Rye Y Staff Workouts - Liz

Liz - Member Services

I recently started a work-out routine with two of my co-workers. Working out with friends is great because we really motivate each other. I’ve tried exercising on my own but could never sustain it. Having two workout buddies is ideal because even if one can't make it, there are still two of us.


We work out on the elliptical trainers and weight circuit in the Annex twice a week. On Monday evening we take the 7:15 pm Core Express with Diana and the 7:45 pm Mega Zumba with Marthe. The two classes combined are an incredible workout. I love the dancing in Zumba! and the addition of weights is even better. I definitely feel that class the next day! Already I’ve noticed a difference in my endurance - I live in a 3rd floor walk-up and  can now go up the stairs much faster.

Fitness Goals – I want to continue working on toning and flexibility. Exercising is the first step for me - eventually I’d like to change my eating habits.

Rye Y Staff Workouts - Shelley

Shelley – Gymnastics Coach & Childwatch

I take lunchtime fitness classes a few times a week – I usually go to Diana’s Core and More class on Monday. I love the squats and afterwards really feel like I’ve had a great workout. I go to Rebecca’s Pilates class on Wednesday and sometimes on Friday. I get very stiff from spotting the girls in gymnastics and the stretching helps my back and lower back. I also like the focus on posture.

I work out in the Fitness Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the arm bike and elliptical trainer. I like the arm bike because I get a cardio workout while toning my arms.

Fitness goals: Feeling good and doing something good for myself

Rye Y Staff Workouts - Barbara

Barbara - Director of Member Services

I try to exercise for an hour 5 times a week.  My regular routine has been working out on the arc trainer or ATM (Adaptive Motion Trainer) in the fitness center. There are several members who also work out daily around 2 pm and I enjoy seeing them – I think of them as my informal workout buddies. 

My workout routine has helped me lose 25 pounds so far. I've also been making healthier food choices including making time for 3 meals a day.  I didn't want my weight loss to plateau so recently started mixing up my exercise routine.  I now attend a Group Active class once a week. Working out in a group motivates me and I like the balance of cardio and toning. I have also started spinning 2 or 3 times a week –usually 1 or 2 other staff members go with me and that is a big motivator.  I go to Gina or Laura A's evening classes – the Friday night spin class is a great way to end the work week! 

Fitness Goals – Keeping my blood pressure down and staying healthy. Working out is one of the best things I can do for myself and my family.

Previously featured:
Gina's Workout 
Teresa's Workout
Charlie's Workout
Roe's Workout
Gregg's Workout 
Mariela's Workout
Debbie's Workout
Iliana's Workout 

Rye Y Staff Workouts - Gina

Gina – Childwatch

I work out almost every afternoon in the Fitness Center after work. Every other day I ride the low bike and then work on my legs and arms with the Techno gym circuit. Riding on the low bike is great for me and has helped with the pinched nerve in my back. 

On the other days I use the AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer). I love the AMT –it’s the best machine – it’s unbelievable!  I have a problem with my knees but not on this machine!  Also, the AMT is good for my bones - my doctor has told me I need to exercise because of osteoporosis.

Fitness Goals:  Feeling good and making my bones stronger

Previously featured: 
Teresa's Workout
Charlie's Workout
Roe's Workout
Gregg's Workout 
Mariela's Workout
Debbie's Workout
Iliana's Workout 

Rye Y Staff Workouts - Teresa

Teresa – Member Services

I usually work out in the morning before work. I use Fitlinxx to keep track of my reps on the weight circuit in the Fitness Center. I like the way it paces me and helps me know how far to extend my arms and legs.  I also use the elliptical trainers and arc trainer. 

I’m a big group exercise fan and have been trying out lots of different classes. The other day I managed to make it to Diana’s new 7 am Get Up and Get Moving class and I’m glad I did – it was fabulous. I finally got up the courage to try a Spin class – the Monday and Wednesday evening classes are for beginners and that’s perfect for me.  I tried the 6:30 pm class with Robin and it was great.  Most of the participants were fairly new but I was the only one who had never taken a spin class before.  Robin  adjusted my seat and made sure that I was comfortable.  I now plan to go every week.


Fitness Goals:  stay in shape, de-stress.  Exercise makes me feel good and I am a much more pleasant person after working out!

Rye Y Staff Workouts - Charlie

Charlie – Health & Fitness Director

I like using the weight circuit in the Annex because it is so quiet in the afternoon – it feels like a private gym. I use the Fitness Center for free weights and cable work.  For my cardio workout,  I’ve been using the AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer) but recently have become a bit bored with it.

I started going to Group Active “practice” classes because our instructors needed some participants to train with.  I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the classes – I’d always felt that group exercise was not for me.  I like the music, the pace and the design of the class. I really appreciate the the balance section because I’d never do that on my own. I now go twice a week.

Fitness Goals: General health and well-being.

Featured in previous posts:
Roe's Workout
Gregg's Workout 
Mariela's Workout
Debbie's Workout
Iliana's Workout

Rye Y Staff Workouts - Roe

Roe - Bookkeeper

I have tried dozens of classes at the Y and like variety. Kaleena's Small Group Training has been great for me. She works on different muscles, gets me motivated and pushes the group to the limit. I started seeing the results very quickly. I also love the new Group Active class with Diana. I've lost 12 pounds this year by keeping my workout routine fresh and making some changes in my diet.

To de-stress I take Yoga at the Wainwright with Suzanne and Lois. Both are very good instructors and have also helped me with balance and coordination.

