Meet the Rise coaches

Meet the coaches

Chase

Hey squad! I am from right here in Moorhead, MN and have been in the fitness industry for 12 years now. I have always loved the weight room. Back in high school and college, I loved that the harder I would work in the weight room, the more it would pay off on the wrestling mat or football field. I went to NDSU and earned my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science with a minor in psychology while playing football for the Bison. Following college, I obtained my CSCS certification (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) and opened up Rise with one of my best friends, Aaron Lien, back in 2018. We’ve been operating it ever since.

My beautiful wife’s name is Heidi and we have three kids: Leo, Lucia, and Shepherd. When I’m not at Rise, you can almost always find me spending time with my wife and kids. I also spend a lot of time reading, biking, and learning guitar. After all of these years in the fitness industry, I am still as fired up as ever to help you all continue to excel in your health and wellness so you can go impact lives “out in the wild” as Coach Megan likes to say.

Favorite exercise - Power cleans

Least favorite exercise - Burpees

Favorite way to recover - Light bike ride

Favorite soul food - My mom’s chocolate bundt cake

Favorite after workout snack - Protein shake and peanut butter jelly sandwich

Megan

Hey everyone! I am originally from Bismarck, ND, but Fargo has been home for the last 13 years. I have over ten years of experience in the health and wellness industry, specializing in strength training and nutrition. My passion for health and wellness was sparked several years ago through athletics. As I age, I continue to make it a priority for myself and those around me.

Outside of the gym, I love being with my family. I have a wonderful husband, Eric, a son named Hudson, and a goldendoodle named Finn. We enjoy being outside, renovating our home, and spending time in community with others. I can’t wait to continue to grow alongside each of you and help you achieve your lifestyle goals. I am always here if you need anything at all!

Favorite exercise - Pull-ups

Least favorite exercise - Overhead press

Favorite way to recover - Bath or stretching/yoga

Favorite soul food - I scream you scream we all scream for ice cream

Favorite after workout snack - PB&J and chocolate milk

Emma B

Hey Rise fam! I am originally from Fargo and have lived here almost my entire life. I went to NDSU and obtained an Exercise Science degree. I am currently in my final year at the University of Jamestown studying for my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I began training at Rise in early 2022, and I will sadly be leaving in February for my final clinical rotation in Phoenix. I will then be moving to Milwaukee after graduation in May to be with my boyfriend, Tyler, and hopefully be working in an ICU. When I am not coaching at Rise, you can find me either lifting weights, reading, or studying. While I am sad to be leaving Rise in a few short months, I can’t wait to make the most of the time I have left and push you all to be the best versions of yourselves.

Favorite exercise - Deadlifts

Least favorite exercise- Forward lunges

Favorite way to recover - Sauna

Favorite soul food - Sour candy

Favorite after workout snack - Chipotle

Kyra

Hi everyone! I am originally from Zumbrota, MN (near Rochester), but I have been in the Fargo/Moorhead area for the past five years. I originally moved here for undergrad at Concordia, where I majored in Exercise Science and minored in French and Psychology. I was also on the Track and Field team at Concordia. I started at Rise as an intern in the summer of 2022 and haven’t looked back since! I am currently in my second year of Physical Therapy school at the University of Jamestown (following in Emma B’s footsteps) and am looking forward to exploring the field more and figuring out which area of PT I enjoy the most. When I’m not at Rise or doing something school-related, you can find me spending time with my friends, reading, working out, or going on a walk.

Favorite exercise - RDL

Least favorite exercise - Step ups

Favorite way to recover - Walk

Favorite soul food - Chips and queso

Favorite after workout snack - Chipotle

Emma G

Hey all! I am originally from Alexandria, MN. I now live in Moorhead with my boyfriend Ian and two dogs, Zoey and Gus. I attended undergrad at the College of Saint Benedict and graduated with an Individualized Major in Fitness Management. I graduated CSB in the spring of 2023. I then went to the University of River Falls Wisconsin for my Masters of Science in Strength and Conditioning, graduating in August 2024. I have been coaching since my freshman year of college, where I started with coaching fellow college students, and have since had a wide variety of coaching positions, including a GA position at MSUM and a coaching position at Noonan’s Sport Specialists in Alexandria. My love of fitness stemmed from lifting with my dad in high school after not finding a sport that I loved. Seeing how the gym can positively impact a person’s life got me instantly hooked. In my free time I enjoy reading, baking, sewing, hiking, camping, and spending time with family. Anything that allows me to live out my best grandma vibes.

Favorite exercise - Bench press

Least favorite exercise - Cardio

Favorite way to recover - Epsom salt bath

Favorite soul food - Anything chocolate

Favorite after workout snack - Greek yogurt with trail mix

Gabe

Sup everyone! I grew up in New London, MN before my family moved to Perham, MN in my junior year of high school. I graduated from Perham in 2021 and I’ve been up here in Moorhead ever since. I’m currently in my senior year at Concordia where I’m studying exercise science and competing in track and field. My plan after college is to take a gap year before going on to graduate school for Physical Therapy. I started at Rise this past summer and I’ve been absolutely loving it! The team and members at Rise make work super enjoyable and there’s never a dull moment! Outside of Rise, you’ll find me at track practice, lifting, studying, hanging out with friends, or playing intramural volleyball and basketball.

Favorite exercise - Box jumps

Least favorite exercise - Burpees

Favorite way to recover - Massage chair

Favorite soul food - Mint chip ice cream

Favorite after workout snack - Chocolate milk

Ellie

Hi all! I’m from Nederland, Colorado and have been living in Moorhead for the last four years while attending Concordia to study nutrition and exercise science. I played on Concordia’s hockey team all four years and am loving finding new ways to move my body now that I’m done with competitive sports. I’m currently in my first year of grad school at Concordia, and am studying to take the exam to become a registered dietitian. I started working with Rise just over a year ago and LOVE our community! The best part of my day is telling people good morning when it’s 5:30 pm. I have been getting back into knitting, and I can’t wait to adopt a dog with my boyfriend, Adam!