Our Staff

Ron Clark

Owner

Ron Clark, Owner: Ron’s educational background and work experience has always been centered on exercise physiology. He started competing in bodybuilding in the late 70’s and won numerous titles, including the Mr. Michigan title in 1983. As the fitness movement spread throughout the country, he moved to California, where he performed as Conan at Universal Studios. In 1988, he worked as a Sports Performance Trainer with US athletes who were training for the Olympics in Seoul, Korea. Today, in addition to training clients and operating Fitness Together, he also serves as a coach and strength and conditioning specialist for the Mona Shores Sailors hockey team, one of the most accomplished programs in the state. Ron believes that when you look and feel better about yourself, it changes your outlook; it changes your life!

Jennifer Clark

Fitness Coach

Jennifer Clark: In high school, Jennifer was very active in sports; track, volleyball, and cheerleading. After graduating she spent three years in the United States Marine Corp. Weight had never been an issue due to her very active lifestyle. About 10 years ago, Jennifer went through a major life style change and because of a “sitting” job, and basic inactivity, gained about 30 pounds. Not recognizing, or liking who she’d become, she decided to do something about it. After meeting, and then marrying Ron Clark, they soon opened Fitness Together. She started training and after losing 30 pounds, decided to get certified through the National Federation of Professional Trainers so that she could help others accomplish similar goals. You see, Jennifer’s not just the owner of Fitness Together; she’s also one of their success stories!

Kyle Plachta

Lead Trainer

Credentials: BA in Kinesiology: Exercise Science from Hope College, Holland, Mi

Background:

Kyle has involved himself in numerous athletics since the age of 5, but has a passion for hockey. He grew up in Mattawan, Mi; where he played for his area high school and recently finished his fourth year with the ice hockey team at Hope College, where he gained experience in sport specific strength & conditioning and rehabilitation. He believes that sport-specific and agility/balance based training is not strictly reserved for athletes but can benefit all. He is actively pursuing a career in physical therapy and planning on attending graduate school in the fall of 2012. Kyle firmly believes that attitude and understanding the importance of exercise is key to becoming successful in living a healthy life!

Kyle Plachta

Kyle played four years as a defenseman for the Hope College Flying Dutchmen Ice Hockey Team (2007-2011). With the team, he helped bring the Dutchmen a 9th, 5th, and two consecutive ACHA National Tournament 2nd Place finishes (2009-2010 & 2010-2011). While playing, Kyle also received the Academic All-American Award during his junior and senior years at Hope.

Emily Fischer

Fitness Coach

Credentials: BA in Kinesiology: Exercise Science from Hope College, Holland, Mi

Background:

Emily finds passion in many different areas of exercise from swimming, soccer, and running. During her time at Hope College, she competed with the cross-country and track teams and has also completed three triathlons. Emily stresses the importance of setting personal short and long-term goals to find success, in all aspects of life, not just fitness. Every day is a new opportunity to grow and succeed.

Emily Fischer

Emily (right) competed in cross country and track for four years at Hope College. During her time at Hope, she was named to the All-MIAA Second Team in 2008 as a sophomore, and First Team her junior and senior years in cross country (2009-2010). She was voted team captain her junior and senior years. Her senior year, she was part of the team that qualified for NCAA Nationals. She continues to compete in races, and is currently training for the 2011 Chicago Marathon.

Dawn Detra

Fitness Coach

Credentials:
Certified through the National Federation of Professional Trainers

Background:

Dawn has been actively involved in fitness for over 17 years. During high school she played basketball and softball and that’s where her passion for fitness began. Soon after graduating she realized that she needed to change her eating and exercise habits if she wanted to stay in shape. Dawn knows that regardless of your age or current physical condition, it's never too late to begin a regular exercise regiment. She believes that if your lifestyle doesn't control your body, your body will control your lifestyle.