Foglia YMCA Fitness Spotlight con el director de fitness Amoret Wilkens

At the Foglia YMCA, we know that fitness is more than just a work-out — it’s also endurance, confidence, and support! That’s why our programs are mindfully designed to meet the needs of every individual, no matter your age or skill level.  

We meet you where you are, so you can meet your goals. 

Foglia Y Fitness Director Amoret Wilkens recently spoke with us about her journey at the YMCA and what sets our fitness programming apart. 

What inspired you to become a fitness director at the YMCA? 
I've taught group exercise classes at gyms in different cities since 1995, all while working as a Controller. At each Controller job, I led a Wellness Committee with fitness challenges, gave presentations on the benefits of exercise and healthy eating, and led exercise classes at work. A year ago, I took advantage of a downsizing to pursue what I always wanted to do: being in fitness full time.  

Not only have I been a Group Exercise Instructor at the Foglia YMCA since 2005 but also my children went to summer camp and took swim lessons here. I was delighted when the Fitness Director opportunity opened up! Now I work full time to help even more people achieve their fitness goals; I can honestly say this is the first job I have ever truly loved.  

What’s a typical day like for you as a fitness director at the YMCA?  
I teach a group exercise class, engaging with members in the class and on the fitness floor. I schedule the group exercise and small group training classes. The leadership team meets at least once a week to work together to improve the experience of our members. 

What role do fitness instructors play in motivating and supporting members?  
Our fitness staff knows many of the members by name and cares about them as individuals, talking before and after class to foster relationships and support members along their individualized fitness journeys. 

What sets the fitness programs at the YMCA apart from other gyms or community centers? 
We have it all — from 66 free land-based group exercise classes to 15 aqua fitness classes to small group training and personal training. We have a wide variety of strength and cardio machines, a functional training zone, and a stretch zone to make sure every member feels comfortable and finds the type of exercise that resonates with them. For members who have a hard time standing, we offer Chair Arthritis, Aqua Arthritis, and Les Mills THRIVE classes. 

How do you keep your fitness programming relevant and engaging for all ages and fitness levels? 
We offer a variety of classes from Chair Arthritis to Body Combat and everywhere in between. We have made our senior programming more robust by adding Silver Sneakers and Thrive (a new-to-the-world Les Mills format that focuses on improving lower body strength and stability, ideal for those with osteoporosis). 

How do you incorporate feedback from members to improve the fitness offerings at your YMCA?  
We have taken feedback from members and by having an open-door policy to make purchasing decisions and make class changes, including types of classes and days or times. Based on a member request, we bought an ice machine and bags for the fitness floor so that members can ice their muscles post workout. 

How do you foster a sense of community and support within your fitness classes? 
Instructors notice new members, making them feel welcome and introducing them to other members. We offer events throughout the year to bring members together, like Zumbathons and Les Mills Quarterly Launches, and even go out as a group after events. 

Can you describe how your fitness programs impact the health and wellbeing of the local community? 
One of the most impactful ways we can help someone in the community is by turning a non-exerciser into an exerciser. Through our Wellness Consultations, we discuss how the Y can help support a member to achieve their fitness goals. By having the support of the Y behind our members, they are more likely to engage in regular physical activity. 

How does your YMCA collaborate with local organizations to enhance fitness offerings? 
One example is by partnering with the local high school's special-needs students to bring them into the Y once a week. They work out on the fitness equipment and go to the gym together. 

How does the YMCA’s approach to fitness go beyond just physical exercise?  
At the Y we are all about the community. We have members whose main source of social interaction is with other members and staff at the Y. We are continuing to find additional opportunities for members to gather and feel like they belong to the Y community. 

What is a quote that captures the essence of the fitness experience at the Foglia YMCA?  
The slogan on the wall in our Main Studio: “Sore Today, Strong Tomorrow.” 

What are the key benefits of movement and exercise that you think people often overlook? 
The power of strength training is often underestimated by those trying to lose weight. While it's true [that] muscle weights more than fat, having lean muscle mass increases one's metabolic rate, meaning the body burns more calories to build and maintain the muscle base. 

What’s your favorite success story from a member who has participated in your fitness programs?  
We have a member who lost 120+ pounds in a little over a year by engaging in regular exercise classes and watching what she ate. When she first started taking classes, she struggled to get through a class, but as her fitness level improved and she lost some weight, the classes became easier. Now she takes two classes at a time! 

What new classes or programs can members look forward to this fall? 
We are adding a Cardio Blast class on Friday mornings and have started TRX, Nutrition Seminars, and Get Lean by Halloween small group training classes!  

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant about starting their fitness journey? 
It is never too late to start. Also, finding the kind of exercise that resonates with you is one that you are more likely to continue with. As you start to see results (becoming stronger, leaner, more lung capacity, etc.), that in itself is motivating.    
 
Learn more about what the Foglia YMCA has to offer through our Hub Offerings webpage. There, you’ll find our most up-to-date group fitness schedule, registration links for fitness classes, and more information on multi-class programs.