Meet Monkey Bar Gym's Staff

Meet some of the certified trainers and MBG managers who dedicate their time and energy to helping you achieve your fitness goals. You'll find our staff is open and supportive to your special needs, which is one of the reasons why you'll always find a staff member available in the gym when you come to work out. Our trainers will demonstrate our workouts for you, and will help motivate you through an intense fitness experience through their leadership and expertise.

I have been going to the same naturopath/chiropractor in Santa Fe for 20 years. His name is Asher Katz. I was there a few days ago and he said: "Your spine is the healthiest I have ever seen in anyone except for a yoga teacher I treat." Music to my ears at 46, since I have had back problems for years

Thank you for the best training I have ever had anywhere! - Consuelo S.

For more about our staff members and what they advise for your fitness needs, be sure to schedule an appointment at a Monkey Bar Gym nearest you.

MBG Staff Bios

Jon Hinds, Owner and Founder of Monkey Bar Gym

"The information that follows is a collection of my experiences as a personal trainer, and coach. It summarizes why I feel this type of training is the best means to build a healthy body.

I have learned many lessons about fitness from many different sources; some I keep, some I discard. The main objective in my training has always remained the same: to set specific goals, achieve them, and in doing so, perform more efficiently in whatever my sport or physical endeavor is. The summation of these experiences and a love of teaching have led to a firm philosophy about fitness training and ultimately the foundation of the Monkey Bar Gymnasium." Continue reading a letter from Jon Hinds.

Jessica Rucker, CNT2, CKT, RKC, Manager, Personal Trainer & Class Instructor

While growing up in Colorado, I was athletic as a child, but devoid of all athleticism as an adult. It never occurred to me that I would ever become an instructor for personal fitness at the Monkey Bar Gymasium. Looking back, the road to this achievement was not easy but the benefits I reap now far outweigh the twists and unexpected turns I experienced along the way. In November of 2003, I had my body fat tested. I have always been naturally thin, but the results of my body fat put me in a close range of obesity. At the time this did not convince me enough to make any changes, but nonetheless, I started the 60-day Challenge.

The same day that I was being tested on how many push-ups I could do, Joy Hinds, Jon's mother was also being tested. There is more than a 40 year difference in our ages, but she could do more knee push-ups than I could. When I began I was 35% body fat and 154 lbs. I immediately saw results not only in a serious loss of body fat but a huge gain in usable muscle. Here are my stats and total change. 143lbs, 16% body fat. That is a loss of 31 lbs of fat, a gain of 20 lbs of muscle for a positive change of 51 lbs!!

Today Jess spends most of her time managing the MBG, but still jumps in and kicks butt in a class or private session here and there. She is a Certified Natural Trainer 2 (CNT2) and Russian Kettlebell Certified (RKC). Jess has been playing classical piano since the age of 4 and she loves to travel. She has been to Japan, Fiji, Australia and Costa Rica… just to name a few!

Chad Barrett, CNT 2, Personal Trainer, Class Instructor

Chad was born in the Midwest, but grew up in central Texas. Having been pretty much hyperactive his entire life, "the Cap'n" ( as the MBG goers so lovingly refer to him) tried several different sports before beginning his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the MBG in 2002. Two years later, he had developed a passion for the natural exercise that led him to a perfect outlet for all that energy. Through his constant desire for personal improvement as a Natural Trainer, Chad hopes to continue helping people achieve their fitness and athletic performance goals. Through his hard work Chad has become one of the best trainers in Madison and Jon has high aspirations for him in the future.

Matt Zaborowski, CNT 2, RKC, Personal Trainers, Class Instructor, Online Personal Trainer

Matt started personal training with Jon in June of '05 and has been at the Monkey Bar Gym ever since. His strength and conditioning was taken to a new level, something that was missing with traditional weight training. With two years of college basketball experience, Matt is now focused on completing his degree in Kinesiology while learning as much as he can on the field at the Monkey Bar Gym. He will train anybody that is serious about improving and willing to work hard enough to produce life-changing results. Along with his four years of training experience at MBG he also holds certifications under USA Track and Field and top strength coaches Charles Poliquin and Pavel Tsatsouline.

