Leslee Bender

Founder of Bender Training Systems involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has presented internationally in over 30 countries and has certified thousands of trainers.  Her credentials are B. A. University of Nevada,  American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, Aerobics and Fitness Association, Polestar Pilates and Physical Mind. Leslee is faculty for Balanced Body University and a CEU provider for ACE, AFAA, NASM.  Leslee has devoted herself to creating a functionally safer approach to Pilates training that has been utilized by physical therapists and fitness professionals through out the world.  

Leslee has the top functional infomercial in the country with the Bender BallTM. Leslee has produced over 25 DVD’s and is sponsored by Power Systems, Savvier, and Balanced Body. Leslee has presented for IDEA, IHRSA, Club Industry, Body Mind Spirit, and other international conventions.

Leslee and Bender Training Systems have partnered with The Human Potential Center and Dr. Robert Johnson to bring new courses that are cutting edge for fitness professionals, physical therapists and all other wellness practitioners.  Our newest programs for 2008 include Functional Kinesiology in Clay, The Bio-Mechanics of Anatomy and Applied Science of Movement.     

Dr. Robert Johnson, D.C.

Co-creator of the Bender Training Systems School of Function Training, Biomechanics and Rehabilitation

Dr. Rob Johnson is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a Kinesiology Instructor through the Nevada System of Higher Education and a Master Trainer for The Pilates Coach. He is also a Personal Trainer, Life Coach, and has taught health, fitness and nutrition for the past nine years and has presented in over 13 countries including co-presenting at IDEA World Fitness, Mind-Body-Spirit, and Club Industry.

He has taught educations for everyone ranging from rehabilitation programs for physical therapist in hospital settings to beginning instructors in the fitness industry.  He has trained Olympic athletes, professional football players and professional dancers as well as to the elderly, obese and general populations.   

He is an author or source for articles in Club Industry, Pilates Style, Rock and Ice, Idea Fitness Journal, and On Fitness magazines.  He is the author of Foundations of Movement and other movement based manuals.  He has made front page news in the Boulder Weekly, and has made national television news as he testified for the Colorado House of Representatives on Alternatives to Ritalin.

Professional Background of similar classes:
Over 100 Pilates based certifications trainings for the Pilates Coach
Created an advanced school of biomechanics and rehabilitation offering a six day intensive internship in

Presented at:
Co presented at IDEA with Leslee Bender
Club Industry
Co presented at Mind Body Spirit
Fitness Forum
Pilates Institute
Pilates University
Multitrax

Lisa Turnbull
Bailey, Colorado
Certified Personal Fitness Trainer
Certified Aerobic Instructor
Certified Master Bender Ball Instructor

A little bit about myself:

As a native of Colorado, one of the healthiest states in our nation, I learned early on how people’s lives, bodies and health could be drastically improved through exercise.  That observance led to a deeper calling to partner with people on attaining a state of optimal heath and well being.  Work, marriage, family,  as well as different athletic competitions, have taken me to both coasts and the opportunity to work with 100’s of clients over the past 15 years.  I offer a unique approach to training.  I want my clients to have a conscious awareness to their bodies and I do this by giving them an education.  Whether you’re younger or older, I look forward to partnering with you.  Here’s to your health, Lisa

Cori Ann has over 10 years in the health and fitness industry as personal trainer, fitness manager, group exercise instructor, seminar presenter, and coach. She is a Bender Method Master Trainer and is certified with ACE, AFAA and NASM.  She also has additional specialty certificates in Optimum Performance Training for Youth, Advanced Program Design and Human Movement, Exercise for Special Populations, Stretching to Prevent IT Band Syndrome, Pilates Matwork, Urban Strip Tease™, and the Schwinn® Indoor Cycling Program.  She is the creator of THE SPORTS BARRE™, an athletic approach to barre fitness and is also president, founder & CEO of San Ramon Valley Fitness, Inc. 

Dana Greco is a fitness professional with over 15 years of teaching experience focusing on Group Exercise, Personal Trainer, Pilates and Yoga. Dana is a Master Trainer with the Bender Method and Gymstick.  She is the Administrator for the Bender Method Master Trainers in the United States. 

Lara Garda

In her 18 years of professional fitness management and group fitness training Lara has worked to bring positive energy and motivation to both team members and clients.  Lara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, Sports and Nutrition.  She is an ACE Certified Group Fitness instructor and Registered Yoga Teacher who combines elements of her group fitness experience with Yoga and Pilates training to create fun, safe and effective workouts.  Lara is currently the studio director for Core Pilates & Yoga, a private and small group training facility in Pittsburgh.  The creator of Hello Toes Yoga!™ a children’s program bringing yoga and creative movement into preschools and daycare facilities, Lara strives to sprinkle fun into every encounter.  A fitness consultant and instructor educator, Lara has worked with several start-up organizations spear-heading employee service and training.  Most recently she has launched her own venue of instructor education entitled Core F.I.T., a functional integration of Pilates, Yoga and Fitness.

