instructors

AEA, WaterArt International and YMCA Certified Instructor Licensed for SilverSneakers, Zumba Basic, Gold & Aqua

Currently teaching: River Fitness, Water Aerobics and Noon-time Aqua Motion, Aqua Zumba

AEA Certified Instructor

Currently teaching T/TH Aqua-fit classes

“I was born in San Diego and spent my entire youth basking in the Pacific Ocean bodysurfing and boogie boarding, so to find myself involved with the water does not surprise me although it was not a planned career. It just happened after my having received an MS diagnosis back in 2001, and found an exercise class at the pool (after several years of swimming laps) a perfect solution to the challenges that I was facing. I like leading others in the water because I know from experience what a gentle environment it is for everyone, especially those who have been challenged by some physical change within their bodies. When we lose a bit, or a large part of our physical selves our emotional and psychological selves are challenged as well. An organized aquatic fitness class creates community which inherently addresses all three aspects of self, and may even address our spiritual side.”

Dana has been instructing aquatic fitness classes since 2000.

“My aquatic fitness journey began when I lost my corporate job in 2009. I finally had the time to try something new -- and once I took a river class at the Bainbridge Aquatic Center I was hooked. There is nothing like the water for all round strength and endurance development -- and best of all, it’s fun! My teaching style is athletic and highly varied. No two classes are alike. Your goals for the class determine much of what we do in the day. I hope you’ll give it a try. I look forward to meeting you!”

Pamela has been instructing aquatic fitness classes since 2010.

“I started subbing for the river in 2007, and over the next 8 months, initiated evening classes and then noon classes. By early 2008, I added morning river classes and also water aerobics. Even though it took some time to gain confidence as a leader, I received great support from everyone when I added music and started to change the original routine to a more aerobic challenge. (Who knew we could run in the river and actually enjoy it?) After I introduced resistance equipment like the red Speedo HydroBoxers, the yellow Hydrotone Bells and resistance bands, I have seen many go to the next level in terms of strength and endurance. It’s exciting to know that I have helped others achieve their fitness goals through water aerobics.”

Valerie earned her AEA certification in 2008, Her life-long love of water began early, in college she learned choreography as the Captain of her synchronized swim team. Since 2007, she has earned more than 120 credits in continuing education courses from the AEA and loves to watch water fitness DVDs in her spare time.

Valerie Williams

AEA Certified Instructor

Zumba LIcensed Basic, Gold & Aqua

Currently teaching the Water Aerobics, River Fitness, and Noon-Time Aqua Motion, Aqua Zumba

Dana

Valerie

Pamela

“I’ve been teaching both land and water qigong for over 15 years, and have been a yoga therapist for about 14 years. I’m a writer, spiritual director, Reiki Master, mediation teacher and fiber artist. I have a grad degree in both holistic health care and comparative religion. I love the meditative movement classes because they transfer so much to my own life .. a sense of calm, centered strength. Water Qigong is like getting a massage while working with 1-2 pound weights....pure decadence really.”

Kim

Kim Beyer-Nelson

Currently teaching Water Qigong M/W/F 12:30-1:30pm see the latest BI Parks and Metro Recreation District catalogue for Scheduling and Pricing information

Sherry Schweizer

AEA Certified Instructor Currently teaching: Water Aerobics, and Hydro-Fit

Sherry

“I literally “took” my way into teaching water aquatics. I started attending my local YMCA in Hawaii after another gym I had been attending closed suddenly. I was taking all of the indoor classes, when my workout buddy injured her knee and decided she wanted to try the aquatics program. I was like, yeah this is for old people, but sure why not. That first class had no life in it. I didn’t want to go back but my friend talked me into it. We went back on a Thursday. Little did I know that life as I knew it was about to change.

This class had a highly energetic instructor, I worked harder and got a great workout. Right then I learned a lesson that is now my mantra for the water: “What you put into the water is what you get out of it.” I found that by varying the way I did an exercise in the water I could increase the intensity of my workouts. It was awesome! I have been in the water for most of my cardio and strength training ever since that day.”

Sherry has been teaching water aerobics since 2008 and was certified in 2009.

email your instructor by clicking their name under the photo (where links are active)