A good fitness instructor is equal parts drill sergeant and psychologist, teacher and motivator, prodding people to sweat their way into the best shape of their lives.
And their students love them.
When The Denver Post asked readers to share the names of their favorite group fitness instructors, we got an e-mail-boxful. Readers sent stories of teachers who not only helped them lose weight, but also cope with cancer and work through personal problems. Many are so fond of their classes and teachers that they schedule the rest of their week around their gym dates.
Even though it wasn’t a contest, we knew it was an election year when we got write-in campaigns for the likes of Lisa Tanguma, who teaches fitness and Pilates at the Jewish Community Center, Tina Aisner Porter, a yoga teacher at Samadhi Center for Yoga, Gina Egger, a water aerobics class leader at Martin Luther King Recreation Center; Ruth Segreson, who leads seniors in exercise at Twin Peaks Mall in Longmont; and Pat Lupton, who leads boot camps at Stapleton. In other cases, one class member wrote the letter, and the rest of the students signed it.
For a job that’s typically part time and doesn’t pay that well, it takes commitment. “You find a lot of instructors who have another 9-to-5 job, maybe even in the fitness industry, but they are passionate about teaching,” says Jessica Matthews, a 9-year teaching veteran and director of continuing education for the American Council on Exercise.
Not only is it taxing physically to teach group fitness classes, but if you’re doing a good job, you’re spending time planning, says Matthews, who has taught everything from kickboxing to yoga.
If a teacher can’t tell the class what muscles are being used and why, having a great personality isn’t going to make up for it. “From my experience, participants feel knowledge of physical fitness is the most important thing the teacher has,” Matthews says.
Here’s a sampling of people with those skills, edited for length and clarity. Read many more online at .
Roni Antonio-Boisits, step teacher, Club USA, Littleton
Arthur, Tammie, Rosario, Dr. Bill, Amy, Kanaan and the two Danas are just a few of the regulars I have met in the last three months. We fill Ronnie’s step class for an hour of fun, sweat, laughter, great music and the best aerobic experience of my life. After 18 years at Club USA, Roni has dedicated “Steppies.” — Dennis Gronli
Lisa Tanguma, Fitness Fusion, Pilates, Jewish Community Center
I have been going to her at least twice a week for a number of years and have been sore every time — in different places. She is constantly changing what muscles we are working. You never know what items — steps, Bosu, weights, rubber bands and sliders — she will be using. As for us low-impact people she has tons of suggestions to get us through the class. — Laura Harlow
Sandi Hull, teacher and owner, Denver Jazzercise Center, 2538 S. Colorado Blvd. Not one to grab the attention (even though she’s a perfect 10), Sandi’s classes focus on our needs during any of her 60-minute “butt-busting” workouts. I am not one who lives to exercise, so I admit I come to her classes hoping to have some of her relentless energy, compassion, motivation and dedication rub off on me. — Susan Massey
Maestro Martinez, Progressive Martial Arts, 5138 W. 29th Ave.
He is the perfect combination of patience, encouragement and skill when it comes to being a martial-arts and self-defense instructor. As a woman, I felt nervous about starting my classes; Maestro put me right at ease. He always does what I am learning right alongside me, he continually offers encouragement during class, and he answers all the questions that I have without judgment. Maestro motivates me to do my best during each class. And my best is always welcomed and celebrated in ways that make me want to learn more. — Karen Lowenstein
Dencia Kudron, turbo kickboxing teacher, Body Firm, Fort Morgan
Her class is high-paced, heart-pumping, sweaty, goofy and loud! Dencia forms personal bonds with all of her students, provides positive reinforcement and isn’t afraid of looking silly. She’s a great role model. I’ve watched Dencia teach through two pregnancies and seen her get back into shape in between. — Timmy Fritzler
Tina Aisner Porter power yoga instructor,
Samadhi Center for Yoga
Tina teaches what she practices. She lives her yoga and instructs from that center of passion. Her classes not only build physical strength, endurance and flexibility but, more important, Tina helps people build inner strength, endurance and flexibility. She shares the life lessons she has learned along the way with humility, humor and grace. How can someone offer both a challenging and nurturing power yoga class at the same time? — Nancy Griffith
Margaret Agnew, instructor, Senior Sneakers Yoga Stretch, Arvada Community Center
Margaret. Our teacher. Always, always encouraging with humor and a twinkle in her eye. Not only does she cover the technical aspects, she also gives us tips on how to obtain calm and serenity through yoga. Mindful always that she is dealing with the aged, she never fails to explain exactly the details of a particular exercise and how we will benefit. She is a true friend of seniors, and we honor and treasure her greatly. Namaste. — Dolores J. Montoya
Gina Egger, aquatics instructor and pool manager, Martin Luther King Recreation Center
Gina inspires us, chastises us, laughs with us and moves with us as she leads us through aquatic exercise classes at MLK. Many of us first came to her classes on the suggestion of a friend or on orders from a physician. Buoyed by the water and by Gina’s calm energy, we have gained strength, mobility, and relief from pain. — Donna Daniels
Andrea Carpenter, instructor at 24 Hour Fitness, 18737 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora
She is so full of energy that it motivates me to do my best. Being nearly 20 years older than she, it is quite a challenge. She keeps an eye on all of us and helps us with what we are not doing right so we do not injure ourselves. She is funny and always there, even when she is not feeling 100 percent. This summer, as I was visiting with my younger sister, she was amazed at how full of energy I was. I realized that the difference was the classes instructed by Andrea. — Maïlys Vockrodt
Charity, Matrix Fitness & Spa
Charity teaches spin and boot- camp classes and is also an incredible massage therapist. In leading her classes, she motivates without screaming over the music, is never judgmental and always provides adaptations for personal limitations or needs. In the spa, she does the same. A professional in all areas, she has kept me on track in my fitness efforts. — Stacy Ohlsson
Liz Chapin, spinning, kickboxing and power yoga teacher, Better Bodies, Westminster
She’s older than 20-something, is nothing but muscle and a smile, and she gears her classes to those present, recalling a request for an exercise or a need for a stretch. She listens to details of our lives when we’re there and lets us know she has missed us when we’re gone. It’s amazing that she provides initial instruction, visually scans the class and provides individualized assistance based on what she sees. She encourages us to challenge ourselves. — Cyndi Dionigi-Huffman
Roy Geist, senior weight-training class instructor, Northglenn Recreation Center
For years seniors have been faithfully hefting weights and crunching away with Roy as their trainer. Three times a week the weight room or gym is filled with 20 or so men and women working on their individual programs or group training. Roy has been at the helm for eight years full time — 14 years total — and keeps the program a key source for fitness for many seniors in the community. Except for the occasional Canadian fishing trip, he is there rain or shine. — Lorna Qazi
Pat Lupton, boot camp, Stapleton parks
All of my life I’ve surrounded myself with the “best of the best” fitness professionals and I consider Pat to be in that elite group. He’s motivating without being irritating, he’s challenging without yelling over your shoulder, he’s creative without being cheesy. — Ressie Pate
Annmarie Ballard, boot camp instructor, Castle Rock Recreation Center
It is never boring. Annmarie works hard with the center getting prizes for us and putting us through various weight and strength contests. We’ve been through one pregnancy with her and are now embarking on a second one (her sixth child). Last time, at eight months’ pregnant, she still kicked our booty! It was somewhat embarrassing to tell you the truth. — Trish Kakenmaster
Jeanine Eldrige, Pilates reformer instructor, Spectrum Rehabilitation and Wellness, Colorado Springs.
Taking her class and seeing the results make you a believer in Pilates Reformer. Her knowledge, personality and ability to work with a group, while individualizing her instruction, make her the top in her field. — Wina Rogers
Richard Ruiz, manager and a trainer at STAC Fitness, Greenwood Village
I take boxing-training classes with Richard weekly. He has many female clients including pregnant women and designs programs to meet our individual fitness needs and abilities. He is a good listener and is very effective as a trainer. The classes are 30 minutes long, and the movement is constant. — Judith Lajoie
Jason Wood, kettlebell instructor, Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
Jason continuously strives to get the most out of every person he works with, no matter their age, ability or motivation. Jason puts together exciting, engaging classes that are the hardest workout I’ve ever experienced and the most rewarding. I can never thank Jason enough for helping me find my new passion for Russian kettlebells, helping me lose 40 pounds and getting me into the best shape of my life. — Lisa Reusser
Gale Bernhardt, cycling coach, Loveland
Gale inspires cyclists from northern Colorado to get out and ride. “Gale’s Ride” simply leaves from her home in Loveland on Sunday mornings with various destinations in northern Colorado. This occurs every Sunday of the year unless it is unsafe to ride. However, most unique is the Elk Turd award that is earned by riding from Loveland to Estes Park once a month for each month of the year. — Peter Stackhouse
Heidi Gurley, cycling instructor, Denver Athletic Club,
Her classes are hard, very hard and varied. Sometimes the class is focused on speed, other times strength and many times varied between the two. Mostly, though, her classes are fun. She makes a point to get to know all of the participants and personally interacts with each. Heidi finds just the right balance: drill sargent demands, witty interaction and lots of laughing.
— Tom Kearns
Michelle Kieta, teacher, Core Power Yoga at Cherry Hills, Highlands Ranch and Parker locations
Michelle combines the beauty of yoga with an interesting flow, which makes her class both challenging and spiritual. Her “C2” class is always changing, which keeps students focused and anticipating what is next. She is strong and graceful. Her words flow with energy and compassion. She is a beautiful woman inside and out. — Andrea Stillman
Anny Coury, Yoga instructor, Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
Anny is my 79-year-old yoga instructor. She has been practicing yoga for over 40 years and teaching it for more than 30. Anny is a walking testament to the benefits of yoga, displaying the grace and agility of a woman decades younger. She exemplifies what she preaches to her students: that yoga can keep you fit, flexible and healthy. Her attitude and life philosophy are even more remarkable than her physical conditioning. — Peggy Hoerner
Barbara Cargill, artistic director of the Silk Road Middle Eastern Dance Theater.
