Fitness Floor • Personal Training • Group Exercise • Specialty Programs
Group Exercise
Group Exercise Instructors
Melissa Bentsen
M.S. in Applied Health and Nutrition Science
Indiana University
B.S. in Kinesiology and Athletic Training
Indiana University
- USAT, Level 1 Triathlon Coach
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor
- STOTT Pilates, Mat and Reformer Trainer
I have a passion for marathon and triathlon training and have successfully competed in both, from 5Ks to Ironman. I enjoy working with clients who are seeking results, whether in performance or weight loss. I believe that no goal is too small or too large to achieve and enjoy challenging my clients to reach their personal goals.
Contact Melissa Bentsenl at (847) 353-7576.
Melissa Bierman
B.S. in Education, Minors in Journalism and Dance
Indiana University
- NCSF Certified Personal Trainer
- USAW Sports Performance Coach
- Weight Loss Specialist
I have taken group exercise classes for many years and when one of my favorite instructors was leaving to have a baby, I asked who was going to teach her class while she was gone. That is when I started teaching Step 45. I have also taught Kiddie Boot Camp in the past and currently teach Sports Conditioning. I am a personal trainer certified with NCSF and USAW and also have a certificate with Kettlebell Training. I love working with large groups, as well as individuals, and thoroughly enjoy helping people achieve optimal wellness.
Sharon Carr
I am a teacher and worked in the medical profession throughout my career. I have multiple degrees in the medical and teaching professions. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Aqua Arthritis and its benefits while a member at the Buffalo Grove Fitness Center. A special instructor at the facility encouraged me to get certified so I could teach these classes, and over 8 years ago I did just that. I have never regretted my decision. I love teaching Aqua Arthritis classes, and the very best part of the classes is my wonderful, inspiring participants. They are all amazing human beings, and I have always been honored to stretch and heal with them every Monday evening at the Buffalo Grove Fitness Center.
Lori Cohen
I have been in fitness for 13 years. I am a certified Group exercise instructor of Step, Bosu, Zumba, Salsa, Mat Pilate's, Body Pump, Strength and Kick box. I am also a certified Personal Trainer. I truly enjoy motivating people to exercise and feel good and healthy about themselves!
Suzanne Dicker
Dance has always been a part of my life. As an adult I found it difficult to incorporate it into my routine until I discovered Zumba! I fell in love with Zumba’s upbeat, contagious music and exciting dance moves, and I don’t even feel like I am working out. I became Zumba certified so I could share my passion for Zumba with others. I have AFAA, AEA and Aqua Arthritis certifications. I also teach Aqua Zumba at the Buffalo Grove Fitness Center.
Cathy Elfstrand
I have 20 years of group exercise instruction experience and I am AFAA certified. I am also certified in step, kickboxing and Basic Pilates.
Daphne Freund
I am a highly educated spin and water group exercise instructor with over 19 years of experience. Growing up in Ireland, I swam in the open seas and rode a bike as my only source of transportation. My love for these activities makes my classes fun and encouraging. My classes are meant for all levels with different degrees of difficulty. Participants in my classes feel inspired and motivated to become and remain active in their lives. Through my fitness knowledge and productive attitude, I will help members achieve their fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Yelena Galyayeva
In 1998, I came to America with International Aerobics Association (IAA) certification as a fitness trainer and aerobics instructor, and almost 10 years of teaching experience back in Russia as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. Here I received an AFFA certification as an aerobics instructor. I am also a certified Kickboxing and Turbo Kick instructor, step, multiple step, BOSU and others. My passion always has been Pilates and yoga. Now I am certified in Pilates Matwork through Physicalmind Institute and Essential Movements Education. Also, I have completed the Essential Reformer program at Fitness Arts Academy (Essential Movements Education). I've been working to complete my full Pilates Certification trough Stott Pilates. I teach many group exercise classes, Pilates classes and private classes. My style blends modern fitness trends with traditional dance technique, along with a strong knowledge of anatomy, bio mechanics and positive attitude. I'm trying to ensure quality training and excellent results towards my client goals.
Sari Greenberg
I teach high-energy Zumba and cardio dance classes designed to make you sweat, smile and feel like a star. Classes are designed for all ages at every level; doing the best you can for yourself is key. An actor, singer and dancer in my other life, I have always been very passionate about exercise and fun, and Zumba and cardio dance meld the two together so perfectly. Music ranges from African to Pop, from Gospel to Yiddish and everything in between. Come join me!
Siobhan Gunby
I have been a certified group exercise instructor for over 20 years. I currently teach senior fitness, Zumba Gold and Aqua Arthritis. I believe fitness should be fun as well as functional. Fitness classes are a great place to nourish oneself both mentally, emotionally and physically.
