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Name: Denise Schermerhorn
Job Title: Fitness specialist
Asphalt Green Department: Fitness
Asphalt Green Campus: Upper East Side
Q: How long have you been working at Asphalt Green?
A: I’ve been working at Asphalt Green for about 15 years.
Q: What do you do at Asphalt Green?
A: I’m a group exercise instructor and personal trainer.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of working at Asphalt Green?
A: I love when you can see the full moon from the window when I’m teaching Pilates and the sunrise in the spin room during morning classes. They set a great mood! I also enjoy the view from the roof of the East River.
Q: What is one of your fondest memories of working at Asphalt Green so far?
A: Before we got the beautiful spin room many years ago, I came up with the idea to do a rooftop spin and conditioning class. I was so excited about the event that I forgot to tell maintenance that I would need their help getting the bikes and weights to the roof. When the members came in for the class and I explained the situation, everyone grabbed a bike, rolled it up to the roof, then came back for the weights and mats. We had the best class ever and no music!
Q: How did you get into the fitness industry?
A: I started out in dance and progressed to fitness after an injury.
Q: What is your professional background?
A: I have more than 15 years of experience as an instructor and personal trainer. I am also Balanced Body, Pilates mat, and Pilates reformer certified. Additionally, I’m a Johnny G. Spin-and Schwinn-certified instructor and coach as well as a Reaction Cycling master trainer. I have certified and mentored more than 200 instructors and taught all over the United States and Caribbean.
Q: What is your favorite exercise?
A: My favorite exercises are dancing and roller blading.
Q: Do you have any gym pet peeves?
A: My pet peeve is when women are afraid to lift weights more than five pounds!
Q: What is your favorite fitness tip?
A: Play with all the crayons in the box! In other words, try all classes with different instructors.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I think I was a DJ in another life.