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GROUP FITNESS
at JCC Buffalo
Group Fitness at the J

Build Strength
& Motivation

 

We’re Here to Support Your Fitness Journey

Whether your goal is to build stamina, increase strength, improve overall fitness, or boost your daily energy, our group fitness program offers something for everyone. With classes for all fitness levels and both land and aquatic options, you can create a routine that keeps you challenged, supported, and motivated.

A Taste of What We Offer:

  • High-intensity interval training and strength-building formats
  • Cycling classes for all levels, from quick rides to power sessions
  • Cardio kickboxing, boxing, and martial arts-inspired workouts
  • Yoga and mind-body classes ranging from gentle flow to powerful practice
  • Pilates, barre, and core-focused conditioning
  • Water-based fitness, including aqua aerobics, aqua HIIT, and hydrorider classes

And so much more!

Our certified and experienced instructors bring energy, expertise, and encouragement to every class. Programming is designed to meet a wide variety of needs and abilities so you can progress at a pace that works best for you.

Fitness at the J

EXPLORE OUR CLASS OFFERINGS

AQUATICS
HYDRO MUSCLES

*Benderson Family Building only
A water-based strength training class focusing on building and toning muscles using the resistance of water.

HYRDORIDER

An aquatic cycling class is held in the deep end using stationary bikes submerged in water. It provides a joint-friendly yet challenging cardiovascular workout.

SAF AQUA DRUMS VIBES

*Benderson Family Building only
A high-energy aquatic fitness class that combines drumming on water with rhythmic movements to music, offering both cardio and fun.

WATER AEROBICS ATHLETICS

*Holland Family Building only
Low-impact cardiovascular and strength-training exercises are often conducted in water and are tailored for adult and senior participants.

WATER IN MOTION

*Benderson Family Building only
A choreographed aqua fitness class set to music, offering full-body conditioning with rhythmic routines that blend cardio and resistance work.

WATER MUSCLES

*Holland Family Building only
A targeted strength training workout in the pool that focuses on building muscle endurance using aquatic resistance.

CARDIO & CONDITIONING
20/20 ENDURANCE

20 exercises in 20 minutes using high, medium, and low impact moves with modifications for all levels.

BOX & BURN

A high-energy class blending basic boxing combinations with cardio drills.

CARDIO KICKBOXING

Fast-paced martial-arts–inspired cardio improves agility and endurance.

HIIT

High-Intensity Interval Training using short bursts of work followed by recovery. Offered in 30, 45, and 60-minute sessions.

JAB

Jump Rope, Abs, Boxing — a cardio-forward boxing-inspired workout.

RUN CLUB / 2-MILE RUN GROUP

Group running sessions to build endurance and community.

STRETCH IT OUT

A flexibility-focused session to release tension and improve mobility.

ULTIMATE POWER

Total-body conditioning using strength, cardio, and high-intensity training.

CYCLING
CYCLE

Indoor cycling workouts focus on endurance, resistance, and intervals. Offered in 30, 45, and 60-minute sessions.

CYCLE & SCULPT

A hybrid indoor cycling and strength-conditioning class.

LES MILLS™ PROGRAMS
LES MILLS BODYBALANCE

Yoga-based program combining Tai Chi and Pilates.

LES MILLS BODYCOMBAT

Martial arts–inspired cardio training.

LES MILLS BODYPUMP

High-repetition barbell workout builds muscular endurance.

LES MILLS COMBAT

Full-body martial arts conditioning with optional core finishers.

LES MILLS CORE

Dynamic core training using bands, plates, and bodyweight.

MIND, BODY, & YOGA
HATHA STRETCH / HATHA FLOW

Gentle yoga emphasizing breath, posture, and flexibility.

MAT PILATES

Classic Pilates focuses on core strength and alignment.

POWER YOGA FLOW

A vigorous vinyasa-based practice building strength and stamina.

SLOW FLOW YOGA

A slower-paced, mindful yoga flow promoting flexibility and breath control.

SOFT FLOW YOGA

Relaxing, gentle yoga emphasizing deep stretching and restoration.

VINYASA FLOW / VINYASA YOGA

Breath-connected movement flowing through dynamic poses.

YOGA MECHANICS

Yoga focuses on alignment, functional movement, and injury prevention.

YOGA STRONG

A strength-building yoga class combining muscular endurance and flexibility.

SILVERSNEAKERS® PROGRAMS
SILVERSNEAKERS® BOOM MUSCLE

Strength training using simple, effective movements.

SILVERSNEAKERS® CARDIO

A low-impact cardio workout improves stamina and heart health.

SILVERSNEAKERS® CLASSIC

Full-body training using light weights and resistance tools.

