Our Story & Our Team


 

 

Our Story


EMAC Looks to Make Connections. We are a family run, local business that strives to build a caring and collaborative environment in which all members are connected to coaches, trainers, classes, and programs that fit their needs and their goals.

We also look to Challenge our members because if there's NO CHALLENGE, there's NO CHANGE! Through goal setting and competitions, we encourage our members to work outside of their comfort zones to embrace change and achieve new levels of success.

Most Importantly, We Care. We care about our members and our East Memphis community.  

 

Locally owned

Meet The Team

Brian Rooney

Owner 

Natalie Rooney

Owner

Josh Laclair

Owner/ General Manager / Head Trainer

Fitness Coaches

 

Josh LAclair


Josh is constantly looking to enhance each of his clients' workouts by having them set clear goals, monitoring their progress, and empowering them to achieve their fitness goals by designing workouts that meet their needs and ability. Josh is a certifed Olympic Coach, he is passionate about Olympic lifting and has devoted himself to the science and execution of the sport.  Josh has his BS in Exercise Science and his ISSA Personal Training certification and is continuously immersing himself in the latest in exercise research and techniques. 

MARI


No holding back! Mari is all about helping you work outside of your comfort zone and maximizing every workout to trigger those positive endorphins that build the commitment to success in your fitness journey.
 
Mari is originally from Estonia. She moved to Memphis to continue her education at the University of Memphis where she competed on the Track and Field team at both the undergrad and graduate level.  She has her MS in Nutrition and in Sports and Hospitality Management. She also has her personal training certification though ISSA.
 
If you want to find or build a passion for fitness, there’s no better place than to start to train with Mari!

 

 

Quay


Juanquay (“Quay” or “Q”) is committed to all aspects of the field of fitness. He finds his energy and drive when he is coaching, inspiring, and educating others to utilize their workout time effectively to maximize results. He became a personal trainer to support others to become the best fitness version of themselves and , as a result, optimizing their quality of life. Quay has an Exercise Science degree from the University of Memphis and is working on his CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist). He has a strong history of working with athletes on their speed, form, power, and agility. In his spare time Quay plays the drums and is learning how to play the guitar.

 

Katie L.


Katie was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. Her early life was spent as a dedicated basketball and tennis player. She further familiarized herself with fitness through pursuing an education in exercise science. With this background, Katie has not only established herself as wellness coordinator for assisted living, exercising the foundational tools necessary to carry out effective training, but also understands the business behind this lifestyle that keeps on giving. As a personal trainer and Les Mills Body step instructor, Katie is ready to make you feel your best.

 

Nic


HIIT session anyone? Nic loves coaching High Intensity Interval Training sessions and celebrating members' growth in strength  endurance, and overall fitness.

Nic enjoys teaching his clients not only how to exercise, but the science behind the exercises. He has his Personal Training certification from the ISSA and is currently a studying at the University of Memphis where he is working on a degree in Exercise, Sport, and Movement Sciences. Nic has a background in Calisthenics, HIIT, and Pyramid Style Weightlifting.  

He is interested in helping his clients learn about all different styles of exercise and weightlifting to make the workouts as fun and effective as possible. Fun facts: Nic loves tennis, and thrives on being extremely detail oriented.  Need some detailed feedback on YOUR personal fitness quest? Just ask Nic. 

 

Lisa


Lisa is all about empowering her community though fitness. She is dedicated to her clients and ensuring that they will meet or exceed their fitness goals. She's passionate about working with moms, individuals looking for a change in their fitness life, and those who are just starting their journey. Lisa holds certifications in Personal Training through NFPT, Group Fitness from NASM, STRONG nation, and TRX. She has tons of energy and a smile and personality that motivates all her clients to give more than they thought they had. And when Lisa is not at the gym, you can find her riding her Honda 1300, watch out!

Leighanne


Leighanne has her bachelors degree in Health and Human Performance from the University of Memphis and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She's also a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the NCSA. Her favorite workouts are the long grunt work days! From a great 45 HIIT workout to 2-3 hours of hitting the trails! Leighanne became a trainer because she loves seeing people push themselves and achieve things they never thought possible. She truly believes there is nothing you cannot train for if you really want it.Fun facts: Leighanne loves to travel, enjoys snowboarding, and recently took up quilting! 

 

 

Hugo


Hugo is originally from Haiti. Throughout his life he has put a consistent focus on health and fitness. As a high school athlete he played football, basketball and soccer. Although he loves sports, his passion is on the preparation and training. His favorite fitness quote is: "Workouts do not discriminate, what you put in is what you get out.” He has his NASM Personal Training Certification, ACE Group Fitness Certification, and Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB), the highest credential within the massage and bodywork profession. Hugo wants to work with anyone, at any level, who wants to see results. No matter what the goal is, he's all about moving forward! 

 

 

 

Cornelius


Cornelius truly enjoys working with members on weight management and building their endurance so that they build healthy habits that allow them to maintain a fit lifestyle.  On the personal side,  Cornelius puts his philosophies into practice as a professional body builder who competes regularly. He is also passionate about Kickboxing, martial arts and Tae Kwan Do. Cornelius is a certified Personal Trainer from FiTOUR

Class Instructors

Brian


Spinning | Body Pump

Carrie


Body Pump | Body Balance

Denise


Body Pump

John


Spinning

lauren


Body Pump | Body Balance

Stephanie


Body Pump

Katie


Body Step

Susan


Spinning

Natalie


Yoga | Spinning | Body Pump | Body Step | Body Combat | AFAA Group Fitness

Shauna


Yoga

Annie

Spinning

Anna

Body Balance

OUR Staff RDN

(Registered DietiTian NUTRITONIST)

EMILY F.


Emily is a registered and licensed dietitian (RDN) with clinical practice experience in a number of venues. She is a Memphis native and loves the East Memphis Community.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and completed her Dietetic Internship at Mississippi State University. She is currently finishing up her Master’s degree in Health Promotion and Wellness through Mississippi State University. She believes balance is essential in every aspect of life, especially when it comes to nutrition.