Our founders
Mike Sell, TJ Lawson, JT Baginski, Zane Roebuck, Jimmy Walker & Ashley Sell
MSP GYM was founded in 2017 with the specific goal of becoming the most client-centric and results-driven gym in the Greater Wheaton Area. Corporate gyms are known for penalizing clients financially for the silliest things, offering impersonal workouts, and putting profit over people. We are different. Our boutique fitness facility combines client-centricity and intelligent programming. We fervently believe that everyone can reach their unique fitness goals, and all of our fitness offerings are organized so that each and every movement can be customized and modified based on training history, age, goals, abilities, etc. We use evidence-based programming principles to help our clients succeed, and we meet with all of our members individually at least every quarter to ensure they’re making progress. At MSP, you are not only joining a gym, but a united community that is here to have fun and support you each and every step of the way. Get ready to join the most goal-driven gym family in the Midwest!
Our coaches
TJ Lawson
OWNER + TRAINER
Specializations: Weight Management Sports Conditioning Strength Training Steel Mace Training TJ Lawson is Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and graduated with a B.S. in Exercise Science from Carroll University.
He played 4 years of Varsity Football in college and interned as a Strength Coach with the UCLA Athletic Performance Department and the Swift Olympic Speed Skating Team . He has worked with some of the best college athletes in the nation in a wide range of sports including Football, Lacrosse, Gymnastics, Softball, Women’s Swimming and Diving, Women’s Water Polo, and Golf. TJ uses his expert experience as well as out-of-the-box methodologies to construct unique and result-driven programs. Whether you’re an athlete or an everyday individual, TJ will put your goals first and work with you every step of the way to ensure success.
Zane Roebuck
OWNER + TRAINER
Specializations: Health + Lifestyle Improvement Elite Sports Performance Bodyweight and Mobility.
Zane has a passion for helping people reach their full potential in the gym, on the field/court, and in life. Zane is a graduate of the National Personal Training Institute, and is accredited in National Academy Sports Medicine. In his eight years of training experience, he has mastered the areas of athletic performance, general fitness, Steel Mace, TRX, and Box and Burn Level 1. Zane prides himself on the fact that he can train people without the use of any “tool” or special gym equipment. His passion is to test people’s limits, and he is trained to do this through a safe and enjoyable approach. He coaches people of all ages and experience levels, which allows him to modify and scale to each client’s needs.
Jimmy Walker
OWNER + TRAINER
Specializations: Boxing & Boxing Fitness Youth Athletics Fascial Stretch Therapy.
Jimmy is a proud husband, father, experienced boxer, and personal trainer. As an active amateur boxer for more than 7 years, he has experience in many different training areas. He competed in Golden Gloves in 2008 and 2017, and took home the title of runner-up in 2017. His Boxing career and experience has fueled his passion for coaching prospective athletes and preparing them for the next level of competition. In addition to Boxing, he coaches athletes in a wide range of sports and specializes in Middle School and High School Athletics. Jimmy has over 10 years of personal training experience and enjoys incorporating fun fitness tools into his training programs including battle ropes, TRX, ladders, Steel Maces, and Steel Clubs. Jimmy is also a Fascial Stretch Therapy Practitioner, which is one of the quickest, most effective and pleasant methods to relieve pain, restore function, and move & feel better in the activities of life, fitness, and sports. Jimmy has additional training experience with clients that have: Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Brachial Plexus.
Mike Sell
OWNER + TRAINER
Specializations: Body Transformation Powerlifting Bodybuilding.
Mike graduated from Wheaton College in 2016 with a B.S. in Applied Health Science and has since used his education to make a difference in the world of personal health through a variety of start-up companies. He is Co-Owner and Head Powerlifting Coach at Midwest Strength + Performance, manufactures his own pre-workout through Clinically Dosed Supplements LLC, and serves as Vice-President of Betasol Consumer Products (Patented aerosolizer that lowers the health risks associated with smoking tobacco). He holds many National and World records in the sport of drug free powerlifting. Mike’s best lifts include a 675 lb squat, 440 lb bench press, and 700 lb deadlift. Mike specializes in helping people build strength while obtaining the body of their dreams. Outside of the gym, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Ashley, participates in competitive eating challenges, and plays chess with friends.
Alex Maldonado
PERSONAL TRAINER
Specializations: Kettlebell Training & Flow Pain-Free Training Functional Fitness Steel Mace
Alex is a proud husband, father, and personal trainer. He is a Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist through the NASM-certified PPSC organization. He holds additional certifications courtesy of Living.Fit (fundamental & advanced kettlebell) and CrossFit. Alex specializes in functional fitness training with an emphasis on pain-free training, general movement improvement, and longevity. He has experience training individuals and groups ranging from high school athletes to senior citizens. His expertise and experience allow him to provide a powerful and effective program that is scalable for all skill levels. Alex leans on unconventional tools like kettlebells, steel maces, and clubs to help clients master all movement patterns while reaching their fitness goals. Alex has a genuine and sincere approach to all his client’s fitness goals and will be alongside you every step during your journey to success.
Rachel McCulloch
PERSONAL TRAINER
Specializations: Adult Group Fitness Private Training Steel Mace & Club Training.
Rachel is a WITS Certified Personal Trainer and CrossFit L1 Coach. She has a background in pre and post natal fitness and enjoys working with athletes in all stages of life. When she’s not lifting heavy (to her favorite Justin Bieber song) at the gym you can find her biking around town with her husband and their 3 children.
