Instructors

Elena
Elena is a certified Zumba instructor and AFAA-certified Group Exercise Instructor since 2006. She teaches Zumba - a dynamic and exciting fitness program based on fun International music and dance steps creating a challenging workout for all fitness levels.

Sharon Silberstein
Sharon S. has been an active Group X member since 2004 and joined the VIDA team in April 2009. As an AFAA and CPR certified instructor, Sharon teaches high-energy Step, Bounce and Vida Body classes. In early 2011, Sharon also completed her BASI Pilates training. When not teaching, you can usually spot her in the gym taking other classes! Although fitness is a huge part of her life, Sharon also has a full-time job in Legal Recruiting. It may sound like she's a workaholic, but Sharon definitely enjoys her down time, whether watching TV at home or going out with friends.

Amanda

Amanda has working as a group fitness instructor for the past four years. She teaches spinning, kickboxing, bootcamp, and any number of strength training classes. Amanda began teaching in graduate school in Philadelphia, and now she teaches at Vida Verizon Center and Metropole locations, as well as at The Georgetown Law Center. Amanda has been in DC for three years and works for The George Washington University in the Office of the Vice President for Research. She is currently getting her Masters in Public Health part-time as well.

Anita
Anita has been a certified group fitness instructor since 2003 and holds certifications through multiple organizations including AFAA, ACE (personal training), YogaFit, Spinning, Zumba, TurboKick, and more. She loves teaching all group exercise formats and is always looking for new and exciting ways to help her members stay fit. Anita is also a lawyer, but in her spare time, she likes to relax, cook, work out, and come up with new ideas for classes!

Annette
Annette teaches Pilates Mat and is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher. She has an additional background in dance. Her classes combine a relaxed teaching style with focus on alignment. She firmly believes in the power of movement as healing. She is currently finishing a Master's in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Betsey
Betsy is a former gymnast and NCAA soccer player, so come ready to work, sweat and challenge yourself. Betsy is AFAA-certified and joined the Vida team in 2010 to teach Bounce, Beam and TRX. Betsy's Bounce class is great for cross-training because it's intense, but low-impact and easy to follow. She teaches her Beam classes with a focus on simple but challenging ballet movements that get your backside and abs ready for the beach. Look for Betsy's TRX classes in the Spring of 2011. During the day, Betsy is a litigator, mediator and law professor -- but outside working hours she is a fitness warrior. Recently, the Washington Post featured Betsy and several other Vida instructors in an article about local professionals who balance their passion for teaching at the gym with demanding careers outside the fitness industry. If you love 80s music, her Bounce class is not to be missed. If you hate 80s music, join her for Beam or TRX. Either way, she promises a great workout and a friendly smile!

Camille

Camille has been a certified cycling instructor for 8 1/2 years and has been teaching at VIDA since early 2008. She provides positive and rewarding cycling experiences for students of all levels in her classes. As a cycling instructor through three pregnancies, Camille also brings to the classroom her unique female perspective of cardiovascular fitness in pregancy, early motherhood, and beyond.

Emily
Emily is a registered yoga teacher (RYT) through Yoga Alliance and completed her 200-hour training at Flow Yoga Studio in Washington, DC. In her class you should expect dynamic, creative sequences and progressive patterns of poses which ultimately strengthen and lengthen the body. Emily thinks practicing yoga should be fun and relaxing, and tries to reflect that sentiment in the enjoyable music played during her class.

Jacqui
Jacqui has been teaching group exercise classes since 2009, but her love of health and fitness goes back more than a decade when she began heavy weight lifting with a personal trainer. She holds AFAA and other group fitness instructor certifications and loves pushing her participants to reach new goals. Outside of the gym she is training to run her first marathon (with the help of friends and yoga) and convincing friends and colleagues to get a fitness habit.

Jocelyne
Jocelyne is a Group Exercise Instructor certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). As a Tae Kwon Do Black Belt, she has over a decade of experience as both a student and teacher in martial arts. During this time, she developed an interest in cross-training through weightlifting and aerobics classes. She decided to combine her passions, and has taught high-energy kickboxing, Zumba, and other classes in the DC area for several years. She brings her skill, enthusiasm, and exciting training methods to Vida and looks forward to assisting clients with reaching their cardio and weight-loss goals.

Juliet
Juliet is the Group Program Manager at the Vida Metropole location. She started her fitness career with her first certification in 2004 and has since gone on to add ACE Personal Trainer, RYT in Yoga, and Pilates Mat Level II. She is currently teaching Pilates, Vida Signature classes and Cycle.

Lorenita

Lorenita, who is Schwinn Indoor Cycling and AFAA certified, teaches Real Ryder and VIDA 4 Life classes at the Metropole location.She also holds certifications for yoga and resistance classes.She believes that exercise, as with everything else in life, should be full of positive energy and fun, and that it is every person’s responsibility to incorporate some form exercise in our daily lives.

