Meet Our March Member of the Month

Joe Belrose -

I’ve been coming to the Core Club for almost 5 years now and a lot has changed in that time. The gym itself has nearly doubled in size and offers so much more than was available just a few years ago. I think the additional workout space and equipment have really helped me push my exercise and lifting regimens to the next level! On a personal level my wife and I have had two boys in the last three years so getting to the gym took somewhat of a backseat for a while. We’ve already introduced the boys to the Core Club as they attend a Music and Motion class once a week and absolutely love it! I’ve always been a person who enjoys working out – I actually lose weight if I don’t go to the gym regularly (most of you are probably rolling your eyes reading this now…sorry!) We’re all different. Some struggle losing weight – I struggle gaining and maintaining weight. There’s a quote on a bulletin board at the gym that I always find myself falling back on, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” I made some resolutions this New Year and have been putting in the work to build my body over the past two months and I must say, I feel better than ever! I think the hardest part is getting started but once you hit your stride the momentum can carry you through any challenge that comes your way! For me it’s kind of a snowball effect. The more I exercise and workout, the better I feel. The better I feel, the more I want to improve other aspects of my life. And it continues to build on each other in a positive manner. There’s a great community here with Deb leading the way and some great trainers on staff so what are you waiting for? Get down here and join the “Club”!

 

Meet Our December Members of the Month

Kelly Munro & Debbie Huscher -

We met at a 5:30AM Core Club class.  Although we knew each other before we discovered our desire to do more for ourselves.  As working mothers we take care of everyone’s needs – with us coming in last.  We both wanted to do something for just ourselves, so we started lifting weights – heavy weights.

For us working out is about becoming stronger and taking better care or ourselves so we can take care of those we love.  A side effect was that we lost weight and inches! Together we have lost over 40 pounds and 16 inches.  We don’t weigh ourselves often – as that is not the scale we use to measure.  Each week we get stronger and more confident.  We can fit into clothes we haven’t in years, see muscles we didn’t know existed and we are able to lift heavier weights as each week passes – these are non-scale victories.

Having a gym partner has been life changing. There is never an excuse to not go…one of us will be waiting at 7AM six days a week.  It’s all about accountability and friendship.  Each morning we have our “therapy” session.  We push each other to do things that are uncomfortable, we have become very confident in using ALL of the gym equipment and most importantly we have become friends.  

Meet Our November Employees of the Month

Janice Huntley

I could tell you how long I’ve been a fitness instructor and all the certifications I hold but that’s not what’s really important. It’s all about the perfect chemistry at Core Club that makes this happen. From the best leadership and supportive coworkers to the amazing members, it makes all the hard work worth it. To watch member’s dedication and commitment to classes and leadership’s trust in what I do is a complete honor. I’m so glad to be part of this journey.

Sylvia Monroe-Holland

The reason why I started exercising all those years ago, and this is the truth, is because back then, I was in an abusive marriage and was unhappy and overweight. I knew I needed to find work also, and I new being a woman of color back then and going into a field of technology, I would have needed to lose weight. I was 205 pounds and a size 22.  I began the journey of losing weight slowly by walking and cutting back on my eating.

As I started to drop some pounds, I got up the nerve to try exercise classes.  I enrolled in classes in the YMCA of Meriden.  I was shy and still overweight at 175 pounds and hid in back of class.  Soon enough the weight started to come off and then, I was approached by the owner to see if I wanted to teach classes. I got hired by Pratt & Whitney, became a certified instructor for classes at the YMCA and still kept on my journey to lose weight.  Soon down to 145 pounds, my love for teaching blossomed.  I left the YMCA and went to Silver Lane Gym in East Hartford and began subbing for classes.  Soon after there, I started teaching an array of classes at New England Athletic Club (NEAC).  This is where I met Deb.  We formed an instant bond and friendship.  In 2006, I went on to be certified in LesMills BodyPump, Body Combat & Body Attack. I also got certified for spin, P90X, BeachBody Core deForce.

