Meet the FXB
Cedar Rapids Team
Meet the incredible trainers and motivators behind your new transformation.
get started with a free class!
Meet the incredible instructors and motivators behind your new transformation.
Train with the best
Your fxb team
tamara
OWNER / INSTRUCTOR
I grew up in Cedar Rapids and was excited at the idea of moving back from Des Moines to open a Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping location. In June 2007 the Boyson Road location opened and we have since grown to a total of 5 locations in Eastern Iowa. Farrell’s is a program that has helped thousands of people and I’m proud to be a part of it. Our managers, coaches and instructors really set us apart. I can’t imagine a more rewarding way to spend my day!
I grew up in Cedar Rapids and was excited at the idea of moving back from Des Moines to open a Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping location. In June 2007 the Boyson Road location opened and we have since grown to a total of 5 locations in Eastern Iowa. Farrell’s is a program that has helped thousands of people and I’m proud to be a part of it. Our managers, coaches and instructors really set us apart. I can’t imagine a more rewarding way to spend my day!
Tamara Thomas
Owner / Instructor
Mandi
MANAGER
I started Farrell’s to lose some weight and get stronger. I also wanted to try something different (and a little scary) for myself. My favorite part of being an instructor is encouraging people do things they didn’t think they could, and watching their confidence grow!
I started Farrell’s to lose some weight and get stronger. I also wanted to try something different (and a little scary) for myself. My favorite part of being an instructor is encouraging people do things they didn’t think they could, and watching their confidence grow!
Mandi Bitterman
Manager
Tony
INSTRUCTOR
Tony Carter
Instructor
Brad
INSTRUCTOR
Brad Koch
Instructor
Carri
INSTRUCTOR
I belonged to other gyms and tried other fitness programs. None of which encompassed nutrition and fitness in one. I never really felt like I belonged. When I started my 10 week program, I expected to go to class each day, get my work done and go home. I never expected to feel "a-part" of something. It makes you want to show up each day. I felt more accountable when you work out with the same people everyday. I am glad to be a part of the FXB family.
I belonged to other gyms and tried other fitness programs. None of which encompassed nutrition and fitness in one. I never really felt like I belonged. When I started my 10 week program, I expected to go to class each day, get my work done and go home. I never expected to feel "a-part" of something. It makes you want to show up each day. I felt more accountable when you work out with the same people everyday. I am glad to be a part of the FXB family.
Carri Koch
Instructor
Joel
INSTRUCTOR
I started Farrell's because I wanted to take my fitness and nutrition to the next level. My favorite part of being an instructor is helping members achieve their goals and create a healthier lifestyle.
I started Farrell's because I wanted to take my fitness and nutrition to the next level. My favorite part of being an instructor is helping members achieve their goals and create a healthier lifestyle.
Joel Thompson
Instructor
Julie
INSTRUCTOR
I started doing Farrell's in the fall of 2009. I am a Firefighter with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department and had heard about Farrell's from another coworker. I wanted something that would help me stay fit for my job. Was I in for a surprise?! Not only has it helped me say fit, but it has improved my fitness, and motivated me to do more. I love the camaraderie and the encouragement you get in every class!
I started doing Farrell's in the fall of 2009. I am a Firefighter with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department and had heard about Farrell's from another coworker. I wanted something that would help me stay fit for my job. Was I in for a surprise?! Not only has it helped me say fit, but it has improved my fitness, and motivated me to do more. I love the camaraderie and the encouragement you get in every class!
Julie Popelka
Instructor
Nancy
INSTRUCTOR
I've loved Farrell's since at least the third week of joining; the first couple of weeks are compartmentalized in that gray area of the brain reserved for things like childbirth, root canals, etc.! I was always glad I signed up, though, because after more than 25 years of working out and being in decent shape, I'd never walked away from my workouts feeling that exhilarated, gratified, or wiped out! It was such a great fit. I loved the positive energy, the sense of community, and engagement in each others' success and results.
I've loved Farrell's since at least the third week of joining; the first couple of weeks are compartmentalized in that gray area of the brain reserved for things like childbirth, root canals, etc.! I was always glad I signed up, though, because after more than 25 years of working out and being in decent shape, I'd never walked away from my workouts feeling that exhilarated, gratified, or wiped out! It was such a great fit. I loved the positive energy, the sense of community, and engagement in each others' success and results.
Nancy Kahle
Instructor
Laura
INSTRUCTOR
The reason I started Farrell's: I was going to try one last thing before I just gave up trying to lose weight after having three kids...and a Groupon for FXB came to my mailbox that day... My favorite part of being an instructor is getting to help people who are in the same place I was 11 years ago!
The reason I started Farrell's: I was going to try one last thing before I just gave up trying to lose weight after having three kids...and a Groupon for FXB came to my mailbox that day... My favorite part of being an instructor is getting to help people who are in the same place I was 11 years ago!
Laura Eckert
Instructor
Shannon
INSTRUCTOR
Shannon Cook
Instructor
Julie
INSTRUCTOR
The reason I started Farrell's was to become healthier and toned. To learn about nutrition and gain muscle. My favorite part of being an instructor is helping and guiding others to succeed to accomplish their goals.
