Adita is a holistic lifestyle coach who began her journey as a fitness instructor and personal trainer over 30 years ago. She has trained other fitness professionals in various modalities around the world. Recognizing that individuals sometimes struggle to change their health, she formulated her “4 Pillars of Health” for a more holistic approach to fitness. With a ferocious appetite to coach individuals and groups to better health, Adita is driven to encourage you to live inspired.

What advice can you give to those who are just starting, are unmotivated to work out, or have reached a plateau?

Exercise comes from more things than simply going to a gym. Taking a class, adding some pep in your step during house cleaning or chores, and even gardening, can all be combined to create an amazing workout routine.

How has fitness changed your life?

This is my lifestyle. I don’t know any better, I have been doing this since I was 16. When I had my kids, I stopped for a short while and missed it terribly.

Is there anything else about your fitness journey you’d like to share?

In 1988, I broke my back in a car accident, which pushed me to learn about pain, back care, and Pilates.

Exercise is an essential trait of Aileen. An entrepreneur and innovator across most facets of the fitness industry, she’s led workouts for more than 40 years and taught dance before that. ACE certified since 1986, Aileen is committed to providing creative, safe, educational, and fun fitness classes. Her workouts are balanced with stretching, which is as important as cardio and resistance training. With so many options to move today, Aileen says there is no reason not to find something you enjoy.

What motivates you to exercise?

I love to move. Working out is a means to help me stay strong to enjoy all the physical activities I love to do. I also found that it also helps me deal well with the emotional stresses of life.

Was there a specific point or event in your life when you realized you wanted to be a fitness instructor and/or work with seniors?

I enjoy teaching to all age groups and fitness levels. I was in my early 20s when I taught my first aerobics classes. They were called “50 and Fit.”

What advice can you give to those who are just starting, are unmotivated to work out, or have reached a plateau?

Any amount of training or physical activity is better than nothing.

Beth turned her childhood passion into purpose. Early dance training led her first to teach children, then after 14 years she made the leap to adult fitness instruction. Realizing how fulfilling it is to work in group fitness, Beth joined a community fitness instructor team in 2015. There she found that as her passion grew, so did her repertoire. Teaching multiple formats from barre to yoga, Beth incorporates boot-camp style fitness with dance for a combination that is fun and fulfilling.

Was there a specific point or event in your life when you realized you wanted to be a fitness instructor and/or work with older adults?

As the pandemic affected many industries, one near to my heart is group fitness. Knowing that our active adult population would be in need more than ever, I became instantly aware that I wanted to help create a community to uplift all those who need and want group fitness now.

What advice can you give to those who are just starting, are unmotivated to work out, or have reached a plateau?
Celebrate where you are today. Exercise is about what you can do.

What’s your favorite workout song?

“You Can't Stop Me" by Andy Mineo

DeDe is a fitness professional who has taught movement for over 3 decades. She provided personal training and fitness/yoga classes to celebrities, weekend warriors, pro athletes, kids, older adults, and just about everyone else. DeDe also has led teacher training courses, lectures and master classes in 9 countries as well as authored education courses and articles for various publications. DeDe is best known for her ability to communicate her simple approach to movement, health, and well-being.

What motivates you to exercise?

I enjoy moving, especially to music.

What’s your favorite wellness tip or healthy aging tip? Practice balancing exercises daily.

Is there anything else about your fitness journey you’d like to share?

I am so pleased and honored to be part of this organization, and to be able to reach so many people to help them in their pursuit of greater fitness and wellness!

A physical therapist and instructor, Denise began teaching fitness in 1986. Her mission is to inspire others to live vibrantly despite age, limitation, or situation. Her classes are based on safety, postural alignment and body awareness for carryover into daily life. Denise’s fitness classes incorporate movement patterns with cognitive-function drills, a concept known to improve brain health and decrease the risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

If you could describe yourself using 3 words, what would they be?

Happy, driven, caring.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in the Los Angeles region. More specifically, I was born in a car on Easter Sunday in the San Fernando Valley.

What advice can you give to those who are just starting, are unmotivated to work out, or have reached a plateau?

