Group Fitness

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About Our Instructors

All Campus Recreation Group Fitness Instructors are CPR/AED certified, and many hold nationally recognized group fitness certifications. Instructors have previous group fitness leadership experience prior to hiring, or have completed the Campus Recreation in-house Instructor Training Program before instructing.

Help Wanted!

If you are interested in teaching for Campus Recreation, contact Eric Appiah 815-753-9421 to set up an interview.

We are looking to hire individuals who:

  • Have their personal training certifications or are working toward their certifications
  • Are energetic and motivational
  • Are reliable and responsible
  • Have a passion for fitness and wellness

GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR WORKSHOP: Learn how to become a group fitness instructor. Workshop takes place in Spring, 2013. For more info e-mail Leanne Kulchawik or 815-753-9460.

Meet Our Team


Mary Beth Henning

Hometown: Lambertville, Michigan
College of Education
Certification: AFAA Group Exercise Instructor
Classes taught:
Sculpt & Stretch and Cycle
Favorite form of exercise: Cycling
Fun fact: Scottish dancer

 

Mary Beth
Kristi Patenaude
Hometown: Carol Stream
Major: Physical Therapy (Minor: Public Health)
Certification: NIU’s Instructor Training Program
Classes taught: Belly Dancing & Abs, Glutes, and Thighs
Favorite form of exercise: Dance
Kristi

Jen Beshansky
Hometown: Mokena, IL
Major: Public Relations
Certification: Les Mills Body Combat
Classes taught: Body Combat and Cycle Favorite form of exercise: Any group fitness class, of course! I love working out with friends, it is way more fun!
Fun fact: I used to be a competitive dancer, and I danced in Disney Land twice :)
Jen

Deborah Brandt
Hometown: Pacific Grove, Ca.
Major: Psychology/Horticulture
Certifications: Reiki, Ohashiatsu Shiatsu, Apprentice schooled yoga/15 years as a teacher
Group Fitness Class: Hatha Yoga
Favorite form of exercise: Yoga/Walking/Gardening
Fun fact: I have a Japanese Koi pond
Debbie

Christine Lagattolla
Hometown: Mt. Prospect, IL
Major: MS Educational Psychology, BS Physical Education
Certification: PiYo and Svaroopa Yoga Foundations
Classes taught: Yoga and various toning classes
Favorite form of exercise: Vinyasa yoga and running
Fun fact: I served in the Marine Corps
Christine
Emily Peloquin
Hometown: Frankfort, Il
Major: Human Resource Management
Certification: Les Mills Body Combat
Classes taught: Body Combat and Abs
Favorite form of exercise: Cardio and Toning
Fun fact: I am the youngest of 4 and first to go to college in my family.
Emily Peloquin

Jordan Habenschuss

Hometown: Homewood, Il
Major: Communications - Media Studies
Classes taught: Dance Fusion
Why Do You Love Group Fitness: Group Fitness is fun because I get to be with my friends and I barely notice I'm working out.
Fun fact: My favorite color is glitter!

Jordan

Kylah

Hometown: Chicago, Il
Major: Acting
Classes taught: Zumba, Hip Hop Fusion
Favorite form of exercise: Dancing, Running
Fun fact: Once attended a Square Dance Convention (it was awesome!)

Kylah

Kristin Ewald

Hometown: Ottawa, Il
Major: Physical Therapy
Classes taught: CPR & AED
Why Do You Love Group Fitness:I love group fitness because it’s a time where I can do something I love and let go of all my stress. I get to know good people that love to work out just as much as I do!                                   

 

Kristin

Lynn Herrmann

Hometown: Park Ridge, Il
Certifications: American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Instructor, Zumba, PiYo, MVe Pilates, American Heart Association CPR and First Aid 
Classes taught: Zumba, PiYop, and Core Express
Why Do You Love Group Fitness: I enjoy getting to know participants and fellow instructors. For many people, group fitness is a chance to get fit, socialize, and de-stress. As an instructor, I’m glad I can help participants accomplish these things!

Lynn

Olivia Rajaska

Hometown: Algonquin, Il
Major: Fashion Merchandising
Classes taught: Pilates
Why Do You Love Group Fitness:It's a fun way to have intense workouts with your friends
Fun fact: I'm 100% Polish

Olivia