Tim Clavette, CNT2, RKC, Personal Trainer, Class Instructor, and Online Personal Trainer

Tim began training at the MBG as a holding point until the new Princeton Club was finished (a gigantic 20,000 member facility) 1 block from his house…the MBG was all the way downtown, far from his home, but he had heard good things and thought why not for a month. That was 3 years ago, he got hooked by the hardcore workouts and how strong, athletic and powerful he became in such a short time. Now Tim is a monster, few people in the country can match him in a workout…some of his feats of strength and conditioning are: 5 sets of 5 chin ups to his chest with an 88lb kb!! 1 chin up with 140lbs added to him!! 100 cleans and presses with the 100 lb D-ball in 37 minutes and 300 revolutions with a 2lb jump rope (150 forward/150 backwards) in 1:35!!

Ali Dwyer, CNT, High Energy Yoga therapist, Class Instructor, & Personal Trainer

Ali offers individualized attention to clients in personal training sessions and one on one yoga sessions.  She also facilitates group Eischens Yoga classes and approaches all of the above with compassion, humor and humility. Ali has experience as an athlete but also knows how it feels to lack motivation and to get stuck in the proverbial rut.  She enjoys helping people who are feeling stuck in their fitness routine or just need a new outlook on the movement portion of life.  In the past ten years, Ali’s athletic endeavors have included three years as a competitive bicycle racer, multiple summers on Ultimate Frisbee teams and completion of two marathons.  She also enjoys hiking, canoeing, bike touring and gardening. 

In 2002, Ali came to the Monkey Bar to round out her fitness and strength, and found a fun way to work out and a fantastic community of people.  After completing Jon Hind’s Certified Natural Training course, she began teaching Body Power and Boot Camp classes.  After more specialized Eischens Yoga instruction, she began teaching Eischens Yoga at the Monkey Bar.  She is currently enrolled in the 200 hour Alignment Yoga teacher training program as a way to continue to develop as an instructor and practitioner.  Eischens Yoga is a powerful way to create change in the body. Through Eischens Yoga at the Monkey Bar Gym, Ali has gained strength, stability and balance in her spine, knees and hips, as well as inner strength and sincerity.

An avid bike commuter and retired road bike racer, Ali also teaches bike "how-to's" and bike safety for children and adults. Her business, We Are All Mechanics, includes classes in bicycle mechanics for women.  www.weareallmechanics.com

“As a bicyclist, it is important for me to have core strength and joint alignment in order to sit on my bike with comfort and ease while navigating my world. Before working with Eischens Yoga at the Monkey Bar Gym, I frequently had low back and neck pain after riding my bike, even though it is a custom fit. Through my work with Eischens Yoga, I balanced my hips, creating greater hip flexion, which allows me to sit with my spine extended and shoulders relaxed. Combined with the amazing core strength I have built, I can sit on my bike comfortably - no neck or low back pain - for long rides.

Robyn Holm, CNT, Class Instructor

I was born and raised in North Dakota. Despite growing up in a farm family, we never really emphasized healthy eating or physical activity. I was always a "big girl" as a child, but that carried on through to my adult years. My health stayed relatively in check through college and grad school. But after graduation, things quickly spiraled out of control. My weight miserably peaked well over 300 lbs within a few years. With the unfailing support of close friends and my (now) husband, this eventually brought me to Jon Hinds' doorstep at the Monkey Bar Gym for a 60-Day Challenge. I started the challenge intending only to endure the experience. But within three weeks, I was hooked. I haven't looked back since.

My favorite MBG exercises include burpees, jump rope, agility ladder and kettlebells. As an instructor, I find it rewarding to watch people grow stronger and faster. Considering my personal background, I'm especially driven to help those who are more challenged and don't enjoy physical activity. The group dynamic of the gym is a strong motivator for myself and a lot of other people. When you walk in the door, you're always surrounded by groups of people who push you to work even harder. MBG is a good daily antidote for many aspects of modern life.

Outside of MBG, you'll find me taking every advantage I can of warm weather. Summertime hiking and swimming (especially at Devil's Lake nearby) are two of my favorite activities. My other passions include animal rights and animal rescue (I've been an ethical vegetarian since 1991), music, reading, and all things French.

