My enthusiasm for health and fitness began as a young adult while attending Santa Rosa Junior College where I was a member of the school’s dance company. While attending SRJC I was also a member of The Dance Center of Sonoma County where I later taught and managed for 7 years. I continued to pursue dance for 12 years at various companies and studios including LA Valley College Dance Dept.,Boulder Jazz Dance Co. and Interweave Dance Co.

After moving to Los Angeles I felt an urge to challenge myself beyond my dance training and turned to the world of martial arts. I found and met my challenge in the art of Tae Kwon Do where I attained my first degree black belt. I was the California State Champion in both Forms and Sparring competitions and took 2nd place in Forms at the ATA World Championship.

Armed with the discipline and self-motivation that years of Tae Kwon Do instilled, I turned my focus towards personal fitness. Since beginning my fitness training, I have completed 2 full marathons (the Santa Clarita Marathon and CIM-CA International Marathon), 14 half marathons, and many 5K/10K races, most of which are located in the Santa Clarita area. I have competed twice in the Camp Pendleton Mud Run where I recently took 3rd place in the “Individuals” category and several times in the SEBC Mud Run in Castaic where I took 3rd place in the “Over 40 Mixed Team” category. I was 1 of 12 team members competing in the Ragnar Relay, which is a 186-mile relay race along the California Coast. I completed the Danskin Women’s Triathlon, and the Castaic Triathlon, both as a team and individual. My proudest accomplishments have been riding in the AIDS Lifecycle charity ride which runs all the way from San Francisco to Los Angeles and for which, along with my sister, we raised $6,000 for AIDS research and treatment and, most recently, completing the Tough Mudder (considered the “toughest event you’ll ever do”) in 2013.

I realized shortly after beginning my personal fitness training that my ultimate goal in life is to help others reach their’s. Thus I pursued and attained the certifications I’ve chosen to focus on. I have been an avid indoor cyclist for over 7 years, along with my dance and martial arts background, I have received my certification from the AFAA for Indoor Cycling, PS1 Schwinn Indoor Cycling, Mad Dogg Athletic’s Spin Certification and the AFAA’s Kickboxing Certification. While using my skills, expertise and training to help others achieve their fitness goals is something I feel compelled to do, I won’t be entirely fulfilled until I can incorporate a youth program to help combat childhood obesity. As someone who is familiar with and fought to overcome this national epidemic, I want to give kids the tools and confidence to empower themselves to make healthy lifestyle choices that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Meet our newest Spoke… Candace. Although Candace is no stranger to the fitness world, Candace is new to being an instructor! She is enjoying her transition from participant to teacher. Candace hopes to inspire her clients as she has been inspired by her instructors over the years! After dancing classical ballet and jazz for 10 years, she became an avid fitness enthusiast. Candace loves hiking with her miniature dachshund and cycling on her Bianchi road bike. She also enjoys all types of work out formats including yoga, Barre classes, weight training, and dance classes. In September 2012, Candace received her certification with AFAA to teach group fitness classes. Soon after, she became certified in BarreVite as well.

Candace recently obtained her spin certification with AFAA and her desire as an instructor is to offer her clients the tools they need to achieve their goals. Candace hopes to share her enthusiasm and energy for a healthy lifestyle with her participants! Come take her class and share in her excitement.

For most of my life, I was a normally active person with no real focused, organized fitness routines or goals. It wasn’t until my children were grown and I was approaching my fifties that I realized I wanted more. I wanted to be consistent in devoting time and energy to pursuing fitness goals that would enhance the quality of my life.

The first few years of my fitness journey involved participating in a boot camp program where I experienced a variety of different activities that contributed to my overall fitness level. After that, I moved on to develop a personalized program that addressed my own varied interests and desires.

A formerly dedicated “non-runner”, I have now completed more than a dozen 5K races, including earning a third place medal for my age group; 8 half marathons; two full marathons; the Camp Pendelton Mud Run where I placed first in my age group; completed three SEBC Mud Runs where, in 2010, my team took 3rd place in the “Over 40 Mixed Team” category; and I was 1 of 12 team members competing in the 2010 Southern California Ragnar Relay, a 186-mile relay race along the California Coast.

Indoor cycling has been a rewarding activity for me. It helps me with my running, improves my cardio conditioning, prepares me for “on the road” rides, and allows me to stay fit when it is too cold, too hot, too wet, or too windy outside.

I have learned how helpful exercise can be in dealing with the stresses we all face on a daily basis. I’ve learned how my physical fitness contributes to my mental fitness. In my “other” life, I am a credentialed elementary school teacher working in the Santa Clarita Valley. I experience daily how beneficial exercise is to both the minds and bodies of our children. A simple lap around the track can fill lungs, engage muscles, open minds, and allow a child to focus more readily on the task at hand.

The next step in my evolution is to take my passion and share it with others. My partners and I decided to start the type of studio we weren’t able to find in this valley. A studio dedicated to cycling. I have received certification from Mad Dogg Athletics, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and Schwinn Indoor Cycling. I also have certification for PS1 Schwinn Indoor Cycling. I am looking forward to helping others find the strength, fitness, and sense of satisfaction that I’ve been able to find.