Monique Hollowell, B.S. CPT, holds certifications with ACSM, NASM and Coopers Institute, in addition to specialty certifications in Pre-post natal fitness, Sports conditioning, Aquatics, Pilates and Yoga. Formally the Executive Director of Fitness for In-Shape Health Clubs, Monique built a multi-million dollar profit center, fitness programs, personal training services and corporate fitness trainings. Monique is now an Author, National fitness presenter and the owner of Fit for Lafemme: The Mobile Gym, located in Sacramento, Ca, which provides In-Home Fitness, Business On-site and Internet fitness services.

Norma Shechtman is known as the “legend” in the fitness world. Word has it that her “unassuming, caring and educational classes and workshops” keep them coming back for more and more…

She has been involved in fitness and education for over 30 years and is well respected in the fitness industry.  She holds a double Masters Degree in Kinesiology and Education. She is ACE, AFAA, AEA, NESTA, Pilates, Revmaster certified and master trainer.  Norma is an international presenter, author of 5 books, has 5 videos, authored home study courses and has hosted her own cable TV show.

Shelley Depeda has over 30 years in the health and fitness industry for 12 years she competed as an elite gymnast and the other 20 as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, health advisor, seminar presenter, sports coach, and athletic trainer.  She competed in the 2008 NPC Fitness Competition where she place second. She is a Bender Method Master Trainer, and is certified with NASM, NESTA, NHE Master Trainer, also holds a MBA in Business Admin with undergrad concentration in Sports Medicine.  She also has additional specialty certificates in Zumba-Latin Dance, Johnny-G Spinning, Pilates Coach (Mat 1, Reformer, and Cadillac Tower), Arthritis Foundation’s Aqua Programs, ASEP Certification, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), and hold her CNA License. She specializes in both core strength training and post-rehabilitation work. Shelley also worked for 15 years for the Stanislaus County Office of Education where she was a Case Manager and a Behavior Modification Specialist with at-risk/high-risk population.

Susan Gilmore, MS, has been working in the fitness industry since 1980.  She’s taught group exercise classes in hi-low aerobics, water fitness, step, Pilates, senior fitness and weight training. In 1993 she added personal training to the mix.  For the last 5 years she’s been affiliated with the non-profit organization, Life with Cancer, conducting fitness classes for cancer survivors.  In addition to being a fitness educator, she coached high school swimming for 14 years, and was named The Washington Post Men’s High School Swim Coach of the Year in 1994-95 and 1996-97.

Susan holds certifications from ACE (American Council on Exercise) as a personal trainer, advanced health + fitness specialist, and group fitness instructor.  She’s also a Performance Enhancement and Corrective Exercise Specialist with NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine.)

Heide Wentworth

Philosophy 
Heide believes that a well rounded and straight forward approach towards health and  fitness is essential for a balanced lifestyle. 

Heide’s enthusiastic approach towards optimal fitness emphasizes proper form and  function. Each workout creates a mind-body connection through pilates, yoga, and  core strength and stability.  Her goal is to motivate each client to achieve his or her personal health goal through physical and mental balance. 

Nino Fincher has trained and  presented in the fitness industry for almost two decades. She holds numerous certifications including several for Kenneth Cooper Institute, AFAA and is a Master Trainer for the Bender Method. She is an international Silver Medalist of the AAU Championship and has won gold in both National and Regional Competitions in the same year. Nino brings versatility, skill and experience to her training that is suitable for clients of any level.

Gemma Hughes, a fitness professional since 1998, takes a unique approach to training and teaching making sure that fitness not only be safe and effective but that it is also fun. A strong scientific background teamed with her unending enthusiasm makes her courses and classes a true experience. Proud to be a Bender Ball Master Trainer she feels that Leslie Bender’s approach to fitness is progressive and critical.
Gemma holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the West Virginia University School of Medicine, Personal Training Certifications and Group Fitness Certifications from both ACE and AFAA, as well as numerous other qualifications.

Keli Roberts is the recipient of the 2003 IDEA International Fitness Instructor of the Year award, 2003 OBOW ECA award for Best Use of Equipment, 2005 for Best Female Presenter and 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award. Keli is also a Fitness Hall of Fame 2007 inductee. Keli is an ACE Continuing Education Provider who is known world wide for her award winning DVDs, books and training seminars, she specializes in group strength and stability training, indoor cycling, personal training and motivation. Keli is ACSM HFS certified, and is also certified through AFAA, ACE Group Fitness and ACE Gold Personal Trainer and is also a member of the Fitness Magazine Advisory Board, a BOSU Developmental Team Member and a Nautilus and Schwinn Master Presenter.

MARGIE  CALDWELL COOPER                        

Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Margie Caldwell Cooper, B.A. Ed., recipient of the Aquatic Exercise Association Global Fitness Professional of the Year 2006, is an educator with many years’ experience with all levels of exercise participants and instructors on the land and in the water.  Certified by ACE (gold), AEA, AFAA and Yoga Alliance, she is part of the Hydro-Fit Academy Education Team, has been a Master Trainer for The Bender Ball and joins the fitness staff at Rancho La Puerta health spa on a regular basis.  For winter fun, she snowboards & skis at home in Ketchum/Sun Valley, Idaho.

Kelly Rosenberg, founder of Every Body Balance and developer of the Every Body Balance method, has over 25 years of experience in health and wellness. She has worked with individuals and groups of all ages assisting each and every person in achieving their personal fitness and wellness goals.