CLASS DESCRIPTIONS & INSTRUCTORS

Soha Ahmed is a certified group exercise, spinning, and stability ball instructor who also has belly dance training. Soha says she loves fitness because “it’s a great way to keep active.” Working out gives Soha energy, keeps her fit, and helps her ward off many diseases.

Eli Akerstein has turned his life-long athleticism into personal training and teaching fitness classes. Eli earned his B.S. from Boston College, is NASM certified and, along with his brother, designed and manufactures AKROwheels, functional fitness equipment sold nationwide. See the Personal Training page for more on Eli’s fitness credentials.

Jenny Barry has over 10 years of experience in fitness, and she won the MIT "Instructor of the Year" award in 2006. See the Personal Training page for Jenny's full bio.

Ben Booth brings to group exercise his natural artistry and wealth of experience in the martial arts, yoga, and Zen meditation. Ben, who teaches Sasoma Yoga and Muay Thai Kickboxing at RevFit, has studied with great masters throughout the U.S., India, and China, including with the legendary kung fu monks of Shaolin Temple. While living in India, Ben studied with the guru of ancient healing, martial, and moving art of Kalaripayattu at C.V.N. Kalari in Kerala. He has also studied Shivananda yoga and the yoga philosophy of Patanjali in traditional ashram settings. In terms of western athletics, he has experience with crew, open-ocean rowing, and mountain bike racing. Ben currently continues to study with Korean Zen Master Chang Sik Kim, founder of the Buddhist martial art Shim Gum Do. 

Patty Cripe has been teaching group exercise for nearly 20 years in the Boston area. Her She has been a runner for over 30 years, including a year of professional running, which wnatural progression into group instruction grew out of over 30 years as a runner, including one year professionally with Lourocoop. Patty is certified in group fitness through Southwest Missouri State University, she earned her B.A. in pre-med and anthropology from University of Massachusetts in Boston, and she has been a fitness consultant in Portugal. Participants in Patty’s athletic cross-training classes should expect a diversified class that focuses on strength, endurance, flexibility and concentration. Her classes cross over many different sports, utilizing all different types of equipment, from resistance to cardio. Outside the gym, Patty is also a firefighter in Brookline.

Sue Delaney has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, holding certifications with ACE, AIFE, and IDEA. She is also an advanced CORE instructor with Resist-A-Ball and a Reebok certified core trainer and alliance member. See the Personal Training page for more on Sue’s fitness credentials.

Autumn Halazon, who comes to Revolution Fitness from the Seattle workout scene, has worked in the fitness industry for the past eight years.  Autumn is certified through ACE and Johnny G Spinning, and she apprenticed at the University of Idaho for two years in Pilates.  Through attending numerous conferences and teaching workshops all over the country, as well as in three other countries, Autumn has furthered her group exercise knowledge and passion.  She believes in helping others get in shape while they have fun doing so.

Derek Notman is a certified Postural Alignment Specialist in the Egoscue Method.  Internationally, he has spent close to twenty years pursuing the study of philosophy, martial arts, yogic movement, and traditional body-based healing practices such as Thai massage, Energy Medicine, and Chi Kung.  He is firmly convinced of the body’s natural intelligence, design, and tendency toward balance and well-being.  Derek also holds a degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.  He teaches his unique SomaTai Yoga at Revolution Fitness and is available to work one-on-one with members for postural alignment and yoga.

Kilbert Pierce has over 20 years of boxing experience, including eight professional fights. For more on Kilbert, see the Personal Training page.

Krista Schieffer has been involved with team sports and dance all throughout her life. She fell in love with yoga two years ago and is currently obtaining her 200 hours of training in Vinyaysa. Krista likes to be active and thinks of the gym as a playground.

Hadassah Segal teaches yoga with an eye towards movement fundamentals such as breath, alignment, and overall well-being. She holds an M.F.A . in Modern Dance and is a certified Gyrotonic trainer.

Sage-Willow Server teaches yoga and spinning at RevFit.  She also has group exercise experience with Roger Williams University, East Bay Fitness, and Sherwood Ultra Sport.  Her certifications include Johnny G Spinning, Core Flex Trainer, Pilates, and YogaFit.  Sage-Willow is also a certified nutrition specialist with a holistic concentration through Lifestyle Management Associates.  Her education includes a bachelor’s degree from University of Miami.

Megan Shirley is a NASM and Corrective Exercise and Group Exercise Certified Instructor. She has 11 years of dance background, and she has played both soccer and basketball competitively. She teaches HardCORE Bootcamp because she says, “I love knowing that someone’s mood can change from negative to positive by working out. I love that people set aside time for themselves for achieving their fitness goals. Moreover, I absolutely love being the one to help make people feel better about themselves; there’s nothing more rewarding.”

Sarah Speltz has been teaching group exercise for six years. Though she is new to the Revolution Fitness staff, Sarah learned from expert instructors at the Rochester Athletic Club in Minnesota. She has experience teaching step, high-low impact aerobics, sculpting, abs, and water fitness classes. Sarah explain, “My favorite thing about being part of Revolution Fitness is that the people here are so friendly, and they all truly believe in fitness and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.” Outside the gym, Sarah is an English teacher and freelance writer who loves being a city girl in her new Boston neighborhood.