Dusty Mattison, CNT, Class Instructor

Dusty has been working out at the Monkey Bar Gymnasium since 2004 and teaching since 2005. She has been involved in competitive team sports her entire life and enjoys swimming, rowing, running and cycling. Dusty graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2001 with a degree in Art History and is currently employed as the Novice Lightweight Rowing Coach at the UW. She also enjoys Sudoku, home decorating, and watching sporting events.

My number one reason for joining the Monkey Bar Gymnasium was to find a form of training that would keep me excited, challenged, and involved with other people. I found exactly what I was looking for.

Once my collegiate rowing career was over, I trained by myself. I truly missed my teammates and how we pushed one another. At the Monkey Bar I have found something very similar. Working with a partner everyday is very motivating and fun! Since you are working with a new partner almost everyday you get the opportunity to meet new people all the time and if you come regularly you start forming friendships.

I also wanted to become a better athlete and to push myself in new ways. I am drawn to endurance and repetitive sports and wanted to find something to balance that out. At the Monkey Bar Gymnasium, I am challenged in many new ways, which I love!

You will never get bored at the Monkey Bar Gymnasium. You will learn something new everyday, be it a new exercise or something about yourself and your physical and mental limits. I have seen so many individuals surprise themselves by doing something they thought they would never be able to do. Since the Monkey Bar Gymnasium is process oriented we will help you determine what level you are starting out at and what you need to do to achieve your goals.

Cassandra Rivers-Blaso, CNT, Class Instructor

Cassandra started taking FIT classes three years ago in order to become more competitive in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She has learned quite a bit since walking through the doors of the Monkey Bar Gymnasium, including proper nutrition and how to train with correct form. Cassandra grew up dancing and playing baseball and softball. She continues to keep herself busy competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)/Vale Tudo. Vale Tudo is a Brazilian term meaning “anything goes” and is similar to Ultimate Fighting (UFC). Self described as friendly and intense, Cassandra has been working at the gym since January of 2004. She recently had the opportunity to travel to Brazil to study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She also holds the title of Abu Dahbi Combat Club (ADCC) North American Trials Champ.

I have met some great people throughout my time at the gym including clients, training partners, instructors, fellow gym members, and even my husband!

Thales Blaso CNT, Head BJJ instructor (Brown Belt)

Thales grew up in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. He began training Jiu-Jitsu in 1999 because he hated working out and thought it might be a fun way to exercise. He loved it so much that he started training 7 days a week!

Thales came to the Monkey Bar Gymnasium in 2005, when his best friend Thiago Viega invited him to help him teach Jiu-Jitsu. He has a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu and a brown belt in Judo. Thales has many passions including his wife Casey, Martial Arts, Japanese Culture, languages and traveling. The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) ranked him as the number one grappler in the Midwest and sixth in the nation in 2006. This year Thales is focusing on teaching and training.

The funny thing about me is the fact that even when I am not working at the Monkey Bar, I am doing something else here, like resting, reading, or just hanging out!

David Hofhine, Judo instructor (3rd Degree Black Belt)

David Hofhine holds a 3rd degree black belt in Judo. He has multiple state and regional titles including: 1st and 2nd place in the State Judo Championships 4 years running an 4th place in the National Open. Many of his best memories are from Judo, from his first State Championship in High School, to his college clubs, to the 2006 AAU National Championships. "There have been a lot of bumps and bruises along the way, but it has been great fun and the people are the best."

David has been teaching Judo at the Monkey Bar Gymnasium since 2003 and taught at the University of Wisconsin for 5 years prior to teaching at the Monkey Bar. In addition to teaching Judo, David manages Capitol City Comics at 1910 Monroe Street. David is a published author on the subject of Judo. Read about David Hofhine's recent work in Judo! http://www.usja-judo.org/americanjudo/

Judo is the most widely practiced martial art in the world with over 60 million students in Japan alone. It is an Olympic sport for men and women. It has spectacular throws and takedowns plus the ground work of BJJ. The Monkey Bar judo instructors, with over 70 years of combined experience, have won so many state and national titles it is almost impossible to list them all. Monkey Bar students continue to win state and national titles every year. We really have a ridiculously good judo program, even though it's small.

