Writer / Jennifer Magley . Photography provided
A staple within the fitness community, an innovator, a motivator and ambassador of health Christie Thrasher-Rudd is an icon among Indiana Hoosiers. With more than 25 years of professional experience in personal training, aerobics, Pilates, unique ball and barre sculpt workouts she is the creator behind the popular patented Cardio Resistance Trainer™ (CRT™). Yet despite, her numerous appearances in national publications such as Shape magazine and her countless awards both local and national, she is most known for her heart.
“My purpose in fitness is to help others learn the correct technique for all exercises so that they do not injure themselves and can continue to exercise without injury for years to come” says Thrasher-Rudd. She believes that fitness is for “every body” and implores a customizable approach that is results driven. In addition to helping countless clients achieve their optimal health she serves the community through many initiatives from community fitness classes for can drives to donating proceeds of her business to local schools.
A Purdue University Exercise Science and Humanities graduate, Thrasher-Rudd has owned several fitness studios and is most known for her present location Studio 49 Fitness, an “Urban Chic” 2,000 square foot facility in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood. Studio 49 Fitness is the flagship location for The CRT Method, a technology that she created in 2011 and now is in over 10 studios in more than 5 different states. “I wanted to design a product that was a great overall body workout” says Thrasher-Rudd, “The resistance bands connect overhead and also to the baseboard allowing you to get a cardio workout, strength, balance, and core all in one. It is the only workout device you’ll need.”
The CRT Method is unique in that all movements require abdominal engagement throughout the 45 minute session. Cardio is incorporated through continual movement that is syncopated to a pumping music soundtrack chosen to keep you motivated.
Her inventive technology is multi-functional in its foundation allowing it to be used in the medical field across Indiana for rehabilitation where it is known as MRT (Medical Resistance Therapy). Patients are able to do movements and even bounce using the MRT allowing them strength building options that were not possible before. “I love what I do because it makes me feel good. I’ve always been a giver, it comes from the heart and knowing that I’m helping others with my knowledge is a way of giving back,” she says with a smile.
