BETTER. TOGETHER.
The Mission
At IMPACT Fitness + Wellness, our mission is to create IMPACT in our community that empowers others to live their BEST lives.
Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”. These words ring just as true today, as when she first spoke them nearly 100 years ago.
Our mantra is Better. Together.
When we come together, we are able to accomplish SO MUCH more. This is exactly the MISSION of IMPACT Fitness + Wellness, bringing people together in our group exercise training environment where relationships can form and grow in a supportive community.
Our community is built from people of all different backgrounds, ages, and fitness levels. It is a part of what makes IMPACT Fitness + Wellness so unique and special.
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FROM THE OWNER
Chad Hughes
I founded IMPACT Fitness + Wellness because I saw the potential to create something unique that can IMPACT the lives of those in our community through fitness.
Fitness is the gateway to the changes needed in many people's lives. Fitness can IMPACT people more than just physically. It can also change someone mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Fitness is that powerful.
With nearly 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, I have witnessed and experienced it time and time again.
It can CHANGE your life.
The thing about change is that IT IS difficult.
It can be hard, and it can be grueling. But anything worth having is never easy.
That’s why I founded IMPACT Fitness + Wellness, to be a place to help make a difficult journey a better one.
We are...Better. Together.
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GET IN TOUCH
616-333-9431
2845 Thornhills Ave SE
Ste X
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Personal Trainers
Dr. Courtney Cook-Hughes, DPT
Dr. Courtney Cook-Hughes, DPT is a co-owner of IMPACT Fitness+Wellness alongside her husband and a proud Forest Hills native (go Rangers!). With nearly 15 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Courtney brings a unique blend of strength training expertise and clinical insight, having worked extensively with individuals managing injuries and special movement considerations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Hope College and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine, allowing her to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and high-level performance.
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A former collegiate soccer player and current youth soccer coach for her twin daughters, Courtney is deeply passionate about empowering others through fitness—especially young women—to move confidently and fearlessly. As a mom of two active girls and dog mom to Leopold and Margot, she understands the demands of busy lives and leads with both empathy and accountability. Her coaching style is supportive yet firm, always focused on helping clients do what they’re capable of—and more.
Fun fact: she can quote every line from the movie Legally Blonde.
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Personal Trainers
Sam Hoeksema
Sam Hoeksema brings energy, heart, and over 10 years of coaching experience to every person she works with. A former standout athlete in swimming and softball, Sam has had a lifelong love of movement and the way it brings people together. She approaches training with excitement and care, focusing not just on strength and results, but on nurturing confidence and helping people feel good in their bodies—inside and out.
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Community is at the core of who Sam is. She is passionate about making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and supported no matter who they are, creating an environment where people genuinely want to show up and grow together. With education and certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Sam blends knowledge with compassion to make fitness both effective and fun.
Fun fact: she’s an avid golfer… but put a mini golf club in her hands and all bets are off!
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Personal Trainers
Chris Blair
Chris Blair brings contagious energy, deep care, and over 10 years of experience working with both high-level athletes and everyday people into every training session. A former owner of a successful personal training studio, Chris is a movement-first coach who thrives on working with everyone. IMPACT Fitness + Wellness is incredibly fortunate to have him on our team, as he specializes in mobility training and meeting people exactly where they are to help them move and feel better.
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Chris sets high expectations for himself and his clients because he genuinely cares about their long-term wellbeing. Fitness transformed his own life, fueling his passion to help others experience the same change. With education through NASM, USA Weightlifting (USAW-1), and Precision Nutrition (PN-1), Chris is an avid lifelong learner and master of his craft.
Fun fact: despite being a dog-dominated facility, Chris still prefers cats—but don’t worry, it’s not a deal breaker for working here.
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Personal Trainers
Aaron Young
Aaron Young is a highly experienced personal trainer with over 15 years in the health and fitness industry. He holds a B.S. in Kinesiology and brings a deep, practical understanding of strength training, mobility, and long-term physical development. Known for his balanced coaching style, Aaron meets clients where they are—listening first, then setting clear expectations and holding them accountable to the goals they commit to.
