TRAIN ALONGSIDE THE BEST
OWNER & FOUNDER

Dr. Kaaren Vargas
Owner
Dr. Kaaren Vargas was born in Lima, Peru and moved to the US at a very young age. Her whole life she has been passionate about fitness.
GENERAL MANAGER

Kathryn Kahn
General Manager
My passion for fitness began at a young age, through youth sport, and carried me into a collegiate career at The University of Iowa with Women’s Gymnastics.
MANAGER

Elizabeth Huether
I LOVE the energy and positivity that radiates from Thrive Gym! I have fallen in love with all of the unique and innovative equipment here, working out anywhere else just doesn’t feel complete!
PERSONAL TRAINERS

Keegan Witbeck
Since the age of 5 I have been competing in sports, it has always been a passion of mine. Competing in 4 sports in HS (Football, Track, Wrestling, Baseball) I didn’t touch a weight until my sophomore year as I was smaller than most of my teammates and was strongly advised by my coaches to put on some weight and size.

Maddux Richardson
My whole life I have been put in positions to help others. I am so glad to be a personal trainer that attracts such wonderful humans. As a personal trainer my main focus is strength and muscle gain.

Maran Subramain
Hi, I’m Maran Subramain, and I believe in respecting the uniqueness of each individual. My philosophy in life is, accept who we are, appreciate what we have, and improve where we can. Valuing a healthy lifestyle and my professional research interest in health and nutrition have motivated me to get certified as a personal trainer. A certification from the American Council on Exercise has allowed me to gain in depth knowledge in fitness and coaching, and gives the opportunity share my passion in holistic health focusing on both mind and body strengthening.
GROUP EXERCISE CLASS INSTRUCTORS

Kathryn Kahn
HIIT | TRX HIIT | Spin | Strength & Spin
My passion for fitness began at a young age, through youth sport, and carried me into a collegiate career at The University of Iowa with Women’s Gymnastics.

Rachel Cole
Zumba | StrongNation
Rachel teaches both Zumba and StrongNation (previously known as Strong by Zumba) classes, and she’s currently teaching all her classes OUTDOORS in the parking lot. Look for the colored cones!
FRONT DESK STAFF

Marsha Heldt, CPT, CDP
My passion for health and wellness as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer has been a part of my life since high school.

Evelyn Knight
I love working at ThriveGym because it offers a safe place to exert your energy!

Alondra Sanchez-Morales
My name is Alondra, I’ve been involved in athletics for as long as I can remember.

Justyn Russo
My name is Justyn, working at Thrive Gym really is a blessing as fitness has always been so important to me.

Jackie Brown
My name is Jackie. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa. I have loved health, exercise, and sports since I was very young, beginning soccer at the age of four.
Live in a Body that Feels Great
Join Thrive Gym and lose weight, get stronger, and feel better for the rest of your life.