Melissa Williams

  • 🍂 September FierceFam Spotlight: su Klinghoffer 🍂

    We are so excited to celebrate Su for our September Client Spotlight ❤ She brings such kindness and positivity into the studio. Her hard work in every class doesn’t go unnoticed and her consistency and dedication are truly inspiring – both pre and postpartum. It’s been such a joy for everyone to connect with you in-studio over the years.

    Thank you for being such an amazing part of our Fierce community! 

    1. How long have you coming to Fierce45?
      • I started coming to Fierce in 2020.
    2. Favorite move on the machine?
      • I love kneeling inner thighs.
    3. How has Fierce made a positive impact on your life?
      • Fierce has given me a better awareness of how I move through my day. It’s not just about the hour in class. It’s the small things, like noticing when I’m carrying tension in my shoulders, how I pick up my baby, or the way I sit at my desk. That awareness has made me stronger and more comfortable in my own body, which spills over into my energy and mood outside the studio.
    4. Why do you choose Fierce over another workout?
      • I keep choosing Fierce because of the community. It feels like more than just a workout. Also, even after 688 classes, it’s still challenging every single time, which keeps me motivated and coming back.
    5. Tell us a fun fact about you!
      • My favorite drink with pizza or salad is…a glass of milk.

  • We are beyond thrilled to highlight Alissa Abramson as our September Client Spotlight. Alissa’s bright spirit, strong form, and consistent dedication never go unnoticed. She shows up with heart, not just for herself, but for everyone around her, lifting, encouraging, and inspiring our whole community. We’re beyond lucky to have you, Alissa, in our FierceCommunity! The way you come to every Fierce Foundations Workshop with a big smile and a ready-to-work attitude is truly amazing! 💪✨ We are truly grateful for you! 😊

    Instagram handle: @alissa_shea

    1. How long have you been coming to Fierce45?

    Since January 23, 2025

    2. What is your favorite move on the machine?

    Kneeling Crunch or Plank to Pike 

    3. How has Fierce made a positive impact on your life? 

    Fierce45 has become such a big part of my life in the best way. I’ve gained strength, confidence, and a much-needed boost of happiness in my day. It helps me feel balanced and energized, both physically and mentally.

    4. Why do you choose Fierce over another workout? 

    I came for the workout, but I stayed for the people. The real magic at Fierce is the community. The coaches and members are amazing. Everyone is so supportive, welcoming, and fun. I choose Fierce over other workouts because it challenges me, makes me feel strong, and the energy and connections are unbeatable. My Waze literally thinks it’s my second home… and honestly, it is!

    5. Tell us a fun fact about you! 

    I have a twin brother and I brought him to a Fierce45 class and I’ve never laughed so hard in my life (constant core burner) 😂and when I was in college I was training to be an mma fighter and stunt double in movies/tv shows.

  • 🏖️ august FierceFam Spotlight: Dakota & jen 🏖️

    In the spirit of besties (Fierce, work, real life:), we are so excited to nominate these two as our Client Spotlight for August!! 👯‍♀️⭐️🥂🤩 We love that you two started coming around the same time in 2018(!!) and have not looked back – with Jen just hitting 900 and Dakota SO close to 800 the timing is perfect. Dakota and Jen are both Fierce rockstars and are always showing up and supporting each-other and this community! We are truly so grateful for Dakota and Jen!!

