New York Fitness Instructors and Personal Trainers
Tanya Becker | Alicia Weihl
Jessica Bailey | Neva Cockrell | Cassie Coulas | Dana Courtney | Laura Crago | Sarah Creagan | Kim D’Agnese | Lauren Decierdo | Alexander DeJong | Adrianna Dougherty | Debra Downs | Lindi Duesenberg | Lauren Engleman | Stephanie Fagen | Sarah Katherine Gee | Holly M. Hendricks | Shanna Heverly | Nora Hickman | Janine Hock | Alex Karigan | Karen Keeler | Rachel Kuczynski | Chanelle Lagace | Sarah Marchetti | Brigitte Mitchell | Katie Mitchell | Sherri Norige | Sarah Pfeifer |Christina Phillips | Jess Rochwarger | Mandy Selgrath | Meredith Shumway | Sade Simmons | Nicole Sweet | Leah Tubbs |Emily Turner | Antonietta Vicario | Ashley Yeater | Emily Zuzelski
Prior to creating the Physique 57 technique, Tanya Becker trained and taught at The Lotte Berk Method in New York City where she helped update, refine and perfect the legendary fitness technique.
“Physique 57 is the ultimate transformative physical fitness experience. It’s the only exercise program I’ve seen that changes the body efficiently as it targets all the major muscle groups so clients see rapid, obvious results. Plus it’s fun, invigorating, and incredibly intense. It makes people feel good,” explains Becker.
In addition to teaching and training at the Physique 57 studios, Becker is the choreographer and lead instructor in Physique 57 DVDs: Classic 57 Minute and Express 30 Minute. Becker’s national TV appearances for Physique 57 include The Martha Stewart Show, Today Show and Dr. Oz. She has also been featured in Vogue, Shape, Redbook, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Magazine and People.
As a trained student of the Luigi Jazz Technique and a musical choreographer, Becker has performed in musicals and live productions across the world as well as appearing in films and television. She is also ACE certified.
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Alicia received her early dance training from Central PA Youth Ballet, VA School of the Arts, Ballet Met, and the American Academy of Ballet. She graduated summa cum laude with a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College in Dance Performance and Choreography, and a minor in Arts Management. Alicia dances for a variety of ballet and modern choreographers and has performed with The Metropolitan Opera Ballet and the New York Grand Opera. She was the dance captain and a solo vocalist in the Paris-based musical, "Le Sel et le Miel", and was featured in a variety of stage, film, television and fashion shows while living in London. Alicia has taught ballet and modern dance and has assisted and demonstrated for the director of the American Academy of Ballet. She is AFAA certified in Group Fitness, is a certified Pilates mat instructor under Teri Lee Steele, and has a specialist certification in Pre and Postnatal Pilates from The Center for Women's Fitness.
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Jessica has been teaching physical fitness and personal training in NYC for 10 years. As a personal trainer, Jessica helped her clients lose weight, tone up or train for various athletic events including the New York City Marathon. She has extensive training in pre/post natal exercise, yoga, pilates, bootcamp, group fitness and senior fitness. Jessica is currently an IFFA Certified Personal Trainer, IFFA Specialist in Performance Nutrition, IFFA Specialist in Sports Conditioning and a member of the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Before setting her sights on a career in physical fitness, Jessica was a professional dancer. She is excited to be teaching at Physique 57!
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Neva grew up in Pueblo, CO, where her love for physical activity began with competitive sports and outdoor recreation. She found dance at Oberlin College, and graduated with a degree in Dance and Environmental Science. Since moving to NY a few years ago, she has danced with ANIKAI, Racoco Productions, Gehring DanceTheater, among others—performing in many venues in NY and the surrounding areas, and abroad in a seven-city tour to India in Spring 2011 and a residency in Cork, Ireland in Spring 2010. She is currently the choreographer and co-artistic director of Loom Ensemble, an interdisciplinary theater company. Neva is thrilled to be a part of the Physique 57 team, where she can continue to learn and spread her passion for healthy living!
