Personal & Group Training in a Private Setting

Our Mission: To efficiently and passionately prepare individuals for optimal performance in strength, muscle building, mobility, and overall healthy living.

  The Rough House is a private training studio serving Lombard and surrounding cities in DuPage County. At The Rough House we are dedicated to providing personal, partner, small group, assisted stretching, 1-on-1 yoga, and virtual training in a clean, safe environment. Our extensive knowledge in the fields of athletic, strength, and corrective exercise can help someone of any fitness level achieve their goals. Our approach goes deeper than just being able to lift a heavy weight or jump really high. We strive to help you achieve a better life.

The Rough House also offers Open Gym memberships for individuals looking to workout in a more private setting. Open Gym allows you daily admittance into our private 3,200 square foot facility with all the training amenities you could need, including easy access to the Prairie Path, which is right in our backyard.


Meet the Team


Colin Merdian, B.Sc., NASM-CPT, nasm-sfs, SGX, Pn1, fm-pds

OWNER

Colin is certified through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) as a Certified Personal Trainer & Senior Fitness Specialist, Spartan Race as a Spartan SGX coach, Precision Nutrition as a certified nutrition coach, and is a Program Design Specialist through Fitness Mentors. He has over 12 years of experience working as a personal trainer.

Colin has always been a lover of sports and fitness, and after working in the industry for 4 years decided it was time to open his own gym. His training model is to work hard, be consistent, and never stop learning. But as serious as he takes his training, Colin also believes that in order to stay motivated and excited about working out, you need to have fun and keep things interesting. Colin makes it a point to keep his workouts fresh with new exercises and challenges so there’s never a dull moment when it comes to going to the gym.

Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or group class with Colin!


Josh Thomas, B.SC., MS, NSCA-CPT, CSCS

Josh brings strong credentials to The Rough House. After earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Exercise Science, he went on to obtain his Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification from the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). He then pursued and achieved their prestigious Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification.

Josh’s passion for fitness developed during his undergraduate years at Anderson University. As a member of the track team, he quickly gained an appreciation for exercise and longevity as they relate to strength and performance.

His training philosophy emphasizes that as individuals age, muscle loss and physical inactivity can contribute to common issues like arthritis and osteoporosis, making everyday tasks more challenging. He believes a well-structured training program can help combat these issues and improve overall quality of life.

Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or group class with Josh!


Natalie corona, B.SC., MS, ISSA - CPT

After becoming a mom to two girls, Natalie realized she had put her own health on the back burner—especially while caring for her youngest daughter, who spent three months in the hospital. Once her daughter was home, she committed to fueling her body properly and strength training consistently.

In just a few months, she felt stronger and healthier, both mentally and physically, and soon began helping other moms on their own fitness journeys. That passion led her to become a certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Coach through ISSA in 2019 so she could support women and men locally as well.

Natalie’s coaching philosophy centers on functional training—building strength and confidence for everyday life while tailoring programs to each client’s goals. She loves helping people weave small, sustainable habits into their busy lives and celebrating their victories, especially the non-scale wins like having more energy, lifting heavier, or feeling stronger in daily activities.

Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or group class with Natalie!


Eric Schuda, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES, GGS

Eric has worked with a wide range of people looking for help shedding pounds, building muscle, and feeling and moving better. Eric found his passion for health and wellness while serving in the United States Marine Corps for four years. A few years later he realized he wanted to share that passion with others. He became certified in personal training in 2014.

Eric has a never-ending desire for knowledge and brings several top-notch certifications to The Rough House. Along with his basic personal training certification from NASM, he is certified as a corrective exercise specialist and is pre- and post-natal certified through Girls Gone Strong. Do you need extra help with stretching? Eric is also a licensed stretch therapist. No matter what the ailment, Eric can assist.

Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or assisted stretch session with Eric!


Shana abraham, B.Sc., MS, NASM-CPt, PN1, GGS, TRX-STC

Shana has BS and Masters degrees from the University of South Carolina and is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Women’s Fitness Specialist, BOSU trainer, TRX certified, a PN1 Nutrition Coach, and is also pre and post-natal certified through Girls Gone Strong. She is currently finishing up her specialization in corrective exercise and looks forward to helping clients with current injuries. Well rounded doesn’t even begin to explain Shana’s credentials.

As an avid runner and resistance trainer, her goal for every client is long-term health through exercise and nutrition coaching. She has been training clients for over 4 years and loves the connections she forms with them and the impact she has on their health and wellness.

Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation or group class with Shana!


Lesya Netetska, nasm - CPT

Lesya is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with nearly 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and over three years of personal training experience. She specializes in weight loss, muscle building, nutrition coaching, injury recovery, and post-pregnancy training.

Lesya is passionate about empowering both women and men to build strength, confidence, and sustainable healthy habits. Her training programs are tailored to each client’s goals, with a strong focus on long-term lifestyle change and overall well-being. Her supportive, motivating approach ensures every client feels confident and supported throughout their fitness journey.

Originally from Ukraine, Lesya moved to the U.S. in 2001 and is fluent in English, Russian, Ukrainian, and Lithuanian. She also lived in London from 2017 to 2024, bringing a global perspective to her coaching style. In addition to training general fitness clients, Lesya is a dedicated physique competitor, giving her valuable insight into body composition, discipline, and performance.

Outside the gym, Lesya enjoys spending time with her son, who keeps her busy and motivated.

Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Lesya!


Bernie Rybarczyk, RYT-200 (Hatha), RYT-200 (Vinyasa/Ashtanga), TRX-STC

Bernie began practicing yoga in 2012. Within one year he began teacher training at the Elmhurst Yoga Shala where he received his first 200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Certification. He received his 2nd 200 Hour Vinyasa/Ashtanga Teacher Certification in 2014 with Lifetime Fitness.

He has 12 years of teaching experience in the yoga and fitness industry and loves incorporating yoga with weightlifting. His approach is Power, Persistence, and Playfulness. Bernie has been teaching TRX Circuit training for over a year.

Bernie comes to The Rough House as a personal and group trainer, but is also available for 1-on-1 yoga training!

Call today to schedule a complimentary yoga consultation or group class with Bernie!


Lauren Kurey, B.Sc., NASM-Group Trainer

For Lauren, fitness is more than just exercise—it's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She thrives on the sense of accomplishment that follows a grueling workout and takes immense pride in realizing she is capable of far more than she initially imagined. Fitness has also provided Lauren with a consistent routine that keeps her grounded, while the rewarding results—in both her mindset and her physique—continue to drive her forward.

Lauren’s journey into fitness began about six years ago when she felt dissatisfied with her physical appearance and overall health. Recognizing that she lacked the motivation and accountability to make lasting changes alone, she turned to group training. Lauren finds that group workouts push her to work harder, making the experience enjoyable thanks to a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who celebrate every win and understand the struggles.

Outside of the gym, Lauren is a dedicated 4th-grade teacher and a graduate of St. Xavier University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education. Whether she is in the classroom or the gym, Lauren loves being part of communities that inspire growth and foster meaningful connections.

Call today to schedule a complimentary group class with Lauren!


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