Ashley Sell
OWNER + TRAINER
Ashley is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a Certified Nutrition Coach through Renaissance Periodization. She was a four year starter on the Women’s Volleyball Team at Wheaton College (IL), and she was voted MVP her senior year for her role as an influential and impactful leader. She also has experience competing in drug-free powerlifting competitions and she set the Illinois State deadlift record in the AAPF in 2017.
In High School, Ashley was voted the Orange County (CA) Athletic Director’s Association Athlete of the Year for her achievements as a CIF State Champion & Captain on the Varsity Volleyball team & CIF State Swimmer.
Ashley also had a professional career before becoming an Owner at MSP, which included working at a large Chicago law firm, as a consultant for a legal technology company, and interning at the White House.
At MSP, Ashley is focused on business operations, growth, and optimizing the community experience. She can answer any questions you might have about membership, classes, training options, and connecting with the right Coach!
Andy Siar
PERSONAL TRAINER
Shannon Siar
PERSONAL TRAINER + COMMUNITY SUCCESS MANAGER
Shannon has over 7 years of experience in the fitness industry. Prior to coaching, her first career was rooted in hospitality and corporate training, which curated her passion for white glove customer care. While in hospitality, she found her love for working out and strength training first as a hobby.
She poured hours into studying the principles of strength training, performance, and nutrition. Unlike many in the industry, she did not start out as an athlete or physically fit child. Finding success personally has grounded her belief that fitness and wellness are for everyone. It quickly became clear that she wanted to help others find the same success she has found!
Shannon has worked for many big names in the fitness industry. She specializes in group fitness, TRX training, and Pre/Postnatal fitness. She cares deeply about each client regardless of training style (group, semi-private, PT) and meets each client at their unique starting point.
At MSP, Shannon is a Personal Trainer and Community Success Manager. In these roles she can curate custom programs for her clients and also dive deep into optimizing our community experience!
Abby Rutledge
PERSONAL TRAINER + COMMUNITY SUCCESS MANAGER
Abby is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. She specializes in kettlebell training, youth athletics, and adult group fitness. She is also passionate about strength for women and is dedicated to motivating her clients to reach their goals. Abby loves being part of the MSP
team because each team member is committed to excellence and is truly invested in their clients
lives and fitness journey!
She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Spanish at Wheaton College. Additionally, Coach Abby was a competitive swimmer at Wheaton College, finishing with All-Conference Honors throughout her college career. Outside of the gym, Abby loves to try new restaurants, bake, and spend time with friends.
At MSP, Abby is a Personal Trainer and Community Success Manager. In these roles she can curate custom programs for her clients and also dive deep into optimizing our community experience!
Abby Boss
PERSONAL TRAINER
Abby is a USAW Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor who specializes in youth athletics, adult group fitness, and Olympic weightlifting. She graduated from Wheaton College (IL) with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, and she was a dual-sport athlete; she competed in varsity volleyball and softball.
Through Abby’s experience in athletics and on her high school powerlifting team, she grew a passion for functional sports performance training and empowering women through strength training. She also loves working with those without a background in athletics and helping them discover the joy and self-esteem that can be found and built in the gym.
Outside of the gym, Abby loves to cook, bake, read, watch movies, and spend lots of time with dogs and cats!
Angela Pettenon
PERSONAL TRAINER
Angela is a StrongFirst Certified Barbell and Kettlebell Instructor, CES Postnatal Corrective Exercise Specialist, Coaching Women Academy Pre- & Postnatal Coach, and ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist.
Angela is passionate about teaching clients how to move better, get stronger and feel better. Her ideal client is a working professional ready to invest in their health and embrace strength training. She is passionate about teaching kettlebell, barbell and bodyweight skills because those tools enable you to “train” and not just “workout”.
As her client, you will practice your skills each week and get stronger and fitter in the process. Her goal is for YOU to enjoy YOUR health and fitness journey. You’ll discover what you are truly capable of and enjoy strength and stamina in all areas of your life.
Angela has three kids and in her free time she enjoys reading and being outside!
Zach Colangelo
PERSONAL TRAINER + COMMUNITY SUCCESS MANAGER
Zach is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a USA Weightlifting L2 Coach, and an experienced & certified CrossFit strength training programmer. His experience working in various types of health and fitness environments allows him to produce effective programming for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
Clients train with Zach because they value his high level investment into learning and applying the strength principles into their custom programs. He not only personally cares about seeing you achieve your goals, he also makes sure that your goal-based plan is efficient, effective and evidence-based.
Outside of personal training, Zach has experience in fitness management where he has helped educate and guide new trainers in their early stages of their careers.
When Zach isn’t in the gym he is either golfing with friends or spending time at the lake with his family.
Jaime Sessions
PERSONAL TRAINER
Jaime is a AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, TRX Certified Trainer and an ASFA Certified Kettlebell Instructor with eight years of experience coaching small groups, boxing fitness and strength and conditioning.
Clients train with Jaime because she is an enthusiastic, engaging, and dedicated strength coach. She is passionate about preventing injuries, increasing strength, and applying strength training to better support everyday movements.
Jaime is a full-time marketing professional, specializing in crafting zazzy, on-brand direct mail and email campaigns as well as social media and conversational marketing, so you’ll find her coaching early mornings, evenings and weekends.
Jaime grew up in Wheaton and loves her community. When she’s not lifting heavy or training for a triathlon, you’ll find her in the bleachers cheering on her three children.