Alexandra Anderson
"While pursuing her bachelor's degree in Communication Studies with a Spanish minor at the University of Maryland, Alex began teaching Group Exercise and Yoga classes. Upon graduation, she left for Spain to teach English for a year. After returning from an incredible experience which included extensive travel and time for personal reflection, Alex became determined to continue teaching, living and promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle. She has since received her AFAA Group Exercise Certification and become a certified Personal Trainer. After enjoying Yoga's transformational effects, Alex wanted to deepen her personal yoga practice and develop her teaching skills. She completed her 200 hour in the Prana Flow Affiliate Teacher Training Program at Ananda Shala Yoga and Pilates Studio in Frederick, MD with Maria Garre. Alex is currently continuing her studies with Shiva Rea and Maria Garre in Prana Flow Yoga and is working toward her 500 hour RYT. Depending on the class she is teaching, you will see her go from compassionate Yoga instructor to motivating drill sergeant while getting a fantastic workout from a fun and friendly instructor that will keep you smiling!"

Francisco Beltran
Frank has over 15 years of experience teaching boxing, kickboxing and cardio kickboxing in the Washington area. He began his studies in both boxing and the Martial Arts at an early age of ten and continued studying various disciplines well into adulthood. He has pulled techniques and concepts learned through the years to develop unique group fitness classes that are challenging, rewarding and fun. Frank believes in varying your workouts to challenge your body in a full range of motions. Balance, flexibility, coordination and core strength exercises must be equal parts of physical training. “We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm an unshaken spirit” Spirit of Osu

Hamutal Bernstein
Hamutal loves to explore a wide range of international rhythms in her Zumba classes, from salsa and reggaeton to francophone pop to belly dance. You will get a great workout as you travel around the world through music!

Rebecca Bly
Rebecca is a Certified Wellness Coach and Registered Yoga Teacher. She has been practicing yoga since high school and now enjoys teaching a variety of class types including creative flows, mindfulness meditation and relaxing restorative. In 2006 she founded Cleveland Park Yoga and in 2010 left the corporate world to pursue a passion for helping others through one on one coaching. She founded Live Beyond the Mat, helping yogis to find balance, joy, strength, and clarity "off the yoga mat" through individual coaching. .

Gabriella Boston
Gabriella is a lifelong mind-body fitness enthusiast who counts yoga, cycling and martial arts among her disciplines. In her classes she encourages creativity and playfulness, inviting participants onto a path of mental and physical self-discovery whether they're doing sun salutations in a vinyasa class or sprinting on a hill while cycling.

Gaynor Bourgeois
Gaynor has been a certified spin instructor for nearly a decade.. Through challenging drills, positive reinforcement, and attention to body mechanics, she encourages students to go beyond what they believe they are capable of doing. Gaynor has been a massage therapist for 15 years, is a long-distance trail runner, and a soccer player.

Chantelle Britton
Chantelle Britton, RYT began her yoga journey from a desire for self healing, spiritual transformation, and balance of the mind and the body. She soon realized that these things could be obtained through regular study and practice of yoga. Her classes are energetic combining meditation and pranayama into a stimulating and motivational, yet challenging learning and healing experience. She is also a firm believer that the physical yoga practice is a personal journey and a transformative moving meditation and encourages students to express themselves in a way that feels good to them. Chantelle empowers students to reach their full potential by encouraging them to sustain a life full of love, compassion, happiness and inner peace.

Lorena Camacho
Hi my name is Lorena. I have been doing ZUMBA since I was 15 years old. I got certified when I was 16. I LOVE ZUMBA. The music is awesome and the routines are HOT!!! Its Healthy and FUN!! I teach in Fairfax VA, Springfield VA, Burke VA, and now here at VIDA in DC. I also teach ZUMBA for kids. Come JOIN THE PARTY WITH ZUMBA!!!! See you in class!

Haley Coghill
Haley Coghill has been teaching group exercise in the DC area for four years. She graduated from Georgetown University with degrees in math and psychology…and a passion for group exercise! She is a Mad Dogg Athletics-certified Spinning® instructor as well as an American Council on Exercise-certified Personal Trainer. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Rolf Gates. She also served as Assistant Director of Fitness at Georgetown University and has presented at conferences in the DC area and throughout the East Coast.

Adria Crutchfield
Adria Crutchfield is a Madd Dog Certified Spinning ® instructor and lifelong athlete, having converted from a short sprinter in college to a long-distance runner; she completed her first half-marathon in 2010 and looks forward to competing in triathlon sprint races in the near future. Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Adria began indoor cycling in 2003 while living in Spinning’s birthplace, California, initially asan exercise supplement for her rigorous running and weight- lifting routine. Adria’s classes are widely known for their themed playlists that she incorporates into every class, enhancing the already unique indoor cycling experience and she is always happy to take song recommendations. “We work out not only to achieve physical results, but also to clear our minds of life’s daily stresses.”

George Cruz
George Cruz is a Personal Trainer and Zumba Instructor.

