Melissa Rector
5A Fitness Zone Owner
Bacon. Coffee. Fun fitness. These are a few of my favorite things. Over 20 years ago, I started teaching group fitness classes to help pay my way through college. Since then, I have been motivating, encouraging, and helping people from 16 -78 years old stay fit. Since the start of my career, I have taught over 16,000 group fitness classes, led over 1,500 small group personal training sessions, and designed 100s of workouts for people of all levels.
My credentials include a nationally accredited personal training and group fitness certification as well as numerous program specializations. I have also written, taught, presented, and certified others for an international fitness company. Over the past few decades, I have been able to learn from some great fitness leaders and club owners. I’ve also had the opportunity to help others grow their fitness centers. One of the things I have loved most is having the opportunity to build teams of fitness professionals who get to serve their community through the gift of movement and encouragement. I am now taking what I have learned, jumping out, and doing it again, this time as an owner!
The 5A Fitness Zone Team
Andrea Thompson
I began teaching at age 18 when I went off to college. I taught BodyPump and group fitness at Auburn Athletic Club and Cory Everson's Fitness. I have been certified in many things over the years including: AFAA Group Fitness, Step, Aqua Fitness, Barre, BodyPump, BodyCombat, Spin, and now Group Power.
I love teaching Power because it's the perfect blend of strength and functional training paired with great music and fun moves!
I am a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) that focuses on diagnosis and treatment of vestibular and hearing disorders. I'm also a proud Auburn University grad! War Eagle!
I love reading, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and enjoying a great meal.
Fun Fact: I love butterflies.
Beth Emery
The past 10 years have been filled with many different fitness adventures for me. Over the years, I have gained several advanced certifications for different group fitness class formats including cycling and mixed martial arts cardio. I also hold an AFAA group fitness certification, TRX qualification, and Group Active Certification, which gives me the opportunity to share my love of fitness in a variety of different ways.
Fun fact about me: I strongly dislike mountain climbers and burpees.... but I appreciate the ability to get up and down off the floor for life and have come to really enjoy functional training. I've learned fitness can be both practical and fun.
I am currently a financial analyst for an insurance company, enjoy cookie dough, embrace Romans 5:3-5 and will pet any dog that walks near me.