Experience the Difference
"The positive energy and compassion from everyone was nothing like anything I’ve ever experienced before." John
If you think all weight loss resorts are the same, think again. With so many diverse options available, it may surprise you what a difference you can expect at our world class all inclusive resort. We offer state of the art fitness programs, hiking in settings that are unrivaled, and counseling and nutrition courses that will forever change the way you view weight loss. You will enjoy food that is as delicious as it is nutritious and we’ll even teach you how to make it yourself.
Our state of the art, forward thinking, comprehensive weight loss program will help you take the weight off and keep it off. Starvation diets and fast workout routines are not long term solutions. At our weight loss bootcamp you will learn to fuel your body and find an exercise program you enjoy, that gets results. Our team of expert trainers, nutritionists, and counselors are ready and eager to provide you with all that you need to see real results, in real time.
In addition, you will stay at our first class resort with a spa and amenities in a location you will not soon forget.
Fitness Ridge – the difference you can see and feel. The health and wellness resort focused on your future.
The Fitness Ridge Team
Meet Our Southern Utah Team
A key to your success at our Fitness Ridge weight loss resort is our team of experts. They will open the door to a better understanding of fitness, nutrition and overall physical and emotional well being. Our professionals are committed not only to helping you achieve maximum results during your stay with us, but also to providing you with the information and tools you will need to make positive, long term life changes.
All of our trainers hold certificates recognized by national organizations. The nutritionists at our resort hold a Registered Dietician designation and/or a degree in dietetics/nutrition from respected universities and our counselors have degrees or hold certificates in each of their fields.
Southern Utah Resort Staff
Trevor Fenton
Reservations Manager, Fitness Ridge
Trevor and his team are the front-line for customer service and assistance. He is friendly, kindhearted, and always willing to step in and help. He takes tremendous pride in getting to know the guests each week and finds great satisfaction working at The Resort. Trevor's specialty, undoubtedly, is interacting with people.
Trevor enjoys the outdoors and keeping up on the latest movie releases. He has many influences in his life, including his wife, five children (all boys), and guests from week to week that inspire him to be and do more. You will find he will always exceed at meeting your expectations.
Robyn Walden
Fitness Program Director, Fitness Ridge
Robin received her Bachelors of Science from Brigham Young University in Health Sciences and Promotion. She is certified with the American Council on Exercise and trained as a group fitness instructor with Brigham Young University and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Robin is also certified to teach TRX, spinning, Reebok step, bodypump, kickbox, aquatics, and stretch. She has worked for different gyms, athletic clubs, as well as several corporate wellness programs.
Robin loves teaching, instructing, and coaching guests through a variety of classes. She enjoys getting to know different types of people and loves witnessing their accomplishments, triumphs, and positive life changes.
Carie Koch
Hiking Manager, Fitness Ridge
Carie is the Hiking Manager at Fitness Ridge Southern Utah. Carie has been an avid hiker for the last 15 years. She marvels at the Southern Utah area and loves sharing the hikes with guests of all fitness levels. Carie prefers being outdoors and has been quoted saying, “There are so many trails and not enough time to hike them all.”
She has recently discovered mud runs and has enjoyed entering these new obstacle course races. Look for her trail running, canyoneering, and competing in costume at the mud runs.
Sharon Read
Head Trainer, Fitness Ridge
Sharon has been teaching aerobics for over 30 years and specializes in spin, turbo kick, pilates reformer, power pump, toning, aquatics, treading, and her favorite, kickboxing. Sharon is one of the most energetic and positive people you will ever meet! She has a knack for motivating guests with her sense of humor and contagious laugh.
Sharon is certified with the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AAFA) in group fitness and personal training and is certified in TRX and Zumba. Sharon is a native of southern Utah, growing up just 30 miles from The Resort. Sharon is a very compassionate individual, allowing guests to feel inspired during their stay and continued success at home.
Sione Fa
Trainer, Fitness Ridge
Sione was a contestant on NBC's The Biggest Loser season 7 losing 146 pounds during his time on the show. The knowledge Sione gained during his experience there motivates resort guests as they train with Sione and listen to his inspiring lectures. Sione has been traveling across the US and Canada sharing his story and motivating others to get what they want out of life.
For the last year and a half he has been a trainer at Fitness Ridge in Southern Utah. Sione is certified as an AFAA Person Trainer and is CrossFit Level 1 Certified. When he’s not at the gym Sione enjoys hanging out with his wife and kids and he always looks forward to the WOD (Workout of the Day)!!!
Tiffany Gust
Trainer, Fitness Ridge
As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Triathlon Coach, Tiffany believes that to achieve anything, one must have faith, vision, and determination. Her personal mantra is “all things are possible for those who believe.” A graduate from Utah State University with a Bachelors of Science in Health Education and Minor in Dance, Tiffany has enjoyed teaching others for nearly 20 years.
As a trainer at The Resort, guests come to know Tiffany as a sensitive, dedicated instructor whose self-motivation pushes you to do your best. She loves teaching boot camp, power pump, stretch, and spin. Tiffany continues her active lifestyle with her 3 children and is an avid triathlete having completed over 50 triathlons.
