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Free Group Exercise Classes
With 24 group exercise classes each week, you’re sure to find something that’s right for you. Try Cycling, Flow Yoga, Aqua Fit, Silver Sneakers, Cardio Drumming, HIIT, and more. Check out our different classes and discover community in your fitness routine. All group exercise classes are FREE to members!
Meet Our Group Exercise Instructors
Afton Caulkins
Classes: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Certifications: Extreme HIIT Chaos
“I love fitness and helping people feel their best!”
“Versatility and excitement. It’s never the same workout and always changing and challenging you mentally and physically.”
“The ever changing challenge. I incorporate weight lifting, cardio, yoga, Pilates, and more. It’s also the perfect time: one day a week, 5AM before your family awake, and you’ve already accomplished something significant. Hope to see you there!”
“I love outdoors, plants, Danchris Nursery, fitness, officiating, and overall health. I have an upbeat attitude and want to improve my life and others. Personal growth is always a priority.”
Ally Erschen
Classes: Sculpt & Burn
Certifications: B.S. Exercise Science, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
“To give people a safe environment that helps achieve their goals.”
“My class is a great mixture of cardio and resistance training with a few quirky jokes.”
“I give different levels of intensity so you can choose which works best for your own personal goals or whatever you are feeling that day! I also play some pretty good music to get that blood flowing and a few bad jokes that might make you chuckle.”
“I’m a fun upbeat person that’s very energetic! Especially when it comes to exercising. I do love helping others in any capacity. I do love my self care time (movies, friends, TV binging, and more!)”
Beth Retoff
Classes: STRONG Nation, Zumba, Core ‘N’ More
Certifications: ACE Certified Group Exercise Instructor, Certified by Zumba in: Zumba, Zumba Kids & Kids Jr., and STRONG Nation
“I have always loved being physically active and love sharing my passion with others.”
“My main goal for my students is to have an effective workout and for them to have a feeling of accomplishment when class is done. I pride myself in making sure you have proper form throughout your workout to get the best results possible to help you live your best life while having fun in the process!”
“Each of my three classes are unique and fun in their own way. I strive to provide a positive and engaging atmosphere by playing energizing and motivating music to make it a fun experience for all! I also show modifications for all fitness levels to provide a sense of accomplishment for a results-driven workout. I believe exercise is a celebration of what your body can do and every student should be celebrated for making fitness a priority in their life!”
“I have been married for 32 years and have 2 wonderful grown children. I truly love helping people reach their health and fitness goals and seeing them succeed. People would describe me as being an encouraging and positive person who puts 100% into my classes and everything I do!”
Cat Jabczynski
Classes: Flow Yoga
Certifications: NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified NASM Group Exercise Instructor, Certified Yoga Teacher through Yoga Fit
“I love fitness and helping people!”
“Yoga helps you de-stress and unwind. It can also help build self confidence through movement, strength, and flexibility.”
“I play great tunes with gentle, flowing movement to help fulfill your week!”
“I am a fun, loving person with a positive attitude. I try to make people laugh while pushing them to meet their goals. I create a positive environment, so people can help themselves and change their lives.”
Chris Porter
Classes: Chair Assisted Yoga, Journeys In Yoga
Certifications: RYT250 (Registered Yoga Teacher)
“To spread the wonderful benefits of yoga. I noticed when I began practicing yoga, my body began to feel better, which also promoted a healthier mind. I love people and sharing precious time with them.”
“Yoga is not just a physical practice, which sets us apart from a stretch classes. Yoga is a metaphor which carries off the mat: a balanced, peaceful body creates a balanced, peaceful mind. We carry the peace we cultivate in class, into the world, creating harmony.”
“We work in a circle, which fosters a sense of belonging, making eye contact and sharing smiles (or grimaces). I have themed classes and many various playlists of music to go along with the them. We don’t take anything too seriously, and when I introduce a new balancing pose, I jokingly call it “exploratory time.” When somebody nails the pose, everyone celebrates!”
“I try to exude friendliness, peace, and a calmness, knowing that that energy attracts more of the same. Others have described me as “obsessed” (I have 2 yoga tattoos!), and “passionate” about the practice of yoga. I just asked my husband for a word to describe me and he said “compassionate.” My son said, “welcoming.” I just asked my friend group text to which they replied, “dedicated,” “sweet/kind,” and “health conscious.”
