Fitness Instructor Profiles
Dora Briegleb
Teaching since: 2002; Dora joined Boulder Parks and Recreation in 2007
Education: University of Colorado; City of Boulder Recreation Center Fitness Instructor class
Certifications: NESTA; Group Fitness; CPR; AED; First Aid
Dora enjoys instructing Muscle Toning, Boulder Lift, Fit for Life, and Core & More drop-in classes. Weight training has become Dora's great passion. In middle age, Dora started to lose bone mass, but with the help of weight training and weight bearing exercises, she was able to bring her bone mass to levels above normal.
While Dora has a particular special calling for those dealing with cancer treatment, her hope is to help any age, fitness, or ability level get fit and strong.
Dora has been mentioned in four articles:
- A Running Chance
- FHI Magazine-For her Information
- Nonprofit Spotlight: Rocky Mountain Team Survivor
- Daily Camera-Get Out! section
Women's Group Gives Cancer Survivors New Life
July 31, 2003
Marti Harris
Teaching since: 1976
Education: Missouri State, B.A., University of Colorado, M.S.
Certification: AAAI/ISMA Fitness Training, Weight Training, Pilates, Personal Trainer, Group Exercise, Weight Training, Pilates and Tai Chi
Expertise and Areas of Specialty
Marti began her career as a high school physical education instructor in 1962 and has been a fitness instructor, trainer and coach at Boulder Parks and Recreation since 1976.
She believes in promoting and inspiring personal growth. She designs programs for all ages and abilities. Marti does both group and partner training and can assist with weight management.
Marti enjoys teaching -- she displays her diverse fitness background through teaching Step, Cardio/Sculpt, Pilates, Weight Training, and Tai Chi. Marti is also a volunteer for Open Space and Mountain Parks. Marti's personal motto that she shares with all her students is "Never, never stop moving."
Heidi Lynch
Teaching since: 1996
Heidi is a retired physical therapist. She worked for 15 years at a multidisciplinary chronic pain clinic where the Swiss ball bacame an integral part of the physical therapy exercise program.
Heidi has taught numerous workshops for trainers and exercise specialists to help them incorporate Swiss ball into their work with clients in a safe way. She has also done more extensive work training those who wish to teach a full series of Swiss ball classes.
In Heidi's classes, students from all ages and fitness levels gain numerous benefits such as muscular strength (especially "core" muscles from knees through shoulders), flexibility, balance, coordination, improved posture, stability and body awareness. Exercises can easily be individualized for each person's needs so that the challenge is at an appropriate level.
Ignacio Malpica
See Ignacio's profile on the personal trainer page.
Leah Messier
Teaching since: 2008
Education: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Certification: AFAA
Leah teaches some of our Cycling, BoulderPump, and Cardio/Sculpt drop-in classes. One of Leah's most interesting attributes is she love to fly airplanes!
Jennifer Paddock
Teaching since: 1984; Began teaching water-based fitness classes in 1995.
Education: BA in East Asian Studies from University of Colorado
Certification: Personal Trainer NETA, AAAI/ISMA - American Aerobic Association International / International Sports Medicine Association
Jennifer refers to the type of clients that she specializes in teaching as individuals who are "past the first bloom of youth (40 to 80+)." Through teaching Fit for Life and Aerobic Water Exercise, she strongly motivates her clients to live an active lifestyle. Jennifer's skill was even noted as she was mentioned in an article on water exercise:
- Daily Camera, Fit section, "Wet Workout, Water Exercise not just for Rehab", Monday, May 2, 2006
While she provides an intense aerobic workout, she has worked with many clients who have had knee or hip replacements and, thus, is no stranger to offering modifications for the typical challenges of aging. Jennifer believes: "The greatest motivators are variety and fun! Work hard, but don't get bored!"
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Melissa F. Pruitt
Teaching since: 1987; Melissa has been a part of Boulder Parks and Recreation since 2003
Education: B.A. Connecticut College
Certifications: Senior Fitness Association Personal Trainer/ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor; Master Trainer for the Arthritis Foundation; Master Trainer for Stanford University's Self-Management for People with Chronic Conditions Program
The fitness classes that Melissa instructs are: 50+ Resistance Training, Cardio Conditioning, Senior Fitness Assessments, Silver Sneakers, and Fit and Strong (at the Senior Center). She particularly specializes in teaching older adults, deconditioned adults, and exercise novices.
Melissa also teaches Swiss Ball classes.
Melissa really loves to help people get physically active, improve their strength, increase their self-confidence, and have fun throughout the process."I see the benefits of exercise in my work each and every day. It is never to late to get started with a fitness program and I look forward to helping you get active, stay active and have the energy to enjoy life."
Melissa's Fit Profile in the Daily Camera
Jessica Reiss
Certifications: AFAA - Group Fitness Instructor, Prana Energy
Jessica grew up in Boulder, Colo., where she started playing volleyball, basketball, and swimming which would eventually drive her toward a fitness career. Jessica left Boulder after high school to attend the University of Arizona where she started working in the fitness industry at both Flagstaff Athletic Club and at Northern Arizona University. Eventually moving back to Boulder in 2010.
Jessica has 10+ years of experience. Her specialities are balance, speed and agility training, and general health and wellness. She believes exercise should celebrate movement and prepare one for everyday activities and athletic goals.
Tom Schlatter
Teaching since: 1994 and was an occasional sub for about nineteen years before that.
Education: Undergraduate and graduate school at St. Louis University
Certification: Personal Fitness Trainer AAAI/ISMA - American Aerobic Association International / International Sports Medicine Association; CPR/AED and First Aid Certified
Tom is a certified trainer in Integrated Body Conditioning. He teaches Ski/Sports Conditioning classes to anyone, ages 18 to 80, who wants to be active in sports or physically active in general. Tom stays motivated to being fit all year round because he wants to be able to enjoy a physically active life. He strongly believes that staying fit, physically and mentally are keys to health and well-being later in life!
Darcy Vanderbie-Pace
Darcy has been a physical therapist since 1995. She is owner of a physical therapy clinic that offers pilates, yoga, massage, biofeedback, rolfing and traditional physical therapy.
She specializes in the use of the Swiss ball for overall fitness as well as for injury rehabilitation. Darcy also works with pre- and post-partum women. Her classes are fun, individualized and innovative.
Joe Wakefield
Teaching since: 1985
Education: BA in Physics, Hanover College in Indiana, 1975; MS in Atmospheric Science, CSU, 1978. Joe's employed at NOAA as a meteorologist.
Certification: NETA- Group exercise
Joe teaches Sports Conditioning at South Boulder Recreation Center. Some members of Joe's drop-in class have been attending for close to 30 years. Although they're all getting a little longer in the tooth, they still surprise younger visitors and new members with their level of effort!
We have more fitness instructors. Their profiles will be posted here when they're available.
Last Updated on Thursday, 09 May 2013 08:07
Parks & Recreation