He joined VIDA Fitness team on January 2010. Georgeis enthusiastic to sharehis passion for exercise and physical activities by guiding to each individual to a healthier lifestyle through different types of exercise whether it is leading a group x class or working one-on-one through personal training. He has experience strength training, sport conditioning, TRX and boot camp training. George's personal activities aremt.biking, swimming, cooking, dancing and photography.

Kristin Dacey
Kristin Dacey, a former avid runner, discovered her passion for yoga when she moved to Mexico City in 2003 and was unable to run due to asthma. She soon found that she could find the same peaceful tranquility after a challenging yoga practice she previously found from a long outdoor run. Kristin studied Iyengar yoga while in Mexico, drawn to the alignment focus of the Iygengar practice. She then moved to New York City where she was introduced to Ashtanga yoga, enjoying the challenging and athletic classes. Kristin’s next journey took her to Scottsdale, AZ, where she discovered Anusara yoga and completed the first part of Anursara yoga teacher training. Kristin completed her 200-hour Hatha Vinyasa certification after moving to DC in March 2008. Kristin offers dynamic challenging classes integrating focus on alignment and intention.

Tara Davis
Tara Davis has a degree in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University in PA and holds certifications from NASM, AFAA and TRX. She has been in the fitness industry for over ten years. Tara teaches Real Ryder classes at VIDA. Get an awesome workout set to top 40's music - so much fun you won't realize how hard you are working! Tara is also the owner of The Bridal Bitch, a premier wedding planning company based in Washington, DC. If you are looking to shape up your body and your wedding, Tara is your girl! In her free time, Tara enjoys spending time at home with her two fur babies Romeo and Gadget and is a recent foster mom to two adorable yet mischievous kittens Alex and Athena.

Rick Deus
"Rick is Mad Dog certified cycling instructor and has been cycling for over six years. He enjoys mixing climbs, sprints and intervals with the latest dance music creating energizing and fun classes. Rick holds an MBA in Marketing and is a Senior Program Manager with AARP Services."

Caitlin Downs
Caitlin is an AFAA certified group fitness instructor and lifelong athlete. A former cross-country runner turned triathlete, she is now a full-time law student and adds high intensity cardio intervals to her training to save time but still get an awesome workout. She loves incorporating this type of interval training into her classes to challenge her participants to test their personal limits. Caitlin is convinced that every individual has the ability to build the life that he or she desires, and will encourage you to embrace and respect your power to do so..."because you were born this way, baby!"

Earla Duana
Earla Duana has been an AFAA certified fitness instructor since 2004, and is currently bringing new flavor to fitness with the Masala Bhangra Workout. This workout fuses traditional Punjabi folk dance with the exhilaration of Bollywood plus today's contemporary hip hop and R&B, giving it an urban edge.

Earla promises a high intensity, body toning, and calorie burning dance workout with a healthy dose of cultural enrichment as well. She is excited to be a part of VIDA Fitness, and her infectious enthusiasm is evident in every class.

Todd Dubenezic
Todd believes that Yoga is about self discovery.His goal for every class is that students feel better after class than they did before.Todd's classes are flow classes with an emphasis on breathing and alignment. Fun and inspiring music is played and students are encouraged to follow their own inner teacher.

Shirley Eggleston
Shirley Eggleston started her career in health and fitness at the YMCA, where she was inspired to become a Pilates Instructor. She is known for her personable, upbeat and energetic personality. Aside from love of fitness, her hobbies include music, dancing, and cooking.

Mike Ferens
Mike may have the longest record of cycling fitness teaching experience in Washington DC area gyms as he has taught non-stop since 1997. Mike sums up his philosophy of cycle group fitness teaching by stating, "I feel the best way to conduct a 45 to 60 minute cycling class is to capture the attention of the cycler with music selection and imagery. As a result, the cycler experiences an exciting, intense, and safe, work-out that flies by fast." Utilizing his musical performance experience, Mike selects music based on factors including popularity, trends, cadence, strong bass as well as, a few surprises that hopefully energize the ride (Oh, and it helps that he has a cheerleader niece who knows all the "in" music!). Mike often incorporates his own outdoor cycling and hiking experiences as a method to set the scenario and goal for the work-out all while providing reminders on correct posture and occasional satire (He likes to get a few laughs out of class too). Mike is certified in both Madd Dogg Athletics Spinning® Program Instructor and "Johnny G."

