Meet the Founders

Founded by friends and Chicago area Fitness Professionals Haley Stone and Julie Steffen, WERQ Fitness launched in January 2010.  WERQ started as a creative two-person fitness project and quickly developed into one of the hottest workouts in the United States (SELF Magazine, April 2012).  On a quest to make WERQ Instructors the best in the fitness industry, WERQ Fitness was founded on solid fitness principles, a devotion to making dance accessible to everyone, and developing WERQ as the most cutting edge dance fitness class in gyms and studios. Stone and Steffen are committed to designing stellar dance fitness choreography, offering top-shelf training, and creating a challenging and rewarding WERQ Instructor Community from which to build positive and productive connections with other fitness-minded individuals.

  • Haley Stone

    Lead Choreographer, WERQ Master Trainer, National Presenter

    Haley broke into Group Fitness instruction in 2004 and now co-owns WERQ Fitness LLC. Stone is a Fitness Writer, Entrepreneur, and the creative force behind WERQ. Stone has been featured in IDEA Fitness Journal and on local news channels. Haley is a real person in touch with the challenges a busy life poses to work-life balance and an individual’s fitness. Haley believes with the right tools and planning, anyone can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Currently, Haley is a National Presenter for WERQ, Group Fitness Director for Cheetah Gyms Chicago, and an Ambassador for Lululemon Athletica.

    Contact Haley »

  • Julie Steffen

    Lead Choreographer, WERQ Master Trainer, National Presenter

    Grand Rapids, Michigan native Julie Steffen got her start in the fitness world at the young age of 2.  In an attempt to save their furniture from this active child, her parents enrolled her in gymnastics. As an adult, Steffen worked full time as a CPA for 10 years before leaving it behind and devoting herself to fitness. She has completed 2 marathons, co-owns WERQ Fitness LLC, is a WERQ Master Trainer and National Presenter, and Group Fitness Manager for Cheetah Gyms Chicago. Julie teaches WERQ, spin and strength classes at the best health clubs in the Chicago area.

    Contact Julie »