STAFF | Battle Fitness

Maria Manuel

General Manager

- ASA General Liberal Arts & Science degree
- Pursuing BBA in Marketing

Maria was born and raised in Traverse City.
After graduating in 2023 with Associates Degree from Northwestern Michigan college, she is continuing with her Bachelor's of Business Administration in General Business through the University of Michigan. She joined the Battle family in 2021, working out with our personal trainers where she grew to love strength training and has not looked back.

For Fun: Working out, baking,hanging out with friends & drinking iced lattes
Favorite Healthy Snack: Chocolate rice cakes with pb & banana
Favorite Cheat Meal: smoked BBQ ribs with homemade mac and cheese

Brian Barber

Member Relations & Trainer

Brian grew up in Frankfort and graduated in 1989.He started lifting weights in 1984 and began a career working in a gym in 1986.He became ACE certified in 1998. He has had issues with his own weight and so now he can empathize well with others on how difficult it can be and offer personal insight on how to overcome those obstacles.

For Fun: Story driven games, also hiking in search of the wonders of nature, and even after 4 decades he still enjoys training

Favorite Healthy Snack: Protein pancakes for protein French toast

Favorite Cheat Meal: is anything with “Little Debbie” in the name

Meet Our Staff

Holli Werp

Member Realtions

- AAS in Culinary Arts

Holli grew up in Petoskey and moved to Traverse City in 2003. She received her Associates Degree in Applied Science with a major in culinary arts. She joined Battle Fitness 6 years ago to pursue powerlifting, in which she has three state records in deadlifting, and is a three time state champion.

For Fun: Rock hunting, hiking, beekeeping, and soap making

Favorite Healthy Snack: Avocado toast with everything but the bagel seasoning

Favorite Cheat Meal: Homemade chicken alfredo

Austin Corbin

Trainer

- ISSA Certified Personal Trainer

Austin grew up in Empire, MI. After graduating in 2015 he spend 9 years in the military where he grew to love strength training and powerlifting, and eventually obtained his personal trainer certification in 2022.

For Fun: Powerlifting, Hiking, Photography, and Snowboarding.
Favorite Healthy Snack: Protein Pop Tarts

Favorite Cheat Meal: Cheesecake

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Scott McPherson

Trainer

- ADN Associate Degree of Nursing
- BLS
- USBF Pro Body Builder

Scott was born and raised in Traverse City, MI. After he graduated from the NMC Nursing Program in 2018 he worked as an Operating Room Nurse and then travel nurse in 2021. He plans to pursue his masters and become a FNP starting this fall 2025! He has been with Battle Fitness since the beginning. He trained at the first gym (Paradise Valley Fitness) when it was still in Kingsley!

Favorite Snack: Greek yogurt with blueberries and honey
Favorite Cheat Meal: Burger and fries or pizza
For Fun: Bike riding, hiking, and being outside with his wife and their dogs

Valerie Wegner

Trainer & Nutrition Coach

- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- AAS in Applied Science

I am NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach with an additional certification in understanding weight loss medications.

I’m a 34 year old mom of 3. I grew up locally here in Kingsley. Following High school, I went on to obtain my associates in applied science and became a Registered Dental Assistant where I worked in pediatric dental since the age of 20. I started online health and fitness coaching 8 years ago on the side and of this year, obtained my NASM certification.

For fun: Working out, cheering on my kids at sporting events, boating

Fave Healthy snack: peppers with cream cheese and ham slices

Favorite cheat meal: Pizza

Staffed Hours: