Certifications:

AFAA Certified Personal Trainer
AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor
Heart Zones and Keiser Certified Cycling Instructor
Group Ride™ Certified Instructor
Group Power TM Certified Instructor
Group Step TM Certified Instructor
Group Centergy™ Certified Instructor
Group Kick™ Certified Instructor
ISCA Certified Kickboxing Instructor
SCW Certified Aqua Instructor
Silversneakers™ Certified Instructor
Resist-a-ball Core Certified Instructor
SCW Sports Nutrition Certification
American Heart CPR Certification

Education & Training:

BA University of Minnesota
Group exercise instructor since 1984, classes include Step, Kickboxing, Cycle, Weight training, Aqua, Hi-low, circuit and interval.
Personal Training experience with all age groups, children through Senior Citizen.

Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:

State Qualifying Gymnast
College Athlete 3 years
Fitness Instructor/Trainer for over 24 years.
My hobbies include spending time with my husband of 21 years and our two daughters. We love to travel and stay active. I have just recently introduced my 16 and 18 year old daughters to my love of group exercise and participate regularly with them in step, kickboxing, spin and weight classes.

Training Philosophy:

My training philosophy includes cardio respiratory, and aerobic conditioning, weight training, and nutritional guidance. I am a strong believer in cross-training and feel that participating in a variety of fitness programs and classes is the best way to get the body to respond to achieve your personal fitness goals.

Certifications:

•  ACE certified Personal Trainer
•  ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor
•  BTS Group Power
•  BTS Group Active
•  BTS Group Step
•  Silver Sneakers Muscular Range of Motion
•  Silver Sneakers Cardio Circuit
•  Fitness Instructor Training Academy
•  Keiser Indoor Cycling
•  SCW Pilates Matwork Specialty Certificate
•  SCW Kids in Motion Specialty Certificate
•  SCW Aquatic Exercise Fundamentals Certification
•  Motherwell Professional Instructor
•  Heart Saver CPR with the America Heart Association

Education & Training:

BA Georgia College & State University
Group exercise instructor for 6 years. Expertise includes: Step, Kickboxing, Cycle, Weight Training, Aqua, Senior Aerobics, Hi-Low and Pilates.

Personal Accomplishment & Interests:

Entered aerobics field in college, teaching multiple styles and responsible for addition of Pilates to the Aerobics program at GC&SU. I am a competitive runner and enjoy competing in both 5K and 10K races. I enjoy photography, reading and developing new exercise methods.

Training Philosophy:

Fitness is something you must work at each and every day! Make it fun and enjoy your results. You have the key to the results you desire, it only takes one step in the right direction. A healthy lifestyle is a choice that you make everyday….make it COUNT!

-A.C.E. certified Personal Trainer
-A.C.E. certified Group Fitness Instructor
-SCW Sports Nutrition Certificate
-SCW Pilates Small Apparatus Certificate
-AAAI certified Mat Pilates Instructor
-AAAI certified Yoga Instructor
-American Academy of Health & Fitness Professionals Post-rehab Conditioning Specialist
-SS & Co certified Water Fitness Instructor
-HEARTZONES certified Blue Jersey Cycle Instructor.
-KEISER certified Cycle Instructor.
-REEBOK certified Cycle Instructor.
-INTERNATIONAL INLINE SKATING ASSOCIATION Inline Skate Instructor – Level 1
-KICK FIT certified Kickboxing Instructor
-AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION: Basic Life Support (CPR) Instructor
-AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION: AED Instructor
-AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION : First Aid Instructor
-Western Illinois University, Bachelor's of Science Minors: Marketing and Management

EXPERIENCE:

~I have held a variety of positions at various health clubs from Director of Personal Training to Group Fitness Coordinator to staff CPR instructor. I also have experience teaching a variety of classes: cycle, pilates, yoga, muscle challenge, strength classes, circuit, step, kickboxing, kid's fitness, water fitness, and inline skating.

~CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor
~Motivational Speaker
~Chorographer
~On-line Coach

FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

2001 – WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS by MuscleMania, 4 th place lightweight division
2001 – 3 rd Place in the 4 th Annual SNBF Nationals Women's Tall Class
2000 – 1 st Place in the 3 rd Annual SNBF Nationals Overall Women's Champion
2000 – 1 st Place in the Southern Regional SNBF Championship Open Women's Class 2000 – 2 nd Place in the Georgia SNBF Championship Novice Women's Class
Natural Bodybuilder
Competed for 5 years as a Triathlete
Several 5k's, 10k's and Bike Races (too many to count!)
College Athlete in Volleyball and Basketball
Wife
Mother

FITNESS PHILOSOPHY:

Consistency, Balance, and Determination.

PRINTED HIGHLIGHTS:

SNBF Magazine, April 2002
Article about my Consistency, Balance and Determination.
Community Health Focus Magazine, March 2002
Featured in their “Women in Sports” Section.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS:

B.A. Math/Science, Michigan State University
M.A. Math/Science, Michigan State University

AAAI Certified Yoga Instructor
AAAI Certified Advanced Yoga Instructor
AAAI Certified Mat Pilates Instructor
White Lotus Yoga Foundation Certification (Ganga White and Tracey Rich)
YogaFit Teacher Training
C.O.R.E. Education - "Resist-A-Ball" Yoga
Yoga Kids Teacher Training
Integrative Yoga Therapy Home Study
Integrative Yoga Therapy - Professional Yoga Therapy Intensive
White Lotus Yoga Foundation Advanced Certification
Stillwater Yoga - Anatomy Workshop (Roger Cole)
Clayton State University - Basic Human Anatomy
S.S. & Co. - Basic Water Rescue & Aqua Yoga
Therapeutic Yoga Certification ( Cheri Clampett & Arturo Peal)
SilverSneakers® I - Muscular Strength & Range of Movement
Fluid Power Teacher Training Workshop with Shiva Rea
AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor
SilverSneakers® - YogaStretch
AEA - Aquatic Fitness Professional
Yoga Teacher Trainings: Baron Baptiste, Seane Corn, Jonny Kest, Ravi Singh, Saul David Raye, Tias Little, Doug Swenson, Michael Lee, Paul Grilley, Todd Norian, Kali Ray, Eddie Modestini & Nicki Doane, Rama Berch, Rodney Yee, Leslie Kaminoff, Gary Kraftsow, David Life, Amba Stapleton, Cyndi Lee, Manorama (Thea D'Alvia), Gabriel Halpern, Scott Blossom, Chris Kilham, Aadil Palkhivala, Angela Farmer & Victor van Kooten, Dr. John Douillard, Alana Kaivalya, Rod Stryker, Ana Forrest
SE Yoga Conference - 2001, 2002
Midwest Yoga Conference - 2004, 2005, 2006
Omega Yoga Conference, NYC - 2004
SYTAR - 2007
Yoga Journal Conference - 2007
American Heart Association Certified C.P.R.

PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & HOBBIES:

School Teacher - 12 years
Executive Director, Atlanta Junior Golf Association - 10 years
Yoga Teacher
Wife, Mother, Grandmother
Crafts, Gardening, Golf, Horseback Riding, Reading, Skiing, Scuba Diving, Travel

TRAINING PHILOSOPY:

Realize the validity of this science, Yoga, that is over 6,000 years old which will increase flexibility, strength, balance, concentration and will power along with strengthening all systems of the body (cardiovascular, digestive, elimination, immune, lymphatic, musculature, nervous, respiratory, skeletal). Understand that spinal flexibility is in direct proportion to one's life span. Re-learn natural breathing to fully oxygenate one's body. Learn how to rid stress, the causative of disease, from one's life. COME TO A YOGA CLASS AND GIVE IT A TRY!!! There's nothing more important than your health - you can't buy it but, with effort, you can achieve it and maintain it through cross-training.

Merilee Giddings
Group Fitness Instructor
(h) 770.487.2840

(c) 770.757.1280
Email: mamgiddings@comcast.net

Certifications:

NETA Personal Trainer Certified
SilverSneakers™ 1 & 2 Certified
CPR certified

Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:  

Married to husband, Jeff, for 23 years, and Mother to Jeffrey (20) and John (18)
Avid Nascar fan
Participated in the 60 mile Avon 3 day walk

Certifications:

AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor
Group Power Certified Instructor
Group Step Certified Instructor
American Heart CPR Certification

Education & Training:

Group Exercise Instructor since 2000
BS – University of Georgia

Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:

Run several 5k, 10k, 15k, and half marathons
I have a great husband and wonderful little boy
Hobbies include exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Training Philosophy:

Fitness should be fun and energizing. Participate in activities you enjoy so you will stay motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

AFAA Personal Trainer Certifified
BTS Group Power Certified
BTS Group Step Certified
BTS Group Ride Certified
CPR Certified
CPR and First Aid Instructor
Physical Education certified in state of georgia

EDUCATION & TRAINING

BS in Education from Georgia State University, currently teach physical education in fayette county, formerly coached track, cross country and cheerleading at middle school and high school level, AFAA training in 1996, BTS group step training summer 2006, have taught step, cycle, kick boxing, muscle challenge classes

PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & HOBBIES

Completed Disney Marathon in 2004, run in many races and half marathons, married to Brian for seven years, have two children-Dylan and Emery

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

I think that living a healthy lifestyle is the key. It is okay to have a bad day as long as you remember to get back on track. Cross training is great. If you get bored with one routine challenge yourself and try another. If you find a form of exercise you enjoy, you are more likely to stick with it.

CERTIFICATIONS:

AFAA Group Fitness Instructor
AFAA Personal Trainer
STOTT PILATES mat level 1
MOM's in Motion Specialties
Water Fitness Instructor
Pilates Mat-work Instructor
Body Pump Instructor Training
Group Power Instructor
Resist-A-Ball Fitness Training
Group Power Cycle Training
TRANSITIONS Life Style Coach
Group Ride Instructor

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

MAT Special Education; Concentration in Learning Disabilities
Add on Middle Grades and Elementary Education – Concentration: Math, Science & Language Arts
BA in Communications/Business  

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY:

• Live the Lifestyle!
• Exercise is one component of fitness, eating correctly, supplementation and rest is equally important.
• Learn to workout efficiently and properly.
• Strength begins from your center; your core is the structural center of movement and life. Learn to use it.
• Cross train for optimum results!
• You are never too old or too young for fitness.
• Be consistent, stay educated, and make it fun!
  

AFAA - Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor
AFAA - Group Exercise Instructor
Johnny G Spinning®
Keiser Power Pacing®
Heart Zones Cycling® - Yellow Jersey Master Trainer (Level III)
BTS - Group Power TM ®
Pilates
Resist-a-Ball®
American Heart Association - CPR
BTS – Group Centergy

Education & Training:

Clayton College and State University, A.A. Education, 1992-1994

Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:

Completion of many marathons and half-marathons
Active participation in local cycling events
Ongoing participation in multi-sport events such as the duathlon
Extensive volunteer work at her local church and community
Full-time mother of three young children

Training Philosophy:

Plan your work and work your plan

CERTIFICATIONS:

BTS Group Step, Group Centergy, and Group Active

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

B.A. in History Education from Bryan College
M. Ed. in Creative Arts in Education from Lesley University .
Trained under Lynn Snipes in the Gwinnett Ballet Theater and Jennifer Byokawski of Northeast Atlanta Ballet in the fields of ballet, jazz, and modern dance.

Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:

A major accomplishment is becoming certified to teach BTS programs. Also, co-founding a Christian ballet company in Dayton , TN in 1999 and seeing how it continues to grow (though I now live here). My hobbies include reading, selling Homemade Gourmet products, and spending lots of time with my husband, Rob and pets, Mac and Lily. I also choreograph musicals for Newnan High school each year. Soon my life will be busy with Baby Prout (due in September!)


