Your Trainers

We are a small group of highly qualified professionals providing you with evidence based personal training and wellness coaching.

MARILYN MCALLISTER - Owner

After a 20-year career in engineering, I left Hewlett Packard to pursue a master’s degree and a new career. Reflecting on my own enjoyment of recreational pursuits like water skiing, snow skiing, backpacking, biking, running and sailing, I wanted to help others achieve healthy lifestyles, weight management and fitness for their sport or life activities. After almost 10 years of experience working with a wide range of clients, I have developed two particular areas of focus: exercise for breast cancer survivors and strength training to enhance sport performance. Using my knowledge and experience with exercise I help individuals improve their fitness, which in turn often changes their lives in other positive ways. This connection between fitness and quality of life is a powerful force in the lives of cancer survivors. In addition to the work I do at Mountain States Tumor Institute, I offer individual and small group training for breast cancer survivors at the downtown studio. I am the only Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer (ACSM/American Cancer Society) in Idaho. I have provided strength and conditioning for serious and not so serious athletes involved in swimming, cycling, mountain biking, running, distance walking, baseball, ice hockey and tennis. I enjoy seeing a well designed, sport specific, strength training program pay off in better performance and reduced injuries. I also like helping a woman discover, or rediscover, the athlete within her. Credentials and related experience:

• M.S. Exercise and Sport Studies, Boise State University, 2005
• B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of California, 1980
• Certified Personal Trainer, ACSM Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer, ACSM/ACS
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, NSCA
• Certified Personal Trainer, ACE
• USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach, 2008
• Health Care Provider CPR&AED, American Heart Association
• Adjunct Faculty, BSU, 2002-2005
• Dryland Coach, Boise YMCA Swim Team 2001-2009
• Physical Therapy Aid, St. Alphonsus Rehabilitation, 2005-2008
• Running Coach, See Jane Run 2005-2009
• Exercise Instructor, Integrative Medicine Program, MSTI, 2007+
• Presenter for ACSM Personal Trainer workshop, 2007-2010

HOLLY PAQUETTE – Independent Contractor and Owner of En Forme, LLC

I was born and raised in Boise.  I have always enjoyed the many outdoor activities provided by our region.  I ran cross-country and track at Boise High School and the University of California. In addition, I pursued other outdoor activities including skiing, biking, and hiking.  My interest in health translated to my academic studies, as well. I studied Human Anatomy and Physiology as an undergraduate and Microbiology/Biochemistry as a graduate student.

After working in research for a few years and taking time off to stay home with my children, I decided to pursue a career that combined my two strengths: my passion for health and fitness and my love of working with people.  I have spent the last three years working with a wide range of clients, from teenage athletes to octogenarians.  I love the challenge of finding the right fitness plan for each individual, whether their goal is to reach a peak performance in high school sports or to achieve a level of confidence in balance and coordination to continue leading an active life.

Credentials and Related Experience:

• B.S. Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of California-Berkeley, 1991
• M.S. Microbiology/Biochemistry, University of Montana, 1995
• Certified Personal Trainer, ACSM
• Cancer Exercise Specialist Certification, Cancer Exercise Training Institute
• Health Care Provider CPR/AED, AHA
• Varsity Strength Coach, Bogus Basin Ski Team, 2009

CORTNEY TAUL – Independent Contractor

Before pursuing my master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, I worked as a psycho-social rehabilitation specialist. I helped chronically mentally and physically ill clients develop life skills and symptom management techniques. Through this work I recognized the need for medical professionals to actively integrate fitness, nutrition, and behavioral change techniques with traditional medicine. This integrated approach to wellness is the foundation of my personal training practice.

My areas of focus as a personal trainer include: individual wellness coaching,
corporate wellness workshops & trainings, mental skills training for performance enhancement, post-rehabilitation, and fitness training. I believe that personal training is just that, personal. I work with the individual needs of my clients and create custom programs to help them reach their fitness and wellness vision. I draw from my experience with dance, yoga, and basic taekwondo to create programs with variety that address functional movement, strength, balance, and flexibility. My clientele includes professional athletes, individuals with chronic medical illnesses, and those who want to lose weight and improve overall strength.

Certifications and related experience:

• M.S. Exercise and Sport Studies, Behavioral Emphasis, BSU, in progress
• B.S. Psychology, BSU, 2004
• Certified Personal Trainer, NASM
• Corrective Exercise Specialist, NASM, in progress
• Wellcoach® Trained Fitness and Wellness Coach
• BLS & AED, American Heart Association
• Physical Therapy Aide, Physio Therapy, 2006
• Graduate Assistantship, BSU, 2006-2008
• Adjunct Faculty, BSU, 2009-2010