Ariele Foster
Ariele, DPT, E-RYT has been teaching yoga since 2001. She first practiced yoga in pre-school, thanks to her yogini grandma. She trained and lived as a resident volunteer through the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Ariele is also a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and has studied many yogic (Vinyasa, Prana Flow, Iyengar, Anusara) and complementary traditions and believes in a non-dogmatic practice with the goal of safe, healthy bodies. Music, dancing and joy are big influences! Her classes are flowing yet grounded in the compassionate style of Kripalu Yoga, emphasizing healthy alignment, creative movement and helpful hands-on adjustments. For more about Ariele (and her grandmother), visit http://sacredsourceyoga.com or facebook.com/SacredSourceYoga

Michael G
Michael became hooked on cycling after doing several local AIDS rides about 10 years while serving on the board of directors for the Whitman Walker Clinic. Not one for cycling outdoors during the summer, indoor cycling classses soon followed. He became a certifed instructor in 2008 and has been teaching classes at Vida. Michael is a full-time health policy researcher with Academy Health, the professional society for health services researchers and practitioners

Sue G
Sue brings a passion for fitness and high energy approach to her classes in Step, Bounce, Ball and VIDA Barre. An AFAA certified instructor since 2003, she incorporates innovative choreography and dynamic steps into her teaching practice. A social worker by day, Sue loves helping others reach their full potential.

Heidi Goldberg
Heidi loves everything about bikes and cycling and the fitness benefits associated with it. She has been a competitive road bike racer for the past eight years, working up to a category one classification. She raced on a professional team in 2007, roaming around the country competing in multi-day stage races. She has been teaching spin classes for the past three years and has also been a bike commuter for as long as she has been an adult (a long time). Heidi's classes emphasize strength and endurance building, and as a climber herself, she will encourage you to learn to love the hills. In her day job, Heidi works with cities around the country on social policy issues related to children, education, and antipoverty strategies.

Brad Golson
As a native Louisianan, Brad began spinning to escape the cold winter of DC and continue training for triathlons and marathons. After much success, he obtained his cycling instructor certification during spring 2011 and joined the Vida team shortly after. Brad brings his outdoor cycling training indoors to provide an intense and functional ride for anyone training for a race or just looking for a great workout. During the day, Brad utilizes his skills as a certified project manager (PMP) to manage a variety of project teams at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Robert Gonzales
As of July 27th 2010, I joined the fabulous team at VIDA’s as a cycling instructor. My experiences of teaching goes back as early as 1980’s, when I taught step and hi/lo in Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona was where I was born and raised until I relocated to Washington D.C. in November of 1994. When I arrived in D.C. I continued to teach step and hi/lo, but my true passion was in teaching cycling. I have been certified as a Spin Instructor through Maddog Athletics since 2004 and I am also a member of ICA, an indoor cycling association program, operated by Jennifer Sage. Every year I try to attend an indoor cycling conference to refresh my skills to teach a high effective class. When I’m not teaching I enjoy running, I have ran several marathons, one of them including the Marine Corps Marathon. When I’m not running or cycling my full time job is a hairdresser. Life is busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Sabina Grewal
Sabina discovered the ancient art of yoga in the Pacific Northwest, and since then her yoga path has been ever evolving. She studied Hatha Yoga on the island of Bali, Indonesia where she was certified by eclectic and passionate teachers, Ki McGraw and Bob Smith of the Hatha Yoga Center in Seattle. Her path led her to DC where she was drawn to power vinyasa yoga. She completed a 200 hour training in Power Vinyasa Yoga at Down Dog in Georgetown. She is passionate about yoga, and continually seeks to grow as a teacher and student of yoga. She is honored to serve her students and is committed to teaching with safety and body awareness. There are wonderful benefits to a yoga practice, clarity, spacious opening, lightness, free-flowing energy, well-being, flexibility, and strength among many -- she is delighted to share this powerful and healthy practice with you. Om Shanti.

Carly Hamburger
Carly received her Pilates training from Body Arts Science International and has been teaching Pilates for three years. She graduated with a degree in dance from the University of Maryland and is currently pursuing her Masters in Public Health at the George Washington University. Carly is also a certified massage therapist in DC and Maryland and has taught ballet for several years. Her classes are challenging, full-body workouts for all levels that build on her dance and massage therapy background.

Karen Holsendorff
Karen Holsendorff is known as the “TWISTED ONE”. Live, Love & Laugh is her motto. With an infectious smile and vivid personality Karen has been teaching indoor cycling classes for 4 years with a variety of music and enjoys it immensely. High impact cardio is her focal point,and let her tell it when she runs, “it’s like running from the devil”. She has a world recognized MAD DOGG Spinning Instructor Certification. Karen loves to share an abundance of high energy and mental stimulation, and is pursuing certifications in personal training & pilates.

Michael Huling
After spending many years looking at a very curious distance, Mike finally decided to enroll in a pilates reformer program. Within five minutes of being on the machine, he completely fell in love with reformer and had a new perspective and appreciation for what pilates can do for the mind, body and spirit. In 2009, Mike decided to make a positive career change and began his pilates reformer training with Michele Brodsky at CoreWorks in Maryland, in which he received his all-level reformer certification with Balanced Body®. In addition, Mike has also received his MVe pilates chair certification through PeakPilates®, as well as his personal trainer certification from AFAA® Mike’s classes are high energy, personalized, challenging, and above all positively focused. Mike is continually inspired, motivated and amazed by each of his client’s successes and is grateful to be part of their fitness experience.