SILVERSNEAKERS® STABILITY

Training focused on balance, mobility, and fall prevention.

SILVERSNEAKERS® YOGA

Gentle seated and standing yoga for flexibility and mobility.

STRENGTH & SCULPT
ARMS & CORE 30

Upper body and core–targeted strength training.

CORE 30

A short, intensive session strengthening core muscles.

CORE SCULPT

A slower-paced core workout incorporating yoga techniques.

GLUTES 30

Strength-focused workout targeting glute muscles.

PILATES SCULPT

Pilates with light weights to enhance muscle definition.

POWER

Strength + cardio fusion using functional, compound movements. Offered in 30, 45, and 60-minute sessions.

Meet the team.

Rene Anderson

Rene Anderson

Benderson Family Building

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The most rewarding part of training and teaching at the J is witnessing those "aha" moments—when members realize their strength, and accomplish what once felt impossible. That look of pride is what makes this work so fulfilling. Whether you're looking to build strength, improve stability, or push your limits, I'm here to help you reach your goals.
Brandon Ash

Brandon Ash

Holland Family Building

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I’ve been instructing Les Mills group classes for more than a decade. If you've taken Core Training or Body Attack, you might have worked out with me—and you can still catch me teaching BODYPUMP twice a week. Join me for a class, and I’ll have you sweating, smiling, and maybe even singing along! The JCC feels like home. When I’m not in class, you’ll likely see me biking around the village, possibly on my way to teach my students at International School 45 on the west side.
Heather Bartlett

Heather Bartlett

Holland Family Building

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Originally from Massachusetts, I’ve been living in Buffalo since 2009, instructing cycling classes here in WNY since 2015. I love the warmth and community here at the JCC. Join me for a high-energy, action-packed sweat session!
Anna Bello

Anna Bello

Holland Family Building

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I love helping others achieve their health and fitness goals. I believe in a holistic approach to caring for the body and that exercise and staying fit are among the best things we can do to be healthy and best equipped to love and enjoy life. The advantages of investing in yourself and caring for your body extend far beyond the gym. I would love to help you reach your full potential and enjoy your wellness journey! Let's crush your fitness goals and HIIT to new heights.
Judy Bonafede

Judy Bonafede

Benderson Family Building

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I enjoy teaching Tai Chi because of the number of people I've helped through the years. Tai Chi involves a series of movements performed slowly and with focus, accompanied by deep breathing. A fun fact about me is that I am an artist working in mixed media, attending a few local art shows in the area.
Irus Braverman

Irus Braverman

Holland Family Building

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I teach with a compassionate, playful, and dynamic approach, helping students connect with breath, movement, and inner wisdom. I love headstands for their fresh perspective! My yoga journey began in India in 1996 with Vipassana meditation. After two years of training, I studied Iyengar and Ashtanga and opened a studio in Jerusalem. With a dance background, I emphasize insight, breath, and movement. I also teach at UB and write about the politics of nature.
Chris Brown

Chris Brown

Holland Family Building

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Fitness and fun are the drivers to motivate each other to challenge ourselves and smash goals.
Trina Bursie

Trian Bursie

Benderson Family Building

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I’m a mindful yoga teacher specializing in flow classes emphasizing balance, stability, and fluid movement. My teaching style blends breath-driven sequences with intentional poses to build strength, focus, and harmony. With a calm yet energizing presence, I guide participants through creative transitions, helping them find equilibrium both on and off the mat.
Cindy Fiegl

Cindy Fiegl

Benderson Family Building

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I've seen firsthand how fitness can transform lives, and it's incredible to watch that growth in action. My goal for every session is for you to leave sweaty, exhausted, and, most importantly, proud of what you've accomplished. I focus on proper form and the mind-muscle connection, encouraging you to dig deep, push a little harder, and find the strength to go beyond what you thought possible. Let's create a custom workout plan to help you reach your goals and feel your strongest!
Jodee Fiorella

Jodee Fiorella

Benderson Family Building

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What I love the most is the people. When someone comes to me with a goal, I get as excited as they do. Helping them achieve it is what drives me. I'm a total fitness nerd. I'm always reading up on, researching, and trying new exercises and routines. I work out six days a week, mixing things up so it never gets boring. You'll probably find me watching a scary movie when I'm not at the gym—I'm obsessed!
Mitch Flynn

Mitch Flynn

Holland Family Building

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I’m a lifelong cyclist, certified Spinning instructor, and founder of the Ride for Roswell, which has raised over $64 million for research and patient care at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1996. I’ve been leading indoor cycling classes at the JCC since 2011 and love every minute of it!
Mike Frank

