Atlas Fitness Center News and Members

Meet Malisa Niemeyer

Malisa Niemeyer, a native of Vancouver, Canada, is one of several SilverSneakers instructors at Atlas Fitness Center/Gino's Gym. Malisa has been teaching the Monday morning (10 am) SilverSneakers class since January 2008. Malisa has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies/Health Studies from the University of British Columbia. She has lived in Velarde for the past two years. When asked what she enjoys most about teaching the SilverSneakers class, Malisa said: "Being fairly new to the community, teaching the SilverSneakers class has given me a sense of belonging. The members have made me feel so welcomed. I also enjoy sharing a sense of enthusiasm for health and well-being."

Malisa is also a white water rafting guide on the Rio Grande and is a belly dancer with the Mosaic Dance Company of Santa Fe.

Meet Juany Duarte

Juany Duarte is the Zumba Dance Class instructor at Gino’s Gym. She has been teaching Zumba classes at the gym since January of 2007. Juany is a certified Zumba instructor. For those not familiar with Zumba, here’s a brief description: The foundation of Zumba (which is Colombian slang for “fast”) is that of a dance-aerobics fueled by pulsating Latin and other international dance music. The workout mixes traditional Latin dances like salsa and meringue with cardiovascular moves to create a complete workout. Juany teaches two classes a week at the Atlas, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm. She is also a student at Northern New Mexico College and works as a mesera (waitress) at Joann’s Restaurant in Española.

News:

Atlas Member Wins Contest

Congratulations to Gino’s Gym member Abe Lujan (see photo on right) for winning first place in the novice division in the recent (9/12/09) Southern Rockies All Natural Body Building contest in Los Alamos. Abe captured second place overall. This was Abe’s first competition. His Trainer was Kenny Martinez, Jr. (photo by Gino Brazil).

Atlas Celebrates 27th Year

This fall (2009), the Atlas Fitness Center/Gino’s Gym will be celebrating its 27th year in business. In January 2010, the gym will also be recognized for its 20 year connection with the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Northern New Mexico College. According to SBDC Director Julianna Barbee, the Atlas is the only business in the state that has had a 20 year connection with its local SBDC. In fact, the gym is one of only a few across the country that has ties to its local SBDC after 20 years. Updates on these events will be provided as they develop. For a brief overview of the history of Gino’s Gym click here.

Gino’s Gym Seeks Group Exercise Instructors

Instructors needed: Are you interested in teaching a group exercise class or becoming a certified SilverSneakers instructor? If so, please contact Gino Brazil for more information. Email ginosgym@yahoo.com or call 505-753-5748.