Judo is a very enjoyable past time. It is good for the body, mind and spirit. I know people who have spent a lifetime studying judo and never tired of it. It is a good physical workout and intellectually challenging. There is also a fun social environment, which is fostered by the concept of "mutual benefit and welfare" which is essential to the spirit of judo.

Bonnie Anderson, CNT, Class Instructor

Bonnie grew up in Florida and has lived in North Carolina, California, and Michigan before settling in Madison, Wisconsin. Bonnie's fitness obstacles were two-fold. Not only did she spend most of her adult life avoiding exercise because it was painful and boring, the majority of her socializing and daily interactions revolved around food. During the past seven years, Bonnie has lost almost 100 pounds and has gone from struggling to climb a flight of stairs to running them for 20 minutes in FIT classes. With her increased level of fitness, she has also climbed mountains, run around Devil's Lake nearby, walked the Syttende Mai, and biked both the HHH (Horribly Hilly100) and AIDS ride.

In addition to her love for the outdoors, Bonnie loves to travel. She has been all over North America, parts of Central America, Europe, Hawaii and the Caribbean. She has even traveled vertically by jumping out of planes in Michigan and exploring the depths of the Moaning Cavern in California. Bonnie and her wife, Connie, own a house on the east side of Madison. When she is not teaching classes at the Monkey Bar, Bonnie is extremely active in the Madison community. She works for the State of Wisconsin, co-owns a small business (LearningRx), serves as a volunteer Board member at the Goodman Community Center, tends a garden plot on the east side, rides with Bombay Biking Club and hangs out with her cat, Chuck.

Gabriel Heck, BRAZILLIAN JIU JITSU CLASS INSTRUCTOR (Purple Belt)

Gabriel Heck has been a student of the martial arts since 1992, when he began learning taekwondo in Canton, Ohio. By 1995 he had earned his black belt in that art and was heading a taekwondo club in Gambier, Ohio. Around this time Gabriel began exploring a variety of martial arts, including judo, muay Thai, karate, aikido, kung fu, hapkido, boxing, and wrestling. In 1999 he earned his second degree black belt in taekwondo and later that same year moved to Madison, Wisconsin where he began studying Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Jon Hinds. Gabriel received his blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Professor Pedro Sauer in 2000 and his purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Professor Luiz Claudio in 2007, both at the Monkey Bar Gym. Gabriel has been teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the Monkey Bar Gym as a full instructor since 2009.

Field Stark, CNT, RKC and Class Instructor

I grew up on a small farm in Wisconsin with a heart for working with animals – namely hogs and cattle! My dad taught me how to raise livestock including filling their water and feeders which involved included good squatting and lifting techniques. My sister and I ran around the acres of yard barefoot, hiked miles of railroad tracks, climbed up the outside of our silo, hid in the fall corn crops, built huge snow tunnels and jumped off stacks of straw bales in the hay mow. With all of this fun and activity and pretty balanced meals, I was still a skinny kid prone to pneumonia.
 
As a young adult, I lived in San Diego, Orlando, Boulder, and Chicago before landing back in Madison. I joined the corporate rat race, gave up on eight years of vegetarianism, ate out, bought nice suits and starved myself to be the smallest size possible.  After years of working twelve hour days, I finally had a successful career, but felt horrible. The long days in the office meant that I had constant back and neck pain and 29% body fat. I wanted to be an athlete but didn’t feel like I had any natural abilities.
 
In 2004, the Monkey Bar Gym found me.  I met Jon, Jessica and the other trainers who helped me put my life back into balance. They answered my questions and helped me build some confidence.  I learned that there was no quick fix solution – I was “skinny fat” and had to start moving.  I set small goals for myself and started working more with kettlebells to gradually exchange fat for muscle.  My life started to change as I became physically and mentally stronger.  
 
Today, my life has changed 100% as a result of Monkey Bar Gym.  I am more connected to my body, open to other people, and able to listen and focus better.  I received certifications for RKC in May, 2009 and CNT in July, 2009.  I look forward to continuing my process as an athlete and learning how to help other people on their journey.