The reason I started Farrell's was to become healthier and toned. To learn about nutrition and gain muscle. My favorite part of being an instructor is helping and guiding others to succeed to accomplish their goals.
Julie Cunningham
Instructor
Meghan
INSTRUCTOR
Meghan Utech
Instructor
Greg
INSTRUCTOR
Greg Utech
Instructor
Jamie
INSTRUCTOR
Jamie Meyers
Instructor
Tara
INSTRUCTOR
Tara Casey-Toll
Instructor
Katie
INSTRUCTOR
I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2000, and was really struggling in managing it all. I needed to make a drastic change. I made an appointment to talk with Pat and learned that, at that time, a local hospital was using the Farrell’s nutrition program for their diabetic patients. I think that struck me the most and was the determining factor for me to enroll in the 10-week challenge. I made new friends, started feeling stronger and more confident, my health improved, and I was hooked!
I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2000, and was really struggling in managing it all. I needed to make a drastic change. I made an appointment to talk with Pat and learned that, at that time, a local hospital was using the Farrell’s nutrition program for their diabetic patients. I think that struck me the most and was the determining factor for me to enroll in the 10-week challenge. I made new friends, started feeling stronger and more confident, my health improved, and I was hooked!
Katie Schill
Instructor
Garrett
INSTRUCTOR
Garrett Toll
Instructor
Brienne
INSTRUCTOR
The reason I started Farrell's: To tone up, get in shape, lose weight, live longer, and feel better about myself. My favorite part of being an instructor: Watching people crush their goals!
The reason I started Farrell's: To tone up, get in shape, lose weight, live longer, and feel better about myself. My favorite part of being an instructor: Watching people crush their goals!
Brienne Eastwood
Instructor
Michelle
INSTRUCTOR
I started Farrells due to wanting to change my life style. I didn't want to just go on a diet and work out occasionally. I wanted to make my fitness journey a life style and i knew farrells was going to provide that for me. My favorite part of being an instructor: I love cheering others on. I love being able to push them to do things they didn't believe they could.
I started Farrells due to wanting to change my life style. I didn't want to just go on a diet and work out occasionally. I wanted to make my fitness journey a life style and i knew farrells was going to provide that for me. My favorite part of being an instructor: I love cheering others on. I love being able to push them to do things they didn't believe they could.
Michelle Zahradnik
Instructor
BETH
INSTRUCTOR
Beth Greene
Instructor
Holly
INSTRUCTOR
My favorite part of being an instructor is having the honor of encouraging others and helping them unlock what's already inside. I love watching their transformation right in front of my eyes as the weeks go by.
My favorite part of being an instructor is having the honor of encouraging others and helping them unlock what's already inside. I love watching their transformation right in front of my eyes as the weeks go by.
Holly Martin
Instructor
Tim
INSTRUCTOR
Tim Law
Instructor
Jody
INSTRUCTOR
Jody Peterson
Instructor
Jeanne
INSTRUCTOR
The reason I started Farrell's: I was looking for something different.
My favorite part of being an instructor: It’s seeing the progress in each individual that walks through the door.
The reason I started Farrell's: I was looking for something different.
My favorite part of being an instructor: It’s seeing the progress in each individual that walks through the door.
Jeanne Garrett
Instructor
Neil
INSTRUCTOR
Neil Bredenberg
Instructor
Angela
INSTRUCTOR
I had always struggled with my weight but was at the highest weight in my life. I decided to make my own health and fitness a priority. I planned to do the 10-week program and then go back to another gym. After a few weeks at FXB, I was hooked. My favorite part of being an instructor is getting to give back to other members. So many people have invested in me, I love getting to invest in others in return.
I had always struggled with my weight but was at the highest weight in my life. I decided to make my own health and fitness a priority. I planned to do the 10-week program and then go back to another gym. After a few weeks at FXB, I was hooked. My favorite part of being an instructor is getting to give back to other members. So many people have invested in me, I love getting to invest in others in return.
Angela Downing
Instructor
Edie
INSTRUCTOR
My favorite part of being an instructor is seeing people show up for class excited and ready to work hard. I love the 1st day of each new 10 week session. It reminds me of my very own. People come in shy, scared, and doubting their abilities. I get to cheer them on and pump them up as they start their new fitness adventure. In return, this motivates me to be better as an Instructor/FIT member. I love being asked for help and most of all seeing someone crush a goal!
My favorite part of being an instructor is seeing people show up for class excited and ready to work hard. I love the 1st day of each new 10 week session. It reminds me of my very own. People come in shy, scared, and doubting their abilities. I get to cheer them on and pump them up as they start their new fitness adventure. In return, this motivates me to be better as an Instructor/FIT member. I love being asked for help and most of all seeing someone crush a goal!
Edie Barber
Instructor
April
INSTRUCTOR
The reason I started Farrell's was to become a better version of myself, lose weight, and accountability. I needed to commit to time for myself every day. My favorite part of being an instructor is seeing others succeed and crush their goals!