Petite and softspoken, Natasha as she is known professionally, is an inspiration. While she may not be the picture of a willowy young dancer, she is still lithe and supple enough to more than keep up with her two grown daughters who also dance professionally. I’ve had years of hatha yoga prior to taking classes with Natasha. But bellydancing did wonders for my back, somewhat challenged by moderate scoliosis. The dance depends on the isolation of muscle groups as few other types of exercise do, particularly of the torso. Natasha made exercise fun for me again — which is why I intend to resume classes with her soon. — Charmaine Ortega Getz
Kay Ryan, Lady Fitness, 15600 E. Sixth Ave., Aurora
She is dangerous. We never know what she is going to make us do in our hour of torture — that’s what we love about her — the fact that every session is unique! — Melody Gutierrez
Howard Waldstreicher, Half Hour Power, Lowry
His class has increased my energy, taken away my back pain, and shaped my body. I am an active person who has always run and biked, but since I started going to Howard, I feel stronger and leaner. The muscles throughout my body are stronger, and the results I have seen from the class have made me a better runner. He changes the fitness activities weekly. A class with Howard is never boring, and you leave with results.— Jenny Killion and several others
Nico Rithner, Colorado Kettlebell Club at Dardano’s School of Gymnastics or Rocky Mountain Lifting Club
Nicolas Rithner has designed a unique program based on kettlebell lifting that gives you an amazing cardio and weightlifting routine in one hour. I’ve never sweated so much in my life. He taught me how to do the moves correctly, breathe correctly, pace myself and then push myself. He also incorporates balance, coordination techniques and stretching into his routine. My back no longer hurts, my strength has increased, my cardio endurance has increased, and I am well on my way to achieving my fitness goals. — Heather Biaggne
Nani, Core Power Yoga, Park Meadows
After a yoga class with Nani, I am always energized and destressed. Her classes are hard but always worth the effort you put forth. Each week, her class promotes something to think about: what you are thankful for, where you are taking your yoga practice, how to take what you have learned from yoga to bring that to your life outside of the studio. Nani is extremely fit, kind and understanding. I look forward to her classes and they bring a positive synergy to my life. — Margaret Papp
Jessie VanDerWal Franklin, yoga teacher, Denver Athletic Club
I have practiced several styles of yoga and followed many instructors over the past nine years years. In the four years I have followed Jessie, she never fails to impress me with her enthusiasm to help all levels of people in her class and her knowledge of yoga skills. I always come away from her class having a new challenging level of an ordinary pose or an adjustment to make the pose better. — LeRoy F. Jacobs
Devra Keyes cycling, boxing, boot camp teacher, Coors Fitness Center, University of Denver
Devra frequently begins spin class with these words, “You will not have just a good class, but you will have a great class!” She teaches spinning, boxing and boot camps. Devra is creative in her routines and changes them each class — frequently in a single session. Devra encourages you to excel and increase your strength, ability and agility. Toward the end of spin classes, Devra says such encouraging words as “The good news is there is one song left; the bad news is it is 13 minutes long!” — Suzanne Martin and Bob Goodyear
Ruth Sergeson, instructor, seniors exercise class, Twin Peaks Mall, Longmont
Ruth is 84 and a former girls basketball coach. She is still a coach and is leading us all to a healthier lifestyle.The routine follows a format of chair exercises with a fast-paced aerobic session to get our hearts going, and then leg and hand weights, Theraband stretches and balance exercises. Not only is the session beneficial health-wise, we have fun and find many ways to laugh and have good natured banter and camaraderie.— Don and Grace Pierce and several others
Amy Schoendaller, kickboxing teacher, Littleton YMCA
When we lost our kickboxing instructor a few months ago there were a dozen heartbroken attendees who feared the class would never be revived. Thanks to the enthusiasm and prowess of Amy, though, the class is back better than ever. Kickboxing works all muscle groups, promotes cardio health and is as perfect an all-around exercise program as you will find anywhere. — Jeanne C. Stein
Ivy Miller, fitness and boot camp classes, Lady of America, Centennial
What makes her so special is her great personality, her approach to fitness, a positive attitude and her strong desire to help you achieve your goals. Her classes are full of eager women of every fitness level, supporting each other and just having a great experience in the gym. We all look forward to working out and sweating a little harder when we take a class with Ivy.
— Kathy Sabin and Sarah Crook
Pat Lupton, owner of Push Train Live
Most of us who have exercised regularly or have participated in team sports remember a coach who had a profound impact on us and helped shape who we are today. Pat Lupton is just that kind of coach, mentor and instructor. He pushes and motivates you in such a positive manner that you are not only able to reach but to surpass your personal goals. Pat offers a variety of classes and sessions (individual or small group) and can create classes to meet your needs. By tracking your performance both qualitatively and quantitatively and giving each client his focused attention, he makes it possible for you to attain even the loftiest of goals. — Nan Oudet
