears my head better than escaping the city and spending some time in nature. Even just 30 minutes will completely readjust my mood. The change is so dramatic it still amazes me every time.