Sheila Hamilton
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- ACE Certified Group Exercise Instructor
- Cycle Reebok certified Indoor Cycling Instructor
As an ACE Group Fitness Instructor for 18 years, I enjoy helping people achieve their fitness goals. I enjoy teaching multiple class formats, but mainly enjoy leading cycle classes and participating in triathlons. Staying fit should involve three things: always challenging yourself to go to the next level, staying focused on that goal, and most important of all, having fun!
Lisa Jassin
B.S. in Economics
University of Wisconsin-Madison
I enjoy teaching water aerobics, group cycle, aqua arthritis and private swim lessons. My certifications include AEA (Aquatic Exercise Association), AED, CPR, Cycle Reebok, First Aid, Moms in Motion, Schwinn Cycling Instructor Training, and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program. In my spare time, I train for triathlons and enjoy water sports and traveling.
Tammy Kent
I have been a fitness professional for over 20 years, as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, fitness manager and director of operations for a national fitness convention company. As a speaker and consultant, I have written articles, presented at national conventions for various industries, consulted for international companies, as well as directed and edited over 30 fitness DVDs. I hold numerous national certifications, including NASM, RTS2, M.A.T., ACE, AFAA, AEA, BTS, Cycling, Physical Mind Mat Pilates, Powerhouse Pilates Personal Training, Nordic Walking, and have educated staff as a BOSU Master Trainer. My knowledge and experience, along with my friendly personality, ensure quality training and excellent results toward client goals.
Wendy Malin
For over 20 years, I have enjoyed encouraging people to increase their strength, speed and flexibility while they sweat. In return, I have often been inspired by their accomplishments. My favorite formats to teach are cycling, multi sport coaching, water fitness/swimming, and strength/core. I love to participate in year-round, outside activities such as biking, swimming, triathlons, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. My teaching goals are simple; to provide students with a great workout, help push them outside their physical and mental comforts, and always include some laughter!
Karen Murtha
I have been teaching Aquatic Fitness, Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Therapy and swimming lessons for the last 14 years. I love introducing members of any age to the benefits of the water.
Sharon Stark
- ACE Certified Group Exercise Instructor
- Stott Pilates Mat 1and 2 Certified
- Stott Pilates Reformer Certified
- SCW Yoga Certified Levels 1 and 2
- SCW Mat 1 Pilates Certified
- Star Trac/Schwinn Certified Cycling
- SCW Bosu Certified
- Tao Kickboxing Certified
Happily I have been teaching group exercise for 13 years. I'm proud to say I have been with The Buffalo Grove Fitness Center since March of 2001. In 2005, I branched out into the mind body field, studying Yoga followed by Pilates. Being educated in both fields, I'm confident I can really help people exercise in a safe and effective manner. Oh, you might have a little fun too!
Katie Van Der Bosch
I am a certified Jonny G. Spinning instructor, level 1 Yogafit, Zumba, Zumba Gold and Aqau Zumba instructor. I am also A.E.A. certified for both land and water arthritis classes. Fitness has and always will be my life. In my spare time, I enjoy riding outside as much as possible. Watching the sun rise while riding is so amazing!
Debbie Wunderle
B.S. in Marketing
University of Illinois
- NCSF Certified Personal Trainer, 2005
- ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- MES Certified Medical Exercise Specialist
- AEA Certified Aqua Fitness Instructor
- SCW Certified Personal Trainer
- SCW Fallproof Balance Certification
- Functional Balance and Stability Certification
- STOTT Pilates Instructor
- Kettlebell Certified
- StarTrac Cycling Instructor
I have been an ACE certified group exercise instructor for 20 years. I am also an NCSF Certified Personal Trainer at the fitness center with an additional certification as a Medical Exercise Specialist. I have an AEA certification for Aquatic exercise and can also do personal training in the pool. I have taught step, Hi/Lo, kickboxing, cycling, aqua aerobics, strength and a variety of other formats. I also have a Stott Pilates Mat certification, a pre-natal certification, a balance and stability certification and a Kettlebell certification. Health and fitness are very important to me. Even my dogs get exercise everyday.
Linda Zaban
I have always been a fitness nut and love to give some of my enthusiasm to others! Currently, I'm certified to teach Aqua Arthritis, Aqua Zumba, Zumba, Zumba Gold, and Zumba Toning. I'm also certified to teach Drums Alive. It’s a great stress reliever to just hit away on a ball! I'm lucky that I have some great teachers here at the Buffalo Grove Fitness Center who encourage me with everything I try. I'm an enthusiast of Shotokan Karate and have my 1st degree Black Belt. I'm also a nurse, and I am CPR and AED certified. My motto in life is move it or loose it!