Meet the Instructors

Meet our fun and enthusiastic group fitness instructors!

Leadership Team

Kate

Graduate Program Assistant of GF

About Kate

“I believe all people have a type of exercise that they can fall in love with, and it’s all about finding it!”

Rachel

Graduate Program Assistant of GF

About Rachel

Formats they teach: Cycling, LM CORE, BOOTCAMP, HIIT

“I am a master’s student in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. I enjoy connecting with people through fitness!”

Janey

Undergraduate Program Assistant of GF

About Janey

Formats they teach: Cycle

“I am a senior studying marketing here at UIUC and I have been a cycling instructor for 1 year now.”

Group Fitness Instructors

Alejandro

About Alejandro

Formats they teach: LesMills BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK, CORE, SPRINT, GRIT

“I’ve taught group fitness since 2016. I also works on campus as the Senior Associate Director for Student Engagement and Advisor for Illinois Student Government.”

Ana

About Ana

Formats they teach: BodyCombat, Cycling

“As a group fitness instructor, a scholar, and as an educator I want to inspire. I want my students to know that they can be great in whatever they aspire to be. Each time you leave my class you will know that you can also surpass your goals in life.”

Andy

About Andy

Formats they teach: Body Pump, Water aerobics, HICT, Bootcamp

“I am a graduate student in Pathobiology finishing up my PhD. I love attending and teaching group fitness.”

Audrey

About Audrey

Formats they teach: Cycle

I have been teaching cycling classes since I was 16 years old. I customize each of my classes by incorporating great music and fun music videos to give you the best workout possible! I can’t wait to move, sweat, and get that endorphin rush into you.

Caroline

About Caroline

Formats they teach: Cycle

“I’ve always been passionate about fitness. I got into cycling in my hometown when I started taking classes at Cyclebar, and eventually became an instructor there. Can’t wait to see you in my class!”

Casey

About Casey

Formats they teach: Yoga

“I enjoy teaching gentle/vinyasa classes with breathwork and guided meditation. I strive to provide a well-rounded class, that is accessible to everyone, to guide your yoga practice to meet you exactly as you are.”

Claire

About Claire

Formats they teach: Workout in Water (WOW)

“I am a licensed massage therapist and am a master trainer for WaterART International. I am also a water personal trainer, senior, arthritis and rehabilitation specialist with 11 certifications in many areas of water exercise.”

Danielle

About Danielle

Formats they teach: Stretch and Flow, Cycling, Strength

“I am a student majoring in Food Science and Human Nutrition. I love teaching group fitness and being able to connect with participants!”

Emmitt

About Emmitt

Formats they teach: Cycle

“I’m a senior majoring in Community Health. I started out at Campus Rec as a summer intern, and my exposure to the variety of group fitness classes led me to pursuit a career here as a cycling instructor. The diversity and inclusivity in this environment is unlike anything I’ve experienced before, and it has helped me grow as a student, an instructor and a friend.”

Geet

About Geet

Formats they teach: Zumba, Cycle, Barre

“I love teaching group fitness. The reason is simple: Every class feels like a party! Come join me, I guarantee you will have a blast! Got questions, don’t hesitate to drop me a message!”

Isiah

About Isiah

Formats they teach: HICT

Jaclyn

About Jaclyn

Formats they teach: Vinyasa Flow

“I began attending vigorous vinyasa classes in the hopes of discharging stress. Now I teach in order to support and empower people to practice self-inquiry.”

Jacquie

About Jacquie

Formats they teach: Ladies Who Lift, Pop Dance

“I believe our bodies are worthy and lovable no matter what shape, size, or capability. Although we all have different physical goals, learning to accept and love our bodies should always be part of our ultimate fitness plan.  I like to encourage people to move in whatever form they enjoy.”

Jeanne

About Jeanne

Formats they teach: Water Aerobics

Jennifer

About Jennifer

Formats they teach: Les Mills CORE, RPM, BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, and Barre Above

“I have been teaching group fitness for more than 5 years. I love moving to the music, meeting and connecting with the participants, and continuously learning new ways to inspire and motivate people to get up and stay active.”

Jennifer

About Jennifer

Formats they teach: Zumba

“I have been participating in Zumba for many years, but decided to start teaching to a small group of friends when the gyms shut down over COVID and love teaching!”

Leah

About Leah

Formats they teach: Cycle

“I’m a senior at UIUC majoring in psychology with a concentration in behavioral neuroscience. I have been teaching cycling for the past 2 years and love it!”

Marisa

About Marisa

Formats they teach: Cycle

“I am an undergrad studying Clinical/Community Psychology with a minor in Spanish. I am very passionate about fitness and helping others which is why becoming an instructor for cycling has been such an incredible, fun, and rewarding experience. I also enjoy listening to music and spending time with my family, friends, and dogs!”

Mark

About Mark

Formats they teach: BODYATTACK, BODYCOMBAT

“I am currently a school social worker in Rantoul IL and have been teaching group fitness for 2 years. I am happy to inspire participants to lead healthy lives through fun and interactive workouts!”

Melanie

About Melanie

Formats they teach: Zumba and Zumba Step

“I have been a Zumba instructor for almost 6 years. I am in love with dancing and Zumba because not only is it a workout, but it’s a way to relieve stress. As an instructor, my priority is to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves!”

Rebecca

About Rebecca

Formats they teach: Cycling

Sophia

About Sophia

Formats they teach: Ladies Who Lift, yoga, BARRE, HIIT

“I have a passion for all things health and fitness! I love helping others feel like the strongest version of themselves.”

Stephanie

About Stephanie

Formats they teach: Strength

“I am studying for a degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition. I started weight training 6 years ago, and I am excited to share my passion for fitness with everyone at campus recreation!”

Vivianne

About Vivianne

Formats they teach: Yoga

“This genderfluid human loves to create spaces for others to go inward & self reflect. In a world where we are so fast-paced, I enjoy finding soft pockets where we can safely & bravely explore what our bodies & minds are trying to share with us.”