Cera Edgley
Trainer, Fitness Ridge
Cera holds a B.S. in Exercise Science and is a certified American College of Sports Medicine Health Specialist, and an American Council on Exercise certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach.
She is certified as a SilverSneaker's instructor, Heart Zones certified Personal Trainer, and in TRX suspension training. She's enjoys running, triathlons and any type of sport.
Kara Kopf
Trainer, Fitness Ridge
Kara is certified with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Spinning®. And, has a Master’s in Kinesiology. Kara has experience teaching a variety of classes including Spinning, Step, Sculpt, Aqua, Kick, Circuit, Barre, and Stretch. Kara loves to participate in running events – and run after her two small boys.
Emily Fonnesbeck
Registered Dietitian, Fitness Ridge
Emily received her Bachelor's in Dietetics from Brigham Young University. She is registered with American Dietetic Association (ADA) and certified for Adult Weight Management through the Commission of Dietetic Registration. She educates guests with skills and confidence to make healthy food choices. Lecture topics include portion sizes, intuitive eating, balanced meals, eating out, and grocery shopping.
She loves seeing fresh, wholesome and healthy ingredients transformed into meals that will nourish someone from the inside out. Emily's enthusiasm for healthy living is easily felt, heard, and learned each week, and guests have come to rely on her expertise to help get them to a healthy lifestyle.
Melissa Gardner
Nutritionist, Fitness Ridge
Melissa received her education in Holistic Nutrition from Baumen College in Santa Cruz California. Melissa has worked closely with Holistic Practitioners creating therapeutic meal plans for those dealing with various health aliments, allowing a compressive approach to regain health and wellbeing.
Melissa is passionate about making Nutrition simple and removing the confusion surrounding food. She believes we all inherently know how to eat in accordance with the needs of our body once we develop the ability to listen.
Jen Morton
Life Coach, Fitness Ridge
Prior to becoming The Resort's Life Strategies Coach, Jen spent twelve years a successful coach and consultant for companies focusing on Customer Relationship Management, Leadership Development, and Process Improvements.
Jen is instrumental at Fitness Ridge. As a member to our Wellness Team, Jen provides coaching and strategy skills to help guests succeed when they return home. She also holds a bi-weekly lecture series teaching how to establish effective healthy lifestyle goals and build action-oriented project plans around them.
Sam Baker
Chef, Fitness Ridge
Sam began his journey toward becoming a chef at Davis Applied Technology College for Culinary Arts. While in school, he participated in community events such as, Art and Soup, Chef and Child, and competed in many food show competitions.
Fresh out of culinary school, he went on to apprentice under European trained Chefs at Utah Food Services, and was offered the position of Sous Chef. While at Utah Foods, he had the opportunity to cater to many distinguished individuals such as: presidents and their administrators, governors and mayors, Jerry Seinfeld, Barbara Streisand and Peter Frampton to name a few. He also had the rare opportunity to cater the 2002 Winter Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies, and NBC media headquarters.
In 2008 he and his family moved to Saint George where he offered his culinary expertise to Haven Restaurant, and became Executive Chef. Haven, a fine dining restaurant, was known for gourmet American cuisine, concert nights, and wedding receptions. Now he spends his time hand-crafting and preparing delicious and nutritious meals for the guests at Fitness Ridge. In his free time he enjoys concerts, the outdoors, spending time with his family, and furthering his pursuit of knowledge.
Fitness Ridge Co-Founders & Origins
Tami Clark, Michelle Kelsch, and Cameron Kelsch partnered in 2002 to create their own health and wellness company. Each owner presented a unique business component and in 2007, as the company evolved into a successful weight loss destination, the trio built a new fitness center, retail shop, salon, and guest housing and renamed their company "Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa." That same year, they received international recognition as one of the top 10 spas in the world. The resort has helped over 30,000 guests thus far and continues to do so through motivating and encouraging people to make positive changes to their bodies and lives through health, exercise and total body wellness.
Cameron Kelsch
Co-Founder/General Manager, Fitness Ridge
Cameron has 10+ years of expertise on both the training and business development side of the fitness and weight loss industry. He has contributed to nearly every aspect of Fitness Ridge over the years, from marketing and sales to leading fitness classes and coordinating spa treatments.
Cameron is certified as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).
CONTACT:
Michelle Kelsch
Co-Founder, Fitness Ridge
Michelle combines 15 years as a personal trainer with 10+ years of experience as a business owner in the fitness and health industry. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Fitness & Wellness Management, she has personally developed and overseen many of the exercise and wellness programs at Fitness Ridge.
Michelle is a certified group instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). In addition, she is certified in step aerobics, cycling, kickboxing, mat Pilates, yoga, spinning and personal training.
CONTACT:
Tami Clark
Co-Founder, Fitness Ridge
Tami has over 10 years of experience in hotel management and operations, as well as 9 years owning and operating a successful health and wellness center. She has invaluable experience with guest management and hospitality, alon with managing financial negotiations, city contracts and building and construction projects. Tami also is uniquely suited to motivate guests, having been through her own transformation after a spinal condition left her confined to a wheelchair in 1996. Her recovery, and her subsequent passion for results-oriented fitness, enables her to inspire guests of the resort to push themselves to achieve their health and wellness goals and ultimately change their lives.
CONTACT: