ABOUT US

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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Lukasz Grabowski

Director of Membership Development, Coach

Certifications and specialties:

National Academy of Sports Medicine - CPT

Alpha Trainer

American Red Cross 

First Aid/CPR/AED

Brown belt in Jiu Jitzu

Former professional MMA competitor 

Kickboxing and boxing specialist

 "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 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."

"I grew up in Europe, (Poland) where I  studied nutrition and enjoyed participating in many different sports such as: kayaking, kickboxing, track and field, weightlifting, and soccer. In 2007, I moved with my family to the United States and began to pursue my passions of Mixed Martial Arts and fitness. After years of developing my skills training and competing in boxing, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu and wrestling, I started to compete professionally in MMA. Unfortunately, due to a knee injury, I had to stop my mixed martial arts career and I returned to school to study physical therapy.

I am a big believer that in order to be truly happy, we should pursue something that we love and that we are passionate about. When I came to that realization, I found that my true calling was to become a strength coach and kickboxing instructor. Now, I’m very happy to be able to use my experience, knowledge, and passion to help others to achieve their fitness goals and change their lives."

THE CROWN