Lena Straus-Sargenti

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Lena discovered a passion for fitness and discipline through karate, which she began in middle school. This early foundation in martial arts shaped her values of leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to healthy living. Inspired to help others embrace wellness, she pursued a degree in health and physical education at Ithaca College.

While at Ithaca, she earned a prestigious scholarship recognizing her as a future professional leader in the health and PE field. It was at the award ceremony where she was introduced to Zumba. She loved it so much she became certified in 2016. A year later, she began teaching her very own Zumba class at Ithaca College's fitness center, where she discovered the joy of leading dynamic and engaging fitness experiences.

After graduating from college, she brought her passion for teaching into the classroom as a health and PE instructor while continuing to inspire others through Zumba classes at the local YMCA. She currently teaches 3 Zumba classes and 1 Aqua Zumba class weekly to a group of 35 participants of all age ranges and mobility abilities. With a decade-long journey of teaching and fitness, she remains dedicated to helping individuals achieve their wellness goals in an inclusive and motivating environment.