Alison
ALYSSA
Teaches | PILATES
BIO
Alyssa is NESTA certified in Mat Pilates and has been teaching Pilates at Powerlady Fitness since February 2012. Her journey with Pilates started with a pelvic bone injury in 2001, from which she practiced Pilates to help her get back on her feet – literally – and she continued to practice for 2 years afterward before getting her certification. Since then, Alyssa has been teaching Pilates for 7 years and still loves it. In her classes, members are inspired by her passion – her classes are fun, challenging, and always different. For variety, Alyssa utilizes the Pilates ball, the Pilates Magic Circle, or weights for toning. She also has experience working with students on back, shoulder, neck, and knee issues. She understands that everyone is different and strives to help her students to understand each Pilates exercise and how it can benefit their own body type. In addition to Pilates, Alyssa loves hiking, dancing, singing, and taking walks with her family. She encourages her family to stay active and tries to do some form of exercise every day.
Fitness Tip | Breathing-a proper inhale fuels your muscles with oxygen, and a powerful exhale helps you engage your deep abs to protect your spine and support your torso.
CHRISTINA
Teaches | Kickboxing, Step, Sculpt, Cardio Burn & Cycle
Teaching Style | High-energy, spirited, motivational teaching with options for higher and lower impact. My classes tend to integrate high-intensity interval training with cardio and sculpting so you feel and see the results faster, but there is always the option to work at a lower intensity and still get a good workout.
Why I Enjoy Teaching Kickboxing
I love a workout that empowers you! Why do it if it doesn’t make you feel good about yourself? That doesn’t mean we don’t feel silly sometimes or laugh at ourselves – the humor can make it even more empowering, especially in group exercise. I believe in challenging clients and myself as the instructor to try new things and keep the body guessing! My favorite thing about kickboxing is that you work at your own pace, at your own level, and use the stress from your day to motivate you to release all of that energy in a positive way.
Words of Wisdom
Try new things and don’t be afraid to “mess up” or to laugh. Honor yourself for the commitment you’ve made to your body, your health and your well-being: at the beginning, end and all throughout the workout. Listen to your body and what it needs, but don’t listen to the little voice that says, “You can’t.” Do what you can, when you can, where you can, with what you can – and then do more next time.
Background
I am from New Orleans, Louisiana and have lived in Georgia about 20 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Personal Training and Fitness Instructor (AFAA). I have been teaching step, kickboxing, cycle, sculpt and aerobics classes for about 12 years. I became certified to teach fitness in 2003, inspired by the classes I was taking as a member at Powerlady Fitness! I have two little girls who love to play at the gym.
Cyndi
JILL
Teaches | Step, Kickboxing, Pilates, Yoga, Sculpt, Spin
Teaching Style | All formats of classes from High Intensity Interval Training to Pilates mat work. I enjoy meeting the needs of a variety of students and being able to provide them with a great workout that meets their ability and fitness levels.
Why I Enjoy Teaching Group Fitness
Group fitness classes create a motivating and energetic environment which never gets boring, thanks to all the new modalities of fitness equipment and instructor creativity. Group classes are a great option for individuals looking for variety in their fitness program, while providing the inspiration of social support and faster results from the extra challenge that classes can provide.
Words of Wisdom
Approach any new fitness opportunity with an open mind. Consider learning something new and challenging your body as a journey. Be sure to reward yourself for small successes as well as the bigger ones. The most important part of any fitness routine is making it enjoyable so you’ll keep returning for more!
Background
My first spark of interest in fitness began with going for long walks with my grandmother when I was a child. Soon after it was 1980 aerobics tapes, and before I knew it, I was teaching group fitness classes as part-time work in high school. I then sought to transform my interest into a career. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Education and a Master’s degree in Health Education. I have worked in many areas of the fitness and wellness fields. After almost 20 years as a fitness instructor and personal trainer, and with over 10 years with Powerlady Fitness, I continue to feel blessed to be part of this dynamic and rewarding field.