Heidi Tobias, former professional dancer turned fitness instructor, has 32 years of teaching experience. She has been a pioneer in the industry, including creating the power-low format, and current Revolution Fitness classes Cardio Sculpt and Cardio Ballet. Heidi’s work has been featured on NPR and in Chronicle, and she was voted Best Instructor in Boston in 1988. In her own words, “Fitness is my life. I love everything about it. But for me, it affords me the creativity I need to make working out exciting and effective at the same time. Watching it change people’s lives—inside and out—is all the incentive I need to keep pushing my limits to keep it unique, safe, and the key to well-being.”

Jesse Tarantino has been teaching fun and effective spin classes throughout the city of Boston for the past four years. He emphasizes correct body positioning and mind/body awareness as participants cycle to a motivating soundtrack consisting of pop, top 40 remixes, rock, show tunes and a few surprises! Jesse says, “Bring your water bottle, sense of humor and to be ready for a fun, well-balanced combination of cardio and strength conditioning!”

Jolene Woznicki uses her base as a gymnast with 18 years experience to challenge members in her Pilates classes.  Jolene comes to RevFit from Fitness Club and LA Fitness in Connecticut, and she holds degrees from both Springfield College and Southern Connecticut State University.  She is certified through American Fitness Professionals, and she has over four years of Pilates experience.  Jolene says, “I love teaching Pilates.  It is part of my life.”

AKRO is a bootcamp-style class designed for total-body sculpting using the Akrowheel and other equipment. The 45-minute workout blast incorporates cardio and strength for fun, high-powered training.

AKRO-Core is a 30-minute intensive workout designed by trainer Eli Akerstein to strengthen opposing muscle groups in the abdominal and lower back regions through traditional mat work and exercises using the Akrowheel.

Body Blast is a total-body workout designed to mix intervals of cardio exercise with strength training. Cardio segments vary from step aerobics to spinning, and toning is done with bands, bars, weights, and body resistance with a focus on form and alignment.

Body Sculpt is an ultra-toning workout designed to strengthen and shape the muscles using a variety of equipment and high-repetition exercises.

Bootcamp is a total-body conditioning class incorporating intervals of abs, supersets, and drills using a variety of equipment.

Cardio Ballet is a combination of plyometric power-low and ballet moves performed in a continuous flow, creating aerobic capacity, core strength, and endurance. No previous dance training is required, and all levels are welcome to this class created by Heidi Tobias.

Cardio Sculpt is a unique class designed by instructor Heidi Tobias for total-body toning while still keeping the heart rate up for a cardiovascular workout. The class involves use of a step bench and dumbbell weights.

Core&Stretch is 45-minute class designed to enhance flexibility and proper alignment, as well as focus on core strength and stability.

Crunch&Grind is a stationary bike workout followed by abdominal and stability ball work to obtain a stronger core.

Dynamic Fusion is a power yoga class designed by Heidi Tobias which incorporates light handheld weights to intensify the poses, holds, and lifts for improved strength, flexibility, and balance.

Gentle Yoga is a class designed for those new to yoga and for members who want a slower-paced workout.

Hot Power Vinyasa is a continuous flow of asanas building to a peak of individual difficulty and then slowly lowering to the floor. Each class features different themes but all build strength, flexibility, and balance.

Kil’ Boxing is traditional boxing with Kilbert Pierce, former professional boxer. The classes used exercises with gloves and bags for technique, skill, and fitness.

Muay Thai with internationally-trained instructor Ben Booth is a kickboxing class that offers both a great workout and lessons in proper technique.

Party Spin is a high-energy stationary bike workout utilizing all major muscle groups for strength, endurance, and cardio in a fun, music-driven class.

Perpetual Yoga is a moving yoga class based in the principles of India’s ancient martial and healing art. The practice includes dynamic sequences, as well as a focus on internal spirit and directed mind energy.

Pilates Core is a 30-minute intensive workout designed to strengthen the mid-section through basic mat Pilates series with a certified Pilates instructor.

Power Lunch is a 45-minute, efficient total-body conditioning class packed with intervals of cardio, sculpting, and drills for an optimal noon-hour workout.

Power Yoga is an intermediate/advanced class in a heated environment. Participants receive expert, personalized attention in their practice.

RoadRace Spin is a class for more experienced bicyclists to challenge their cardiovascular capacity and muscle strength in an intense spinning workout. This class offers higher degrees of difficulty, uses visualization, and focuses on form, muscle conditioning, and maintaining an ideal heart rate.

SomaTai Yoga is a practice which focuses on joint movement, movement quality, and postural alignment. It is about re-awakening the blueprint of the body.

Spin&Sculpt is a 90-minute workout with 60 minutes of spinning and 30 minutes of strength work, focusing mostly on the lower body.

Step&Sculpt is a 75-minute cardio workout using a bench for both up-and-down and directional movement. The class is taught at varying choreography levels, but options are given from basic to advanced. Muscle conditioning and toning exercises are also included.

Stretch is 30-minute class designed to enhance flexibility and proper alignment, as well as focus and stability. Stretch class is a good complement to any aerobic or cross-training program, and a critical component to overall fitness goals.

Ultimate Fitness Fusion is the latest of Heidi Tobias’ challenging classes. This 90-minute class pushes the limits of exercise and creativity, bringing together 32 years of dance and fitness experience, to fuse Cardio Sculpt, Plyometric Low Impact, Dynamic Fusion and solid floor stretches to make fitness the most complete and challenging. Modifications are offered for all levels.