Veronica Van Dyke

My name is Veronica Van Dyke. I am 36 years old and live in Parrish, FL with my husband and two sons. By day, I am a mild mannered software engineer. By nigh/weekend, I am an endorphin junkie. I have always been relatively fit, and in fact, studied dance in college. I danced with Jose Limon (summer internship), Alvin Ailey (student workshops) and was a corp dancer and soloist with the Foothills Modern Dance Company. After I got married, and had my first child, however, I had a LOT of weight to lose, so I started running. Wow! I couldn't believe how great I felt and how quickly those extra lbs melted away. I was hooked on endorphins. During my second pregnancy, I walked, swam or did yoga EVERY day. I only gained 22 lbs and then proceeded to have a 10 1/2 lb baby. I was wearing my old jeans home from the hospital. Well, one thing led to another and I began running in longer races (marathons!!) and competing in triathlons and adventure races. About three years ago, I finally broke down and got my group fitness certification from AFAA. I teach kids yoga at a local country club, adult yoga (for parents) at a local school, spinning at two local YMCAs and I substitute for other Group Fitness and yoga classes. I truly enjoy teaching and find that I work even harder while I teach than when I take classes. I like to have fun while I teach, and at the same time, motivate everyone to work harder and sweat more. It's equally important, however, to make certain that they don't work beyond their current skill levels and that they have FUN. I have been a regular yoga practitioner for over 15 years, and because of my dance background, love teaching both yoga and pilates. I have also been a spin/group cycling enthusiast for 10 years. While I have not taught a Ballet based fitness class, because of many years of professional dance, I am capable of teaching said classes. I do not teach Step or Hi/Lo. The classes that I particularly enjoy teaching are: Pilates Mat Yoga Yoga for Meditation Yoga-lates Power Yoga (Yes!!) Kids/Family Yoga Hot Yoga Cycling (Spin) Bootcamp/Scupt I am looking to further my professional certifications by obtaining my RYT next year. Additionally, I will be attending APEX (AFAA) in February in Orlando and getting my Kickboxing certification, as well as my Pilates Mat certification.