LISA
Teaches | Cardio Burn, Strength, Kickboxing
Teaching Style | I teach several styles, including strength, kickboxing, drills, etc. I enjoy teaching boot camp-style classes because they offer variety and keep it fun. I’m able to push students to their limits with them barely noticing – because they are having fun! I always bring my A game to class and give the students my best.
Why I Enjoy Teaching Group Exercise
I like to exercise and share my passion for exercise with others. I love what I do and think the students feel the love because they keep coming back for more.
Words of Wisdom for Students
Take risks while going at your own pace. Be patient with yourself and just get it done!
Background
I moved to Atlanta in 2004 and started working out with a friend. I hired a trainer and started seeing results. I loved the way I felt, I loved the tone and I loved the strength I felt both inside and out. I then got certified and started training part-time. I realized this was my passion – and since that time, fitness has become my full-time job. I am certified through AAAI and have a degree in Nutrition Science. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, which has helped me understand my clients better so I can help them attain their personal goals.
MELISSA
Teaches | Yoga
Teaching Style | I love teaching two unique yoga classes at Powerlady Fitness: Gentle Yoga on Mondays at 8:30 AM and Yoga Core on Fridays at 8 AM. The Monday Gentle Yoga class is a relaxing, deep stretch class. The Friday Yoga Core class is more challenging and is focused on yoga postures that build core and strength. Both classes are open to all levels of fitness. My classes offer a sense of freedom, joy and connection that students carry with them off their mat.
Why I Enjoy Teaching Yoga
I really love getting to know my students. I have had some of the same students in my classes for years! I hear about their families, jobs, vacations and all the significant events in their lives. I love that yoga is such an important part of their lives, too!
Words of Wisdom for Students
Come to class with a willingness to move, work and stretch your body and mind in new ways that may not initially be familiar to you. New challenges are opportunities for growth!
Background
I have embraced the fire of transformation through personal yoga practice and teach full-time at multiple yoga studios and gyms, as well as to private students throughout Atlanta. I am registered as E-RYT 500 through Yoga Alliance and have completed basic and advanced yoga teacher training as well as yoga therapy certification. In addition to teaching and practicing yoga, I am Co-Director of the Southeast Yoga Conference. I’ve been interviewed on radio and local television stations to promote the Southeast Conference and yoga in Atlanta.
MICHELE
Teaches | Boogie Ball & Tone, Yoga
Teaching Style | I’ve been called “tough but kind” by students and that sums up my style! I teach from a place of encouragement and efficiency. This means coaching good form and technique, while also challenging you and your muscles to reach the next level – wherever that is for you. A good form foundation helps protect against injury and ensures the best possible results. Music is an important tool in my classes and I enjoy cultivating playlists that will make the time fly and the workout fun.
Why I Enjoy Teaching Group Exercise
Many don’t believe it when they hear it, but I used to be very shy and afraid to speak in front of people. Teaching fitness has sure changed that! Sharing knowledge of health, anatomy, physiology and movement with people with similar goals continues to enrich my life and continues to evolve. I am grateful and honored every week by those who come to class to learn, blow off steam, have fun and share in common goals. Teaching exercise keeps me balanced, as my other work involves sitting and focusing.
Words of Wisdom for Students
Work on seeing your health and fitness as a living, breathing thing. Fitness needs consistent attention to thrive, and like all living things, its needs change over time. That’s okay and natural. Be gentle but realistic with yourself. Celebrate small victories – they add up to big accomplishments!
Background
While always involved in movement through dance and horseback riding, I began my journey as an instructor when asked to audition to teach over 25 years ago – back in the days of leg warmers, mix tapes and high kicks! I have taught a broad range of classes, including many forms of cardio classes, boot camp, BodyPump®, kickboxing, strength, stretch and belly dance. I am also certified as a personal training and am a professional belly dancer. When not teaching or dancing, I am an illustrator, mom and caretaker of a menagerie of bunnies and birds.
