Colleen is a rockstar instructor in Wisconsin and the Wellness Coordinator at the Heart of the Valley YMCA. This talented group fitness instructor has taught a ton of different formats and motivates her members through health and wellness. Read more about Colleen in her interview below!
Q: Tell us about yourself – what do you do when you’re not teaching? What are your hobbies? What other formats do you teach? Give us a little on your background.
A: I am the Wellness Coordinator at the Heart of the Valley YMCA in Kimberly, Wisconsin. I have been a certified Group Exercise Instructor for 14 years and teaching classes is the best part of my job! Over the years I have taught a variety of classes: Step, Hi-lo Cardio, Bosu, Water, Strength and Resistance and Cardio Funk. BollyX is hands down the most fun class I have ever lead! In addition to BollyX twice a week I currently teach a Strength & Resistance class.
When I am not teaching classes I am in the Wellness Center working on the front lines with members and growing and motivating my staff. My job allows me to work in a positive environment that is about people, exercise and wellness – I am very lucky! Off the job I love to connect with family & friends, read, garden and run my dog, Dana (Golden Retriever).
Q: How would you describe BollyX in one word?
A: It’s a……. BLAST!!!!!!
Q: What is your favorite part of BollyX class?
A: The warm up….. it’s when I make a connection and bring everyone’s energy to the surface. It’s fun to see participants transform once they start moving and smiling.
Q: How has working with BollyX changed you or your lifestyle?
A: BollyX has really stretched me as an Instructor. It has tapped into my fun side, challenged my body and increased my confidence. I am in the best shape of my life at 49! I have lost body fat and gained more strength since starting BollyX just 6 months ago.
Q: How long have you been with BollyX and what inspired you to join the community?
A: Funny story…….. I sort of fell into BollyX. I attended Midwest Mania Chicago last September with my Director. We hadn’t been to convention in a while and wanted to check out the latest industry trends and maybe bring home something new and exciting to our YMCA. My schedule of workshops did not include BollyX – I had never heard of it. While strolling the Expo halls between sessions I was drawn in to the BollyX booth by the music and apparently very fun presenters (Clara, Minal and Meredith) As I watched them demo I thought “ I want to try that!” I approached the booth to check it out and discovered that a BollyX session was soon to start. I ran to the registration area to change my schedule. And now here I am!
Q: What is your favorite BollyX song to teach?
A:That’s a tough one….. I love so many! At this time it would have to be Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan because it is my class’ favorite. They often request it and they bring so much energy to it I get swept up.
Q: Where do you teach BollyX?
A: Heart of the Valley YMCA
Take a class with Colleen in Wisconsin: FIND A CLASS HERE