Marci Tonder

I have always been a very active person.  Prior to becoming a fitness instructor, I played competitive soccer and enjoyed attending kickboxing classes and group fitness classes.  The passion that I have for group fitness and the group fitness culture lead me to become an instructor at GoodLife fitness in 2007.  My first certifications were in Les Mills BodyStep and Les Mills BodyAttack and I immediately started teaching classes at GoodLife Fitness upon receiving my certifications.  Shortly after, I became certified in Zumba and taught Zumba classes at GoodLife as well. Adding to my fitness passion, I became certified in Jillian Michaels BodyShred and taught BodyShred classes until 2014, when I became pregnant with my twins.  I continued to teach BodyStep, BodyAttack and Zumba.  In 2013 I represented GoodLife fitness at the WE day event in Calgary, on stage in front of thousands of people (children and adults,) where I lead them through the WE Day dance.  In the past few years, I gave up my Zumba certification and became certified in Les Mills Tone.  After receiving my LMI Tone certification, I taught Tone along with a freestyle Awesome Abs and Stretching classes of my own creation at GoodLife Fitness.  I am currently on temporary leave from GoodLife Fitness, as the clubs have not fully re-opened in Canada, due to COVID-19; however, I continue to stay involved in the health and fitness industry, maintain my own fitness, explore new things, and maintain my certifications with continual education

I have proven my longevity in maintaining consistently strong classes, as I have held classes on the schedule since becoming employed by GoodLife, maintaining strong participant numbers over the years.  I’ve enjoyed doing countless theme classes (release classes, holiday classes, “just because we can” classes), gave away roses to all my participants every Mother’s Day, ran my own personal contests for the members, and brought in goodies for the members on special occasions.

 I have also gone on to further my technique and instructor skills by completing Advanced Instructor Module AIM trainings as well as have certified in other group fitness programs over the years.  I believe it is of great benefit to continue advanced trainings so that I can stay relevant to the programs and enhance my own skills.  We only continue to improve when we remain open to strive to become better within ourselves.  By advancing those skills, I believe it has enhanced my skills as an instructor, which then is transposed to the members who come to class and continue to receive a better experience and keep coming back.

 Group Fitness has always been a passion for me and I have always enjoyed sharing that passion with others and drawing more people into trying various group fitness classes.  I want others to feel the same passion that I feel about exercise in a group setting.  I love the energy, comradery and togetherness of exercising in a group setting and working together to reach our individual goals. Group fitness is created for all people at all fitness levels and I believe that I demonstrate that to all participants when they come to class, so that they can choose the options that are right for them and leave feeling challenged, yet successful afterward.  I achieve this by always being prepared.  I’m always early for my classes so that I have an opportunity to meet anyone new to class and answer any questions that anyone has and give newcomers a heads up of what to expect, as well as get to know them a bit and find out if they have any constraints.  On the flip side, I always keep myself available to talk with anyone after class as well so I can answer any follow up questions.  I also typically have multiple exercise options in mind at all times when preparing myself for my classes, in case someone comes to class who needs an alternative option due to pregnancy, injury, blood pressure issues, etc.  At times, this means I also have additional track/exercise options depending on the participants who show up to class.  By being prepared, everyone who comes to class gets the experience they need.

 In my daily life, I connect with people and encourage people to come to my classes through personal transactions as well as through social media.  I have also ran my own personal contests in my classes to encourage people to keep coming and bring friends and other family members.

 I’d like to think that I inspire others by leading by example.  I’ve always wanted to show people that living a healthy and good life is achievable, mentally and physically.  We practice what we preach and if we can show others that we can do it, we can inspire them to do it too.

 For all of these things, I believe this makes me a truly great instructor who teaches authentically and inspires the participants who come to my classes to reach further, strive harder, push their limits and attain their goals.  I would love to be considered for a Fitness Travel opportunity where I can share my love for fitness with others around the world...plus enjoy the experience of a resort abroad.