Katie Morris
Classes: STRONG Nation, Total Body Transformation (TBT)
Certifications: AFAA Personal Trainer, Certified by Zumba in: Zumba, Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Kids & Kids Jr., STRONG Nation, and Plate by Zumba
“When I had 3 kids under the age of 4, I was having a hard time physically, mentally and emotionally. I took a chance that attending a group exercise class would help me. Not only did it help, but I realized that by becoming an instructor I could help others as well. And I have enjoyed doing that for the last 14 years!”
“Finding a community, a place to belong, is essential for human flourishing. I believe finding a fitness community helps not only strengthen physical body, which is crucial for enjoying life longer, but also mind, emotions and gives us a place to belong.”
“Correct form for injury prevention is very important so you can be sure I’m coaching class participants throughout our time together! With years of personal training experience, I am able to have an eye for both the individual participant and the class as a group. In my classes, we’ll maximize the time invested by working the whole body, which sometimes includes playing fitness games. Fitness doesn’t need to be boring!”
“Outside of being a fitness instructor, I am a wife, mom of 3 girls, and an Executive Pastor at a local church. Inside and outside of these roles, I care about people. I love to make space for people, and offer whatever I can to help equip them to flourish in life. I’m a hard worker that loves a good list. I enjoy quality family time, outdoor activities and ice cream. “
Kyle Schoenekase
Classes: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Aqua Fit, Silver Sneakers Splash
Certifications: B.S. Exercise Science, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Group Exercise Instructor
“I love helping people improve their health!”
“Attending a Group Exercise Class can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle.”
“I always play fun music!”
“Exercising is my job, my hobby, and my favorite pastime. I love sharing my knowledge and love for fitness with others.”
Lisa Clift
Classes: Barre Stretch, Barre Above
Certifications: Barre Above
“I became a Group Exercise Instructor to help to motivate others.”
“You will feel so good afterwards!”
“I offer all levels of beginner to advanced. We play a variety of all music to satisfy all ages. Everyone in the class loves to help and motivate each other and is very welcoming!”
“I love to help others achieve their goals physically and mentally.”
Nikki Dedic
Classes: Total Body Transformation (TBT), Barre 360
Certifications: ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, Barre Certified through American Barre Technique
“I really enjoyed the group exercise classes at the YMCA here in Streator and that made me want to get certified to teach.”
“Attending regularly helps keeps you active and fit. It’s also great for building strength and helping with balance.”
“There are always new moves I incorporate every week and fun upbeat music to get your body moving.”
“I enjoy walking and hiking with my family as well kayaking and bike riding. Working out regularly with my classes and on my own helps me build strength and endurance to go further and do more in the outdoor activities I enjoy. I would think others describe me as a fun and easy going person.”
Ron Benner
Classes: Cycling
Certifications: Indoor Cycling
“I became a Group Exercise Instructor to share my passion for cycling with others. My class is just as much social as it is a great cardio workout.”
“My class will help improve fitness levels and foster new friendships.”
“My class is a relaxed setting where anyone with any ability level could participate.”
“I am an accomplished triathlete who is a positive and enthusiastic person.”
Zena Leonard
Classes: Silver Sneakers Classic, Cardio Drumming, Silver Sneakers Stability, Silver Sneakers Circuit, Silver Sneakers Combo
Certifications: B.S. Biology & Physical Education, Silver Sneakers Certifications: Classic, Circuit, Stability, Boom Move It, Boom Muscle, and Group Fundamentals
“I have always been involved in athletics. Fitness is a life-long sport. One reason I started teaching was you couldn’t make an excuse to not go to class when you’re the teacher! Now it is so satisfying to hear the many success stories from my Silver Sneakers members.”
“Members tend to experience improved flexibility, mobility, and balance. These things improve quality of life and independence.”
“The socialization! Members can get in shape and feel energized.”
“I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Physical Education. Athletics have always been important to me. I have taught fitness and coached in Streator for over 30 years. I see both as a way of giving back to the community. I am dedicated, reliable, and enjoy helping people reach their fitness goals. I think others would describe me as friendly, energetic and dedicated.”
