Kevin Vaughan

Kevin is a Community Health graduate of Portland State University and current high school basketball coach for the West Linn Lions (West Linn, OR).  Kevin is avid hoopster, having coached youth teams in the regional Competitive Edge program before joining West Linn and continuing to compete in competitive adult basketball leagues as a player.  Kevin is pursuing his dream of becoming a high school teacher and varisty basketball coach.   

Andrew Isensee

Andrew graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He holds a dual degree in Exercise and Wellness and Psychology. He recently moved to the area to pursue his love of outdoor adventure. He enjoys hiking, riding his dirtbike, fishing, rafting and snowboarding. Andrew has been involved in athletics the majority of his life. He has been in the fitness field in a variety of roles for 10 years. Andrew can help you with all your questions on training or gym membership.

Doug and Donna Peacher

Almost four years ago, Donna Peacher told her husband Doug that she was going to start a fitness program and on Jan 9, 2007, she did just that. It didn’t take Doug much prodding to join his wife. He recently lost his father, John Peacher, to brain cancer. During his dad’s 2 year battle with the illness, he said something to Doug in that span that kind of hit home with him, Doug said. Doug was overweight at the time. “Donna said she wanted to go do this and I said “I’m with you,” and we went on this adventure together.” In their first year Doug lost 66 pounds and Donna dropped 61 pounds. The couple, married almost 20 years and residents of woodland since 1969, are still enthusiastically working out at the Snap Fitness location in Woodland five days a week. “We were both way overweight” said Donna, now 66 years old. “We have been faithful to the program. It’s like the Bible to us. We drive by it every day after we get off work at 2:30 p.m., it’s on our way home,” Donna said of Snap Fitness. “We have routines that we do every day. When we started, it was hard and it hurt. But, we’re always testing ourselves.” Donna was tested about two years ago when she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Due to muscle pain association with the disorder, she was prescribed prednisone for 10 months. Even though she continued to exercise, she gained 30 pounds back of the 61 she lost. Once off the prednisone she was able to lose the weight once again. “Now our goal is to just keep it off and stay healthy.” Donna said. “Everyone around us was dying so we want to take care of ourselves.” Donna said her blood pressure has lowered as the result of her fitness program. “I’m strong,” she said. “I’m 66 but I’m strong. I feel it keeps me young. And, with my husband and I both losing the weight, I tell everybody that we get better gas mileage too.” Doug, 52, says he sleeps better and doesn’t wake up with a sore back like he used to. He also says it has made one of his other hobbies, hunting, much more enjoyable. “I can get out of my truck and go for a three mile hike up and down hills and not feel any more tired than when I get done working out.” Doug Said. “It wasn’t an easy task, but it seems pretty easy now after four years.”

"Fitness Focus on Doug and Donna Peacher." The Reflector [North Clark and South Cowlitz Counties, WA] 10 Dec. 2010. Print

Shelia Beck

One year ago I was told by my doctor after receiving my fourth lumbar steroid injection, that I would have to do something to loose weight and get my back healthy, or they would make a referral for me to see a neurosurgeon. I knew that was the last thing I wanted to do after all the stories of back surgeries that never helped fix the pain. So, on Feb. first of 2010 I joined Snap and started eating a balanced healthy diet. Also, I had just turned 59, and knew I didn't want my next birthday to come around feeling and looking like I did. So, today (Jan. 21st) is my 60th birthday and I have lost 60 pounds. In the last year I have not missed one day of work due to back pain. This last summer I was able to take all four of my grandchildren camping, hiking and swimming. I feel better than I have in many, many years. I still have about forty more pounds to loose, but I know with the help and support of the great staff here at Snap Fitness, I will make that goal as well, and look forward to feeling even better in the year to come!

Aaron Shepard

Everyone has a reason for going to the gym or starting some sort of fitness program.  Common reasons are the doctor recommended it, new years resolution, just thought it was the right thing to do or a friend dragged you to the gym and you ended up enjoying it. I have few reasons; I was very athletically fit in high school and like most individuals after high school is over and you start your family and or career you either have no time or lack the willpower to stay fit. I began my family and my career as a deputy sheriff and had no time or motivation to stay fit.

In January 2009 I decided that I had enough. I needed to lose weight not only because I didn’t feel or look good it was dangerous for the career that I have chosen. My family also has a medical history of multiple diseases making it critical that I focus on keeping fit and eating right. Determined and newly motivated I obtained a gym membership and started to work out. I attended Pilates and cycling classes a few days a week.  When I was not doing that I was pushing myself on other cardio and resistance training workouts. I got so determined that I was told that I was obsessed! My answer to that was look at the results; being obsessed made it happen for me!!! The classes, cardio and resistance training was not the only life change that I had to make. I think the most important change I made was my eating habits and what I put into my body. Believe me this was not easy, I was a chocoholic. J.  I did not do this alone. I began talking with people that have experience in the exercise field; Personal trainers, bodybuilders and other fitness instructors. I researched the information on diet, nutrition, supplementation, cardio and resistance training. I found out what worked for my body and put it to the test.

When I began my journey I weighed in at a whopping 225 lbs and had about 28% body fat on my 5 foot 6 inch structure. I slowly began to transform my body. By late 2009 I had dropped to 167lbs and reached 9.3% body fat. I have continued to push myself and currently I have gained lean mass and maintain my weight at about 174lbs with 9% body fat.

This was not an easy journey but it is definitely worth it. I have tons more energy, I feel good about myself and confident that I will be around much longer for my family.

REMEMBER- I tell everyone who asks me how I did it: “Hard work and determination” will get you where you want to be.

Deb and Jamie Kitchen

I wanted to share some good news with you -

On June 19th, Jamie and I finished our first ever Half Marathon (13.1 miles) together hand in hand - it was an amazing experience!  The Vancouver USA Inaugural drew over 1200 competitors for the Half. Jamie (age 14) finished 4th in her age category of 13-15 year olds with a time of 2hrs 23 min., so she will receive an engraved medal.  Jamie has been running for 1 1/2 years and  I have been for 2.  We ran many 5K races and even a 15K, but this was our longest to date and we wanted to share the moment together.  Jamie got fatigued at mile 12 but pushed through it and we were able to pick up the pace at the end.  Cross training at Snap Fitness to keep our core strong was an integral part of our training plan.  We also valued the treadmills when it was just plain raining too hard to be outside.  The time at the gym and outdoors paid off and we look forward to running many more races together as Mother and Daughter.  Thanks to Andrew and Brian for their training and nutrition tips. 

I am just so proud of Jamie’s hard work! (there was only one 13 year old , so she was the second youngest competitor!)  Jamie and her brother are now in cross-country training. 

Jamie is in a rest period and then will get her miles in outside - but we hope to see you soon for more cross training.

Deb Kitchen