Tara
BECKY
Teaches | Step, Cardio & Condition, Sculpt, Bootcamp, Silver Sneakers
BIO
Becky started working behind the front desk in 1996 and loved it so much she got certified in teaching and Personal Training and has been doing both since 1997. She bought the gym in 2003 and with the help of her employees grew the fitness program into a strong, solid and popular program specific to women of all fitness levels, ages, etc. She is certified by AFAA and NCSF, teaches step, cardio & condition, interval classes, organizes workshops, and does personal training. Why does she do it? “For the wonderful people I meet, my team, and the positive affect we have on so many lives. You truly get to know people. Some of my best friends are people I have worked with or met as members. It goes deeper than just weight loss and sweat. It’s the everyday things-the apple or gardenia that gets brought to me from someone’s yard, the family pictures that are shared, the tears that are cried, the breakthroughs that seem so small but are truly so large. I remember one member who said that because she finally started taking care of herself, it had a positive ripple effect on her family and the rest of her life. There’s a need and I love having a space for women and being able to help someone be the best she can be. Fitness is not just about losing weight, it’s about improving the quality of life – you are stronger, happier, more confident, and live a longer and healthier life. Our members say that our studio is not just a gym, it’s a community…people get to know each other and we support and help motivate each other. We encourage you to come, take care of yourself, take the time for you. No one has ever left regretting that she worked out.”
Fitness Tip | Have patience…results and success take time. Celebrate your courage: I think anytime we ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ is a story of triumph and inspiration. Whether it is buying a house, running a marathon, running a mile, first day of working out, etc. – to keep moving forward is a success.
LAUREN
Teaches | Cardio Interval
BIO
Lauren has been a fitness instructor for 18 years, teaching cardio, cycle, sculpt, circuit training, core exercise, and kickboxing. She has been teaching Cardio Interval at Powerlady for almost 2 years now. Energetic and creative, Lauren likes to add diversity into her classes and challenge members each week with different material. She is certified in group fitness by AFAA, health fitness specialist by ACSM, and cycle, step & cardio, and Pilates by YMCA. She stays fit by teaching classes and running, and enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her daughter. She understands that in order to keep members motivated she must them where they are now – she understands that people are at different levels of fitness and does her best to customize classes to meet the needs of all members.
Fitness Tip | Do what you can to stay active: Participate in activities that you enjoy, and find ways to fit activity into your lifestyle by taking stairs instead of elevators, parking further away from destinations, playing with your children, etc.
KARIN
Teaches | Zumba, Dance
BIO
A lifelong dancer, Karin LOVES Zumba! She is certified in Basic Zumba and has been teaching Zumba classes for over two years. Members love her fun-loving and energetic personality and say that her classes are so much fun they don’t even realize how hard they are working until they are dripping with sweat! In addition to dancing, Karin also enjoys watching movies, exploring new places and spending time with her Beatles cats – Jude and Lucy.
Fitness Tip | Just get up and MOVE
PAM
Teaches | Dance Cardio Mix, Cardio Burn, & Strength
Teaching Style | My teaching style is open and friendly. I’m always excited to see people who come to my class, especially new people, because it is my opportunity to welcome them and see them return for more fun and exercise! I approach my classes with intensity and enthusiasm. Exercise should be challenging yet fun. I try to give my students everything they need for a great workout.
Why I Enjoy Teaching
I love teaching because it is my way of giving back. Knowing that people enjoy my class and feel great afterwards makes it all worthwhile for me. The more sweat I see, the happier I am!
Words of Wisdom for Students
Start where you are. Set your goals in small increments and congratulate yourself as you achieve them. It’s okay to have a long-term goal, but looking at it in stages makes it more manageable, realistic and achievable. Don’t ever set yourself up for failure – just work out one day and one class at a time!
Background
I’ve been teaching exercise classes for 15 years, including hip-hop, BodyPump®, Zumba and strength training. I’m currently teaching cardio burn, Zumba and strength training at Powerlady Fitness and I love it!