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Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, Cassie studied and performed with the Miller-Marley Youth Ballet and as a Dance Artist Apprentice for Studio 150, a program of the Arts Council of Kansas City. She has performed in musical theater, notably as Cha-Cha in Grease which earned her a Starlight Theater Blue Star Award nomination for "Best Cameo Role" and recently on stage at Avery Fisher Hall in The Little Orchestra Society's production of Babes in Toyland (Fairy). She has performed as a dancer for Neil Young on the Greendale tour (Russ Tamblyn, choreographer) and was selected for a repertory session with internationally acclaimed dance illusionist company MOMIX. Ms. Coulas has also modeled dance wear for Body Wrappers Costume Catalogue. Cassie graduated cum laude from SUNY Purchase with a BFA in Dance and a Certificate in Non-Profit Arts Management. She obtained her certification in Pilates Mat from Pilates Academy International. She is most proud of her efforts in volunteerism, namely her most recent endeavor as Executive Producer for the Physique 57 Showcase Benefitting Dancers Responding to AIDS.
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Dana's teaching style is interdisciplinary, informed by the study and practice of a variety of yoga lineages. Although grateful for the power of her active practice, Dana is inspired by the teachings of Biff Mithoeffer, Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers—masters of the Yin Yoga system—who have helped her to cultivate increased patience, mindfulness and equanimity as both a student and teacher. Dana is honored to be sharing Yin Yoga with the Physique 57 community.
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Born and raised in Butler, Pennsylvania, Laura grew up dancing from the age of 3. She graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a B.F.A. in Acting and minor in Dance/Communications. While at Clarion, Laura was awarded scholarships as a member of the Track & Field team, competing for three consecutive years as an All-State Top 8 Collegiate athlete in the 100m and 400m Hurdles, and the 4x400m relay team. After college, Laura danced in Don Arden's "JUBILEE!" at Bally's Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and performed with Vegas performers in Golden Rainbow’s annual benefit for AIDS. Other credits include Tartuffe, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Into The Woods, Cabaret, Peter Pan, and Measure for Measure. Since moving to New York in 2006, Laura has started an annual dance benefit in memory of her dad, Matters of The Heart, proceeds of which benefit the American Heart Association. Laura also works for lululemon atheletica and feels very excited and honored to be a part of the Physique 57 team!
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Sarah grew up in Buffalo, NY where she developed a love for dance at a young age. After training and performing through high school, she earned a BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo. There she had the opportunity to perform with Zodiaque Dance Company which led to performances at various dance festivals throughout the Northeast. Sarah has also performed professionally in Atlantic City and Niagara Falls, CA. Eager to share her passion, Sarah has taught at dance studios in the Buffalo and NYC areas and assisted at the Rockette Summer Intensive at Radio City Music Hall. Sarah is so thankful that she has found Physique 57 and has been given the opportunity to work with such an amazing team.
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Kim was raised in Orange County, New York where she began her training at Marya Kennett Ballet Theater studying tap, ballet, and modern dance. In addition, Kim studied as a summer enrichment student at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and graduated cum laude from Montclair State University with a BFA in dance. She has performed works from choreographers such as Robert Battle, Martha Graham, and Murray Louise. She has also performed with modern dance companies ESS/Danceworks in NYC, and Moetion Dance in Montclair, NJ. Kim received her Pilates certification through LindaFit Pilates and her Prenatal Pilates certification from the Center of Women's Fitness under the instruction of Carolyn Anthony. Kim is grateful to have found Physique 57 where she can continue to practice and grow.
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Lauren began her training as a gymnast in Chicago, and there discovered her love of dance and joined DanceWest Ballet company. She graduated magna cum laude from Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music with a degree in Musical Theatre. She has performed in "Jersey Boys" (original Chicago cast/2007 Emmy Awards), "Pippin" (National Tour), and regionally in "Oklahoma", "A Chorus Line", "Anything Goes", "Cabaret", "Brigadoon", and "Jesus Christ Superstar" at such theatres as PaperMill Playhouse, The Beacon Theatre, and Kansas City Starlight. She is honored and thrilled to be joining the Physique 57 team!
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Alexander was an original cast member of the Tony Award-winning revival of "42nd Street" on Broadway. Alexander also appeared on Broadway in "My Fair Lady" with Richard Chamberlain. It was during this show that Alexander forged a long-term working relationship with renowned choreographer Donald Saddler, whom he subsequently assisted on several projects, including the revival of "No, No, Nanette" at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Alexander has danced with The American Dancemachine and taught for them at Steps and Broadway Dance Center. As a protégé of legendary jazz-dance teacher Luigi, Alexander taught the Luigi jazz-technique at Studio Maestro. Alexander had the honor of performing for President Clinton at The Milleneum Concert under the direction of Rob Marshall. Read The Benefits of Physique 57 for Men.
