Jill Garrigan, Fitness Coordinator at Penn State University, knows how to do it. Her knowledge and expertise in health and fitness are part of what helps her motivate the 80+ employees of Penn State Recreational fitness to "just do it". Penn State fitness offers over 120 fitness classes weekly and sees more than 2500 patrons in these weekly classes. Jill balances the task of training and supervising instructors for these classes with the administrative duties that go along with running one of the largest Big Ten fitness programs.
Jill is a fitness instructor herself. She has been teaching
group exercise and aerobics classes since 1982. A veteran from the spandex
and leg-warmer era, Jill began teaching high impact aerobics to small
groups of women at a local gym. Now 20+ years later, she has expanded
into a number of different fitness areas and specialities including:
- Step Aerobics
- Kickboxing Aerobics
- Indoor Cycling
- Muscle Conditioning
- Core Training
- Weighted-bar Classes
- Circuit Class
- Yoga/Mind-Body
- Stability Ball Classes
- Posture, Balance and Flexible Strength
- Aqua Aerobics
- "Coached" Cycling
- Pre-post Natal Fitness
Jill is ACE certified and holds a number of specialty certifications.
Her clever teaching style and friendly approach to fitness has made her
a favorite locally and regionally. According to Garrigan, "You have
to teach everyone who comes to your class, from ‘Suzy Aerobics’
to the new comer. If you don’t make everyone feel comfortable eventually
you won’t have anyone to teach to." This easy going approach
to fitness is one reason her classes are consistently "sold out."
You can catch one of her classes at Penn State Recreational Fitness at
one of the Clubs she teaches at in State College.
Additionally, Jill has created an Instructor Training Program, which teaches participants how to become a fitness instructor. Through this program, re-designed in 1996, Jill has successfully mentored over 200 fitness instructors. Many of these instructors are currently teaching at premier clubs around the United States. For information on the instructor training program click here.
