THE PORTRAIT: EMPOWERING FITNESS 

Amy Kessler, personal trainer and director of the Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase, is her clients’ biggest cheerleader. With fall in full swing, she shares a few of her favorite things.

Amy Kessler knows from experience that when it comes to fitness, achieving just one small goal yields big rewards in motivating her clients to stay on track. “I always encourage people to do their best but that looks different for everyone,” says Kessler, who has worked as a personal trainer at Lake Forest Health and Fitness for more than 30 years. “My favorite part of my job is helping clients believe in themselves.” Personally, Kessler loves long-distance running and all the people she has met while training for and running marathons. “My running group keeps me accountable, while having fun, and reducing stress,” she says, adding that she ran her first marathon in 2010. “Today, the half marathon is my favorite distance. I am also a fan of the 200-mile team relay races, which challenge me in a whole different way.” Three years ago, Kessler began co-directing the Lake Bluff PTO’s Pumpkin Chase—a 5K and one-mile run that benefits Lake Bluff schools. The race is on the Chicago Area Runner’s Association circuit, which appeals to competitive runners, but it’s also a family-friendly event. “I look forward to a great turnout this year to help raise money for the Lake Bluff PTO. It’s important to me to get kids active at a young age. Hopefully, because of the Pumpkin Chase, they will fall in love with running and the outdoors,” says Kessler, who spends a lot of time in the outdoors herself, walking, running, and biking with her husband. “Lake Bluff’s unique streets offer the ideal scenery to watch the seasons change. It’s the perfect place!”

Favorite place to run in Lake Bluff? By the lake. My motto is “never miss a sunrise.” Athlete who inspires you most is? The back-of-the-pack marathon runners—the ones that finish in over six hours, fighting to finish in front of the street sweeper. This is hard work for them and more than likely they are running for a charity that is near and dear to them. They bring me joy when I see them; I cheer louder for them. Favorite local restaurant and go-to order? Francesca’s Chicken Limone and takeout from Tacos el Norte in Lake Bluff. Favorite theme for decorating a pumpkin? I am simple—triangle eyes and mouth with cut-out teeth. Favorite fall treat? Caramel apple. Favorite way to stay healthy and in shape? I love running, strength training, and walking with my weighted vest. Beauty or wellness brand you can’t live without? Eyelash extensions by The Lash Shrink (Lake Bluff) and Kiehl’s Crème de Corps. Next place you’d love to travel? Costa Rica. Fall beverage of choice? Hot apple cider. Favorite podcast? Wiser Than Me™, by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. She calls her mom at the end of each episode and it’s so dear. Lake Bluff’s best-kept gem is? Sylvan Road and the beauty of the ravine. Best hack for running in any weather? A positive attitude. Fall fashion staple you can’t live without? Jeans! Favorite local charity or fundraising event? Camp One Step (camponestep.org). It provides year-round programming for kids with cancer. Thing you are most looking forward to about October? Attending church services at the Union Church in Lake Bluff with our newly elected pastor, then going for a cool, crisp walk with my husband.