My name is Kari Tunney and I have been personal training and working in the fitness and wellness industry since 2014. Chicago is home to me. Growing up just outside of Chicago, I was very active from a young age. I loved playing sports and continued to play basketball and softball competitively throughout high school and college. It was not until college where my interest and curiosity for fitness and human movement really developed. Graduating from Illinois State University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, I continued my studies at the University of Illinois Chicago where I received my Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology.

While my educational background gave me my foundation, it’s been through my experience working with clients that I’ve gained the most knowledge to become the trainer and coach I am today. I’ve had the opportunity to work with and coach many wonderful clients from young to old, from experienced lifters to first-timers stepping into a gym or working with a coach, and everyone in between. I strongly believe that fitness has a place in everyone’s life. I also strongly believe that fitness is not just getting to the gym, working up a sweat, and burning calories. It’s about getting stronger, moving efficiently and pain free, and always progressing in order to achieve long term and sustainable results. While each training program varies depending on the goals and needs of my client, I focus on progressive strength training, mobility, corrective exercise, and injury prevention within my sessions.

Fitness is not the only factor that plays a part in our health and well-being though. Every individual is unique, with different goals and needs, both physically and mentally. As both a personal trainer and health coach, my ultimate goal is to help my clients achieve their version of a healthier lifestyle, and that looks different for everyone. For some, healthier may mean starting to workout, taking their training to the next level, or finally fixing that nagging pain or injury that just won’t go away. For others, healthier may mean managing stress levels, losing weight, improving their diet, or managing a chronic condition. So whether you’re looking to improve your fitness or wanting to make a behavior change to progress you on your health journey, I’m ready to help you start moving in the right direction.

Your health should never take a back seat to the craziness and chaos of life. It’s never too early or too late to start focusing on your health - right now is always the best time. Your body and mind are capable of great things once you make the decision and commit to do something. It’s amazing what starts to happen in other aspects of your life when you start taking care of yourself physically and mentally. Sometimes, it takes a bit of selfishness to put your own health and well-being first. When you realize this, you’ll realize it’s time to invest in your health and make it a priority.