Mike Frank

Holland Family Building

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I’m passionate about helping people feel confident in the gym. My military experience, including a high PT score in Basic Training and AIT, instilled a commitment to excellence. I work with all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced. Specializing in circuit training, free weights, endurance, core strengthening, and functional exercises, I’m here to guide and motivate you. Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or overall fitness, let’s create a safe, effective, and enjoyable workout.
Jennifer Gallagher

Jennifer Gallagher

Benderson Family Building

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I teach SilverSneakers classes here at the J, and I love it! The quality here is top-notch, but the people make it unique. I've built some fantastic relationships and made so many great friends along the way. Outside of fitness, I'm passionate about ballroom dancing and downhill skiing. I've had the chance to ski in the Rockies and Vermont—both incredible experiences! I'd love for you to join my class. Come move, have fun, and be part of this incredible community!
Carol-Ann Gleason

Carol-Ann Gleason

Holland Family Building

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I've always been an athlete—a dedicated swimmer, surfer, runner, and cyclist. In 2013, a tropical disease left me in chronic pain, unable to move. Desperate for relief, I turned to Yoga, which transformed my body and mindset over time. This journey led me to teach, driven by a desire to support others facing pain, immobility, or discouragement. My classes emphasize breath, alignment, and strength, inspired by the wisdom of the incredible teachers who shaped my practice. It's an honor to share what has been so generously passed on to me.
Laura Hahn

Laura Hahn

Benderson Family Building

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As an ACE Certified Medical Exercise Specialist with a master's in Health & Human Performance from Canisius College, I bridge the gap between healthcare and fitness. Whether managing a chronic condition or seeking wellness guidance, I'll help you build confidence, stay motivated, and create a path to better health. Along with teaching group fitness, I'm a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach, helping those in our Parkinson's program improve strength, mobility, and well-being. Let's find the best approach for your unique needs!
Betsy Hare

Betsy Hare

Benderson Family Building

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I've been a fitness instructor and personal trainer on land and water for more than 30 years. Movement is my passion, and I love helping people find joy and strength in fitness. I specialize in everything from aquatic training and rehab to Rock Steady Boxing and diabetes prevention. Most of all, I love seeing how fitness transforms lives. Let's create a plan that works for you!
Kevin Heffernan

Kevin Heffernan

Holland Family Building

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I’ve been teaching cycling at the J since 2013, leading high-energy classes packed with sprints, climbs, and a mix of pop remixes, electronic, and rock. Outside the J, I advocate for safer, more accessible streets, sidewalks, intersections, trails, and greenways across Western New York through my work with GObike.
Marisa Kisker

Marisa Kisker

Holland Family Building

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I hold a BFA in dance from SUNY Buffalo and am an ISSA-certified personal trainer specializing in one-on-one, group training, and youth strength & conditioning. My passion for health and wellness fuels my energy and enthusiasm, and I love helping people of all ages—youth, teens, adults, and seniors—through programs tailored to their needs. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my three amazing kids, and cheering on my favorite sports teams. I’m thrilled to be part of the JCC family—Let’s go, Buffalo!
Kara Klaasesz

Kara Klaasesz

Holland Family Building

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I started teaching group fitness in 2002 after completing my first full Ironman triathlon. I'm certified through AFAA and teach several Les Mills programs, including BodyPump, Body Balance, and Core. Cycling is my passion, and I bring my multisport background and Johnny G training to every ride. Join me in the cycle room for real-life riding experiences, and let's talk about your multisport goals.
Todd Kroening

Todd Kroening

Holland Family Building

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Sam Long

Sam Long

Holland Family Building

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As a NASM-certified personal trainer, I’m committed to continuing my education. With certifications in yoga and boxing—including Baptiste Power Yoga and USA Boxing Green Coach—I’m passionate about helping clients reach their goals safely and effectively. I specialize in Functional Strength Training, Conditioning, Boxing, and Yoga, tailoring each session to build strength, agility, and overall wellness.
Derek Nichols

Derek Nichols

Holland Family Building

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My approach to group fitness is focused on energizing, motivating, and infusing a little fun into every workout. I thrive on watching participants push their limits, get stronger, and leave each class feeling accomplished. Outside the gym, I’m dedicated to saving the world—empowering the next generation of leaders through my work at UB Sustainability.
Sarah O'Boyle

Sarah O'Boyle

Holland Family Building

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My goal is to help clients achieve a balanced lifestyle that encompasses all dimensions of health & wellness. With a background in coaching, I create a training environment that continually motivates and empowers individuals to challenge themselves in a fun and rewarding way. Anyone can achieve their goals with the right training program, determination, and support.
Greg Pigeon

