Our Trainers
Colin Merdian, B.Sc., NASM-CPT, nasm-sfs, SGX, Pn1, fm-pds
OWNER
Colin is certified through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) as a Certified Personal Trainer & Senior Fitness Specialist, Spartan Race as a Spartan SGX coach, Precision Nutrition as a certified nutrition coach, and is a Program Design Specialist through Fitness Mentors. He has over 13 years of experience working as a personal trainer.
Colin has always been a lover of sports and fitness, and after working in the industry for 4 years decided it was time to open his own gym. His training model is to work hard, be consistent, and never stop learning. But as serious as he takes his training, Colin also believes that in order to stay motivated and excited about working out, you need to have fun and keep things interesting. Colin makes it a point to keep his workouts fresh with new exercises and challenges so there’s never a dull moment when it comes to going to the gym.
Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or group class with Colin!
Jerry Garcia, B.Sc., ASCM-EP, PES-nasm
Jerry started his fitness journey in a training camp for incoming freshmen football players at his high school in Houston, TX. Since then he's dabbled in a variety of styles of weightlifting and strength training programs. Jerry's personal interest in fitness paid off during his time in the army where he eventually took over the responsibility of designing training programs for his teams and squad.
After his time in the service, Jerry went on to earn his BS in Exercise Science and began working with people with chronic neurological conditions, primarily strokes and Parkinson's disease. He continues that work at a local rehab hospital when he’s not with his clients at The Rough House. Jerry also works with the general population and youth athletes. His clients range from ages 9 to 96 years old. He is an American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist and a NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist.
Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or group class with Jerry!
Eric Schuda, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES, GGS
Eric has worked with a wide range of people looking for help shedding pounds, building muscle, and feeling and moving better. Eric found his passion for health and wellness while serving in the United States Marine Corps for four years. A few years later he realized he wanted to share that passion with others. He became certified in personal training in 2014.
Eric has a never-ending desire for knowledge and brings several top-notch certifications to The Rough House. Along with his basic personal training certification from NASM, he is certified as a corrective exercise specialist and is pre- and post-natal certified through Girls Gone Strong. Do you need extra help with stretching? Eric also has the Living Metta Total Body Stretch certification. No matter what the ailment, Eric can assist.
Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or group class with Eric!
Lauren Kurey, B.Sc., NASM-Group Trainer
For Lauren, fitness is more than just exercise—it's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. “I love the sense of accomplishment that comes after a tough workout and the pride in realizing I am capable of more than I initially thought. The strength I gain, both physically and mentally, fuels my confidence and provides an outlet for stress relief. Fitness has also given me a sense of routine that helps ground me, while the positive outcomes, both in how I feel and look, are incredibly rewarding.”
Lauren’s journey into fitness began about six years ago when she was feeling dissatisfied with her physical appearance and overall fitness. She realized that she lacked the motivation and accountability to make lasting changes on her own. Her first experience with group training was through her personal trainer, who introduced her to classes that were not only challenging but also full of camaraderie and support. “Group workouts push me to work harder and make the experience enjoyable, thanks to the vibrant community of like-minded individuals who celebrate your wins and understand your struggles.”
Outside of the gym, Lauren teaches 4th grade and graduated from St. Xavier University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. “Whether I’m in the classroom or the gym, I love being part of communities that inspire growth and foster meaningful connections.”
Call today to schedule a complimentary group class with Lauren!
william medina, B.Sc., nfpt-CPT, stretch & Flex-nasm, group exercise-ace
William comes to us as a personal trainer through the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT) with additional certifications in group exercise, assisted stretching, and stick mobility. William’s journey into fitness began out of vanity and ego, but unlike many, he was fortunate to avoid any major injury due to one mindset: “You can’t make progress if you are injured”. His main reason for exercise was to promote quality of life. As a Strength Coach with a focus on Mobility and Stability, William tries his best to implement that concept into every one of his classes and sessions.
“My story as a trainer began with my first client, my sister. I don’t know if it was my own confidence, her seeing my willingness to help strangers at the gym, or just because it was leg day, but one day she joined me. What began as sporadic weekend workouts turned into daily 5am sessions, challenging and motivating each other, while learning along the way. As her confidence and strength shot up, so did my passion. I had found my calling. The gym can be a dangerous and scary place at times. My main goal as your coach is to increase your confidence within the gym as well as your quality of life.”
William has extensive experience in group training and group programming. When class starts it’s all business until the fit lady sings.
Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or group class with William!
Shana abraham, B.Sc., MS, NASM-CPt, PN1
Shana has BS and Masters degrees from the University of South Carolina and is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Women’s Fitness Specialist, BOSU trainer, and PN1 Nutrition Coach. She is currently finishing up her specialization in corrective exercise and looks forward to helping clients with current injuries.
As an avid runner and resistance trainer, her goal for every client is long-term health through exercise and nutrition coaching. She has been training clients for over 4 years and loves the connections she forms with them and the impact she has on their health and wellness.
Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or group class with Shana!
kathryn smith, B.Sc., NASM-CPt
Kathryn’s journey in the fitness industry has been nothing short of transformative. As someone who has personally lost over 165 pounds through diet and exercise, Coach Kate brings firsthand experience and empathy to the challenges of weight loss. Beyond weight loss, her expertise extends to helping clients increase muscle mass, boost strength, and become the best versions of themselves.
What sets her apart is an unwavering dedication to results. With years of experience working with diverse clients, she’s encountered and overcome a wide range of challenges, including rehabilitating multiple parts of the body and obtaining a deep understanding of injury recovery and safety in training. “I make workouts both effective and enjoyable, bringing a personable, energetic, and positive attitude to every session. Together, we’ll create practical solutions to integrate fitness and nutrition into your lifestyle, empowering you to achieve sustainable success.”
Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or group class with Kathryn!