TRAINING PHILOSOPHY:

Everyone was a beginner at one time! We all just need to take that first step and it is amazing how far we can go.

Fitness CERTIFICATES and TRAINING:

ProFirstAid CPR & First Aid (AED inclusive)
AFAA Emergency Response
AFAA: Group Exercise Instructor
AFAA: Telefitness Certification
Precision Cycle Instructor
BTS Group Ride
BTS Group Step
AAAI/ISMA Pilates Instructor
Instructor Coordinator SilverSneakers Fitness program
Silver Sneakers I, Muscular Strength & ROM
Silver Sneakers II, Cardio Circuit
SilverSneakers YogaStretch
Yoga Fit Instructor Level I & II
Resist a Ball C.O.R.E. Instructor
IFA Group Fitness
IFA Kick Boxing
IFA Personal Trainer
Rep Reebok Instructor
Purely Physical Fitness Instructor
United States Army Europe Aerobics Instructor
IDEA Mind Body Fitness member
AFAA Group Fitness member
SCW Group Fitness member

Fitness EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

20 years attending fitness related lectures, workshops and certification trainings at conventions and in university settings. Equipment training and past certificates include; Gliding™, Reebok Core Board, and BOSU. AFAA: Kick Boxing Instructor, Ndeita Aerobic and Step Instructor, Mother Well Prenatal Instructor, Physical Mind Institute Pilates Mat training, Spenser Pilates Mat and Ball, TAEKWONDO "Belt Certificate" Orange. 15 years experience instructing water fitness, AFAA Aqua Fitness, AEA and NAFTA AQUA Instructor. 5 years experience Personal Trainer/ Fitness Counselor, AFAA, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA, ACE Senior Fitness, AFAA Prenatal, AFAA Mat Science I & II, and Passed ACSM exam for Fitness Leader.

Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:

Designed several successful group fitness programs for seniors and sedentary adults to provide an opportunity for them to improve their individual fitness levels specific to their special training needs. Awarded; Commander's Award for volunteer work with the Army Physical Fitness Research Institute. Received; several certificates of appreciation volunteering with military community fitness programs. Presented fitness related workshops to women's groups. Enjoy Church, family, fitness and friends.

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY:

Get Ready…Get Set…and Go! Respect your current fitness level and train to achieve realistic goals. Mix things up and cross train to improve overall body functionality. Get To Class!

Body Training Systems Group Step
Body Training Systems Group Centergy
CPR/AED
AFAA Group Fitness Primary
Body Training Systems Group Active

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

BA Human Biology, Stanford University
MSW, University of Houston

Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:

Stanford Track Team: 100m hurdles & long jump.

I attended my first Group Step class as a participant in 2003 and discovered the joy of athletic movement to music. The routines were fun, challenging, easy on my back and shins, and helped me get back into shape after not exercising for 10 years. As an instructor I hope to inspire others to return to fitness the same way the awesome instructors at World Gym have inspired me. Thank you, Linda & Jodi, for all the encouragement! It is a privilege to be your teammate.

I enjoy taking care of my husband and our three children, working in Children's Ministries at church, and playing golf.

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY:

Don't ever be afraid to try a group fitness class. You might find something that you love!

Certifications:

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) - Group Exercise Instructor
Heart Zones Cycling® - Green Jersey Master Trainer
Heart Zones Personal Training® - Blue Shirt Trainer
Body Training Systems Group Centergy
American Red Cross CPR
Kids in Motion Specialty
YogaFit Teacher Trainig Program Level 1

Education & Training:

Bachelor of Science from Berry College

Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:

Placing age-grouper in many 5K's; Age grouper triathlete; completed the Disney marathon; have completed many 1/2 marathons Directed 4 spin-a-thons/Fitness Fest for World Gym and have raised over $36,000 for a local charity.

I enjoy spending time and training with my husband and four children.

Training Philosophy:

Set a goal, then train and obtain that goal. Complete that goal and then aim higher. The only thing stopping you is you!!