Misook Issa

Leila Jade Levi

Leila is a certified Group Power instructor and Zumba instructor. She is from Miami Beach, FL and arrived to DC to go to law school in 2007. She soon joined Vida because its beautiful design reminded her of home. She quickly saw how Group Power improved her stress management and quality of life, and after a few years of taking the class, she became certified to teach VIDA Rx in 2010. She continues to see its positive effects on her body and state of mind, and hopes her class can help members reach their personal and fitness goals.

Salone Jones
Salone Jones is an advocate for health and fitness in low-income communities and youth programs. Ms. Jones is the founder of SalFitness. She is AFAA certified as a Group Fitness Specialist and Personal Trainer. Ms. Jones is a practitioner of functional training, a choreographer, and an online health columnist for SalFitBlog.com. Ms. Jones has been instructing group fitness classes for 5 years, and is employed as a group fitness instructor at a number fitness facilities in the Washington, DC area. Motivating and educating others to live a healthy life-style is what drives and inspires Ms. Jones.

Joshua Kaplan
Josh's Yoga path began in 2004, when he graduated from law school and (subconsciously) realized that he could benefit immensely from a regular Yoga practice to balance an otherwise hectic lifestyle. Josh's interest in Yoga led him to Key West, where he completed his 200-hour training. Since returning from Key West, he has enjoyed sharing his practice with students at Vida, in classes ranging from Vinyasa and Power Flow to Restorative Yoga. Josh's classes are all about mindfulness, whether it be mindfulness of the heart, the mind, or the body. His classes are focused on creating a space where his students can feel comfortable being themselves and practicing on whatever level they feel is appropriate for them. Josh hopes to create a place in which his students can discover themselves on their own terms, using their practice as a tool of self-exploration, challenge, and acceptance.

Cindy Kim
Cindy was first introduced to the practice of yoga in an Ashtanga class in a New York City Studio in 2001 and was immediately hooked. In 2008, after yoga helped her get through a rough patch in her life, she was inspired to complete the 200-hour YogaWorks teacher training in order to impart that same sense of solidity to others. In her teaching, Cindy seeks to find an integrated and playful balance between strength, flexibility, and alignment. Cindy's classes will challenge you physically and mentally while encouraging you to find joy and stillness in your body and mind. Off the mat, Cindy received her Master's in Social Work from Columbia University and currently runs her own psychotherapy private practice in Dupont Circle, www.cindykimtherapy.com. Namaste!

Lewis King
I am a personal trainer & instructor. I've been in the fitness business for over ten years and counting. I teach a variety of classes such as Boot Camp, Total Body Condition, Les Mills Body Pump, Cardio Tone & Abs Class. I love improving the lives of people through fitness & health. I am AFAA, NASM, Kettle Bell Concept 1 & 2 concept Certified. I always tell my clients/members I am in the sexy people business.

Aspen Lagman
Aspen Lagman is a Madd Dog Certified Spinning Instructor and has always been active in sports and fitness – playing softball, tennis, running, outdoor cycling, flag football, and top golfing. She is currently training for her first half marathon in March 2012 for the DC Rock & Roll Marathon. Spinning has positively benefited her physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her goal is to inspire others to live an active, happy, and healthy lifestyle. Aspen holds a BA in Communications from George Mason University and is an Account Executive with CBS Radio.

Healther Lee
Heather Lee is a Madd Dog Certified Spinning instructor with several years of experience with indoor and outdoor cycling. She is well known for her electro themed music, designed to motivate and inspire participants to stretch themselves to the limits. Heather believes that working out and eating right, is the nucleus to a healthy life, facilitating an environment of balance for the mind, body and spirit.

Lisa Ling
Lisa Ling is a certified personal trainer with NASM, certified group exercise and kickboxing instructor with AFAA, certified TRX instructor, certified spinning instructor with Mad Dogg, certified RealRyder instructor, and certified in CPR and AED. Lisa has 6 years of experience as an instructor and teaches several formats, as well as working as a personal trainer at Vida Verizon Center. Lisa also has a B.S. in Health Science from Marymount University and a M.S. in Forensic Science from Staffordshire University in the UK. Lisa was born and raised in Sweden but moved to the US in 2001 and has been in the DC area ever since.

Chloe M
After gaining a certification in Personal Training from NESTA , Chloe' went to her first group exercise class . After taking the class she thought to herself " Hmmm, I do believe I can teach group classes . " After doing research , she went on the receive her General Group Exercise Instruction certification from AFAA . From there she snowballed into numerous certifications , Boxing Fitness ( Boxing Fitrnees Institute ) / Yoga 200 RYT ( YogaFit ) / MADD Dogg Cycling / GCNM Nutritional Counselor . Chloe's wit , personality and creativity make her classes easy to enjoy and stay motivated in. Keeping people both excited and motivated with exercise is her joy .