    1. How long have you coming to Fierce45?
      • We started together in 2018!
    2. Favorite move on the machine?
      • Jen: It depends on the day, but right now I’m loving a twisted corkscrew 
      • Dakota: Anything that’s not off the back. Just kidding. I love a good OG move like heavy carriage lunge.
    3. How has Fierce made a positive impact on your life?
      • Jen: It has been the best sustainable workout. Seen me through a wedding and two babies and made me stronger than ever. 
      • Dakota: I unlike Jen did not play sports and did not work out. I didn’t like going to classes and doing workouts that involved jumping. Finding Fierce was the best thing I could’ve ever done for myself and my body. The high intensity bodyweight workout has truly been a game changer. I am stronger and more confident than I’ve ever been. And that confidence carried on during pregnancy and now after pregnancy!
    4. Why do you choose Fierce over another workout?
      • Jen: It’s hard every time and gets me the best workout in 45 min.
      • Dakota: it’s 45 minutes to myself, I leave every time feeling stronger and motivated for my next class. The teachers are amazing and know that some days you need to modify & some days you can hold a plank for a minute and a half. 
    5. Tell us a fun fact about you or you two together!
      • We worked together and decided to try out fierce on our Lunch break. We loved it and would sneak away at lunch and recruited most of our office too! Our office closed in Covid, but now we’re neighbors so we still sneak away together to take class. We might spend too much time together because we often show up wearing the same outfit by accident. We also LOVE to bring our mom’s when they are in town. Love our Fierce Fam! 

  • Kevin, you truly embody the spirit of Fierce45 with your perfect form (and shakes!) on the machine, your positive disposition, and engagement in the community. Everyone knows and loves having you in the studio, and we so appreciate your support over the years. A long time coming and well-deserved Client Spotlight!!

     

    1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COMING TO FIERCE45?

      Since I got the guts to try it: October 2018

    2. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVE ON THE MACHINE?

      Curtsy lunge. Humbles and challenges me every time. Makes me focus on the moment to keep my balance!

    3. HOW HAS FIERCE MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

      I used to lose weeks at a time staring at the ceiling after lower back re-injuries. Now I can do my favorite things – safely and more often than I could before 🏂🥾🚵‍♂️⛺️

    4. WHY DO YOU CHOOSE FIERCE OVER ANOTHER WORKOUT?

      Fierce reminds me of what I love the best about weight lifting, yoga and physical therapy – and yet it is totally unique. And the results are undeniable. 

    5. TELL US A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU!

      If you run into me in Chicago – it’s probably not me – it’s my twin, Mike!

  • We are celebrating Grace as our July Coach of the Month! We are so grateful for all that you have brought to our team and can’t believe it’s been less than 6 months since you started!!!  Is there anything you can’t do?  World traveler, off-roader, backcountry skier, and you still manage to help your fellow coaches and sub classes when they are in need .  We are in awe of you!!!   Thank you so much for your passion and dedication. We love and appreciate you so much!!

    INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @graceelizabethshore       

    SPOTIFY NAME: Grace Elizabeth Shore

    TEACHING SCHEDULE:

    • LoHi: Monday 6/7AM

    • West Wash Park: Saturday rotation 7:30/8:30/9:30AM

      Questions:

      • How long have you been teaching at Fierce45?

        • I have been proudly coaching for about 6 months! I started in March 2023. But it feels like it’s been so much longer because I’ve already coached almost 100 classes?!

      • Three words to describe your classes.

        • Bright, High-Energy, Loud

      • What is your favorite move on the machine?

        • Back Twisted Saw (with hip lifts). I love feeling my obliques burn!

      • What is your favorite thing about the Fierce45 community?

        • My favorite thing about the Fierce45 community is the unwavering kindness that resonates throughout. Every interaction, whether I’m walking into the studio as a coach or a client, leaves me feeling uplifted and my cup full. This community is a place where positive energy thrives 💖

      • Why do you love teaching at Fierce45?

        • I love coaching at Fierce45 because it’s all about personalization and empowerment. Before I started coaching, what made Fierce45 so special to me over other group fitness classes is the incredible array of variations, amps, and mods for every move. It’s like a personalized fitness journey for each client, tailored to what feels best in their unique bodies on any given day. I’ve really embraced that as a coach. I’m constantly encouraging clients to play around on the machine, helping them make the most out of the 45 minutes they’ve dedicated to themselves. My heart sings when I see clients exploring the possibilities and embracing the challenge – every small step towards progress is a celebration! The energy in the room is electric, and seeing clients grow and excel makes coaching an absolute joy.

