Trainers
Marielle Arostegui, RD, LD, is a Registered Dietitian from Austin, Minnesota.
After completing her bachelors at Iowa State University, Marielle was accepted into Mount Mary University’s Dietetics program. There she gained experience in clinical care, long term care, and public health. Marielle is currently working on completing her masters in Dietetics at Mount Mary University.
Marielle has worked the last two years in Wichita, Kansas as a Dietitian in the public health field. Her focus was helping people from socioeconomically challenged backgrounds overcome barriers and arming them with the information they need to improve their health and wellness When she is not working Marielle, along with her fiancé and two husky dogs, can be found outside hiking, biking, or camping.
Education: Bachelors Degree in Dance Performance/Education – College of St. Teresa, Winona, MN
Certification: Group Fitness Instructor, Healthy Lifestyle Principals – YMCA USA BLS, AED, O2, First Aid – American Safety & Health Institute
Personal Bio: I began my fitness experience early on with involvement in various sports in include gymnastics, swimming and flag football, all of which I participated right here at the YMCA of Austin. As I got older my interest turned to track & field, basketball and cross country.
The social interaction experienced while participating in sports also improves mood and mental health; reinforces ideals of teamwork, self discipline, social and listening skills. I was fortunate and blessed to have a family and many coaches that served as role models, providing the best example as possible; who challenged me and other to raise the bar and achieve higher.
These are gifts that motivate me to keep moving and share my love of moving with others. I have taught dance classes in a private studio setting and have choreographed for both community and high school performance groups. I have the privilege of working in the exercise programs for Cardiac Rehabilitation patients, chemically dependent patients and the elderly.
I currently teach K-6 Physical Education at Pacelli Catholic Schools as well as Aerobic Fusion and Awesome Abs classes here at the Y. I have participated in various workshops for spinning, kickboxing, step, circuit step, hi-lo impact aerobics and look forward to exposure to new and different classes as they emerge.
I have seen many changes with the Y since I started teaching here in 1987. The one thing that remains constant is the desire & commitment of our fitness Staff to provide members with the best workout experience possible. There is nothing more gratifying than to see a participant improve and achieve a goal. The key is to continue to challenge them to desire and achieve new and higher goals.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music from the University of Kansas
Certification: Zumba®, CPR, First Aid & Oxygen Administration
Personal Bio: I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa where I spent much of my childhood attending the gym and Group Fitness classes with my parents, who have been excellent examples of maintaining health and wellness through frequent and consistent exercise. I developed a love for music and dance while in high school and left home for the University of Kansas, where I studied Music Therapy and Vocal Performance. Group fitness classes have allowed me to converge my love for music and fitness. Fitness and strength training have been a huge component in helping me achieve my life goals, because they have given me the energy to stay motivated. I started teaching water aerobics in September 2019 and I have really enjoyed motivating others to achieve their fitness goals. I look forward to gaining more knowledge and training as a Group Fitness Instructor and I am grateful to the Y for bringing me onto the instructor team!
Education: Bachelors of Liberal Arts in Biology and Psychology from Luther College and Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science from the University of Iowa
Certification: APPI Mat Pilates Level 1-3, Licensed Physical Therapist- MN, CPR/ First Aide
Personal Bio: Fitness has always been a major aspect of my daily life. As a multi-sport athlete in high school I always loved how I could test and push my body to its limits physically and mentally. I continued my athletic career swimming at Luther College (Go Norse!) and I still love to get a good pool workout in…just don’t ask me to swim more than 3,000 yds in one session! I started incorporating Pilates into my strengthening routine when I was swimming. It taught me body awareness, postural positioning, core stability, and proper breathing. I love how tuning in to and strengthening your postural muscle groups has such a significant impact on your overall mobility. I continue to use Pilates in my personal fitness routine and in clinical practice as a Physical Therapist and love bringing more challenging routines to all of you! Can’t wait to meet you on the mat!
Education: Education: B.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas
Certification: Group Exercise instructor, TRX instructor, CPR/First Aid/Oxygen Certified
Personal Bio: Fitness has always been important to me. One of my first jobs was as a dance teacher and I remember studying my way through college on the stair climber. Now fitness is a way of life – providing a way to stay in shape, find stress relief, push myself towards goals and have social interaction with friends. I am trained as an occupational therapist and work mainly with the geriatric population at the hospital and in local nursing homes and can see the advantage those have in healing who have put exercise as a priority in their life. I started teaching at the Y when I was staying home raising my children and loved it. I was able to use my training to help members improve their fitness levels on a different scale! When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, cooking, running, and spending time with family and friends. I have always been a morning person and my Monday and Friday 5 am boot camp is always open for new faces – come join us!
