Stephanie Jagoda

Group Fitness Instructor

Stephanie Jagoda is a group fitness instructor with a certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). During her classes, participants focus on training different muscle groups with combined exercises which include the use of rowers for endurance, treadmills for cardio, and strength training for power.

Stephanie has always had a love for health and fitness, and what they do for our minds. She enjoys movements in all aspects of her life, and is thankful to have a career based around movement. Her happiness is found in helping others, especially throughout their health transformations. For Stephanie, fitness is an antidepressant. The health benefits of exercise have impacted Stephanie so greatly that she now dedicates herself to walking along others and boosting their self-confidence and productivity.

  “It got me out of my body image issues. I realized how much I loved running. The more I ran, the more my appetite was stimulated.”

   - Stephanie Jagoda

Stephanie believes that the biggest benefits of training in a class setting are a result of the positive environment that is built up of people with similar goals.

Accountability

Having workout buddies that you can look forward to seeing at each class is a huge motivator. On those days when you don’t feel like waking up early and going to the gym, it is encouraging to know that you have the ability to motivate others to push through their workout. You can even have a designated accountability partner that you check in with weekly, and who also helps you stay on track.

Community

Focus on being fully present during your group exercise classes. Allow the endurance and dedication of others to serve as a reminder of what you are working towards. You have all come to the same place at the same time, for the same purpose. Remember that you have a whole group of people that sympathize with how tired and sore you may be, and they most likely feel the same way. The person next to you may embody what you aspire to work towards on your fitness journey. Let others be a source of motivation during your group fitness classes.

Proper Instruction

Attending group fitness classes will not only expand your knowledge of various exercises and workout equipment, but it will also improve your form and allow for any corrections that need to be made. As you exercise, it is very difficult to maintain the correct force, form, and strength, all while maintaining a steady breathing pattern. With an instructor, or personal trainer, you can progress through your workout with the comfort of knowing that you are properly and effectively training your body.

Celebration

Before, during, and after group fitness classes, you have the ability to celebrate others and motivate them. Not only does this enhance the feeling of a close community, but it also encourages attendees to continue returning because they feel supported on their health journey. Cheering others on and complimenting their hard work makes them want to continue to attend group fitness classes and to push onward when they lack motivation.

1. “Give yourselves a lot of grace.”

It is not easy to begin or to always find the motivation to workout and remain consistent. The first mile on your fitness journey is the hardest, but once you take off, the rest is not so daunting.

   2. “Rest days are important.”

Rest days do not have to mean doing nothing, but rather doing a limited amount. After consecutive or heavy cardio days, try a more relaxed day of light lifting or leisure walking. Allow your body to regain the energy that it lost as you exercised and strained your body.

   3. “Find a partner that’s a little crazier than you to keep you going."

Having a friend that takes exercises just as seriously as you do may be the key to making fitness a lifestyle rather than a phase. Find a partner who will push you to be your best and celebrate your successes with you. Someone that will keep you accountable and, no matter rain or shine, will be there training by your side.

   4. “Just have fun with it.”

In the end, you will not see results or be able to remain consistent if your heart's not in it and you do not truly want to be exercising. Enjoy the time that you are given to exercise and see what your body is capable of when you push it to train harder each and every day. The time that you exercise is only a small fraction of your week. Be present in that time and be proud of yourself for making the choice to begin your health journey and to challenge yourself.