Faces of Fitness is a monthly feature highlighting our incredible Group Exercise instructors. This is a platform to discover their classes, teaching style, and their passion for inspiring others through fitness. We’re thrilled to introduce our outstanding instructors and the Y’s diverse group exercise offerings.

Left to right: Linda Hamilton, Heather Gauer, Dodie Hartmann

Meet Linda, Heather & Dodie

“Teaching motivates me! It gives me purpose. It’s a positive part of my life that I will always maintain.”

From Dodie’s foundational 30 years starting at a New York YMCA to Heather’s solid 8 years and Linda’s still-counting journey, this group brings a diverse range of instructor experience to pool and our Aqua Fitness program!

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Get to Know our Aqua Fitness Instructors!

What was your initial motivation for becoming a fitness instructor?
Dodie: My story starts way back. I started out as a fitness instructor 30 years ago at a YMCA in New York. I relocated to Illinois 7 years ago and have currently been teaching for about 6 months.
Heather: 8 years this month!
Linda: Not sure!
What's your favorite aspect of teaching fitness classes?
Dodie: Feeling strong, motivated and healthy! Seeing people benefiting from showing up to class regularly and all of the ENERGY that happens in a group fitness class!
Heather: When someone tells me that they are able to do something they weren’t able to do before! That makes me so happy!
Linda: Seeing people have fun while they are doing something good for themselves.
Describe your teaching style in one sentence.
Dodie: Being present in each class through motivational multilevel teaching so that each person benefits at their own level as well as having fun!
Heather: You have to have fun while you sweat!
Linda: eeing people have fun while they are doing something good for themselves.
How do you measure the success of your fitness classes?
Dodie: From all of the smiles looking back at me during class!
Heather: When participants return week after week! There’s nothing more rewarding than that!
Linda: Smiling faces!
How does teaching group-ex classes impact your own fitness journey?
Dodie: Teaching motivates me! It keeps me youthful and gives me a purpose. It’s definitely a feel good, positive part of my life that I will always maintain.
Heather: Every week, I’m in front of a group of people trusting me to lead an effective workout. I have to try to be my best self!
Linda: Keeps me moving and motivated.
What's some advice you would give to a new class participant?
Dodie: My advice is always just to keep moving those feet no matter what the class is doing and to have fun with it!
Heather: It always takes more than one class to feel comfortable. Also, no one is watching you except the instructor and she thinks you’re doing great!
Linda: Do what you can and don’t give up!
Tell us about a highlight moment in your fitness instructor journey.
Dodie: 6 months ago, I came to aqua class because I had a lower back injury. the class I took was helping me to feel better. a few classes later, I came, and there was no instructor. A few of the ladies in the class said I should teach the class. I saw there was a need. Long story short, I renewed my certifications and now I am officially teaching again which is something I will always be passionate about.
Heather: I taught my classes through two pregnancies!
Linda: There are so many good things that have happened over the years that it’s hard to pick one!
What's a fun fact about you?
Dodie: I am a huge cyclist and love to ride! I did a century ride and felt so accomplished!
Heather: I almost went to law school!
Linda: I don’t dance… not at all!
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