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Adrianna Dougherty, a native of San Jose, CA, earned her BFA in dance at The Boston Conservatory. As a scholarship student at the Conservatory, Adrianna performed soloist roles in classical works by Martha Graham and Jose Limon as well as original works by Luis Fuente and Gianni Di Marco. In the summer of 2009 she worked with Kazuko Hirabayashi as part of the Dance New York International program in Burgos, Spain. There, she performed soloist roles in Jose Limon’s "Misa Brevis" and an original work by Arantxa Sagardoy. Adrianna had the opportunity to perform with Cirque du Soleil for their 25th Anniversary. She has also earned her yoga teacher certification through Yogaworks and her AFFA group fitness and CPR certification. Adrianna loves living in New York City, pursuing her passion in dance and feels very fortunate to be a part of the Physique 57 team.
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Debra has been a devoted yoga & meditation practitioner since 1998 and yoga teacher since 2007. She received her yoga certification (200 TT) from Yoga Union, NYC, and will complete her advanced certification (500 TT) in the fall of 2012 with the Insight Yoga Institute. She received her Masters in Social Work and Psychology from USC in 1991 and her Life Coaching Certification from NYU in 2006. With her innate understanding of human nature and extensive training in anatomy, psychology and meditation, she leads classes where students can explore, heal and strengthen their bodies and mind through a yoga practice of insight and inquiry, encouraging deeper life experiences and the cultivation of their own true potential.
Trained as a psychotherapist and life coach, Debra brings an energy to her classes that is both insightful and inspiring. She challenges her students to go beyond their comfort zones and deeper into their postures, unlocking the fitness potential of their own bodies.
Off the yoga mat Debra is an avid tennis player, competitive runner and dancer. She found yoga to be the perfect complement that has brought her to the next level in all such pursuits.
Her yoga teachings are influenced by the Iyengar, Ashtanga and Taoist traditions and she has been studying meditation since 1999. She is a registered Yoga Alliance teacher and actively participates in yoga and meditation trainings and workshops.
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Lindi is originally from Seattle, WA where she received her early training at Pacific Northwest Ballet. Later, she branched out into nearly every genre of dance and studied with some of the best choreographers in the industry including Gregory Hines and Savion Glover. She graduated summa cum laude from Chapman University in California, receiving a double major in Journalism and Dance. As a performer, she has been seen in several music videos, the national tour of "Thoroughly Modern Millie", and in regional productions of "Grease", "Kiss Me Kate", "Sweet Charity", "The Rocky Horror Show", "Anything Goes", and "Me and My Girl", to name a few. Lindi also travels the country as a dance educator and judge for several national competitions. As a proud member of the Physique 57 team, Lindi loves motivating and inspiring clients to pursue happy, health lives and leaves each class with a sense of confidence and accomplishment. She is AFAA certified in group fitness.
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Stephanie grew up in Manasquan, NJ and began dancing at the age of two. She is graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA where she was awarded the Promising Artist Scholarship and received her BFA in Modern Dance Performance. While attending UArts Stephanie was privileged to work with and perform the works of Milton Myers, Brian Sanders, Momix, Bessie Award winner Miriam Soto and many other renowned choreographers. She has also studied at the Joffrey Ballet School, was on scholarship at the NJ Governor’s school of the Arts and spent a summer studying modern dance in Prague with Lynn Barr. Since living in New York, Stephanie has danced throughout the city with various modern dance companies. Stephanie is AFFA certified and thrilled to be a part of the Physique 57 team.
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Sarah Katherine Gee is a N.A.S.M certified personal trainer with a specialty in Corrective Exercise. She began Personal Training in 2001 in Washington D.C. while she earned a Bachelor of Music degree from The Catholic University of America – Benjamin T. Rome School of Music. Since then she has trained at six different gym locations within the T.S.I Corporation in Washington D.C. and New York City. Aside from training, she has performed internationally and throughout North America in: "Mamma Mia" (Lisa) – 2nd National Broadway Tour, "The Grinch" – 1st National Broadway Tour, "West Side Story" - Euro/Asian Tour, "42nd Street" – Moscow, Russia, "Seussical the Musical" – NETworks National Tour, and "Beauty and the Beast" – Montreal/Las Vegas. She has also been seen Off Broadway in "The Awesome 80’s Prom", "But I’m a Cheerleader", and "Click Clack Moo" as Jenny at the Lucille Lortel Theatre directed by John Rando.