Fitness Goals: Get in shape, de-stress

Featured in previous posts:
Gregg's Workout 
Mariela's Workout
Debbie's Workout
Iliana's Workout

America on the Move Week with the Rye Y

If you haven't already gotten started with tallying your steps this week, it's not too late. Join in our effort to reach 88 million steps by September 27!

You can pick up a free pedometer at the Member Services Desk or click here for details and to download a step conversion chart and tally log.

Here are some ways (suggested by the America on the Move Foundation) to increase your steps:
At Home
Household chores, neighborhood walks, and errands are great opportunities for adding steps.

1. Circle around the block once when you go outside to get your mail
2. Walk around the outside aisles of the grocery store before shopping
3. Drive or walk to a nearby high school and go around the track: 4 laps equals approximately 2,000 steps
4. Make several trips up and down the stairs to do laundry or other household chores
5. Pass by the drive-thru window and walk into the bank or restaurant 6. Stroll the halls while waiting for your doctor’s appointment
7. Listen to music or books on tape while walking
8. Invite friends or family members to join you for a walk
9. Mow the lawn
10. Accompany your children on their walk to school
11. Take your dog for a walk Start a walking club in your community
13. Walk to a nearby store, post office, or dry cleaners to accomplish errands
14. Catch up on the day’s events with your spouse and children on an after dinner walk
15. Walk to your place of worship for services
16. Pace around your house while talking on the phone
17. Buy a walking video so you can get in your steps on rainy days
18. Experience the splendor of a sunrise
on an early morning walk
19. Spur your imagination by observing your neighbor’s landscaping and gardens while you walk — incorporate ideas from your favorites into your own yard
20. Walk to a friend’s house for a visit
21. Try “retro walking”; walking backwards distributes your weight more evenly (be
sure you’re in a safe area and are aware of your surroundings)
22. Focus on walking distance over speed, it’s better to get in more steps at a comfortable pace than to burn out quickly. Keep a walking journal, in addition to
tracking steps, jot down how you feel after returning from a walk — enhanced energy is a great motivator
24. Walk on a treadmill on rainy days or when it’s too dark to walk outside
25. March in place while watching your favorite TV show
26. Put your grocery cart back in the store after you unload purchases
27. Boost the results of your walk by using trekking poles
28. Benefit a good cause by joining a charity walk
29. Sleep more soundly at night by taking a walk a few hours before you go to bed

Rye Y Staff Workouts - Gregg

Gregg - Executive Director
My fitness routine at the Rye Y is very consistent and has not changed much in the past 13 years. Admittedly I’m a creature of habit when it comes to my fitness workouts. Three times a week I work out in the Fitness Center; usually 30-40 minutes on an upright bike or elliptical trainer. After the cardio, I use the techno-gym weight circuit or intermittently use free weights. Three times a week I run outside for 3 miles then work a little on abs. I take Saturdays off. I do watch the trainers and read an occasional fitness article to be sure I’m keeping up with any new exercise techniques. I also enjoy an occasional game of racquetball and do mix in softball cycling and swimming in the summer months.

Using Fitlinxx helps to keep me motivated. I use the Fitlinxx equipment in the Fitness Center and also manually log in my runs and other exercise activities that I do outside the fitness center. I have a competitive streak and always look to see where I rank each month when the Fit Points are posted in the Fitness Center.

Fitness Goals: General health, stay fit and stress relief.

Rye Y Staff Workouts - Mariela

Mariela - Program Office Assistant
I take an Aqua Jog class about two mornings a week. The teachers are usually Ann and Holly – both are wonderful teachers. Holly keeps us smiling and makes the whole class wonderful. Ann’s class is very invigorating – really terrific.

The class is so large that we take over the whole Pa Cope pool. We exercise all parts of the body from the toes to the neck. We do cross county skiing, jumping jacks, roto- rotor – all with no impact on the bones.

I’m not an exercise person but I love this class. At the end I feel like a new person! If I weren’t so lazy, I would take a class every morning. Once I’m in the water I don’t want to get out – it is heavenly. Everyone in the class is very friendly and we have a great sense of camaraderie. On Friday, several women in the class often go out for coffee and a bagel.

Exercise goal – overall wellness.

Click here for previous post - Debbie's Workout

Rye Y Staff Workouts - Debbie

Debbie - Member Services
I started working out in January after a very long break from exercise. Personal training with Kaleena has given me the structure I need. I am committed to showing up 2 mornings a week for our appointment – otherwise I would find every excuse in the book. We focus mostly on strength and balance. Last week we even did a little boxing which I loved!

Personal training is perfect for me because I have a bad back and Kaleena adapts the exercises for me. I feel much better now that working out is part of my life. The exercise routine has motivated me to control my diet and lose 20 pounds since January.

Fitness goals: Feeling better, increasing my strength and endurance, maintaining my weight loss.

Click here for previous post - Iliana's workout.

Rye Y Staff Workouts - Iliana

Iliana – Rye Y Arts & Crafts instructor and Childwatch staff
I usually exercise in the middle of the day and it really energizes me. When I return to work I feel like my day is just beginning.

I like to use the elliptical trainer 3x a week for about 30-40 minutes while listening to my ipod. During the school year my husband and I exercise together on Saturday in the annex while our son is in Karate class.

I also try to go to a couple group exercise classes a week. Lately I’ve been going to Tatum’s Monday Pilates Fusion class or Rebecca’s Wednesday or Friday Pilates classes. They are great for stretching my 40+ year old body!

Fitness goals: Self improvement, to feel physically and mentally better, to increase my energy and help me keep up with my active family!

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We’d also love to hear from you. What are your favorite classes? What equipment do you use at the Y? Add your comments and perhaps inspire other members to try something new…