Born and raised in Arizona, I have been in the fitness industry for over 25 years. I received my B.S. in Exercise Sciences and Speech Communications, from the University of Arizona. I am a Certified Personal Trainer with, ACE (Group X and CPT), Mad Dogg Athletics (Spin), AEA (water), Body Pump, Kieser cycle and I was recently awarded “Ultimate Trainer of the Year” from Elite Magazine. I am the proud owner of Jodi’s Backyard Bootcamp, which has 5 locations in Santa Clarita, and I also have a running group called Flo Jod Running Club where I have most recently trained 50 people to train for the Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Clarita and San Francisco ½ Marathons. Our next venture is the ½ marathon in Vegas on the strip at night!! Fun!.

I have 2 teenage boys who are very active and a Mother who still takes my water exercise classes.

My Philosophy is that fitness is not a chore, but a privilege. I am so blessed to help you reach your fitness potential, whether it is to just get you to show up for a 1 hr class or run a marathon… one step at a time.

www.jodisbackyardbootcamp.com

I am an Adapted Physical Education Specialist (PE for special needs students) for the Saugus Union School District. This is my 13th year of teaching and I have loved every minute of it! My health and fitness journey started over 20 years ago when I became a group exercise instructor and personal trainer at LA Fitness. I took my first spin class in the mid eighties and have been hooked ever since. After spinning for years as a participant, I finally decided to get certified to teach spinning, and am a certified Mad Dogg Athletics Spin Instructor. I hold both a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Kinesiology from Cal State University Northridge and have both my General Education (K-12) and Special Education (Preschool – Adult) PE teaching credentials.

My hope is that I can inspire clients to burn calories, improve their hearts, build muscle, and most importantly enjoy themselves. My classes are challenging and fun. I typically use video rides and all types of music. My motto is: If time passes slowly in my class I’m NOT doing my job! I can’t wait for you to come ride with me. See you soon.

KCobb39@Gmail.com

I have always been an athletic person. Growing up and in my young adult life I participated in several team sports such as soccer, softball, and volleyball. I practically lived on my bicycle and at the beach for the first 22 years of my life.

I fell in love with Santa Clarita when I first moved here from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. in ’91. I remember when San Fernando Road was only 2 lanes and there was only one movie theatre in town. I have seen this quaint valley grow and flourish into a thriving, diverse, and vibrant community. Some time ago I attended College of the Canyons to enhance my accounting and business management skills and with their support and efforts, I turned an average job into a fantastic career. As I began working in my chosen field, I found that my time was more devoted to my work than my ‘workouts’.

Several years ago I got a wake up call. I lost my mother at age 65 to liver disease due to diabetes that was uncontrolled for too many years. Shortly after she passed, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes myself. I had a choice to make… So I chose to take control and take better care of myself. I joined a group fitness class, lost weight, learned how to eat properly, and grew a lot stronger physically and mentally. Since that wakeup call years ago, I have found my passion for living a healthier life and I’ve found my inner athlete again. I now participate in events such as the California International Marathon, the SCV 5k (several years now), the Circle of Hope 5k in Castaic, and local training rides with Aids LifeCycle. Since finding my cycle legs again, I felt compelled to achieve my AFAA certification in Indoor Cycling.

I have dreamed of owning my own business all of my life and with the amazing support and added talents of my partners, we were able to bring this dream to fruition. We are proud to present this dedicated cycling studio to Santa Clarita and we hope that you will join us for a ride and see what all the fuss is about.

Sami is a vibrant, energetic, and outgoing person who is extremely passionate about living a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and fitness. After playing soccer for 15 years she became involved with many other physical activities including Pilates, weight training, circuit training, and everything in between. Sami has been certified through NCEP (National College of Exercise Professionals) and is now currently certified through ACE (American Council on Exercise). Along with being a certified Personal Trainer, Sami is also a certified Pilates Mat instructor through Power Pilates, and is currently working her way through to become a Pilates Instructor through BASI Pilates. She also holds many other certifications which include, ACE Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach, TRX Group Fitness Instructor, Barre instructor, and AFAA Spin Instructor. You can find Sami teaching and training at SPOKES and other fitness facilities in town. To see more about Sami and her tips on healthy living you can also go to her website at Livelaughworkout.com. Sami’s goal as a trainer is to motivate her clients to push hard and accomplish their goals. She wants her passion for fitness and nutrition to be an inspiration to everyone around her. Sign yourself up for her class today!

Toni Kuhn has been teaching group exercise for 16 years and is certified through AFAA. She is also a certified Johnny G Spin instructor with further cycle training through Kaiser. Additionally, Toni is a 500-hour trained Yoga teacher and currently teaches yoga at Yoga Works. She does private and semi-private yoga training and can be contacted at dkuhn3@socal.rr.com. Her cycle classes are challenging and strength based with a little bit of fun mixed in! She plays all kinds of different music and welcomes all levels to her classes.

http://tonikuhn.com/

I was born and raised in Southern California and am a happy wife and mother of three teenage children. Growing up in a health conscious family, I was amazed with one’s ability to transform his or her body through fitness. However, a majority of the time those results seemed short lived. I soon realized the only way to total lasting results was the combination of fitness AND nutrition. After years of education and personal studies, it became clear that nutrition (clean eating), coupled with a sound workout regimen (cardio and strength training), were the key components to complete and lasting body transformations. I have earned degrees as a personal trainer and as a nutrition specialist from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). I am the proud owner of Ferrone Fitness Studios, where I provide personal training and nutrition counseling. My passion is motivating and transforming lives and I live by my motto “a goal without a plan is just a wish.”

FerroneFitness@att.net