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, minor in Physical Education
Certification: YMCA Fitness Specialist, YMCA Fitness Instructor, Fittour Kickboxing, Turbokick, Zumba , AED, O2, First Aid. Trained in Step, Pilates, Cycling and Kettelbells
Personal Bio: My philosophy is that health and fitness isn’t about your body weight on the scale but about the life you gain from being physically active and the friends you make along the way. For me, fitness is a way of life and a celebration of what your body can do.
Education: Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree – Psychology and a Minor in Child Advocacy Studies from Winona State University.
Certification: CPR/AED, First Aid, Water Safety, Group Fitness
Personal Bio: Ever since I was little, I was competitive and passionate when it came to everything and anything fitness/sport related. I wanted to win, always and no matter what. I grew up with three brothers who taught me how to be tough and a Dad that always pushed me to be the best I could be. Soccer and volleyball were my two main passions, almost allowing me to pursue my dream of playing college soccer for Winona State University. Until two back to back ACL tears that stopped me from pursuing my passions and dreams. After recovering, I turned to something I am so thankful for – weight lifting/Crossfit. This makes me feel so strong and powerful and it still allows my competitive side to come out.
Aside from my passion for fitness, I absolutely love helping and supporting others reach their own goals. Becoming a fitness coach at the YMCA in THE LAB has sprung so much joy and happiness into my life. How lucky am I that I get to support those in achieving their own goals?!? I get to put both my passions together, weight lifting and supporting others to accomplish their own goals. It’s a win for me and a win for the athletes getting one step closer to their goals!
I’ve had years of experience in weight lifting and have been an athlete for a total of 4 years in a Crossfit setting. I was also lucky enough to be able to be a volunteer coach for my hometown High School soccer team for 3 years. I have years of experience as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor. My hobbies include: playing with my dog (Raggy), spending time outside with my friends and family, working out (duh!), and supporting the children I work with at my full-time job. Overall, I am an intense go-getter who wants nothing more than to push others to be the best that they can be!
Personal Bio: I am a Cycling and body toning instructor. I have taught at the Y for over 23 years. I grew up in a small rural community with no access to group fitness. I feel blessed to be a part of the Y community. I have served on the board and take great pride in our facility and it’s instructors.
I started out teaching step class in the early morning and then took on the cycling class years later because of my love for cycling. I have been teaching cycling classes from the first day were offered and I still love it! We were first certified for Spinning by the Mad Dog company that was developed by Johnny G, a professional cyclist. I have since then taken courses in cycling coach and other continuing education programs to stay inspired. I feel it is important to stay current and inspired.
I have several personal accomplishments that I feel have helped me understand the importance of a good workout and a safe workout. I have run marathons and have participated in several 4-person, 4day triathlons across the state. Doing smaller events such as 5k runs and 1/2 marathons and smaller triathlons have helped me stay motivated and kept me from burning out. One of my most joyful accomplishments was planning and mapping a cycling tour across the United States. Menu planning and navigation for 5 men who rode their bikes across the United States in 2011. I participated in the ride from the North to the South along the Mississippi down to New Orleans in 2013.
I love to encourage people to cross train and expand their interests as there are many types of workouts available. Cross Training is important for overall fitness and helps to avoid burnout.
Education: BA Kinesiology / Exercise Science
Certification: 500 HR-Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance Certified Education Provider, Moving for Better Balance Instructor, ACE Group Fitness Instructor
Personal Bio: I started practicing Yoga to cope with injuries while pursuing a Fine Arts Dance Performance degree. Through my practice I became stronger, more flexible and more kinesthetically aware of my body. I began to experience more freedom, balance and clarity.
I truly believe mindful movement is the body door to resiliency and wellness, so in 2003 I followed my heart and completed my 500 HR-ERYT certification with the Yoga Alliance.
Since then I have enjoyed guiding classes using a combination of slow aligned movements, gentle stretching and relaxed breathing to cultivate a space for awareness, acceptance and exploration.
My own practice continues to be an exciting, evolving journey delving deeper into the balance and connections of body/breath, mind/focus discernment and spirit/energy choices.
My favorite part of teaching is connecting with and helping my students find comfort in their bodies and minds.
My movement studies have included:
Dance at: the College of St. Teresa, Winona, MN. the University of Madison, WI and Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. Dance Movement Therapy, with Marion Chase and Rena Kornblum. Yoga, with Geeta Iyengar and Manousa Manos. Tai Chi, with Pam Urick and Stephen Lee.
I am a full time teacher & co-owner at the Brickhouse Studio in Austin where I lead private Alignment Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Chair Yoga and Yin Yoga.
