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”!

 

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.  

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.

 

 

 

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.

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!!!

 

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.