I followed Deb to Core Club and began teaching here. My journey at Core has been amazing! I couldn’t be happier with the gym and the wonderful members!   Deb is awesome and her confidence and faith in me has helped take my teaching to different levels.  I recently became certified in LesMills CXWORX program.  I love to bring that accomplishment to our fantastic members. I love to challenge members to help them fulfill their goals - whether it be to lose weight, get stronger, or overcome a personal issue.  You can overcome these obstacles in your life!  You can get help and make a difference in yourself!  If you’re out there and you don’t believe, trust me, it’s true!  I still suffer from post stress trauma from my bad marriage, but I have overcome and I still practice those same principles now...and forever.

 

 

 

Meet Our October Member of the Month

Kris Rustic - I remember being in High School playing Soccer, Tennis, and teaching Karate.  I was probably at my healthiest and able to run a mile in just under 8 minutes, which was always my proudest moment.  Then college hit and I became lazy, choosing Video Games and Junk Food over going to the gym and playing sports.  Fast forward 10 years and I was 320 pounds.  My wife loved watching “My 600lb Life”. While watching the show, I realized I was half way there. I had severe asthma attacks that caused me to black out.  It was time for a change. That’s when I found Core Club and 24/7 Gym along with my own determination.

Since starting my journey in January I noticed huge changes in myself, a drive I had never seen in my life.  I started going to the Gym daily, putting in the hours and work to better myself.  Eventually, I met Jon.  Training with him has shown me what I can become if I keep pushing myself.  Everything he has shown me I have added into my routine and I have really noticed big changes.

Now I am down 40lbs and finding muscle I never knew I had.  What started as a health scare and life change has now become (what Jon has deemed), “Making A Beast Out of Me”.  My Asthma is way under control, I feel better, I look better, and I am nowhere near done.  Besides, I can’t quit now, this place has become my Cheers, a place where everyone knows my name.  I have never found a gym I have loved so much.

Meet Our September Employee of the Month

Natalie Spadaccino -

I have been teaching fitness classes since 1989, so I have been blessed to really grow along with the fitness industry and have had the privilege to teach many different styles.  My certifications include Fitness Yoga, MAT Pilates, Balletone, Spinning, Aerobics and Step, Kickboxing, Stability Ball and many more.  Learning all these different styles when they were just coming out allowed me to teach continually for all these years because there is such wonderful variety, you never get burnt out on one thing.

I have had the honor of teaching at a variety of different facilities and love them all, but the Core Club will always hold a special place in my heart because Durham is where I grew up.  I lived in the same house for 25 years until I married and moved to Middletown.  When I saw this facility open about 6-7 years ago, I was so happy to come and interview for a position and have been here ever since.  I have had the thrill of seeing old friends from Coginchaug H.S. from my graduating class and from my sister’s classes as well.  Catching up with old friends and having them participate in my classes, PRICELESS!!!

 

Meet Our July Employee of the Month

Shannon Weinstein - 

I started my fitness journey in the back of a Zumba class in Boston, 30 pounds heavier and always worried about what I looked like. I slowly crept my way to the front and got licensed to teach after encouragement from my instructors. Almost five years later I am licensed to teach multiple Zumba specialties (Aqua, Toning, Gold), BollyX and Strong by Zumba. I am also certified as a Group Fitness Instructor through ACE and AFAA and received my qualification for TRX. I always look forward to learning more and continuing my fitness journey. I recently celebrated my one year anniversary teaching at Core Club. I love working here because of the community of support. The members and staff want everyone to feel successful and that shows in the quality of people that the club attracts. I am proud to be part of the Core Club family.

Meet Our June Member of the Month

Molly Carta - 

I had started taking Spinning classes in college as a way to stay active and maintain my physical abilities and fell in love with it! Having Cerebral Palsy effects my balance, so I can’t ride a real bike, but the spin bike was the perfect alternative. I became a member at Core Club in 2013, shortly after moving back home after graduation. From the minute I walked through the doors, I knew I had found somewhere special and some pretty special people too. One of the first cycle classes I took with Janice, my bike wasn’t comfortable for me to ride. I was embarrassed to have to ask for help and interrupt her mid-class, but she didn’t even pause. She picked me right up off the bike and put me on another one. There are not many instructors, or many gyms, that would “take a chance” on a person with a disability in my experience, but this has never been the case for me here and it’s why I love the time I spend within the gym walls. I often need help getting my own equipment for classes and not one person has ever hesitated to ask if I need help. In fact, now most don’t even ask and just take it upon themselves to help.

