Keep on Growing

Pilates and yoga have become two of the fastest-growing fitness trends in recent years, attracting people of all ages who are looking to improve both their physical and mental well-being. These classes offer more than just a workout; they help build strength, flexibility, balance, and mindfulness while providing an escape from the stresses of everyday life. As more members recognize the benefits of mindful movement, the eagerness for Pilates and yoga continues to rise. At Fitness Incentive, we are excited to meet this growing interest by discovering new instructors and expanding our class schedule. Our goal is to provide members with more opportunities to experience the positive impact that these practices can have on their overall health and wellness.

In a world that often moves at a fast pace, Pilates and yoga offer an opportunity to slow down and recognize the incredible capabilities of the human body. Every breath we take, every movement our bodies make, and every challenge we overcome is a reflection of the remarkable connection between our physical and mental selves. We are gifted with the ability to build strength, improve flexibility, learn new skills, and continually adapt and grow throughout our lives. Through mindful movement, we become more aware of how our bodies support us each day and how our minds influence our overall well-being. Pilates and yoga encourage us to listen to our bodies, respect our limitations, celebrate our progress, and cultivate gratitude for what we are capable of accomplishing. Beyond the physical benefits, these practices provide a sense of balance, self-awareness, and inner peace, reminding us that true wellness comes from nurturing both the body and the mind. They serve as a powerful reminder that movement is not only a form of exercise but also a privilege, one that allows us to experience life more fully, connect more deeply with ourselves, and appreciate the extraordinary potential that exists within each of us.

Working at Fitness Incentive, I have learned that not only is fitness about exercise, but it’s also about enhancing the quality of life. We as a team look forward to welcoming both new and experienced participants as we continue to grow our Pilates and yoga programs and help our community embrace healthier, more balanced lifestyles.

We are pleased to introduce you to our new instructors:

Jenn Aguilera:

“Before becoming a fitness instructor, I was a competitive gymnast until I was 19 years old. I also cheered in high school and continued in college, cheering for the Division I St. John’s University Red Storm. I began coaching at my old gymnastics center as well as my alma mater, Christ the King HS. I took my teams to camps, clinics, and countless competitions. I started a few teams in my neighborhood, and we competed locally. After that, I coached at Brooklyn College, bringing them to their first-ever UCA College Nationals. As I was getting older, I started to become interested in not only taking classes at a gym but also coaching a new population of clients. I started with getting my Pilates certificate with the prestigious Power Pilates program in Manhattan, NY. After coaching at Brooklyn, I took some time to work on my dissertation and gave up my coaching career.

At this time, the pandemic hit, and I found out I was pregnant with my first child. I continued to work out through my pregnancy and decided it was a great time to get my yoga certification to help cope with the birth process. My daughter was diagnosed with cancer at just five months old in January, 2021. While that was the hardest time in my life, yoga, meditation, and breath work really helped me cope with the countless hospital visits and more.

Once we had a handle on things, I decided to begin working on my prenatal certificate. I then became pregnant with my second child. I became more interested in prenatal and children’s yoga/ Pilates, so I began taking courses that would not only help me during my own pregnancy but also, in the future, help others. I received a scholarship to continue my certification with Power Pilates, continuing with my comprehensives. I conducted their 600-hour program and again got pregnant with my third baby, and completed my final exam while 8 months pregnant.

Some of my other interests include taking daily walks, stand-up paddle boarding, snowboarding, reading, and music. I am a college professor; I teach education, and I received my Ph.D. in literacy with an emphasis on ELLs’ perceptions at the university level. I have always been and continue to be a very active woman and believe that it has always helped with not only the hard times but the happy ones as well. I love coaching others and helping them feel great about themselves.”

Mariel Malahias:

“Barre, Sculpt, and Yoga Sculpt instructor with a former life in the corporate media world and a current life chasing two toddler boys. I’m all about efficient, feel-good workouts that build strength, boost energy, and fit into real life. I love loud, fun throwback playlists that let you escape for an hour, sweat it out, and actually enjoy the burn- so you leave class feeling strong, energized, and a little lighter than when you walked in!”

Georges Katsaros:

“Hello! My name is Georges Katsaros! As a dedicated full-time yoga teacher, I am passionate about sharing the transformative practice of yoga both on and off the mat. I am a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through the Yoga Alliance. I am currently continuing
my studies toward my 500-hour certification further to deepen my knowledge and understanding of the yogic path. I am also certified in Yin Yoga, embracing the balance of strength, stillness, movement, and mindfulness within every practice. Yoga is more than a profession for me — it is a lifestyle. I strive to embody the principles of yoga in everyday life through presence, compassion, self-discipline, and intentional living. My teaching style encourages students to connect not only with their physical bodies, but also with their breath, mind, and inner awareness. Whether guiding an energizing flow, a grounding in practice, or a meditative experience, I aim to create a welcoming space where students of all levels can feel supported, inspired, and empowered. Through continuous learning and personal practice, I remain devoted to sharing the authentic teachings of yoga and helping others cultivate balance, strength, peace, and connection within themselves and their daily lives.”

Olivia Kolman:

“I am a Pilates Instructor certified by Balanced By Dina, who specializes in high-energy, strength-driven, Pilates-based classes that challenge both the body and mind. I teach Hot Core Sculpt, Core Fusion, and co-lead Strength X Pilates alongside Anthony Cordaro, which is a hybrid class combining HIIT strength training with Pilates sculpt. Growing up playing sports and dancing sparked my passion for movement, fitness, and wellness from a young age. My classes blend athletic training with Pilates-inspired movement to build strength, endurance, stability, and confidence while delivering the signature Pilates burn. I am passionate about creating an empowering environment. My goal is to challenge clients and help them grow stronger physically and mentally so that they leave class feeling confident and accomplished.”

Kristen Connor:

“I have been a proud member of Fitness Incentive for over 20 years, participating in a wide variety of classes and enjoying all the gym has to offer. About 15 years ago, I discovered Pilates through Dina’s classes, and from that very first session, I was hooked. I continued taking her classes along with many others and quickly fell in love with this new way of caring for and strengthening my body. As a mother of five, I spent many years focusing on the needs of my family. As I grew older, I realized the importance of making time for myself, and training to be a Pilates instructor was one of the first steps I took in that direction. It has been an exceptional, rewarding, and beautiful learning experience- one that has strengthened not only my body, but also my confidence and sense of self.”

Amanda Celiberti:

“Hi, I’m Amanda, a Pilates and Barre instructor at Fitness Incentive. I’ve always loved being active and have a background in exercise science, but after having my baby, movement became even more meaningful to me. I’m big on proper form and truly believe it’s always better to modify than
do something incorrectly. My classes focus on positivity and gratitude for our bodies and the ability to move, and my goal is to help you feel strong, confident, and supported every time you show up.”

Pamela Concannon:

“I discovered yoga in 2012 and quickly found it to be a powerful tool for creating balance, purpose, and connection. After completing a 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Revolution Yoga in 2017, I began sharing the practice through community classes. My classes are welcoming, open-level experiences where students are encouraged to honor their unique journey, move with intention, and connect to their breath. I believe yoga should be accessible to everyone and strive to cultivate a supportive space where each person can create the experience they need on the mat. I hope students leave each class feeling grounded, empowered, and ready to create their own happiness while living a life of purpose. When I am not teaching, I enjoy volunteering, reading, and spending time with my dog, Buddy.”

For more information about our Pilates and yoga offerings, class schedules, and instructor availability, please visit the Fitness Incentive website or contact our team. We look forward to helping you move, grow, and thrive.

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Leah Figueiredo

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