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With advanced credentials in weightlifting and strength training (USAW-1), golf performance (TPI Certified), and mobility and stretch training, Aaron designs programs that build strength, move better, and translate directly to real life and sport. His coaching emphasizes proper technique, intelligent progression, and consistency, helping clients train with purpose rather than guesswork.
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Outside (and inside) the gym, Aaron is the proud dog father of Diva, the gym’s four-legged morale booster.
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Fun fact: Aaron can look at almost any food and tell you exactly how much protein it has
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Personal Trainers
Jen Henderson
Jen Henderson brings nearly 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, blending deep expertise with a real-world understanding of what it takes to balance health, family, and performance. A former competitive gymnast and current part-time gymnastics coach, Jen holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Western Michigan University. She also has certifications through American Council of Exercise (ACE-CPT), Precision Nutrition Coaching (PN-1), and Healthy Steps Nutrition (HSN).
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As a mother of two active girls, she knows firsthand the challenges—and possibilities—of prioritizing fitness in a busy life.​ Jen is passionate about empowering others through movement, with a special focus on helping women build strength, confidence, and resilience. Her coaching style is supportive and understanding, but she doesn’t shy away from accountability—she believes progress comes from showing up consistently and doing the work. Additionally, Jen also leads our Nutrition Coaching program.
Fun fact: Jen can still walk on her hands like a pro.
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Personal Trainers
Ashley Esper
Ashley Esper brings nearly a decade of hands-on experience in the health and fitness industry, backed by a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University. A former collegiate volleyball standout and mother of four active children, Ashley understands both the physical and mental demands of staying strong through every season of life. Her background spans personal training, spin instruction, group exercise coaching, and even working as a medical assistant—giving her a well-rounded, practical approach to health and performance.
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Ashley is deeply passionate about empowering others through fitness, especially women, helping them build strength, confidence, and consistency. Her coaching style is encouraging and empathetic, but rooted in accountability—she believes real results come from commitment and follow-through.
Fun fact: her husband proposed to her at the finish line of her very first half-Ironman
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Email: Ashley@impactfitnesswellness.com
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Gym Dogs
Diva
Meet Diva, the gym’s first official mascot and resident Aussie Labradoodle, proudly owned by coach Aaron Young. She takes her role very seriously—welcoming members, supervising workouts, and ensuring everyone gets enough belly rubs between sets. Diva specializes in boosting morale, judging squat depth with her eyes, and reminding everyone that rest days matter (especially naps). If you’re having a tough workout, don’t worry—Diva’s always nearby to offer unconditional support, a wagging tail, and just enough cuteness to keep you coming back for more.
Gym Dogs
Leopold
Meet Leopold—another four-legged morale booster, head of member relations, and the undeniable adorable. This Welsh Corgi is another official mascot of the facility and is proudly owned by Chad and Courtney. Don’t let the short legs fool you—Leopold runs a tight ship. From greeting members at the door with his signature wiggle to supervising warm-ups from the comfort of the office, he takes his role very seriously (especially when treats are involved).
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On a day-to-day basis, Leopold specializes in stress reduction, post-workout celebrations, and reminding everyone that fitness should be fun. You’ll often find him hanging out in the Open Gym, offering silent judgment on form, or napping strategically where members are most likely to trip over him. Whether he’s boosting spirits on tough training days or serving as a reminder to stay consistent and enjoy the process, Leopold is always “on the clock”—and always happy to be part of your fitness journey.
Gym Dogs
Margot
Meet Margot, another mascot of IMPACT Fitness+Wellness, and proudly owned by Chad and Courtney. A rescue Corgi mix with a big personality packed into short legs, Margot brings equal parts charm, chaos, and comic relief to the gym. She can often be found trotting around Open Gym with confidence, supervising workouts, and reminding everyone that joy is an essential part of any fitness routine.
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As Leopold’s little sister, Margot proudly holds the title of best friend and worst nightmare. One minute she’s cuddling up beside him, the next she’s stealing his toys or instigating a playful chase. Sweet, spunky, and endlessly entertaining, Margot is here to boost morale, steal hearts, and make IMPACT feel even more like home.