When Tish was 22, she started reading SHAPE magazine and got hooked on Jazzercise. She took a certification class and “auditioned” at the local Y when she first got married in Oswego NY.

Since then she has not looked back.  For 35-plus years, she has been teaching group fitness. During that time Tish became certified in Spin and went to a world conference, where she became further involved so many other areas of fitness which led to other certifications: SPIN, Senior Fitness, Water Aerobics, Aqua Barre, Barre, and Pilates. Tish is now studying for the ACE Personal Training Certification.

"It may be a cliche but I really do love what I do. I am constantly learning new approaches to fitness/wellness. The members who regularly attend my classes, I can watch them get stronger and have fun getting fit."

Kim is a new resident of the Lake Placid area.  After coming to Lake Placid for a ski weekend with her family is 2016, she fell in love with the area and ended up buying a small chalet in Jay!  After 7 years in Jay, they are now moving permanently to a home they purchased in Lake Placid.  Kim fell in love with yoga in 2013 and it became her true passion. In 2019 she enrolled in a 200-hour training program in NJ. Currently, she is in the process of completing her 500-hour certification! Along the way, she developed a strong liking to Pilates as well and her studio in NJ urged her to begin training and learning.  She is now a Pilates instructor as well.  She has created unique classes offering a yoga/barre blend and a Pilates/barre blend.  She has been teaching senior citizen chair yoga for the past few years as well as restorative yoga which is beneficial for all athletes to help recover from their hard work. 

Kim enjoys skiing, running, hiking, biking, kayaking, and SUP.  Basically, anything to keep her moving.  Peloton enthusiast and avid strength trainer too. The Adirondacks are a great place to call home!

"Exercising and moving is a privilege, take care of your body, and be proud of whatever stage of your journey that you are in.  Know that I will be here to support and encourage you every step of the way!"

Yoga has been a part of Joan's life for over 25 years, and her ongoing practice has taught her newfound life skills. Yoga brings a stronger sense of awareness, expansiveness, and purpose. She believes yoga is an essential form of self-care and she loves helping others achieve alignment both physically and mentally. Joan has been teaching here at the fitness center for the last five years and the dedication and energy of the gym members never ceases to inspire her! Her mission is to share her own passion and joy in her classes.

Joan completed her 200 hour Vinyasa Flow teacher training in 2018 with High Peaks Yoga, led by Julie Bell and Julie Coluccio. Additionally, she studied with Emily Garret at Laughing River Yoga for her first Yin Yoga certificate, and in 2019, her second Yin training, through Bhakti Marg with Keli Latita in Saranac Lake. Many workshops later and a pause for Covid, she is about to finish her 500-hour Yoga and Ayurveda certification with Gretchen Mills AND her Yoga Sculpt certification with Marda Zechiel.  

Out of the gym, you’ll find Joan behind her easel, cooking up a feast for my friends and family, in the woods with my dog, or taking chill time with a book.

"I am forever grateful for the daily inspiration of the Adirondacks and the wisdom of my teachers past and present."

Falling in love with Yoga was a head-over-heels kind of tumble for Nikki. Enjoying the improved flexibility and ease that came along with her practice that began in 2012, Nikki followed the flow she’d found herself in and immersed herself in 500 hours of Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training. Inspired and committed to growing as a teacher, she would go on to complete 800 hours of Yoga Therapy training and 50 hours of Yoga Nidra training. Nikki has brought her experience to students around the globe in various settings, encouraging them to explore the connections between the mind, body, and breath. From her fiery vinyasa flow classes to her soft and sweet restorative sessions, her dedication, curiosity, and creativity allow her to weave her unique knowledge & magic into every sequence she designs.

Physical activity has always been an integral part of Colleen’s life, from running marathons to long-distance bike tours across states, dancing, yoga, paddling, swimming, and long walks.

Colleen has been teaching Zumba since 2017 and leading fitness classes at AHMFC since 2019.  She is certified to teach various formats of Zumba, including Zumba Dance, Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba, Kids Zumba,  Zumba Gold, and Zumba Step.  Colleen is also certified to teach Yoga, Spin, and Pilates.  

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"Connecting with people, camaraderie, and friendships is what I like best about fitness classes." 

In her career as a Speech Language Pathologist at Lake Placid Elementary School, Vicki’s motto has always been “If you can teach a child anything, teach them enthusiasm”.  This carries over to her classes, and her enthusiasm for fitness and dance is contagious.  Vicki has 15+ years of dance experience, and she is licensed to teach Zumba, Zumba Step, and Zumba Kids.  During her free time, Vicki enjoys cooking, cycling, hiking, and, of course,  dancing when the spirit moves her.

