gentleTEAM
The gentleGYM team is specially developed with the skills and compassion to meet the needs of members who choose our program. We have put extensive thought into what your needs are and how we can best meet them. Our team invests in continuing education to be on the cutting edge of knowledge and program implementation. We choose to be inclusive and cooperative with other practitioners and programs. Truly, gG wants to cooperate and lift each other up to help provide the best care possible for our members. It's our mission to be A COMMUNITY OF HEALTHY LIVING. Our promise to you is that we will always be learning, listening and implementing, to be able to provide opportunities that lead to a successful journey at the gG and ultimately better health for you.
Amy VanArkel
gentleGYM
Owner, Director
Agape Therapy
Executive Director
Physical Therapist Assistant
Massage Therapist
The gentleGYM is a vision I have had, in some form, since my junior year in college, at The University of Iowa. After playing basketball, I took a job in the Health Iowa department of The University of Iowa's Student Health Center. Once it came time for an internship, I chose to stay at Health Iowa because it was one of the most comprehensive university wellness programs in the nation. It was there that my boss and mentor, at the time, led me down a path of wanting to really empower individuals to choose more healthy lifestyle habits in all the dimensions of wellness.. Sarah was a huge mentor and I thank her for lighting a spark in me.
In 2003, I joined the Agape Therapy team. In 2007, I asked if I could start a wellness program in the therapy clinic. This was a quick yes and so the rocket was launched! Each year it has continued to develop and grow. There have been many lessons, opportunities, and barriers. But I feel completely blessed and believe each step was necessary and it has led us to the gentleGYM.
The challenge with gG is to help those that manage pain and chronic health issues to move the needle toward better health, to maybe even start living again! If you have to manage pain, injury, co-morbidities or even fear, then often times you have had a tough time feeling heard or making change. Making change happen isn't just about exercise and movement. The challenge is to help people engage with themselves and others to figure out what needs to be addressed. gG will only be as successful as the individuals coming in choosing to become __________ (insert whatever it is you need to be more balanced and healthy). My hopes and prayers are that the gG can be a conduit for you! You will be heard. gG is there for you.
Emily Mangrich
gentleGYM
Program Manager
Agape Therapy
Wellness Manager
For me, the gentleGYM is about empowering those who feel defeated using exercise and lifestyle change to improve health. I have worked in various aspects of the health and fitness realm and have found my passion is utilizing exercise programs to prevent and manage chronic health issues. The results I love to see from clients during an exercise program are less pain, reduced or prevented medication use, and the ability to complete daily tasks with ease.
At the gentleGYM I promise you will find more than a gym. We are dedicated to taking a new approach to chronic conditions by addressing our four pillars (move, think, diet, rest) and engaging members so you enjoy your time with us while learning something along the way. We hope to create an atmosphere where you can find joy in your journey to better health.
Sarah Paustian
gentleGYM
Aquatics Manager & Class Instructor
Agape Therapy
Business Wellness Coordinator
Physical Therapist Assistant
I have been working as a Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer for the past 15 years and have worked with individuals in all stages of their fitness journey. I started my career with the idea that I wanted to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives. Sharing health and wellness with others is my passion, and the gG opens the door to being able to reach many individuals. One thing we all know, wanting to make lifestyle changes is easy, but actually making the changes are tough. Many people get stuck not knowing how or where to begin. To me, the gentleGYM provides individuals with goals and direction in all areas of wellness. I am so excited to be part of such a unique opportunity in the Cedar Valley.
megan hingtgen
gentleGYM
Health Coach & Personal Trainer
Agape Therapy
Wellness Specialist & Executive Assistant
I attended the University of Northern Iowa and had one big goal and passion in mind when thinking about my future career: helping people. Once a professor asked me in class: "What do you mean by helping people?" It was actually a great question and the only answer that I had that day was "I want to help people be a happier version of themselves". I did not know "how" I wanted to do that when I was in college so I majored in Family Services and got a minor in Mental Health. After graduating college, I continued on my journey to find out how I wanted to help people. Once I found the gentleGYM, I knew this is the place. I had never heard of a gym quite like this one. I knew I wanted to help people feel heard, validated, feel more confident with their body, experience less pain, and overall be happy. After joining the gentleGYM team, I became a Health Coach and Personal Trainer. I really enjoy creating exercise plans for individuals to gain strength, increase their mobility, and feel better. Everyone has a different lifestyle, different goals, and different abilities. I like getting to know people, what they like or dislike, and how I can help them become a better version of themselves. I am a firm believer that movement helps heal inside and outside and it's a great tool to help manage pain. --- please let me know how it sounds and if I should make any edits!!
britney taylor
gentleGYM
Personal Trainer
Agape Therapy
Wellness Specialist & Athlete Program Manager
Sarah siers
gentleGYM
Personal Trainer
Agape Therapy
Physical Therapist Assistant
I love the atmosphere of the gentleGym. It is a safe place for people to start a wellness journey that covers all areas of health, from physical to mental to emotional health. I have been a Physical Therapist Assistant for over 10 years and have a degree in Exercise Science from UNI. I love helping people achieve their fitness and health goals. I enjoy doing one on one with my patients and personal training clients, and teaching group exercises classes. I have a special love for Hypermobility/Ehlers Danlos Syndrome clients.
carrie lofstuen
gentleGYM
Coffe with Carrie & Front Desk
Agape Therapy
Patient Coordinator
Aide Supervisor
Wellness Intern
gentleGYM
Wellness Intern
When Agape developed the gentleGYM one of the pillars of focus was mentorship of students and new trainers, therapists, coaches and instructors. The Wellness Intern offers an opportunity for a college student to get practical experience with a therapeutic population while having mentorship by a therapeutically minded staff. They get exposure to all aspects of helping to implement health initiatives for individuals. Their focus is orienting members to equipment and ensuring follow up assessments are scheduled.
If you would like to be a Wellness Intern, please contact us.
agape team
www.agapetherapy.com
gentleGYM Cooperative
Front Desk, Aides, Business Team, Physical Therapist and Assistants, Hand Therapist, Massage Therapists, Personal Trainers
Agape desired to bridge a gap in care for individuals. Seeing a need with their population of patients, started working on a remedy. The Agape Team is part of the gentleGYM team. It's how we create continuity in communication, care and learning!
Check out more about the Agape Team!