Next up : Pilates Mat , Pilates Reformer and Gravity .

Hansen Mak
Originally from California, Hansen began his love for spinning while training during the cold winter weather for an outdoor race from SF to LA. After moving to DC, he continued to spin avidly and and obtained his certification in 2009 to bring an intense style of spinning to his classes that focus on the total body, while keeping your adrenaline pumping with the latest remixes. In addition to spinning, he also instructs other classes such as boot camp and Zumba. During the day, he brings his former years of military experience into the national security arena, with emphasis on international affairs.

Diane Miller
Diane Miller started to ride bikes as an adult in 1999 to complete the NC to DC AIDS Ride. She fell in love with riding, did not give up her daily commute to work (even the day after the AIDS Ride), and eventually started racing when friends convinced her to give it a try. Bike racing led her to train in Durango, CO and Tucson, AZ and she raced in Mt. Hood, OR, Los Gatos, CA, and the Bermuda to name a few. Diane raced as an elite- level category two roadie and loved completing multi-day stage races like the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic. Diane has spent many, many hours training indoors as well as outdoors and continues to ride (and race some) with Squadra Coppi. She is a certified personal trainer and is constantly expanding her knowledge of health and fitness. Other interests include: triathlon, running, dance (especially salsa) and yoga. Diane is excited to be teaching Ryder classes at Vida and adds that her classes will be focused not only on having fun and pushing the limits of one's body, but also on technique and form.

Sarah Milsom
Sarah has danced all her life and has been active in the DC dance community since 2001. She danced and competed with the George Washington University dance team and was a member of the Capital Movement Dance Company. She is an experienced dance group fitness instructor and has been teaching exercise dance classes in the area for over five years. Sarah constantly mixes up her routines and finds the latest hit music to keep her class new and exciting. Her classes are designed to provide a high-energy cardio workout for anyone who likes to move to a beat.

Kelly Moyers
I started teaching fitness when I moved to DC in 2007, active duty Coast Guard, teaching is something I do part time bec I love it so much, You'll find me in the group ex studio, cycle room, or training clients on the top floor, but prolly not so much in the inner fitness studio ;) I love high energy classes and I like to have fun while working out.

Jen Ney

Jennifer Ney is a competitive rower who discovered many years ago that indoor cycling was the perfect cross-training exercise to compliment her rowing workouts. Cycle Reebok certified, Jen is an advocate for using multiple disciplines to strengthen the whole body and improve in your sport or exercise of choice. Jen understands the dynamics of training and competition, and she enjoys creating workouts that can challenge and motivate athletes of all levels, skill and experience.

Jennifer Padgett
Jennifer Padgett is a group exercise instructor with over 13 years of experience bringing her special brand of energy, intensity, and wit to her classes. Although she is best known for her creative step choreography, she teaches 11 group-exercise disciplines, including Zumba, Urban Striptease, cycle, cardio kickboxing, hi/low, VIDA Body, and yoga. Jen believes that fitness isn't about reaching perfection; it's about making steady progress toward your goals.

Jamal Pender
My body is a Temple" Is a principal Jamal chose to live by at an early age. A fitness enthusiast from early childhood Budokon Instructor Jamal Pender began his Martial arts training at the age of 5 in Harlem, NY. In 2005 after relocating to Montreal, Canada Jamal discovered the art of Budokon by Cameron Shayne (the evolution of Yoga & Martial Arts) and became the first Budokon Instructor in the Province of Ontario training Celebrities like 7 time WWE Wrestling Champion Trish Stratus. In 2008 Jamal became the highest ranking Budokon Sensei in Canada. In 2010 Jamal and His Family returned to MVA and is currently one of the highest ranking Budokon instructors in the region.

Gregg Pitts
Gregg Pitts began indoor cycling in 2007 to “get in better shape” and worked to lose over 60 pounds. Today, fitness is incorporated completely as a part of his daily life. He obtained his cycling instructor certification in early 2009 and recently joined the VIDA team in the spring of 2011. Gregg looks forward to competing in his first triathlon in the summer of 2011 and first marathon in the fall. Residing in Washington, DC for 6 years, Gregg previously worked as Director of the White House Travel Office, where he managed the White House charter aircraft operations worldwide. Currently, Gregg is Senior Advisor to Air Partner, the world leading private jet and charter aircraft provider.

Kip Plaisted
Kip recently moved to DC from Maine and is excited to be a member of the VIDA staff. He is certified in VIDA Rx, Zumba, VIDA Body and Bounce. He loves delivering a strong fitness program that keeps you moving, laughing, and improving your life.

April Puciata
After teaching yoga for almost 10 years in New York City at studios such as Ishta Yoga, Yoga Works, and New York Yoga, April is now teaching in the Washington DC area. She is thrilled to be part of the Ishta Teaher Training team at Thrive Yoga in Rockville, MD, where she is teaching both the 200 and 300 hour programs. She is also teaching classes and special workshops at Flow Yoga, Yoga Fusion and Vida Fitness MD and at Flow Yoga Center located in Dupont Circle in Washington DC.