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Holly M. Hendricks hails from Orange County, California where she began her dance training at the early age of three. She graduated magna cum laude with honors receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from Ohio State University. Since moving to NYC in 2004, Holly has danced throughout the 5 boroughs and is a principal dancer with Vissi Dance Theater. Holly was on faculty at Broadway Dance Center from 2004-2007 teaching a cardio-conditioning class for dancers. She is an avid runner and has completed numerous races around the city including the NYC Marathon. Being an active and energetic person her entire life, Holly couldn't be more ecstatic to be part of the Physique 57 team!
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Born in Colorado, yet raised in New Jersey, Shanna developed her passion for dancing at the young age of 4 and was a founding member of the NJ Civic Youth Ballet. She graduated with a BFA in dance from The Boston Conservatory where she performed works by Luis Fuente, José Limon and Martha Graham. She has performed in the National Tour of CATS and regionally in “Singin in the Rain”, “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “Kiss Me Kate”, among many others, at theaters such as McCarter Theater, Lyric Stage Company of Boston and Reagle Music Theater. Shanna has also freelanced with Eglevsky Ballet, Ballet Rox, and currently works with various choreographers around NYC. Shanna is beyond thrilled to be starting this new chapter of her life at Physique 57!
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Nora Hickman started dancing at the age of eleven in her home town of Baltimore, Maryland. She received her early training from Sudbrook Arts Center, and attended Virginia School for the Arts and American Repertory Ballet's Princeton Ballet School on scholarship. Nora graduated magna cum laude from George Mason University with a BFA in dance performance and a minor in arts administration. Since moving to New York City in June 2009, Nora has trained with Merce Cunningham Dance Company and Jennifer Muller/TheWorks, as well as performed with various contemporary dance companies. Nora earned her pilates mat certification at Im=X Pilates Studio. Nora is thrilled to be a part of the fabulous team at Physique57!
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Janine Hock grew up with sports and outdoor activities like hiking being a huge part of her life. After a sports injury made her refocus on herself and her physical well-being in 2001, she realized that she needed something more than the just a physical workout, something that provided a more rounded, holistic experience. She attended her first yoga class at this time and had the "Ah ha" moment. Since then, Janine has spent the past 9 years developing her personal practice through daily asana, pranayama and study. She feels deeply blessed to have met Jude English and Isaac Pena 6 years ago, and has studied with them through their Sankalpah Teacher Training, many focused workshops, and daily practice. Through their guidance and support, she has developed a deeper understanding of sequencing, alignment while incorporating breath work and meditation. Janine has expanded her yoga study and teaching to include the Yin Yoga teaching certification with Sarah Powers, as well receiving her Therapeutic Yoga teacher certification, as well as becoming a licensed health counselor with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She continues to study with Sarah Powers, Arturo Peal and Cherie Clampett. She is so thankful for all of her teachers' generosity of spirit and insight.
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Raised in Dallas, Texas Alex began her dance training at Dallas Dance Academy, the official school of Texas Ballet Theater. She continued her dance training at Southern Methodist University graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance Performance. While attending SMU, she showcased her original choreography in multiple concerts as well as danced works by Martha Graham, George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Marius Petipa, Anna Sokolow, and Alison Chase. Alex is currently a company member of Amy Marshall Dance Company (AMDC). With AMDC, she has the privilege to tour around the world and teach dance to students of all ages. Committed to a healthy lifestyle, Alex is passionate about all fitness, and is thrilled to be a part of the Physique 57 team!
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Karen began her dance training in her hometown of Scranton, PA. Furthering her dance studies, Ms. Keeler trained at the School of American Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, the Boston Ballet, the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Washington Ballet, and the Hartford Ballet. Karen holds a B.S. from the University of Scranton. She received a scholarship to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where she earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Dance. Karen was a member of the Koresh Dance Company in Philadelphia and taught ballet and modern jazz throughout Pennsylvania. Ms. Keeler has performed as a Radio City Rockette for the past 8 years where she also holds the honor of Assistant Choreographer, and Rockette Dance Captain.