      • Tell us a fun fact about you!

        • During a vacation in Turks & Caicos, I wake surfed with a wild dolphin. He jumped in the wave next to me and behind me. It was an unbelievable experience. The dolphin’s name is JoJo and he’s so beloved that he’s been designated a National Treasure. I have to make a trip back to try and see him again!

      • Besides Fierce45, what are 3 of your favorite things?

        • Traveling! I especially love a spontaneous trip (you can find me browsing Google flights almost every day).

        • My orange cat, Finley! If you follow me on Instagram you’ll see my story is usually a selfie at Fierce45 or a cute picture or video of Finley.

        • Going out to eat! I love trying new restaurants with friends & on date nights. I’ll never say no to sushi or Mediterranean. 


  • Eric, we love that your Fierce journey began being dragged to Ellyse’s practice classes and now you are over 250 classes down and a total Fierce Baddie💪🏼. We all love having you and Ellyse in class and you always show up to class ready to work! Your form is impeccable (naturally 😉) and we have loved getting to have you in classes during the last few months and witness your Fierce transformation firsthand!

    1. How long have you been coming to Fierce45?

      I started coming to fierce when Ellyse (my wife) was becoming a coach in feb 2021 as she was taking her practice classes. I started coming regularly in feb 2022 after I saw some photos of myself after a friends wedding and realized I needed to drop some lbs! 

    2. What is your favorite move on the machine?

      Fierce crunch and awkward skater   

    3. How has Fierce made a positive impact on your life?

      I lost 50 lbs during my first 4 months as a client by taking class 4x per week. The fierce community is very supportive and it’s been a workout that I have enjoyed sticking with. I have also made some really good friends along the way! 

    4. Why do you choose Fierce over another workout?

      I really enjoy the high intensity low impact concept and love that fierce is a full body workout every time, so I don’t feel the need to supplement fierce with any other workouts. I always feel great after leaving class. 

    5. Tell us a fun fact about you!

      I am grossed out by straws. 

  • 😎🖤 june coach of the month: maddy tighe 🖤😎

    This month we are celebrating Maddy Tighe as our June Coach of the month!! Maddy is so invested in Fierce45 and our future and goes out of her way to assist in any way she can. We are so grateful for all that she has brought to our team and can’t believe that it’s not even been a year since she started coaching!! Maddy is a baddie on the mic with her EDM beats and has brought so much energy to the Hilltop mornings.  Thank you, Maddy, for your passion and dedication. We are so grateful for you and love you so much!!

    Instagram handle: @madalyntighe         

    Spotify name: Madalyn Tighe

    Teaching schedule: Hilltop: Monday 6/7am and Saturday Rotation 8/9/10am

    1. How long have you been teaching at Fierce45?

      I started in September of 2022.

    2. Three words to describe your classes.

      Loud! Lol I love to blast the music. Energetic and fun.

    3. What is your favorite move on the machine?

      I love any hamstring move, especially a hamstring curl off the back of the machine! I also love a seated side twist.

    4. What is your favorite thing about the Fierce45 community?

      I really love everything about it! The people are amazing, clients and coaches, and I am obsessed with the workout.

    5. Why do you love teaching at Fierce45?

      I love all of the relationships I’ve formed with the clients and coaches. I coach pretty early on Monday mornings, and it can be hard to wake up some days haha, but as soon as I walk into the studio my energy skyrockets and it’s the very best way to start my week! I also love how much I’ve learned about body alignment and good form on the machine. It’s helped me uplevel my workouts and understand the importance of making sure everyone is in good form while coaching.  

    6. Tell us a fun fact about you!

      I have the biggest sweet tooth haha I need at least one little sweet treat a day.

    7. Besides Fierce45, what are 3 of your favorite things?

      1. My dog, Gus!

      2. Any outdoor activity, especially in the summer. I love backpacking and camping!

      3. I love a relaxing night in! Making dinner, watching a good movie, and heading to bed early 😊