The support from everyone at Core Club has pushed me to accomplish so many things I never thought possible for myself. I became a fitness instructor because of that support and because of the confidence I have built throughout the past five years. Recently, I competed in a virtual adaptive fitness competition and made it through the regional round, missing the finals by two points. This was something I never would have done in years prior, but knowing I had so many people cheering for me, including Deb’s unceasing assistance with whatever the next crazy workout was, made the journey all that much more fun and rewarding.

Every time I walk into a class, I know I am home and I feel surrounded by family--family who has helped me, and watched me, as I have become a stronger version of myself both physically and mentally. Not every day is sunshine and rainbows, but I have never once felt like I regretted a minute at the gym. While the physical gains I have seen over the years have been nothing short of amazing, it is the mental strength that I never expected. The gym has taught me to love a body I once viewed as broken, and that is a gain above any other.

 

Meet Our May Member of the Month

I have never been a guy who goes to the gym to workout.  I have just been active in my regular life to keep myself in good enough shape.  Well, as time passed (and I got older), that "good enough" shape isn't really good enough anymore.  I needed something, that trigger, to get me back working toward the physical condition that I could be happy with.  Rachel, my wife, has been a long time member of Core Club, and talked to me about the 30 Day Challenge.  I looked into it and decided to join.  The past 30 days have been amazing!  This was the kick-start that I needed.  The support and encouragement from everyone at Core, especially Deb, Nicky, John and Janice, was been exactly what I needed to turn that corner and start to get back to where I want to be physically, and mentally as well.  I tried BODYPUMP and loved it! (thanks to Janice) I fought my way through a TRX class and was amazed at the challenge.  I took the BALListic class and could not believe how much you can sweat beating a ball with drum sticks (don't knock it till you try it)!  STRONG took the last of my energy on a Friday night, and was fantastic!  Then I tried RPM, I'm a biker, I thought spinning, right up my ally.  Emily kicked my butt!  I could not, and would not have started this journey without (of course the support of my wife) and the encouragement and support from everyone at Core!

April Member of the Month

Meet our member, Felicia Zimmerman. She says, "For the past 40 years, exercise has been a constant in my life. In the 1970s, I ran. In the 80s, I did aerobics. In the 90s and subsequently, I’ve walked quickly and done yoga. Along the way, I’ve taken a practical approach to my diet, usually eating chicken and fish and consuming vegetables and fruits daily. But I don’t feel guilty about the occasional dessert.

In late 2016, my doctor expressed concern about my bone density. In turn, I found a trainer who I hoped would help me strengthen my core. Unfortunately, after a few months, I could see that my trainer was ill-equipped to advise a woman who knew what she wanted and needed.

After some research, I found Core Club. For the past five months, I have had twice-weekly sessions with Dave, whom I call my core surgeon. He ensures that our sessions achieve my objectives. Unlike my first trainer’s approach, Dave’s sessions are never boring and always challenge me to raise the bar on my own performance.

Bottom line, if you know what you want to accomplish and stay with it, you can have the body you want—even at 67!

Meet our March Member of the Month

Meet Dave Ruegg, one of Core Club's Personal Trainers.

He graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2009 with a degree in exercise science/kinesiology and a focus in coaching and health. This past year he decided to pursue a graduate program in physical therapy and corrective exercise and it was during that time he started his work here at Core Club. 

Dave says, "Working here has been a perfect fit for me. This gym has it all: free weights, a variety of cardio, advanced equipment, privacy and a great staff. Not to mention the performance center we just added downstairs really has added a whole new exciting element to our facility. I strive to push our clients and members to their fullest potential and support them in reaching their goals. If you are interested in a free consultation with me, lets chat!"