Greg Pigeon

Benderson Family Building

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I've taught indoor cycling classes since 2019 and am a Mad Dogg Spinning-certified instructor. As a lifelong educator, I've taught in public schools since 1988 and am currently a principal at a local WNY high school. I love bicycling, and I'm a fan of music from all decades. I live in East Amherst with my wife, three sons, and four cats! My philosophy of indoor cycling starts with a strong playlist and continues with explicit, concise instruction. Indoor cycling should be fun, focused, and upbeat. My goal is to provide this formula while ensuring my students have a solid, safe workout experience.
Mike Quinn

Mike Quinn

Holland Family Building

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I started BodyPump at the JCC in 2018 and became an instructor in 2024, driven by my passion for fitness and motivation. By day, I’m a Project Manager in Procurement/Supply Chain at Delaware North, where I’ve worked for 15 years. I hold degrees in International Relations and an MBA, and I am a Project Management Professional (PMP) certified. Outside work, I love food, fitness, biking, and running half marathons. I live in Kenmore with my beagle, Charlie—catch us strolling the city!
Kathy Rogers

Kathy Rogers

Holland Family Building

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I teach SilverSneakers classes, creating a welcoming space for all abilities. The best part? The incredible community we’ve built—laughing, sharing stories, and forming genuine friendships. I stay connected through a newsletter on exercise, health, and aging, encouraging questions and progress. Every other month, I demo fall recovery techniques to reinforce that strength comes at your own pace. My classes focus on feeling good, staying active, and having fun. Seeing seniors embrace movement daily inspires me to live by my motto: “Move forward with enthusiasm.”
Leslie Rothschild

Leslie Rothschild

Holland Family Building

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When people discover I am a yoga teacher, I often hear, "I'm not flexible enough to do yoga." One of my favorite quotes comes from a well-known yogi, Krishnamacharya. He said, "If you can breathe, you can do yoga." I believe in this quote wholeheartedly. My slow-flow classes are designed around this idea. I enjoy explaining variations and modifications for various poses so that each person can experience yoga in their own way. I am a 500-hour Yoga Alliance teacher who has spent more than twenty years dedicating myself to studying yoga.
Sarah Shallowhorn

Sarah Shallowhorn

Holland Family Building

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Finding balance, strength, and harmony led me to yoga as a teen, and it remains my passion. I’m also an avid writer, outdoorswoman, and proud cat mom. I explored various yoga styles through my teens and college years: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and Hot, deepening my practice. Eventually, I completed my 200-hour teacher training at La Casa Shambhala in Thailand. My teaching blends Hatha and Vinyasa, focusing on mindful movement, breath-body connection, and finding stillness within effort.
Jennifer Sommer

Jennifer Sommer

Benderson Family Building

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I have been teaching at the JCC since 2020 and have been a member since 2014. I love the people and sense of camaraderie at the JCC, and I've met some great friends while working out and teaching here! I am married with 3 (mostly) grown children and two large puppies. I also love to read and travel. During the day, I am a high school English Teacher. Hope to see you in class!
Errol Sull

Errol Sull

Holland Family Building

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As a teacher who has been spinning since 2010 and a lifetime JCC member, I am a long-time supporter of the indoor cycling room at the Holland Family Building. I have an "eclectic" theme for each of my spinning playlists, and, as a former professional in the restaurant industry, I bring home-baked treats to class. A fun fact about me is that I'm an oft-published author with several books and national columns.
Will Tardi

Will Tardi

Holland Family Building

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I'm an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Sports Performance Specialist, and USA Boxing Coach & Referee, specializing in Basketball Skills and Boxing Mitt Work for all ages and levels. As a national-level fitness competitor, I help athletes build power, agility, speed, and endurance, focusing on movement, stability, and core strength. My dynamic, custom workouts are designed to challenge, motivate, and deliver results. Let's take your training to the next level!
Jan Thome

Jan Thome

Benderson Family Building

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What do I love most? The fantastic energy of my class participants! They're friendly, motivated, and always up for a challenge. Helping people improve their health and mobility—while having fun—is truly rewarding. Fun facts: I appeared in the fitness video Raw Cuts, graduated from Georgetown with the King of Spain, and spent a year in Switzerland learning to ski. When I'm not teaching fitness, I'm in the classroom—I've been a full-time French and Spanish teacher for years!
Susan Willis

Susan Willis

Benderson Family Building

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I am an experienced personal trainer and fitness instructor.  I take great pleasure in helping members reach their full potential.  I believe in incorporating cardio, strength/conditioning, and flexibility training to create an individualized routine that addresses specific client needs/goals. See me to get started on your fitness journey!