About Us
Here, Every Rep Counts.
We always say every rep counts. Each rep is a chance to make progress; each rep gets you one step closer to reaching your fitness or performance goals.
Our entire staff is trained—and certified—to provide the best instruction on sports performance and exercise science.
Dean Bryan, Co-Owner / Sports Performance Coach
A true Pittsburgh native and former college football player, Dean has two decades of experience as a youth and collegiate athletic trainer. He'll push you hard. But with his humor and wit, there's no such thing as a boring session.
Favorite Exercise: Squat
Favorite Sport: Football
Chico Orlando, Co-Owner / Sports Performance Coach
As a tight end, Chico led Truman State University in touchdowns during his final season. Since Truman, Chico has leveraged his Exercise Science degree to become certified in physiology as well as strength and conditioning. When he's not at The Grind, Chico's definitely lounging at home with his little boy and girl.
Favorite Exercise: Bench Press
Favorite Sport: Football
Sam Bekemeier, Sports Performance Coach / Personal Trainer
Sam grew up as a multi-sport athlete in the Saint Louis area, playing sports
like baseball, basketball, golf, football and now is an endurance athlete competing in Ironmans. After receiving his bachelors in Health Sciences, he
wanted to become a personal trainer to help others better understand health and fitness.
Favorite Exercise: Pull-ups
Favorite Sport: Baseball
Christiana Clark, Sports Performance Coach
Christiana is a passionate and driven personal trainer, who thrives on her love for weightlifting and bodybuilding. Her relentless pursuit of goals is not just a journey but a source of joy. Christiana is a nationally qualified bodybuilder, having placed top 3 in all of the classes she has competed in. Eager to share her passion, she inspires others to find fulfillment in their own achievements. Outside the gym, she finds peace in nature, often taking hikes and walks.
Favorite Exercise: RDL
Favorite Sport: Baseball
Brandon Hager, Sports Performance Coach / Personal Trainer
Brandon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Arkansas State University. As a former Division 1 baseball player with four years of experience, he offers specialized baseball lessons and sports performance training. Brandon also provides hitting and position lessons for all age groups. He looks forward to the opportunity to work with you to enhance your skills and performance.
Favorite Exercise: Bulgarian Split Squat
Favorite Sport: Baseball
Paige Halliwill, Sports Performance Coach
Paige, a former Division 1 softball player from Southeast Missouri State University, offers personalized softball lessons in fielding and hitting for players of all ages. Outside of her passion for softball, Paige is dedicated to working with people and helping them reach their full potential. She values the relationships that she builds within The Grind and cannot wait to connect with and inspire more people to come.
Favorite Exercise: Chin-Ups
Favorite Sport: Softball
Andrew Kramer, Sports Performance Coach / Nutrition Coach
Drew’s background as a former competitive cyclist, now CrossFit level 1 Trainer and competitor has helped broaden his training experience and knowledge to best help his clients.
With a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science and minor in Nutrition, and experience working with the Olympic BMX team, he will help guide you along your fitness journey having fun along the way.
Favorite Exercise: Crossfit
Favorite Sport: Cycling
Ashley Mann, Office Manager
Ashley has been a critical member of The Grind team for over five years! She's the glue, making sure our trainers, athletes, and clients are comfortable in an environment where they can succeed. From social media to customer service, Ashley has us covered.
Favorite Exercise: Goblet Squat
Favorite Sport: Hockey
Matt Sapienza, Sports Performance Coach
Matt grew up in the Saint Louis area and played basically every sport growing up. As he got older, tennis became his main sport but still played soccer every so often. He graduated from Lindenwood University with an Exercise Science degree and a minor in Nutrition. He has worked with young athletes since August 2022 and has been personal training since November
2019. His love and passion for helping younger athletes and general clients speaks for itself. When he is not in the gym, Matt is spending time with his wife and dog.
Favorite Exercise: Barbell RDL
Favorite Sport: Tennis
