Created in 2017 by Tina Warring, MPT; Lori Mayer, DNP, FNP, MSN, RN, MSCN, and Practical Fitness, a one-on-one, private strength-training studio with 5 locations in Texas established in 2009.
After seeing substantial increases in mobility, coordination, and strength with MS clients at Practical Fitness, our team decided to create the most comprehensive online exercise program for MS available. All of our exercises were designed by Tina Warring. Research in the benefits of strength training for individuals with MS provided by Lori Mayer. Each movement is performed using the Steady-Pace® Technique, a low-impact, high-intensity exercise technique designed to be safe on your body and joints while being highly effective, developed by Practical Fitness. All videos are recorded at Central Texas Neurology Consultants in Round Rock, Texas and presented by Jeff Gotte, co-founder of Practical Fitness.
Meet Your Team
Jeff Gotte
Exercise Physiologist
M. Ed - BS Exercise Science
NSCA-CSCS, ACE-PT
Lori Mayer
Jeff Gotte received his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Business and Master's in Physical Education from Texas State University. While there, he was a graduate assistant with the Health and Human Performance Dept., taught five courses per semester and was also a graduate assistant football and strength conditioning coach.
In 2009, Jeff co-founded Practical Fitness in Austin, TX, a private personal studio specialized in strength training for busy professionals. In addition to certifying the company's instructors on PracFIT proprietary exercise technique, Jeff has personally executed thousands of sessions with individuals dealing with many types of physical challenges, ranging from hip and knee replacements to lung transplants.
Jeff also oversaw the Practical Fitness strength training pilot program for individuals with MS sponsored by the MS Society.
Lori Mayer is our MS Research Specialist. She has expertise in strategic planning, design, execution and management of MS clinical research programs, as well as providing MC clinical care. She has consulted and written MS protocols for clinical trials and has published articles in neurological journals.
She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP), is currently MS-certified, Chair for the IOMSN Research Committee, member of the editorial board of the International Journal of MS Care and Chair of the editorial board for LiveWiseMS.
She is committed to enhancing the role of nursing in the care of MS patients and empowering nurses through education and the expansion of nursing research.
MS Research Specialist
DNP, APRN, NP-C, MSN, RN, MSCN
Jacqueline Vandergaag
Accountability Coach
Diagnosed with MS in 2009
Jacqueline Vandergaag is our Accountability Coach. She is passionate about coming alongside members and encouraging, inspiring, and motivating members to show up and give the best they have each exercise session.
She has been a member of MS Workouts since April 2018 and has mastered the Steadypace Technique and how to employ it effectively. Diagnosed with MS in 2009, Jacqueline understands the daily challenges of living with MS.
Since joining MS Workouts, Jacqueline has been able to add more strength to her entire body and significantly improve her mobility - even her neurologist has noticed and has reduced her EDSS! She is committed to using exercise and nutrition to manage and reduce her MS symptoms.
Jacqueline has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Guelph majoring in Bio-Medical Science with a minor in Nutritional Science. She also has a post-graduate diploma in Clinical Research from Humber College. She currently lives with her two kids and husband in Ontario, Canada and regularly exercises using the Steadypace Technique two to three times a week.
Every week, Jacqueline releases an episode of MS PepTalks where she teaches you strategies on how to stay motivated so you can get the best results from your exercise - just like she did!
Michelle Silva
Michelle Silva is our certified Yoga Instructor for Active Rest.
She has worked with a wide array of individuals including those with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, MS, Lou Gehrig's disease and so much more.
"My practice is all about honoring our bodies and making yoga as accessible as possible for anyone. New gentle yoga and chair yoga sessions are offered every week to our members. I look forward to practicing Yoga with you. Namaste."
For more information about Yoga for Active Rest please CLICK HERE
Certified Yoga Instructor
Certified in Meditation and Practice
Colton Watzlavick
Colton Wazlavick is our MS Personal Coach. His life's passion has been helping individuals achieve more strength and independence through strength training. Since 2014, he has brought real results to hundreds of individuals at the Practical Fitness studio location in Austin, TX.
He has worked with many individuals including those with heart disease, diabetes, hip replacements, and Multiple Sclerosis.
"I look forward to meeting you via a zoom consultation and creating a tailored experience that will help you perform your workouts as effectively as possible"
For more information about MS Personal Coaching™ please CLICK HERE
MS Personal Coach
BA - Kinesiology & Health - UT Austin
Felipe Lerner
Felipe Lerner is our Member Support Specialist. He is passionate about helping members navigate the MS Workouts platform to get stronger and improve their overall body functionality. Felipe is your go-to person when it comes to technical support, questions about your membership, or anything related to MS Workouts!
Felipe holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Texas where he studied Radio, Television & Film. He has been using the Steady-Pace Technique since 2009.
"I am here to answer your questions so that you can have the best experience possible at MS Workouts. I look forward to getting to know you and your goals as we work together to make them a reality!"
Contact Felipe anytime at team@msworkouts.com or by phone at 512 993 7037
Member Support Specialist
BA - Radio, Television & Film