“Dance has always been a part of my life, and I truly enjoy sharing it with others.  Whether it’s hip hop, line dancing, or Zumba, the opportunity to dance with others is extremely rewarding.”

Marci Wenn is a 400+ Yoga teacher. She has a 200-hour training in both Hot Vinyasa and Bhakti Yoga. Some of her trainings include; Yoga for Cancer (Y4C), Qigong, Pilates, and Zumba and she is a Blue Belt Nia Teacher. Marci brings her love of movement to each and every class and hopes to encourage and inspire in others their own personal joy of movement. 

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Marci is a lifelong learner in all things beautiful, such as poetry therapy, flowers, psychotherapy, creativity, animals, Nia dance, yoga, and other expressive therapies, such as writing and collage art making. Her classes are filled with humor, knowledge, awesome music, and gratefulness as she works to create sequences that are creative, dynamic, and full of meaning.

Steve became a student of Yang-style Tai Chi in 1982 in New Haven, Connecticut. I was studying the form of Master Da Lu who was living in New York City at the time. By 1985 he moved to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and began studying with Master Paul Gallagher for two years in Bennington Vt. while also attending summer retreats in the Vermont area. 

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Paul was a disciple of Master P.B. Chan and Master T.T. Liang who were both very highly respected Tai Chi Masters.

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Steve later went on to participate and assist in teaching the Yang style 24 postures form in Saratoga, Springs, N.Y. Recently Steve obtained my certification in the "Fundamentals of Tai Chi for Osteoporosis, Balance and Health" from the "Tai Chi for Health Institute" under Dr. Paul Lam. 

Dr. Lam is recognized as having one of the top three programs available in Tai Chi for Health in the U.S. as well as Australia.

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"What I love most about what I do is the enjoyment, health benefits, and peace that comes from doing Tai Chi and I am grateful to have the opportunity to share it."

Bio Coming soon...

Erik is a dedicated coach with a strong educational background, extensive experience, and elite certification. Holding a Master’s degree in exercise science from the University of Buffalo, Erik has specialized in biomechanics and physiology and has continuously pursued opportunities for growth and learning. Following his graduate studies, Erik worked for five years with the United States Olympic Biathlon team, helping them prepare for both the 2014 Sochi and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games. He is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Erik’s journey into fitness coaching began with a deep-rooted passion for athletic performance. He is driven by a desire to make a positive impact and contribute to the advancement of his clients and their health and fitness pursuits. Erik understands the effect his work has on individuals and it is why he is centered around empowering others, inspiring change, and creating meaningful solutions to address challenges and improve the lives of the people he works with.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Erik recognizes the importance of personal well-being and finding joy outside of work.  Engaging in hobbies such as sailing, backcountry skiing, and playing the guitar allows him to maintain balance, foster personal growth, and recharge from a long workday.

Erik finds immense fulfillment in helping his clients excel in their fitness journeys. The opportunity to utilize his skills and expertise in human performance to the fullest extent, combined with the challenge of pushing boundaries, is what Erik enjoys most.  He thrives in an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving. Working with a talented team and making a tangible impact provides Erik with a deep sense of satisfaction and serves as a motivation to continually excel.

"I am excited to be part of Adirondack Health’s Medical Fitness team and look forward to leveraging knowledge, experience, and passion to contribute to the collective success. Together, I aim to make a difference and drive positive change in the lives of members and our clients."

Yunga has a love for African dance and hip-hop. In this class, she fuses the two! I was a part of a West African dance troupe that toured the Western United States several years ago. I love to dance, but with African dance, it is a full-body workout! More recently, I was certified to teach Hip Hop Hustle from Team Beachbody. Yunga has been a professional performer most of her life and wants to focus on bringing a little culture to the Adirondacks. Currently, she works as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at North Country School.

Exercise and staying fit have always been a part of my life. I played volleyball in college and learned how to use the gym effectively. Downhill skiing and mountain biking are my favorite activities. Staying in good cardiovascular shape makes both of these much more enjoyable.

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Later in life, I found running and enjoyed it competitively. Eventually, I wanted to find a workout that was as effective as a good run but with less impact on the body. This leads me to spin. The spin bike is a quick, easy way to get a good workout in. More importantly, it can be adapted to be enjoyable with a group.

When I learned about the science behind spinning to good, inspiring music, I knew I wanted to become an instructor. I am hoping members of the gym will be drawn to my ‘spin’ on this great way to work out!