The reason I started Farrell's was to become a better version of myself, lose weight, and accountability. I needed to commit to time for myself every day. My favorite part of being an instructor is seeing others succeed and crush their goals!
April McDanel
Instructor
Shayla
INSTRUCTOR
The reason I started Farrell's was self-discipline, to feel more comfortable in my own skin and to be healthier. My favorite part of being an instructor is connecting with members from all class times.
The reason I started Farrell's was self-discipline, to feel more comfortable in my own skin and to be healthier. My favorite part of being an instructor is connecting with members from all class times.
Shayla Brooks
Instructor
Lisa
INSTRUCTOR
I started FXB to feel better in my own skin. I wanted to feel good in clothes, to feel younger, and to adapt to a healthier lifestyle. I absolutely love being an instructor! I enjoy seeing everyone conquer their fitness challenges and reach new levels! It makes my day better knowing that I may have made a difference in someone's day.
I started FXB to feel better in my own skin. I wanted to feel good in clothes, to feel younger, and to adapt to a healthier lifestyle. I absolutely love being an instructor! I enjoy seeing everyone conquer their fitness challenges and reach new levels! It makes my day better knowing that I may have made a difference in someone's day.
Lisa Schwab
Instructor
Ryan
INSTRUCTOR
I’m new to instructing, but what I’ve enjoyed so far is the positive environment of the 11:45 class. People work hard, listen to instruction during class and provide feedback after class. I hope to grow as an instructor and be a good mentor for new members. And, of course, I enjoy listening to my workout playlist while instructing.
I’m new to instructing, but what I’ve enjoyed so far is the positive environment of the 11:45 class. People work hard, listen to instruction during class and provide feedback after class. I hope to grow as an instructor and be a good mentor for new members. And, of course, I enjoy listening to my workout playlist while instructing.
Ryan Pleggenkuhle
Instructor
Nikki
INSTRUCTOR
I came to Farrell's for a different kind of challenge. I have been an athlete my entire life and love the group aspect of practice and exercise. I grabbed a few friends and my mom and challenged them to sign up with me. There is accountability to being in a class with people who expect to see you everyday and enjoy working hard. I love helping people reach a new level of fitness. It is exciting to see new people come in every session and accomplish things they never thought were possible.
I came to Farrell's for a different kind of challenge. I have been an athlete my entire life and love the group aspect of practice and exercise. I grabbed a few friends and my mom and challenged them to sign up with me. There is accountability to being in a class with people who expect to see you everyday and enjoy working hard. I love helping people reach a new level of fitness. It is exciting to see new people come in every session and accomplish things they never thought were possible.
Nikki Rowland
Instructor
Yvonne
INSTRUCTOR
Yvonne Fratella
Instructor
Tina
INSTRUCTOR
The reason I started Farrell's was I wanted to increase my fitness and it's close to home. I really liked the classes that helped me to be accountable to show up and work out daily. My favorite part of being an instructor is helping people to meet their goals. It's great to see people come in at their current fitness level and increase their fitness over the 10 weeks and then continued membership.
The reason I started Farrell's was I wanted to increase my fitness and it's close to home. I really liked the classes that helped me to be accountable to show up and work out daily. My favorite part of being an instructor is helping people to meet their goals. It's great to see people come in at their current fitness level and increase their fitness over the 10 weeks and then continued membership.
Tina Dubois
Instructor
Dana
INSTRUCTOR
The reason I started Farrell's was I like to compete, and personal accountability to the gym wasn't cutting it My favorite part of being an instructor is making bad jokes and catching one person smiling.
The reason I started Farrell's was I like to compete, and personal accountability to the gym wasn't cutting it My favorite part of being an instructor is making bad jokes and catching one person smiling.
Dana Schmitt
Instructor
Melissa
INSTRUCTOR
I have always enjoyed group workouts, but during COVID I went to working from home with home workouts as well. I missed the group atmosphere to help push me during workouts and get out of a workout plateau. Making friends and losing a few inches along the way was an added benefit! I love that I get to help others push themselves in a positive environment and help them learn new things.
I have always enjoyed group workouts, but during COVID I went to working from home with home workouts as well. I missed the group atmosphere to help push me during workouts and get out of a workout plateau. Making friends and losing a few inches along the way was an added benefit! I love that I get to help others push themselves in a positive environment and help them learn new things.
Melissa French
Instructor
Mike
INSTRUCTOR
Mike McManus
Instructor
REAL LIFE RESULTS
Not only are our members trimming down and toning up, but many of them report increased energy and focus allowing them to excel in all areas of life! Don’t take our word for it. Scroll below to see their results for yourself.
“Not only did my own life change but I became an inspiration for people around me.” -Mark
“I was a great mom on the outside – but on the inside I was dying.” -Tina
“I won’t miss living with constant back pain.” -Steve
“To say that I did not know how to cope would be a understatement.” -Callie S.
“I thought that I would not live past 65!” -Anthony
“I was overweight – and not doing good mentally.” -Chris