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Rachel grew up in Northern California and started her training as a competitive gymnast and track athlete, earning state-wide awards in both disciplines. Her love for dance lead her to start training at the Performing Arts Academy in her hometown. She then went on to California State University Long Beach on a Track & Field scholarship, and acquired a B.A. in Dance. Rachel has also studied with the Long Beach Ballet Academy, Atlanta School of Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. She has performed works by Martha Graham, Susan Mclain, Frank Chavez and Jacqulyn Buglisi. As a choreographer, Rachel's work can be seen performed at regional theaters and by dance teams in California. In addition to her Physique 57 training, Rachel is also a certified AFSA Group Fitness and Zumba instructor. Rachel is excited and honored to be joining the Physique 57 team!
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Chanelle was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania where she trained with Erie Dance Conservatory and Lake Erie Ballet. She studied extensively in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap, and furthered her training at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, graduating cum laude with a BFA in dance performance in 2008. She has performed such works as "Cloven Kingdom" by Paul Taylor, "Gloria" by Mark Morris, and "D-Man in the Waters" by Bill T. Jones. She is a guest teacher and choreographer at Erie Dance Conservatory, and is a member of SYREN Modern Dance going on her third season. Chanelle is Pilates Mat certified through Linda Ferrel, and used her certifications in Lotte Berk and Pilates to create Formula 57 in the spring on 2010. She is honored and thrilled to be going on her third year of teaching with the Physique 57 team.
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Born in Boston, MA and raised in southern NH, Sarah began dancing at the age of four, training at the Joffrey Ballet School, the Rock School of Pennsylvania Ballet, and Jose Mateo’s Ballet Theatre of Boston. After graduating Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance Performance at Southern Methodist University, Sarah became a principal dancer with the Contemporary Dance Theatre of El Salvador, performing in Washington, DC and El Salvador. Sarah toured as “Minnie” in Joey McKneely’s European Tour of "West Side Story" and as Victoria, The White Cat in the 25th Anniversary National and International Tours of "Cats". She also was a dance assistant to Tony winning choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler, on the Broadway revival of "The Apple Tree". Most recently, Sarah performed as an Ensemble Dancer in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Sarah is excited and honored to become a part of the talented team of Physique 57.
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Born in Toronto, Ontario and raised in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Brigitte began her dance training at the age of three. She studied at Northwest Florida Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Alonzo King's LINES Ballet and many well-known summer programs before moving to New York. Brigitte has worked with Brooklyn-based choreographer Wanda Gala and has been a company member at SYREN Modern Dance since 2008. She was a part of the 2009 Bessie Schönberg Choreographers' Residency at the Yard on Martha's Vineyard, dancing in new works by Elizabeth Keen and Rachael Lincoln. A once professional model as well as a dancer, Brigitte was featured in the September 2002 issue of Seventeen magazine and the November 2002 Issue of German Vogue. She is so happy to be a part of the wonderful team at Physique57!
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Raised in Miami, Florida, Katie began her dance training at the Miami Conservatory of Ballet. She danced with the Thomas Armour Youth Ballet throughout the Miami area and was offered the opportunity to study as a scholarship student at the Dance Theater of Harlem. Katie continued her training at New World School of the Arts High School in the dance division and went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Methodist University with a BFA in dance performance, as well as degrees in both business and mathematics. After college Katie moved to New York to pursue a career as a professional dancer. Throughout her career she has performed work by both classical and contemporary choreographers and she has also toured the country as a Radio City Rockette. Katie has also enjoyed being a dance instructor and is a certified pilates instructor through Power Pilates, and is also AFFA Group Fitness certified. Passionate about teaching and fitness, she is thrilled to be a part of the Physique 57 team!
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Sherri Norige hails from Connecticut and holds a B.A. in Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Wagner College, where she graduated magna cum laude. She is a member of Actors’ Equity and has toured as Zaneeta Shinn in "The Music Man" as well as with The Nutcracker. Some of her favorite roles include Louise in "Gypsy", Emma in "Jekyll and Hyde", Sandy in "Grease", and Nellie in "South Pacific", which garnered her an Irene Ryan nomination. She has taught theatre jazz at Dancewave in Brooklyn, as well as tap, ballet, and jazz privately. Sherri is AFAA certified and is thrilled and thankful to be a part of the lovely and talented Physique 57 team.
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Originally from Yorba Linda, CA, Sarah has a BFA in Music Dance Theater from Brigham Young University. She recently finished touring the country with the First