Lola Pyne
Lola is a Zumba Fitness instructor and a firm believer in the power of dance. She delivers a high-energy, easy-to-follow, dance-fitness workout set to a variety of rhythms with a extras dose of Brazilian music which is her favorite. As founder of Jinga Dance Fitness, she teaches classes and performs at area cultural events encouraging participants to set aside time let go and have fun amidst the pressures of everyday life. Her Zumba classes are a celebration of music, dance, and life ensuring participants have fun while getting an effective workout.

Erick Ruiz
Hi, I'm Erick. My parents are from El Slvador, but I was born here. I started Zumba about two years ago and it has forever changed my LIFE and I started teaching about a year ago. I was this big kid and I decided it was about time to make a change. I had a personal trainer for a minute and I shed some LBS, but that costs dinero (money). So, I started working at the "Y" in DC and discovered Zumba. Rather, IT discovered me. You know how there are people on the infomercials with the before and after pics you swear are two diffrent people? That's so me!!!! I've made such a change it's unrecognizable. Thanks to Zumba, I've shaked my rump into a nice healthy healthier one. Honestly, I've had so much fun and it's the one good addiction you'll want. So get ready to Sike your mind and Shake your B'hind. Some one said that to me once.

Alaina Sadick

Alaina is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) who recently joined to Vida team. She turned to yoga to regain strength and manage pain after a car accident 7 years ago and found it to be an even greater source of healing in other aspects of her life—relieving stress and anxiety and allowing her to approach life in a healthier, happier way. She is dedicated to sharing the profound benefits of the practice with others and strives to make classes accessible, healing, and fun.

Alaina is passionate about new music and weaves together her creative, flowing, sequences around unique playlists. She draws from several schools of yoga in her teaching, leaning towards styles that emphasize the connection between breath and movement.

Marshall Sanders
Marshall is drawn to the divine practice of Ashtanga Yoga. Ashtanga blends a powerful sequence of asanas and breath to discover a life of personal awareness, endurance, and a quiet healthy mind. Marshall began teaching in 2007 after studying at Tranquil Space in Washington, DC and was certified in Baton Rouge, Louisiana specializing in Ashtanga. In 2010, Marshall became a certified Rocket Teacher from the It's Yoga system of yoga, a progressive, free-flowing style based on the Ashtanga system that features poses ranging from the Primary Series to the more Advanced Series. During class, Marshall encourages each student to embrace their own unique journey by gracefully finding stillness in the most challenging moments and being open to the transformation possible through the life-changing practice of yoga.

Bobby Schmidt
I'm a life long fitness guru that has a wide range of exercise experience. A variety of Cardio, endurance and weightlifting have been a major part of my life. Currently I'm certified to teach spin; personal training is in the near future. The key to Successful results from your workout is to enjoy your time at the gym and to change the exercises and routine frequently.

Niyati Shah
Niyati Shah has been teaching yoga and pranayama for over a decade in the DC area. Her classes focus on alignment, creative flow and the cultivation of energy through breath and mindfulness. She teaches vinyasa, yin and restorative yoga and also conducts specialty workshops focusing on relief from anxiety and insomnia. Niyati also teaches at Tranquil Space, where she received her certification. She is grateful to hear teachers and students for giving her the opportunity to create a space for growth and peace.

Sean Smith
Sean has been a certified cycling instructor in DC for ten years. He loves indoor cycling, calling it “the best and most efficient cardio exercise.” His classes emphasize building strength and endurance. He always pushes students to go beyond their comfort zones and “to make the most of their ride.”

Laura T

Laura started practicing yoga 13 years ago at the same time she started training in tae kwon do as a way of keeping her flexible and injury-free as a martial artist. Five years ago she completed her black belt journey without injury and continues to take black belt and sparring classes to this day. She credits her longevity as a martial artist to her daily practice of yoga that has developed her flexibility, focus and resilience. Laura is a 200-hour Yoga Alliance registered teacher trained in vinyasa yoga at Tranquil Space. In addition, she studied at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts for an 85- hour certification in Yoga of the Heart, a specialty for yoga teachers to adapt yoga practices to the special needs of people living with heart disease, cancer and other life challenging diseases. Laura is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Most recently, she completed level one Reiki training at the Center for Integrative Medicine in Washington DC. Reiki is a system of still touch (not massage) that when applied to the body starts a process of relaxation, that encourages balance throughout the entire system. Laura's special interest is in teaching athletes to use yoga to prevent injury and/or recover from sports-related injuries. Her teaching style emphasizes using the breath to connect the mind and the body in invigorating yoga sequences that open the seven chakras (energy centers) in the body. Laura believes in the body’s inate healing abilities and in using yoga as a vehicle to maintain good physical, mental and emotional health. She uses deep relaxation exercises in class to cultivate a calm mind and heart and makes yoga philosophy and practices accessible to her students by encouraging them to integrate yoga into their daily lives.

