The Wheelhouse Story
Since 2001, we have worked in traditional commercial gyms, boutique personal training studios, group fitness and college level athletics. Wheelhouse Academy was born out of the notion of building a supportive community that empowers people to learn the benefits of exercising the right way. Learning to move correctly is just as important as the physical results. That’s where the idea of the Wheelhouse “Academy” comes in.
As a member, you will not only learn workout routines, you will come to understand why you are doing certain movements and the benefits they have on your health. You will have full access to Your Gym, seven days a week with open gym accessibility throughout the day. You will also have access to our staff to guide you on your journey with accountability meetings that we call “Map Out Meetings” where we lay out the next focus points for you and the assigned homework attached to help you optimize your health and fitness.
Join a concept where you can do more than improve your body, you will improve your life.
Meet Our Team
Luan
Founder/Owner & Programming Director
Luan discovered his passion for the fitness industry in 2000 and has never looked back. His greatest joy lies in forging connections with individuals through teaching and coaching. In his role as Team Captain, Luan is dedicated to continually enhancing the community experience here at Wheelhouse. Alongside his wife Kelly and their two daughters, Charlie and Olivia, he proudly calls Birmingham home. Luan firmly believes that fitness is a vital skill set for everyone to possess, yet acknowledges the intimidation and uncertainty that comes with starting out. His goal is to serve as a guiding light, directing individuals towards the right path and introducing them to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who are all on the journey together.
Faye
Morning Manager & Head Fitness Coach
Faye seamlessly integrated into the Wheelhouse team from its inception, initially assuming a part-time coaching role before solidifying her position as a full-time member come April 2019. Alongside her husband, Daniel, and their children Joseph and Avery, she proudly identifies with Birmingham as her home base. Faye remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering inclusivity and positive influence, guided by the abiding belief: "Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody."
Ashley
Evening Manager & Fitness Coach
An active and enthusiastic part of the Wheelhouse community since 2019, Ashley’s transition from member to staff was a natural one. Her part-time role includes coaching classes, coordinating marketing & communication efforts, and helping to grow this amazing gym community. Ashley leads every class with 3 goals in mind: 1) Don’t get hurt 2) Get stronger, physically & mentally 3) Have fun! She and her husband, Alex, along with their dog, Evie, call both Birmingham and Fairhope, Alabama, home.
Dakota
Equipment Manager, Olympic Weightlifting Team Leader & Fitness Coach
Also a physical therapist with our friends at MoveWell Mobile, Dakota has become a key member of the leadership team at Wheelhouse since he came on board in 2021. He specializes in Olympic Weightlifting and programs the workouts for our Strength class’s Olympic tract. You’ll see him training daily, as he continues to compete in the sport himself. Dakota's ultimate goal is to blend his expertise in weightlifting and physical therapy to help members reach their fitness goals. He lives in Birmingham with his two dogs, Zeus and Taz.
Steve
Fitness Coach
With over 20 years of experience (5-plus at Wheelhouse), Steve is an LSU Tiger filled with animated energy & motivation, along with a passion for helping others reach their fullest potential. He’s a certified Mobility Specialist with FRC, personal trainer, and Director of Programming at Battle Republic. Coach Steve will help you find the best intensity for YOU as you learn what it means to show up for YOURSELF every day. Ready to go hard? He’ll show you that YOU CAN!
Kaitlyn
Certified Nutrition Coach & Fitness Coach
Kaitlyn’s 10-plus years as a nurse and longtime love of fitness sparked her passion for helping others build and maintain healthier habits. Her experience in healthcare as well as functional fitness paved the way for her nutritional coaching business, Findlay Balanced Foods. Kaitlyn’s ultimate goal is guiding clients and Wheelhouse members to create habits that help them feel stronger, more energized, and confident in their choices—while still living your life! She’s a devoted wife and mom of two little ones, based near Birmingham, Alabama.
Wheelhouse Academy is one of the only official HYROX affiliate gyms in Birmingham, Al!
Whether you’re new to the sport of HYROX or have a few races under your belt, come train with our community for the very best HYROX experience.
