EWT’s trainers unique blend of talents, experiences and certifications provides our clients with the most comprehensive training offered in McHenry County. At EWT, the trainers will greet you by name and help you achieve your individual goals with their unparalleled personal attention to each and every client. Stop in and see for yourself, the trainers will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Michelle Collen-Bidwell CPT, HKC, RKC 1
Owner & Head Trainer
With over 20 years in fitness, Michelle brings a wide array of knowledge and experience to the table. The foundation of her experience is based in functional strength training. She has a passion to help people meet and exceed their fitness expectations. She is the co-author of the book Real Food For Real Results, and has written for Self Magazine and several other fitness and wellness publications. Michelle is considered to be one of the top kettlebell instructors in Northwestern Illinois. She is often hired by other personal trainers to help them prepare for their kettlebell certifications. She has worked with every level of fitness ranging from excessively overweight to elite athletes, and ages ranging from 12-70. She is recognized as the go-to person in the area with young girls striving to find fitness in their lives. Michelle specializes in multiple forms of functional strength training as well as hybrid tactical training. She is a certified personal trainer through The International Sports Science Association; Russian Kettlebell Certified Level 1 and Hardstyle Kettlebell Certified.
Karyn Petersen CPT
Karyn’s interest in fitness began when she decided to make exercise a priority in her life. She joined a local gym and while under the tutelage of her Personal Trainer realized she wanted to learn more about the mechanics of the workouts and attained her Personal Training Certification in the spring of 2013.
Karyn has assisted in Boot Camp workouts, sits on the Wellness Committee at her daytime job and has been practicing the art of kettlebells at EW Training for the past 3 years.
Karyn is currently working on earning a Functional Training Certification. Karyn is a firm believer that the human body, given the proper training, is capable of great things and has a passion to help others achieve their desired level of physical fitness. Her motto: “I have never regretted a workout”
Alicia Cronkite NASM CPT, SFS, CES
Alicia’s interest in fitness started with a desire to become a healthier mom after her daughter’s first birthday in 1998. After joining a gym she discovered a love of running. This evolved into a love of distance running and Alicia has since completed 6 marathons and 16 ultra-marathons. Staying injury free became very important in order to keep running, and her interest in injury prevention and kinesiology led her to begin taking classes in the FIT Program at MCC. This program led to a CPT certification with NASM in 2009 at which time Alicia began to train clients at a gym in Crystal Lake. Over the years she has worked with clients ranging in age from 16 – 83 years with goals varying from weight loss, to rebuilding strength after shoulder surgery, to completing a first marathon. Alicia specializes in functional fitness training and in corrective exercise to reduce muscular imbalances. Her training mantra is, “Of course you can!”