Group Exercise

YWCA Group Exercise

The YWCA Wellness staff brings a breadth of knowledge and certifications across all exercise platforms and personal training.  We offer a diverse schedule appealing to all ages with expertise instruction making all classes accessible to all fitness populations. Come in and try some of our amazing classes including Yoga, Barre, Pilates, Fit for All (strength/dance/interval), Group Strength, Cardio HIIT, Spin, Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, Aquacise, Aquatic Yoga to name a few.   All classes are suitable for multiple fitness levels with modifications provided.

Meet the Staff:

Ilene Harnch-Grady, Health and Wellness/EncoreDirector:  Ilene has been in the health and wellness field for 43 years acquiring my first group exercise certification from the American Fitness Association of America in 1980.  Over the course of the last four decades, I have expanded my training to include certifications and Master Training modules in Personal Training, Stott Pilates, Boston Barre,  Registered Yoga Teacher, Body Pump, Arthritis Foundation Master Training (Water/Land),  Zumba Gold,  Spin, YWCA Encore Leadership Program to name a few.  In my current role as the Health & Wellness/Encore Director, I am able to continue to do what I love teaching a variety of classes with a special fondness for special populations including seniors and those with a cancer diagnosis, and providing private/semi-private personal training.  Sharing in individuals’ success in their health and wellness endeavors remains one of the high points and blessings in my current role.

Dianne B: Dianne has been in the health and fitness field since 1980, as fitness hit the big time! After working for Gloria Stevens (now I date myself), I went back to college to get my BS in physical education. Although I never taught in a school system, the knowledge I gained was important. I went on to pursue one of the first National Certifications for group exercise from AFAA, teaching while I raised 3 beautiful kids. My career in fitness allowed me to be home with my kids, instilling in them the love of exercise. Two of my children have completed marathons, including the virtual Boston Marathon in 2020. As the fitness industry changed, so did I. In 2013 I received my first certification in Personal Training from the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers. In 2017 I certified again in Personal Training with AFAA. I love what I do. My passion is to instill in someone the love of exercise and the feeling of well being. You can also find Dianne at the Membership desk.

Paul B:  Bio to follow

Jane D:  Jane has been in the fitness field over seven years.  Jane became involved in yoga instruction after injuring her back and is a 200 hour RYT.  Along with teaching Yoga, Jane also teaches a myriad of aquatic classes to all fitness populations with previous experience teaching at various Senior Centers and other health clubs.   In her spare time Jane can be found biking, kayaking, cross country skiing and hiking with her husband Chuck.

Wendy E:   Wendy is an AFAA-certified group exercise instructor with barre, HIIT, and yoga certifications. Her goal is to empower people through movement so that they can celebrate all that their bodies are capable of. Wendy has taught at various studios in Massachusetts and enjoys bringing positive and fun energy to her classes. She lives in Newburyport and when she isn’t teaching she enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, reading, writing, or going to the beach.

Tracey K: Bio to follow

Pam MK:  Pam is an AFAA-certified Group Fitness Instructor & 500-Hr Yoga Instructor.  Since 1991, she has taught a wide variety of Group Fitness & Yoga classes. Encouraging others to take that first step along the path of health & wellness, to teach them the “why” of what they are doing, has fueled & sustained her passion for teaching. Beyond fitness & yoga, her interests include skiing, biking, traveling, gardening, quilting, attending live concerts, and time spent with family & friends. 

Kerstin O: Kerstin got her bachelor’s degree in physical education in Germany. She started her career in the US directing preschool gymnastics programs which she taught for over 20 years. Kerstin moved to Newburyport 14 years ago and became a member of the YWCA. Kerstin’s passion for choreography, movement and dance motivated her to get licensed and to instruct Zumba Gold at the YWCA and the Amesbury Senior Center for 8 years. She holds certifications in Yoga, Barre and HITT. Kerstin teaches now as a substitute both live and on Zoom whenever needed. She lives in VT in the summer months and spends the winter time in Ipswich with her family. 

Paula P: Bio to follow

Carol R: Carol is a retired teacher with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught first grade and Kindergarten in a local school district for 37 years.   One evening, after a long stretch of taking various fitness classes, she inquired about what was need to “teach” a fitness class?  That is when being a fitness instructor began. She’s been an instructor for over 30 years, teaching a variety of classes in several different locations. She currently teaches YWCA fitness classes at the Newburyport and Amesbury Senior Centers and works at the Membership desk with the amazing YWCA team!

Amanda S: YTT 200 Certified.  Amanda started practicing yoga for physical strength and flexibility, but soon discovered the wonderful mental and emotional benefits. Through movement and breath, I strive to give my students the support they need to quiet the mind, find a deep sense of peace and calm and connect to the very best version of themselves on and off the mat.

Michele W:  Bio to follow

Jen W:  Bio to follow