Congratulations to our December Fitness Instructor of the Month, Karen Dittman!

Check out her story here:

I grew up taking dance lessons and started going to Aerobics classes with my mom when I was a teenager in the 80's - before there was even Jazzercise! Since then, I've valued physical fitness and exercise. I always preferred group fitness classes with fun music and dance moves.

During the years when my older kids (now in their 20's) were in Middle and High School, I found myself "too busy" to go out for those fun classes. But when I got pregnant in my mid-40's I found new motivation to keep myself in shape - I needed to stay healthy for many decades longer! Hoping to find something new that didn't require special equipment, lots of time or burpees, I discovered PiYO. Soon I found myself loving this exercise format, building strength, endurance and flexibility. When my local rec center started offering PiYO LIVE classes, I jumped in. Before long I realized I had become more fit than I had been in at least 20 years. I had always held a back-burner impossible dream of becoming a fitness instructor, so I took the leap and trained to teach PiYO LIVE classes. Later I decided to train to teach yoga as well, knowing that would continue to serve me for many decades.

When I teach fitness classes, whether to kids or adults in their 60's and beyond or anyone in between, I feel like I'm doing something I was uniquely made to do. Skills I've developed for years like dance, choreography and speaking in front of groups combine with my passion to help others live their most healthy, fit lives. I believe that we all need to care for more than our physical bodies; we need to pay attention to the health of our minds, hearts and souls as well. So whether you find me teaching SilverSneakers or yoga classes or leading CVPRD staff in relaxing meditations, you'll usually find that I'm seeking to support and encourage others' growth in all aspects of their lives.