The Instructors

Jen Fischer Owner / Instructor / Trainer

I have a degree in Exercise Science with minors in Nutrition, Athletic Training, Health Promotion, and Business. My passion is teaching Group Fitness!

I have certifications in Personal Training, Health Coaching, and Group Fitness through American Council on Exercise. I started teaching fitness classes in 1993 and have taught Step Aerobics, Cycling, Bootcamp, Kickboxing, Body Pump, Yoga, etc. and out of all of them Rowing is by far my favorite! I am also a BLS Instructor through the American Heart Association.

I have 3 kids and 2 boxers – who are all high energy! I love sunshine and being active outdoors, I love feeling strong and prepared for an adventurous life!

I love teaching at IRON & OARS because it is a fitness party where I can be a rockstar, drill sergeant and cheerleader all at the same time! Most of all I love helping people achieve their goals and see results!

I am excited to bring IRON & OARS to Waukee because our growing community needs a solid no-impact workout studio that promotes total fitness and is inclusive to everyone at all levels of fitness. We promise to give you a challenging workout regardless of if you are an elite athlete or a first-time exerciser. If you have lower back pain, joint injuries, muscle weakness or rehabilitation needs we will be able to help you feel better and stronger!

Andre Allen Instructor / Trainer

I have grown up in the fitness and sporting community – I have spent the last 36 years as a participant of the DMPS system as an athlete and graduate, University of Northern Iowa football start and 4-year graduate to fitness, Football Professional ranks in every league: NFL, WFL, CFL, and AFL.

I love to be a role model inspiring others to be their very best, and for this reason I have extensive experience as a professional speaker, community leader, mentor, and executive board member. I am currently on the advisory boards for: Endicott College of Graduate Sport Leadership, Team Blue Prostate Cancer Awareness, and Our Father’s House -KC.

I love to personal train and motivate others to take care of their bodies and focus on their health. Rowing is the most effective and efficient full body workout that is safe on your joints because there is no impact and you are working 86% of your muscles with every stroke. I enjoy instructing and training at IRON & OARS because we are incorporating the 3 pillars of fitness in every 50-minute class, cardio, strength and flexibility. Everyone trains like an athlete here!

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife Holly and my 3 sons (AJ, Trevor, and Ayden) as well as perfecting my golf swing out on the course.

“You either PAY now or you PAY later, choose how and when you pay because you will have to pay to be where you want to be” #Dre`ism

A man wearing a blue shirt with the words " iron & oars ".

Aaron Bickel Instructor

I have been in the Navy for the past 17.5 years and I am currently still serving. I took on the role of Certified Command Fitness Leader in 2015 and I still lead today.

I started teaching fitness because I enjoy being physically fit and pushing others to achieve their fitness goals. Most of all I love rowing because it works over 86% of the body with every stroke! Fun fact: I once rowed a half marathon (21,097 meters) in under 90 minutes.

Music makes the workout that much more enjoyable and its been said that I have some pretty rocking playlists.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my kids and watching football.

Muriel Hyndman Instructor

I have a degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Health Promotion. I began teaching group fitness classes in 2017 and have been hooked ever since!

I am certified through the American Council of Exercise in both Group Fitness and Personal Training. I have various other specialized certifications and can teach almost every type of fitness class: cycling, step, kickboxing, bootcamp, yoga, etc. but rowing and strength are my favorite! I love teaching at IRON & OARS and strive to make sure my classes are a welcoming environment that allows each participant to move their bodies in a way that is comfortable for them. I enjoy educating members and encouraging them to achieve their fitness goals.

When I am not at IRON & OARS, I am the Fitness Coordinator at Iowa State Recreation Services. I enjoys running, biking, going to concerts, traveling, and grabbing coffee with friends and family in my free time.

Amber Lesnick Instructor / Trainer

I have my Group Fitness Instructor certification with AFAA and have a background in sports as well as martial arts.

I became passionate about instructing and helping others succeed in fitness while teaching martial arts and this has carried over into IRON & OARS. My personal fitness journey includes recovering from two ACL knee reconstructions, which is one of the reasons I love rowing! The dynamic, high-intensity, no-impact workouts have allowed me to increase my fitness level safely with no joint pain. In addition, the IRON & OARS members actively support, enthusiastically encourage, and celebrate each other. “I am beyond grateful to lead our CREW into the next level of fitness. I can’t wait to push you to be your very best!”

Natasha Mack Instructor / Trainer

I have a degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology. I am a Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Specialist in Nutrition and Behavior Change and have been personal and group training clients for over 10 years!

I have always loved fitness and I thoroughly enjoy instructing, educating, and coaching people through their own workouts.

“Having fun while you work hard and share successes is what I love most about IRON & OARS!” Natasha has a strong following – everyone loves her style of teaching… challenging, sweaty, and entertaining.

I am mom to two young kiddo and I know how busy life can get, but I believe that you need to prioritize your own health and fitness. IRON & OARS is the best 50-minute workout you can get, it is efficient, and the instructors lead you through the workouts so you do not have to think!

A woman in black tank top with long blond hair.

Lori Schwendinger Instructor

I started teaching group fitness classes in college. I was in multiple sports growing up and I wanted to find something that would keep me in shape and challenge me as well.

I fell in love with group fitness and taught many classes, such as, step aerobics, water aerobics, strength classes and cycling. I have experience in personal training and have personally competed in figure competitions.

I was lucky enough to be introduced to rowing a little over a year ago – I love the combination of safe but challenging cardio with strength training and flexibility all in one 50-minute workout! The IRON & OARS community is so supportive and the members are fun which makes it a great place to workout and to teach! My favorite exercises are bicep curls and tricep kickbacks because I enjoy training upper body. Most of all I love watching members crush their fitness goals – their commitment and drive inspires me as an instructor.

In my free time I love to mountain bike, run and I also play in a concert band.

Heather Cornwell Instructor / Trainer

I started my fitness journey as a cheerleader at Iowa State University. I have an extensive background in teaching dance, cheerleading and tumbling to all ages.

From there I got certified with Les Mills and
began teaching Body Attack and Body Jam. I have trained groups as well as individuals to improve their fitness, skills, and overall health. Curiosity drives me to try new things and fitness is no different so when I had the chance to try rowing, I jumped right in and fell in love!

“Heather is a highly energetic and motivating fitness Instructor that loves to challenge you and make your workouts fun!”

In my free time I love traveling and spending time with my family and 2 Golden Retriever fur babies.