ABOUT JAY CASCALENDA
Owner & Lead of RNF’s Saint Paul Fitness Coaches
Jay Cascalenda has put his heart and passion into building a high-class team of certified fitness coaches in Saint Paul, MN. Over the past five years, his team has helped improve the lives of members by challenging them on how they think about fitness. This, in turn, helps to increase their confidence and mental toughness on their fitness journey.
Personal Fitness Journey
Jay grew up playing competitive sports in Saint Paul, MN and knows what it takes to achieve high levels of success. He played four years of D1 hockey for University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. He played two years of Professional Hockey for the Washington Capitals and Minnesota Wild systems. In 2014, he decided to fulfill a personal goal of opening a boutique fitness gym.
Achieving Goals
In his downtime, Jay enjoys competing in various OCRs, ultra marathons and playing golf whenever the Minnesota weather allows. He loves all things outdoors and all things Saint Paul.. This is evident throughout the branding of the gym and his life. Jay is a competitor at heart and knows what it takes to achieve the goals you set for yourself.
Blueprint for Fitness Success
The Rugged North Blueprint for Success is based off Jay’s personal fitness journey. It is a formula he believes in and has helped him succeed in his goals. He’s continually inspired by his Saint Paul members as he witnesses their transformations. This is a direct result of his dedication as a fitness coach and to a healthier lifestyle with a lot of hard work!
CERTIFIED SAINT PAUL FITNESS COACHES

Samantha Harris
Samantha Harris
Philosophy: HAVE FUN WITH IT. Working out shouldn’t feel like a chore. Find your people (hint: if you haven’t found them yet - they’re waiting for you at RNF), push yourself, smile through the discomfort and ENJOY those endorphins!
Favorite workout music: T-Swift & Ariana Grande remixes... extra loud.
Favorite RNF move: Bosu burpees

Ashley Nelson
Ashley Nelson
Nobody is better than you when you work your hardest, challenge yourself,
and push yourself to the limits.
FAVORITE WORKOUT MUSIC:
Rap and reggaeton mixes
FAVORITE RNF MOVE:
Running stairs then right into BURPEES

Lindsay Leko
Lindsay Leko

Grace Lewallen
Grace Lewallen
Favorite workout music: EDM and pop... Mostly throwbacks!
Favorite RNF move: Rope SLAMS!!! Any kind.

Tanya Smith
Tanya Smith
PHILOSOPHY:
Your body will achieve what your mind believes!! Don’t let preconceived ideas of what you are capable of stop you from being your best, believe you can do more, and you will!
FAVORITE WORKOUT MUSIC:
Upbeat pop and rap! Anything to keep my energy pumping throughout the workout.
FAVORITE RNF MOVE:
BURPEES!!
WE’RE LOOKING FOR FITNESS COACHES
Are you a certified fitness trainer?
Rugged North Fitness (RNF) is looking for energetic, motivating and professional fitness coaches!
Coaches provide support to help members identify personal fitness goals. In addition, our coaches equip them with the tools to achieve them.
Our Coaches Are Supportive
Our trainers are excited and supportive with a hands-on approach for fitness and nutrition. Therefore, they help members transform physically, mentally, and emotionally, and hold our members accountable for their nutrition systems and habits.
Fitness Coaches Push Our Members
For instance, our fitness coaches push beyond their own personal limits by being “Drill Instructors” during our HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts. Above all, this helps create an environment that pushes our members beyond their limits. However, even though classes are tough, they are a lot of fun. Each coach brings their own style with a personal approach.
In conclusion, our coaches help members identify alternative fitness goals. In other words, to propel them above and beyond their own personal beliefs and expectations.