Mary Armstrong
Mary Armstrong, co-founder of Bodies-in-Motion, was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1926 and started running in the early 1950’s for exercise, before most people had even imagined doing such a thing.  She would run 2-3 miles up Ponce de Leon at 5:30 in the morning in “slacks and a shirt” before going to work at Sears.  She once ran from Riverdale to Fayetteville and back one day just for kicks (10 miles each way!).  Her mother thought she was nuts but her father, a family practice doctor/surgeon, encouraged her.  She “just loved to run”.  Her passion for running, however, took a toll on her body, and she was bed-ridden for the last few years of her life.  Mary passed away on March 23, 2011. Though she is no longer with us, Mary's spirit continues to guide us.
Back to top

Eleanor Brownfield
A certified Laughter Yoga Leader, Eleanor has pursued healthy exercise (off and on) for her whole life, from a tree-climbing childhood to recent sixty-something workouts with walking, yoga classes for menopause, dance and Laughter Yoga.  She is delighted to share this method of improving our physical well-being and attitudes with everyone, regardless of previous experience or level of fitness.
Back to top

Kathy Christensen
Kathy discovered Bodies-in-Motion in 2000 and was immediately captivated by its non-traditional approach to exercise classes. Eclectic music – not your typical pounding beat played at a high decibel level.  No bright lights.  No spandex and no high-impact.  She became a dedicated student and soon found herself reaping the benefits of regular exercise – strong muscles, flexibility, a “happy heart”, and equally important, stress relief.  In 2005, Kathy became a certified instructor and began teaching a class that includes stretching, free-weights, and aerobic movement.  Later that year, she accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors of Bodies-in-Motion and currently serves as Secretary.  In 2007, she extended her professional training through an intensive yoga workshop hosted by Bodies-in-Motion.  Kathy is committed to providing students with a well-rounded workout in a positive, supportive, and joyful environment.
Back to top

Barbara Davis
Barbara Davis combines her background in Dance, Macrobiotic counseling, herbalism, massage therapy, yoga and fitness training in Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle coaching. She has been practicing yoga for twenty five years, studying with many teachers and many styles, including Bikram, Ashtanga, Kripaula and Hatha. She is currently studying with Tias Little who combines Ashtanga and Iyengar styles. Barbara's focus is on alignment, correct understanding of the asanas and establishing a safe practice while working with and overcoming current limitations.
Back to top

Janet Fossie
Janet is certified to lead fitness classes by the American College of Sports Medicine, one of the most prestigious certifying entities in the U.S.  She has been leading successful fitness classes for Bodies-In-Motion since 1992. Her Continuing Education Credit training has focused on exercise programs for chronic diseases and disabilities, obesity, stroke, neuromuscular disease, shoulder and cardio rehab, and knee/hip replacement.  Janet teaches low-impact aerobics and Fitball. She taught her very first exercise class in 1985 at The Exercise Studio. Janet also serves on the Board of Directors of Bodies-In-Motion as Vice President.
Back to top

Anna Hamer
Anna Hamer is a NETA Certified Group Instructor with Advanced Training in Yoga and a Personal Trainer. She started her “fitness craze” in the eighties with thongs and disco music (“No, I did not wear a thong but I did wear leg warmers.”). She is convinced that her commitment to fitness helped to ensure her health before her diagnosis of Celiac disease. She has taught low-impact aerobics for nine years and yoga for four years. In her yoga classes, her work as an artist and painter will enable you to visualize each yoga posture (asana). Her classes are designed for beginners to intermediate and will challenge and reward you.  Anna serves on the Board of Directors of Bodies-in-Motion as Vice President.  www.annahamer.com
Back to top

Molly Lay
When her surgeon told her he would see her “again soon” after vertebrae fusion surgery, she said, “Oh no you won’t!” and began exercising in earnest to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis that he was predicting.  It worked!  That was in 1989.  Motivated by the dynamic BIMI leadership, she trained, became certified and has been leading fitness classes since 1990.  She is certified through NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association) as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor.  Now proud to serve as Chairman of the Board of Bodies-in-Motion, Molly dedicates her energies to helping others take charge of their bodies and lives through their own commitment to exercise and wellness.  Molly teaches low-impact aerobic dance classes that also incorporate aspects of Qi Gong and Tai Chi.
Back to top

Claire Lewinger
Claire has been practicing yoga for 8 years.  Yoga captivated her attention immediately and has been a constant source of calm and enjoyment.  In addition, Claire loves all sorts of activities, including rock climbing, sailing, trail running, hiking, camping, kick-boxing and soccer.  In 2009, Claire completed a 200-hour Purna Yoga teacher training, which is an alignment-based asana practice combined with meditation, nutrition, and pranayama (breathing with intention).  Claire believes that yoga can help anyone do anything, and teach us all to be happy while doing it.  Classes are taught with a sense of lightness – it’s not about being ‘good’ at yoga. It’s about feeling good, connecting with your inner fire, and having fun!   www.yogawithclaireatl.com
Back to top

Linda Long
Linda has been attending exercise classes since the early 1980's.  She has always loved "moving to the music," and as a NETA-certified teacher, she brings the fun of movement to others.  Linda is currently teaching a FitBall class and serves on the Board of Bodies-in-Motion as President/CEO.  Until she retires, she spends her days as the records manager at a local utility company, a job that she loves.  Linda and her family are backyard bee keepers with two hives.
Back to top

Diane Monroe
An advocate and long time participant in fitness programs, Diane's retirement goal is to become an exercise instructor targeting active older adults.  To that end, in 2009 she accepted appointment to the Bodies-in-Motion Board of Directors and obtained her certification through National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) as a Group Fitness Instructor.  Her future plans include advanced studies relating to the science of exercising and aging.

Back to to

Amy Rakestraw
Amy fell in love with yoga several years ago and has since enjoyed deepening her practice and sharing her knowledge.  Through Nirvana School of Classical Yoga she became a RYT200 Hatha instructor in December 2009, but doesn’t stray too far from her original passion of Iyengar yoga.  She has a gymnastics and dance background, and enjoys all aspects of fitness (especially running outside on a sunny day!).  With a playful manner and a warm spirit, her classes will challenge you, but remember: When the going gets tough, breathe, and smile; laughter makes anything easier!  She is also certified in Pre/Post-natal yoga, is focusing on yoga therapy, and is currently pursuing her 500HR training and a certification in Personal Training.  For more about Amy: yoginiamy.wordpress.com
Back to top

Ann S. Ritter
As a yoga teacher and therapist, Ann Ritter teaches at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and the Bodies-in-Motion Seminole Studio as well as teaching and practicing privately in Decatur. Ann has taught yoga for 14 years in the Atlanta area. She is certified as a teacher of Kundalini Yoga and as a yoga therapist. For the past three years, Ann has pursued the integration of narration, and healing through movement and performance through Fieldwork, a national program co-sponsored locally by Several Dancers Core and Emory University’s dance department. She is currently the co-facilitator of Fieldwork in Atlanta.  She is on the board of Beacon Dance Company, where she has performed for four seasons with Beacon’s Mapping Project and with 1906/2006/2106. Ann also sits on the board of the Friends of Theatre at Emory.

Back to top