Karen Estok

I am a Program Assistant for the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Services at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and have been there for 13 years. Additionally, I have been a fitness instructor for Rutgers University Recreation Department since 1999, which is what I will focus on for the purpose of this biography. I develop choreography, drills and routines and deliver instruction for kickbox class, spin class, abdominal exercise class and weight training. I have been involved with all aspects of physical fitness for over 20 years and am currently beginning a ""mother/daughter"" hip-hop class with Heather, my 14 year old daughter! As a young girl, I was a dancer for 12 years (ballet, point, jazz, modern dance, tap and gymnastics), but that was a long time ago, so now I'll have to ""get my groove back""! I am however, very pleased that my daughter has chosen to be a dancer, and she is currently doing pointe, competition ballet and competition jazz in addition to the hip-hop class with me! I also have a 16 year old son, Jesse, who is currently away in prep-school on an ice-hockey and academic scholarship. He also plays soccer, lacrosse, snowboards (so does Heather) and is an avid runner and weight trainer. I have always exposed my children to physical fitness and it has paid off as they are both very active, healthy, physically fit and loving it! I am of the opinion that everyone needs to incorporate some sort of exercise regime into their lives. Whether it be high or low impact, depending on the capability level of the individual, regular exercise will help you look and feel better. Positive results will include higher energy levels, better sleep, higher self-esteem and confidence as well as increasing cardiovasular health, shaping, toning and strengthening! As you can see, I have a very positive attitude about physical fitness and have been successfully instilling that same attitude into all of my students, friends, family and colleagues. I feel that I can do the same for your vacationers...make exercise an enjoyable and rewarding part of their vacation! I'll look forward to hearing from you in the near future!