Working out doesn’t need to be “gym exercise” movements; rather, it’s any sort of movement that increases your circulation, balance, strength, or endurance. Like gardening, walking the dog, playing with your grandchildren, or window shopping.

Evelyn always loved working out, and once she decided on a career change, the fitness industry was the perfect fit. With 18 years of fitness instructor experience, Evelyn’s areas of expertise include yoga, Pilates, and indoor cycling. Evelyn particularly enjoys working with older adults and has taught Senior Yoga and other fitness formats for this population. Her main fitness motivator has been her health—daily exercise helped manager her rheumatoid arthritis!

What’s your favorite workout song?

“Eye of the Tiger” (Survivor) for strength training, “New Year’s Day” (U2) for spinning, anything by Enya for yoga, “Silence” (Sara McLachlan) for Pilates.

What advice can you give to those who are just starting, are unmotivated to work out, or have reached a plateau?

You should change up your workout routine at least every six weeks, this would prevent plateaus and keep you motivated. Change it up with a bootcamp, circuit training, or barre class to get the best results.

When you’re not working out, what other activities do you love to do?

I love playing with my granddaughter, cooking, shopping, and attending my daughter-in-law’s yoga class.

June’s love for fitness and movement began in the early ‘80s teaching aerobic dance. Since then, June expanded her expertise as a certified health fitness instructor and Pilates rehab practitioner. June is also a continuing education provider for the fitness and mind/body industries, bridging the gap between traditional Pilates and fitness. As a cancer survivor, June attributes her recovery to her continued active lifestyle and clean eating, and she advocates for cancer patients and survivors.

What’s your favorite wellness tip or healthy aging tip?

Moving as little as 10 minutes a day will have a profound impact on your health, so find time every day to move.

When you’re not working out, what other activities do you love to do?

You will think I am crazy, but I love to clean my house! It makes me feel like I have accomplished something. I also love to cook, read, and spend time with my grandkids—they are my heart.

Is there anything else about your fitness journey you’d like to share?

I tribute my quick recoveries from two bouts of cancer—as well as an ACL/PCL reconstruction and a complete knee replacement—to my commitment to movement. Movement is vital to life, and I am dedicated to empowering others to realize that.

Madeleine’s passion for teaching fitness began as a college student—and she hasn’t looked back since! For over 30 years, Madeleine has been committed to getting America fit. She has starred in and/or choreographed over 75 diverse styles of workouts, from weight loss and weight training to flexibility, cardio, active aging, and walking. Her professional and personal experiences have shown her time and time again how important exercise is to a healthy and long life.

When you’re not working out, what other activities do you love to do?

Skiing and spending time with my children.

What motivates you to exercise?

I try to challenge myself to get some movement in every day no matter how small—even if it’s just a walk around the block with my dogs.

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

Apple slices with peanut butter!

With over 25 years of fitness experience, Penny specializes in working with older adults to enhance their well-being and overall quality of life through fitness. Penny is currently the Associate Director of Digital Fitness Strategies for American Specialty Health’s fitness programs, where she develops innovative, educational programming for instructors who work with older adults. Penny’s teaching and educational style is positive and motivating, promoting participation and creativity.

What’s your favorite workout or exercise?

I can’t pick a favorite. I like everything! I will say that for extra activity, I love going for mindful walks. Taking extra time to notice the environment, how I am feeling, and to enjoy being outside.

How has fitness changed your life?  

Fitness is my passion. Movement is my way to cope with hard times. I’m grateful that I have always had this healthy outlet for stress management and mental health.

If you could describe yourself using 3 words, what would they be?  

Passionate, resilient, driven.

Sean has dedicated his career to inspiring others as a teacher, personal coach, instructor, and speaker. He is a trained communicator through the Dale Carnegie Institute and has worked in the fitness industry for 20+ years. He loves to see people healthy, active, and living life with purpose. Sean was hooked on teaching fitness to older adults while instructing his second “Seniorcise” class, where the group made him feel like he was part of the family.

How has fitness changed your life?
It has afforded me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and hear their inspiring stories.

If you could describe yourself using 3 words, what would they be?

Positive, empathetic, kind.

What is your go-to healthy snack?

Hummus and veggies.