Certifications:

AFAA-Group Fit
ACE-Personal Trainer
AFAA-Step
AFAA-Cycling
SilverSneakers
CPR &AED

Education & Training:

Business Management, studied YOGA BALL, PILATES, AQUA, CORE STABILITY, WAVE WORKOUT, SPORTS ENDURANCE AND CONDTIONING, BOSU, PHYSIOBALL, WEDGE WORKOUTS, NUTRITION, EATING DISORDERS, SENIOR FITNESS, YOUTH FITNESS

Personal Accomplishments & Hobbies:

Blessed with a husband and four beautiful children. Recently relocated from Cary , NC. , where I was an Aerobic Coordinator, and Sales Rep. , born and raised in Haddon Heights NJ .

Hobbies:

landscaping, decorating.

Training Philosophy:

Passion for inspiring others to increase the quality and duration of life. To reduce potential for long term health problems. To motivate all levels of workout regimens. Helping to transform not only bodies but lives. Encouraging in group fitness, proper techniques, variety and FUN!

Certifications:

Group Step
NCCPA Certified Physician Assistant
CPR/AED
PALS, ACLS

Education & Training:

Currently Pursuing my Masters in Physician Assistant Studies- University of Nebraska
B.S Physician Assistant Studies- South University PA Program, Savannah, GA
B.S. Biology – Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:

Becoming a certified Group Step instructor was such a personal accomplishment for me. It is something I love to do and have the best time teaching it. Getting off the elliptical was the best thing I could have done to enhance my cardio workout. Once I tried Group Step, I was hooked. If I'm not teaching the class, I'm taking the class… other hobbies I have are running (I love to do 5K's), working on a ½ marathon, spending as much time as possible with my wonderful husband, playing basketball, dancing, and going to as many University of South Carolina Football games as possible ... GO COCKS!  

Training Philosophy:

Finding something you love to do and look forward to doing is the key. Once you realize what you enjoy doing, mix it up. Consistency and cross training is essential to a successful fitness routine. As we all know, exercise is only one component to a healthy lifestyle; a healthy diet is instrumental if one is to reap the complete benefits. However, don't deprive yourself of your favorite indulgences, drink lots of water and splurge at least once a week.

Certifications:

Blue Jersey Heart Zones Cycle
Heart Zones Level 2 Certification
BTS Group Groove

Education & Training:

BS in Psychology & Education
MS in Rehabilitation Administration
MBA in Human Resources & Strategic Management
Series 7, 63, & 65 – Securities Licenses
Teaching Certificate – Business Administration
Teaching Certificate – School Guidance & Counseling

Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:

As far as accomplishments, I am just thrilled to be at a place in my life where I am content. My husband and children are my greatest joy.  

I herniated three discs with subsequent cervical neck fusion surgery in January 2001 and the doctors told me I would never bike again. I looked at them & told them that they were wrong. In 2002, my husband bought me a Giant trail bike and the rest is history! And I shouldn't be able – at all – to teach dance but life is way too short!

Hobbies:

Obviously biking & dance! I enjoy going on golf cart rides with my family, adopting animals in need, reading, computer solitaire, getting that neck massaged and going to Piedmont Park - walking around & eating at an outside bistro with my kids & hubby. Sadly, for an aerobics instructor, I LOVE to eat and, typically, the saltier the better! You will often find me in a Mexican restaurant hording the guacamole!

Training Philosophy:

I just focus on having fun. If you don't want to be at the gym, you are never going to stick with it. If you are in one of my classes, be prepared to laugh at me & a little at yourself.

CERTIFICATIONS: 

Certified Trainer for Body Training Systems. Certified in Group Step & Group Kick

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

BTS Group Intensive Program
 
Personal Accomplishment & Hobbies:

11 year Salon & Spa Owner, Hair Stylist, Professional Dog Show Handler  
 
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY:

A lways push yourself further & harder than you think you can!  By being stronger & better in your own life,  you are stronger & better in every life you touch!