Annette Tapia-Cornet
Annette has been with Vida since 2008, and teaches yoga, pilates mat, and Vida Rx. She has an additional background in dance. Her classes combine a relaxed teaching style with focus on body alignment. She firmly believes in the power of movement as healing.

Tyler Termeer
Tyler joined the Vida Instructor team in March 2011. He has been a certified indoor cycle instructor since 2008. In addition to indoor cycle he is an avid road cyclist, training year round for an annual 565 mile charity ride down the coast of California benefiting people living with HIV/AIDS. Outside of the Vida fitness world, Tyler works for a National HIV nonprofit, advocating for the advancement of social equity among all people.

Shirley Tune
Sharon Tune has 14+ years of teaching experience. She is a certified through AFFA for Step, Kardio-Kickbox, Hi-lo and Personal Trainer. Her speciality classes are Kardio Kickbox and Step, but she also teaches Cycle and Hi-LO. Sharon enjoys traveling and riding her motorcycle on her leisure time.

M. Cristina von Spiegelfeld
Cristina is an AFAA-certified group fitness instructor and has been teaching Zumba since 2006. She has also taught cardio belly dance and strength training classes, and is an avid runner. As a first-time mother, an attorney, and an instructor, she encourages her students to make fitness a priority and to find creative ways to fit an active lifestyle into a busy schedule.

Kevin Waldorf
Kevin encourages his students to tap into their individual brilliance, strength, vitality, and wisdom. He began his teaching journey in 2002 and is currently the director of teacher training at Tranquil Space. He leads workshops on teaching yoga, psychology, mindfulness, partner-yoga, and personal growth. His teaching style is influenced by: Cyndi Lee, Darren Main, Baron Baptiste, Shiva Rea, and Ana Forrest. Kevin holds an MSW from Catholic University of America (2005). Currently, he works HIV+ adults at Whitman-Walker Health. He is also a Licensed Massage Therapist and trained at the Potomac Massage Training Institute (2011).

G. Bernard Wandel
Bernie is a student of John Schumacher and Judith Lasater. He practices Iyengar Yoga and teaches what he knows, feels, and believes. "I practice what I teach. I like to celebrate the body and all of it's nuances. From the Iyengar practice I have learned precision of form with the exploration of subtlety. You are not your body but you must live in it for a time so I use the practice of asana to bring me to a place of ease. There is a sense of individuality amongst the multitudes when doing asana that awakens in this practice. Ones' ability to focus grows with attention. Attention begins with awareness. Awareness is the first step towards integration. Practice does not make perfection as we are already perfect, practice allows us to come to a place where we can be amongst one another with ease."

M.C. Wolfe
M.C., RYT-200, was taught to meditate as a small child, and was first introduced to yoga in her mid-teens by a family friend and Kundalini practitioner as a holistic approach to repairing damage caused by childhood injuries and chronic illness. Over the course of the next several years she drifted in and out of studios, gyms and classrooms experimenting with various forms of asana practice until finally finding a comfortable home in Vinyasa yoga. After experiencing the mental and physical benefits of regular practice first hand, a natural desire to share good things and a genetic predisposition to teach led her to seek out a yoga teaching certification. M.C. enjoys sharing her love of yoga with students of all levels, paying particularly close attention to alignment and breath but still allowing room for laughter. Off the mat M.C. is an artist and performer with a deep love of music. She shares this passion by creating playlists for her classes, mixing traditional and contemporary songs to the help feel the flow and make breathing a little easier.

Andrea Wuebker
Andrea is a LeMond certified cycling instructor and has been teaching in DC for the past five years. She is also a USAT Coach Level 1, and has competed in triathlons for the past ten years, including three Ironman events. She has coached cycling for Team Lipstick in DC, regularly leads DC Trithalon offseason clinics, and routinely participates in the DC cycling community.

Alex Z
As a Certified Personal Trainer and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength Professional Association since 1998, Alex specializes in weight loss programs, nutrition counseling and custom training routines. He enjoys challenging and encouraging his clients/members to surpass their physical and mental boundaries threw his certifed instruction in cardio kickboxing, Zumba and spinning.

"A strong and gorgeous outside strengthens the inside"

Sean Zimmermaker
An urban yogi and yoga instructor who uses humor and simplicity to keep it real and make yoga accessible for anyone. Multiple injuries led Sean to adopt a consistent yoga practice back in 2004. His regular practice has explored various styles including Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Bikram, and Baptiste Power Vinyasa. He has his E-RYT 200hr certification with Yoga Alliance and is currently pursuing his 500hr certification. Sean's classes are accessible for any level, from novice to seasoned practitioner. His classes are based upon the Baptiste Power Vinyasa style, linking breath and movement with determination and inspiration. He infuses a disciplined practice with lightheartedness and fun. Be prepared to work, sweat, discover yourself, and find the freedom to laugh at yourself.