Darlene Charest is certified A-CPT by the National Personal Training Institute and also has level one Functional Training certification. Darlene has a strong background in nutritional education, having worked in a natural foods store as well as having nutrional education while studying at NPTI. Her interest in fitness comes from years of participating in sporting events such as 5k, 10k, and half marathon races. She also enjoys taking part in charity events such as the Maine Lung Ride, Tour de Cure and the Woodbury Ride for Rick. Currently Darlene is training her husband for the 2010 Ironman. She has great success training beginners wanting to lose weight. Together with her husband and children, Darlene hikes, skis, bikes and in general gets out there and lives the life she so adamantly believes in! When not living the active life, she and her husband own and operate the popular bakery Ovens of France in Woodbury.
Contact information: (860) 605 7365, charest@live.com.

Arthur (AJ) McDaniel, leading fitness expert in the health industry is a certified Personal Trainer recognized by the I.F.P.A. (International Fitness Professionals Association) and N.A.S.M. (National Academy of Sports Medicine). A competitive body builder who trained under the guidance and tutelage of former Mr. World, Mike Katz of Hamden, CT, A.J. has been involved in weight training and fitness training since the age of 13.

A.J. has worked in the personal training and fitness industry since 2002 and has been strength and conditioning consultant since 2006. A Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Director for World Gym in Oakville, CT (2008 - 2009), A.J. has received several coveted fitness industry honors including:

Bally's "Elite Trainer" 2006 & 2007 - Bally’s Elite Trainer Award winners are chosen from a field of over 1000 trainers in the Bailey’s Fitness Corporation world-wide. Only 5 winners are chosen for the award yearly, out of entrants from the entire New England region.

A.J.'s fitness expertise has been aided by over 14 years of experience working in Emergency Care and with persons affected by early stages of Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, and quadriplegia. A.J.'s background in the medical field and in Exercise Physiology has allowed him to develop effective fitness programs for beginning exercisers to competitive body builders.

To learn more about A.J. McDaniel, contact him at (203) 802 1516 arthurjmcdaniel@yahoo.com

Megan Lutz teaches Hatha Yoga, Pilates Reformer, Pilates Mat and Spinning. She is also a Destination Spa outdoor guide leading road cycling, kayaking and hiking. She has experience as a Corporate Health and Fitness Program Manager and a Corporate Health and Fitness Specialist. Megan’s occupation as an outdoor guide allows her to integrate the natural, outdoor world with the mindful practice of Hatha Yoga.

She believes nature brings one’s mind into present moment time through engaging all the senses. Her goal in her Hatha Yoga classes is to integrate the natural world into the yoga experience thus deepening the students’ present moment time experience while embracing the mind, body, spirit and soul connection. For more information, check out www.peacefulwaywellness.com. Megan can be reached directly at (203) 733 6494, megan@peacefulwaywellness.com.

Megan's credentials/certifications:

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Graduate – Lotus Gardens Yoga School
Pilates Mat & Reformer Instructor – IM=X Exercise Corporation
Personal Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine
Performance Enhancement Specialist – National Academy of Sports Medicine
Spinning Instructor – Mad Dogg Athletics
First Aid, CPR, & Automated External Defibrillator – American Red Cross
Wilderness First Aid – Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities

Martha Brennan
As a certified Spinning Instructor, Martha Brennan will help you realize and maximize your physical and mental potential within the Spinning studio. Martha specializes in emulating the outdoor cycle ride within her classes ensuring a complete body conditioning through cardiovascular and endurance training. Martha can be reached at 203 482 7005 or mbrenn@charter.net