Meet b’s 2015 Fitness Heroes
It all started with a simple question we asked readers: “Who gets you in the best shape, Baltimore?”
We immediately realized it wasn’t as simple as we thought. Response — via Twitter, email, Facebook — was immediate and staggering. We received close to 600 nominations for your favorite workout leaders in just a matter of days, from big-name fitness centers and boutique gyms to yoga instructors and personal trainers.
And these people were much more than just someone telling you to get down and give them 20. Your responses were heartfelt and passionate — the nominees helped you lose 40 pounds, became personal friends who visited you in the hospital when you were ill. They inspire you, brighten your mood, make you feel like you can accomplish anything. And they make you sweat — a lot.
It was a difficult task narrowing down the men and women, your fitness heroes, we chose to profile. But it wasn’t difficult to see a clear answer to our original question. Who gets you in the best shape, Baltimore? It’s these devoted and passionate people. Read more about the fitness heroes.
- Amanda Poppleton Ashe and Reese Ashe are gym owners, personal trainers and group fitness instructors at Reflex Fitness. Learn more about them. (Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun)
- Eric Atherton is a group fitness instructor and gym club owner at E.A. Fit Club. Learn more about him. (Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun)
- Doug Bopst is a personal trainer and nutrition coach at MAC Express Hunt Valley. Learn more about him. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)
- Guy Cragwell is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Federal Hill Fitness. Learn more about him. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)
- Nick Ehrlich is a personal trainer, boxing and nutrition coach, and boot camp instructor at Sweat Performance. Learn more about him. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)
- David Girton Jr. is a personal trainer, group instructor, wellness coach and founder/owner of LiveNow Fitness. Learn more about him. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun)
- Lydia Haskell is a fitness instructor, instructor mentor and gym owner at The Fitness Rave. Learn more about her. (Daniel Kucin Jr./Baltimore Sun)
- Marili Mejias is a zumba instructor at Brick Bodies. Learn more about her. (Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun)
- Camille Moses-Allen is a yoga instructor at Charm City Yoga and MAC Harbor East. Learn more about her. (Tom Brenner / Baltimore Sun)
- Brandie and Ben Stocks are gym owners, personal trainers, and group fitness instructors at Stocks Fitness and Performance. Learn more about them. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun)
- Larisa Unger is a group fitness instructor, with specialties in indoor cycling, Pilates and barre classes at JCC and other locations. Learn more about her. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun)
- Jason Williams is a personal trainer, wellness coach, and large and small group fitness instructor at MAC Harbor East. Learn more about him. (Tom Brenner/Baltimore Sun)