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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Jaron Mojet

Coach

Certifications and specialties:

Army Veteran

NFPT CPT

Boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing

Kettle Bell training

American Red Cross 

First Aid/CPR/AED

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Samantha Gibbons

Coach

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Certifications and specialties:

Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology

Doctorate of Physical Therapy (current student)

NCSF CPT

BSL-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."

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Jaron is a Personal Trainer and Kickboxing with over 16 years of training
experience. A Michigan native and Army veteran, he began looking for new ways to stay fit after discharge from the military. He soon began training and competing in the sports of boxing and Muay Thai kickboxing. As he progressed in his training and fitness, Jaron began to assist friends in achieving their fitness goals in his spare time. It was then that he discovered that he had found part of his life’s calling, and decided to become a Certified Personal Trainer.
Over the years, Jaron has become very adept at sharing his knowledge and experience in a relatable way with clients and students in his classes. His “Fitness By Any Means” philosophy stresses the possibility of being able to train anywhere, anytime with a lot of equipment or with
very little.

 

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Sammie is a born and raised Chicagoan who has had a passion for fitness since childhood due to her love of sports. Since then, she has developed her knowledge and love for the fitness industry, with sedentary behavior and injury prevention being one of her biggest passions conducted through functional movements, emphasis on form, and enthusiasm for movement.  

Sammie is currently in her last year at Rosalind Franklin University pursuing her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and received her bachelor's in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana. Sammie enjoys weightlifting, playing with her two dogs, and going to Cubs games in her free time. 

THE CROWN