Education: B.A. Chemistry, St. Olaf College; M.S. & Ph.D. Food Science & Nutrition, University of Minnesota.
Certification: Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) Aquatic Fitness Professional, Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), Aqua Zumba® Instructor, YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Principles & Foundations of Group Exercise, CPR, First Aid, AED, O2
Personal Bio: I have been a fitness instructor for more than 25 years. My love for water fitness grew from swimming competitively, starting in a YMCA program and continuing through college.
More recently, I have become a registered yoga instructor after completing 200 hours of training at a yoga studio in Mankato. I like what yoga brings to my life in the form of connecting breathing, mind, and body and in being more present in daily life. As a yoga instructor, I strive to bring that sense of connection and presence to class participants.
What I love about teaching group fitness classes at the Y is being part of the community that is created by each group. I see class participants greeting each other with smiles, handshakes, high fives, and hugs both in the pool and the fitness studio and elsewhere in the Y. My philosophy about exercise is that when we each feel good about ourselves as a result of exercise, we will spread that positive feeling to others.
In addition to the classes that I lead at the Y, I also teach yoga and water exercise classes in other venues in Austin and I teach food science, chemistry, and biology at Riverland Community College.
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Corrections from Mankato State University
Certification: Group Fitness, CPR, First Aid, AED
Personal Bio: I am a fun fitness enthusiast. I love working out, especially working out with fitness friends at the Y. If I can turn a leisure bike ride into a bike race, I’m happy. My love for fitness came about when I started walking daily with my really tall friend from work; her leg were much longer than mine! After returning to work from maternity leave in 2003, she asked if I wanted to start walking during lunch hours; what I thought would be a normal walk turned into me basically jogging the entire time. Each day I dreaded going, yet I didn’t let her know that. In the winter months, we joined the Y and I fell in love with the fitness classes and the fitness instructors. I was approached to teach classes in 2006 and fast forward to several years later I am still teaching. I live by “do your best”, “be the best you can be” and “It’s your workout, not mine or your neighbors”. Often times before class I will say, “we are going to have fun tonight”; however, not everyone agrees with that. Fitness has many rewards and having fun is just one of them. I currently teach kettlebell interval, , battle rope interval, bootcamp, cycling and core, although I am open to teaching whatever Y members desire for workouts.
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Iowa
Certification: Devandi Yoga 235 RYT & Intensive, Intro to Thai Yoga Bodyworks, Yoga Sculpt, Barre, AEA Water Fitness, ACE Foundation of Group Exercise, CPR & First Aid, AED
Personal Bio: I grew up in Iowa City, Iowa. I enjoy exercising, I have ran marathons, half marathons and 5k’s and have been involved in many bike races. I golf, cross country ski, hike and enjoy learning about health both physically and mentally.
Education: AA degree focused in computer science from Riverland Community College
Certification: Official Zumba Instructor, AED, O2, First Aid.
Personal Bio: I’ve been a Zumba enthusiast for many years and eventually mamboed (is that a word?) my way into instructing Zumba classes, or as I like to say, “hosting Zumba parties”. My wife, Susan, and I enjoy Broadway musicals and you can occasionally find me on stage or singing in my car. My day job is heading up IBI Data in Brownsdale where I’ve been challenged, grown, and have met many amazing people including my lovely wife. Come join us for our Zumba parties… it don’t matter if you have any idea what’s going on… we’re pretty much just there to have fun… (and accidentally have great workouts too).
Certification: Group Fitness Instructor, TRX, Spinning, AED, O2, First Aid
Personal Bio: My love of fitness started years ago when a friend invited me to Jazzercize in college. I loved it and have been working out ever since! I’m in my 26th year of teaching here at the Y. I have taught a variety of classes – Bootcamp, TRX, Cycling, HIIT, Cyclebox, Kickboxing, Kettlebells, Step, Yoga/Pilates, Aerobics, etc. I am fortunate enough to share my love of fitness with my daughter, Michelle. She stepped up to become a fitness instructor when I had foot surgery and needed a sub! Outside of the Y, I enjoy hiking, biking and motorcycling with my husband, Scott and I love spending time with my family.
My goal is to encourage others to help spark that positive energy that comes from moving your body! Over the years, fitness has been an incredible outlet for me when life got rough. On the days that I didn’t think I could “do life”, exercising saved me. The Y is a great community of people who inspire me and motivate each other!
Richard is from Rochester, MN and has been a yoga instructor for over 5 years specializing in vinyasa and hot yoga. His mother took me to his first yoga class! Aside from the gym, he is a lab tech, plays tennis, enjoys running marathons, and likes taking long naps in the living room.