ABOUT US

We Focus on Results!

LEAP is the culmination of over a decade of service provided by owner, Matt Durdin, to Chicago as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and nutrition coach.

The previous co-owner of Unrivaled Fitness in Lakeview, his evolution as a fitness professional over the years lead him to the creation of Lakeview East Athletics and Performance.

This exclusive club, offering the best in personal training, team training, and nutrition consultation, enables it's members to feel confident that no matter what their fitness goals may be, they have the ability to accomplish them at the supportive community known as "LEAP."

THE TEAM

Matt Durdin

Owner, Coach

Certifications and specialties:

ISSA, ACE certified PT

ISSA fitness nutrition specialist

Precision nutrition coach

FMS (functional movement screen)

Pre and post natal

Powerlifting/Kickboxing

American Red Cross

First Aid/CPR/AED

Casey Buenzli

Director of Program Design and Social media,

Coach

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Certifications and specialties:

National Strength and Conditioning Association- CPT

Titleist Performance Institute 

Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology

minor in Nutritional Sciences

American Red Cross

First Aid/CPR/AED                        

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Anastissaya Suslik

Coach

Certifications and specialties:

ISSA - CPT

Krav Maga Alliance Level 2 Certified Instructor

Krav Maga Brown Belt

Savate Instructor 

Savate Yellow Glove

American Red Cross 

First Aid/CPR/AED

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 "I believe that as an owner of a successful fitness facility you must think of it as your members' gym and not one of your own.  It is my responsibility to provide LEAP's members with whatever support they may need; the top fitness professionals in the industry, the most effective  programming and highest quality equipment, and a uniquely beautiful environment that gets you excited to come and train.  I fully intend on fulfilling that responsibility!"

"My passion for fitness started when I was really young. I grew up going to my mom's group exercise classes and learning proper nutrition from her. I absolutely loved the self-disciple of daily exercise and healthy eating habits and I wanted to share my joy for health and wellness with others. I decided to pursue my Bachelor's in Kinesiology with a minor in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. While attending college, I started teaching group fitness classes. My passion for fitness grew personally and professionally, as well as my desire to help others achieve their wellness goals. To this day, I find such joy in health and fitness because I truly believe that exercise is medicine."

Ana grew up in Kazakhstan and moved to the US in 2008. Her life changed when she discovered MMA and the fitness world. She has years of experience training in Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Boxing, Kickboxing, Savate, Kali and JKD. She taught Krav Maga and Savate (French Kickboxing) for over five years. She has also taught Women's Self Defense Seminars for the community for four years.

In her spare time she enjoys Aerial Fitness, running, weight lifting, and volunteering at an animal shelter. She fundraised for Team Paws and ran the Chicago Marathon four consecutive years.

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Fun Facts about Ana:

She once kicked a heavy bag off the hook!

She enjoys photography and taking photos of the shelter dogs.

THE CROWN