Long-time Group Exercise Instructors Find Purpose at Owensboro Health Healthpark

At Owensboro Health Healthpark, six group exercise instructors each have around 25 years of experience leading classes at the facility. That adds up to a wealth of knowledge, but what keeps them returning year after year? Read their stories here.

Name: Robin Shelton

How long have you been teaching group exercise classes at the Healthpark? 25 years

Type of classes: Water exercise

What has kept you teaching group exercise classes for so long?

I enjoy seeing the impact exercise has on members both physically and mentally.

What advice do you have for others on how to stay motivated?

Choose some type of exercise you love.

What keeps you at the Healthpark, specifically?

I love our team! We all get along and are always willing to sub for each other. The Healthpark is a beautiful facility with something to offer for all ages—very caring and supportive staff.

Across your years of being an instructor, do you have a favorite memory?

I have a funny one. I try to add fun to my classes on a person’s birthday, so I have them wear a silly hat during class, and we sing “Happy Birthday” to them at the end of class. I have been known to pull out a squirt gun when class gets to talking too much. On one of my birthdays, I walked in, and everyone was wearing a silly hat and had a squirt gun!

I also have a touching story. A lady had been coming to my class for about a year. She told me the class saved her life. She had lost her husband after a lengthy illness and could not leave the house. Her grief was so unbearable. Her doctor advised her to join a water class. She said, “I’ve made new friends, go out to dinner and travel now. There was nothing wrong with my heart – it was just lonely.”

Name: Jan Young   

How long have you been teaching group exercise classes at the Healthpark? 24 years

Type of classes: Land-based exercise

What has kept you teaching group exercise classes for so long?

I was in the education field for 36 years. Teaching and helping others has always been a passion of mine. Having the opportunity to help members grow in their quest for health and wellness makes me want to learn more about techniques for the various groups.

What advice do you have for others on how to stay motivated?

Motivation is important for members to find the exercise program that makes them feel welcome, confident, challenged and is fun.

Across your years of being an instructor, do you have a favorite memory?

My most memorable time was when one of the senior members told me that the class I taught her was making such a difference in her life…and then she hugged me. You just can’t get much better than that!

Name: Patty Fitzgerald

How long have you been teaching group exercise classes at the Healthpark? 25 years

Type of classes: Land-based exercise

What has kept you teaching group exercise classes for so long?

I have kept teaching for this long because of the participants I have had the pleasure of leading in a group setting. To be able to help people find their love of exercise is very rewarding. I would like someone to be thankful for changing their health, helping them with their stress, and bringing some joy and fun into their life for an hour.

What advice do you have for others on how to stay motivated?

Find something that they really enjoy doing. If they find a love of exercising, they will have a better chance of staying with it. There are so many different types of exercise and programs to help find the one right for them. Here at the Healthpark, we offer many different classes to choose from — hopefully something for everyone.

Across your years of being an instructor, do you have a favorite memory?

We received a letter from an elderly lady who moved to Owensboro after losing her husband. She decided to try our Zumba classes. She said in her letter that it saved her. She hardly missed a class. Her love of our  Zumba classes kept her moving, and she made many new friends. She, in turn, motivated others!

Name: Cathy Robertson

How long have you been teaching group exercise classes at the Healthpark? 23 years

Type of classes: Water exercise

What has kept you teaching group exercise classes for so long?

I really love my job because I can help people feel better and they also meet new friends! I mainly teach in the warm water therapy pool. It makes their aches and pains feel much better! I try to play music they like, and they go at their own pace!

Across your years of being an instructor, do you have a favorite memory?

Years ago, a widowed couple met in my class and got married!

Name: Kim Belcher

How long have you been teaching group exercise classes at the Healthpark? 24 years

Type of classes: Land-based exercise

What has kept you teaching group exercise classes for so long?

It can be very rewarding, especially when members have expressed big improvements in their health, such as reducing medications.

Across your years of being an instructor, do you have a favorite memory?

There have been many through the years, but a couple stand out. One I’ll never forget is meeting celebrity trainer Bob Harper when we had him speak at the Healthpark. The other was when Patty Fitzgerald and I introduced Zumba to Owensboro. Our first class was in the gym with over 300 participants.

Name: Dana Armstrong

How long have you been teaching group exercise classes at the Healthpark? 25 years

Type of classes: Land-based exercise

What has kept you teaching group exercise classes for so long?

Seeing members improve overall health, strength, flexibility and endurance.

What advice do you have for others on how to stay motivated?

Do the workouts you like best, and when you need a challenge, try a new class or a different workout. Always have serious fun!

If you’re not a Healthpark member and are interested in trying a complimentary class with one of the instructors mentioned above or any of our expert instructors, call Manager of Fitness Jason Anderson at 270-688-4785 to sign up for a class best suited for you! Learn more about all the group exercise classes available at OwensboroHealth.org/Healthpark.