Amanda began training private clients in 2009 while earning her degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Health & Fitness Coaching from Indiana University. A former competitive cyclist, she also completed internships in cardiac rehab and post-rehabilitation therapy, building a strong clinical foundation early in her career.
She joined Equinox in 2012, where she was recognized as a Top 100 Trainer for three consecutive years—one of only two women in Chicago to earn that distinction. Amanda went on to serve as a Master Instructor and Regional Education Director, helping to open several new clubs across the country. She was later nominated for 2018 Trainer of the Year, an honor awarded to just 5 out of 3,000+ trainers.
Amanda’s background in competitive athletics and therapeutic training allows her to blend a variety of modalities into cohesive, multidisciplinary programs tailored to each client. Over years of hands-on coaching, she has refined her programming philosophy into Vetta’s core standard: safe, effective, and efficient programming.
Her clients range from 8 to 96 years old, including those managing conditions such as cancer, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson’s. Not only does Amanda have experience with unique and challenging cases, but also with clients looking to stay fit during pregnancy, work on their weekend golf games, and improve their overall quality of life.
Outside of Vetta, Amanda loves exploring Chicago’s food scene with her husband and can always be counted on for a solid restaurant recommendation.
Amanda GRATZIANNA
founder & LEAD coach
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certifications
B.S. Kinesiology; Indiana University
Precision Nutrition, Level 2 Master Coach
StrongFirst Kettlebell, Level 2
Titleist Performance Institute, Fitness Level 1
BioForce Conditioning
Pre/Post Natal Specialist
After a stint in the business world, Phil followed his passion into health and wellness. He's a real bookworm for fitness textbooks. He has over a decade of personal training experience and spent years as a Master Coach with Equinox, where he also worked on teaching and developing curriculum.
Functional fitness for active aging, developing evolving annual training plans to meet the changing needs of executive athletes’ recreational calendars, and developing rotational power for golf and tennis are his specialties.
If you are interested in golf, it runs through Phil's veins. He grew up in Ohio with his yard butted up against the fairway of a local community course. Currently, Phil is certified as a Level 2 Titleist Golf Fitness Specialist and is the Director of the Vetta Golf Fitness Program.
Phil doesn't golf nearly as much these days, but loves cooking, landscaping, billiards, combat sports, and the Cleveland Browns. He and his wife love being active together and are currently trying to pick up pickleball. They live in the city and spend most of their summers neighborhood hopping on bikes and going to festivals.
phil kurth
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
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certifications
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
B.A. Finance & Information Systems, Ohio University
National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (Pending)
Precision Nutrition Level 2 Master Coach
Titleist Performance Institute, Fitness Level 2
USA Boxing Coach
BioForce Conditioning
Pre/Post Natal
N1 Education Biomechanics
Racquet Fit Level 1 Fitness Coach
Ariel is a passionate and dedicated fitness professional with over five years of coaching experience in both local and corporate settings. She specializes in personal training and behavior change, helping clients from all backgrounds achieve their health and fitness goals.
A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Exercise Science, Ariel continues to expand her expertise in muscle building, fat loss, performance, and overall well-being. She takes a collaborative, science-based approach, creating tailored programs to meet each client’s needs.
Ariel is especially passionate about empowering women to build strength and confidence, drawing from her experience leading an all-women’s lifting club at Equinox.
When not in the gym for sessions or a personal workout, Ariel enjoys being outside exploring the city for new dining and shopping spots. During the winter months, she becomes a huge movie and TV nerd. If you talk to her about the story plots and character arcs of her new favorite show, then you had better clear your calendar.
ARIEL CLAUSMAN
level 2 coach
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certifications
B.S., Fitness & Wellness, Indiana University
ACSM Certified
Personal Trainer
ACE Certified Health Coach
Precision Nutrition, Level 1
Functional Movement Systems, Level 1
ViPR Pro, Level 1
ACE Certified Group
Fitness Instructor
Pre & Post Natal Fitness Specialist (Pending)
Nick has over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, getting his start as a Personal Trainer and later a Master Instructor at Equinox. Coming from a non-fitness background in college, Nick has made education a priority to best serve his clientele.
Learning directly from some of the most well-known coaches and trainers in the health & wellness space, Nick has kept himself on the cutting edge of fitness and continues to impart that knowledge to his clients on a daily basis. Nick has taken his extensive education and developed a unique and varied programming style, adaptable to the goals and needs of current and future clients.
Nick services a diverse group of clients, ranging in ages 9 to 80. He specializes in functional strength training for novices, athletes, and people looking to improve their overall quality of movement.
Outside of Vetta, Nick enjoys competing in various Ironman events, trail hiking with his wife, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, skydiving, and spending time with his dog, Shadow.
Nicholas Iwaniuk
LEVEL 2 coach
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certifications
XPT Certified Instructor
StrongFirst Elite
StrongFirst Level 2 Kettlebell
StrongFirst Barbell
StrongFirst Bodyweight
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
NASM CPT
USA Weightlifting Level 2
Titleist Performance Institute, Fitness Level 1
Pre/Post Natal
Animal Flow Level 1
Jena is an ACE-certified personal trainer focused on helping clients build confidence and lasting lifestyle change through fitness. She holds a degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and brings a strong understanding of the mental and emotional aspects of behavior change.
She completed an internship using therapeutic recreation to support individuals with disabilities, developing skills in adaptive programming, communication, and creating supportive environments.
Jena is committed to continuing her education in nutrition, stress management, and sleep, and is currently pursuing a pre/postnatal certification. She’s passionate about helping clients progress toward better health at every stage.
Outside of training sessions and her own personal workouts, Jena enjoys spending time out in nature, baking and cooking, exploring new restaurants, and taking time to unplug.
Jena BJorseth
level 1 coach
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certifications
B.A. Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Adult & Pediatric AED
Adult & Pediatric CPR
Level 1 Pre/Postnatal Certification (Pending)
Frazier's fitness journey began after recovering from a major internal organ injury in 2020. With the support of a coach, he was able to live pain-free, lose weight, and rebuild his strength. The experience inspired him to transition from the music industry and earn his personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). His own recovery shaped his belief in adaptable, compassionate, and client-centered coaching.
Frazier began his training career working with clients ranging from young adults to active adults in their 60s with more specialized movement needs. He is continuing his education in Corrective Exercise and Golf Fitness and is passionate about creating personalized programs that reduce pain, improve mobility, and help clients move with greater confidence in everyday life.
Outside the gym, Frazier enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his cat, Neo, golfing, watching Formula 1, cheering on the Chicago Bears and White Sox, traveling, playing music with his band, and perfecting his coffee-brewing skills.
FRAZIER ROBBINS
LEVEL 1 coach
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certifications
B.M. Professional Music University of Berklee
Adult CPR
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Adult AED
