Esperanza “Espi” MacMillan
Education | Certifications | Specialties:
BA from the College of St. Benedict, Instructor YMCA Pilates Reformer, NASM Personal Trainer, NETA Group Fitness Certified, Yoga Alliance 200 hour E-RYT, YMCA Mat Pilates, YMCA Pilates Reformer Level 1, 2, YMCA Pilates Tower, YMCA Pilates Chair, Kettlebells, Pre/Post Natal, Orthopedic Injury and Rehabilitation, Scoliosis
My passion for fitness was set in motion when I started delving into the work of human anatomy and movement through Yoga and Pilates back in 2001. Pilates became the answer to helping many of my clients achieve their fitness goals. The Pilates method requires one to connect both mind and body when creating movement. I train with clients both on and off the Pilates reformer – incorporating exercises that include proper posture, core engagement and safe range of motion. I have worked with clients of all ages from their early twenties to 84 years old! I love to work with but am not limited to pre/post natal clients, clients with hip, knee, shoulder injuries/replacements and clients with scoliosis. I have attended workshops with Lolita San Miguel – one of the five founders of Pilates. I have attended specialty workshops with Karen Clippinger who specializes in both orthopedic and scoliosis training. I have over 1000 hours of hands-on instruction in both Yoga and Pilates. I constantly seeking out more knowledge and training to better deepen my practice in Yoga and Pilates so I can bring this awareness back to my clients.
“It's been almost 5 years since I started working with Espi and I keep coming back because SHE keeps changing it up. I've never been good at sticking to a routine but because Espi keeps my workouts interesting - integrating everything from traditional weights to Pilates reformer to kettle bell to aerobic bursts or even various combinations of all - I'm committed to the "routine" of showing up and making it count.”
PJ Eichten
Education | Certifications | Specialties:
University of St. Thomas B.A. Journalism, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, YMCA Pilates Reformer Certified, Foundations of Group Exercise, Certified Kettlebell and TRX Suspension Training Instructor, BodyPump® Instructor, Run Club Facilitator
I have a passion for helping people accomplish their goals. Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon I have a program for you. Fitness has always been a big part of my life and it is my goal to help everyone live a healthy lifestyle.
“I finished the Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday—my first marathon. Over the past several months, I have been running with and training under P.J. Eichten, one of your trainers at the Southdale YMCA. Without this training program and PJ’s excellent coaching and motivation, I never would have completed this marathon nor had such a great experience.”
Sharon Peterson
Education | Certifications | Specialties:
Medical/surgical assistant - UND /Pudget Sound, WA, Wellness Coach – Trinity College, Pilates Mat, Reformer, Tower, Chair, Barrel and Trapeze table, National Polestar Pilates , ACE Personal Fitness, Yoga and Core strengthening, Kettlebells, TRX suspension Training
With the mind/body/spirit – overall wellness - connection I am able to help my clients in all areas of their lives for better overall health. I work with people of all ages – grade school yoga students, 13-year-old girls with eating disorders, athletes of all kinds, i.e., hockey players, dancers, track/field, tennis, golf, to name a few; college students, young professionals, middle-aged singles/couples, pre and post-natal, elderly with balance concerns, knee, hip, shoulder issues- before and after surgery. My passion is to help people with a holistic approach to move functionally with ease and go beyond for improved range of motion and activities they wish to continue doing. One of the ways I have found to best achieve this is through Pilates/Pilates Reformer instruction. Pilates it is an exercise system that is challenging for all fitness levels and customized so that everyone can succeed and improve their overall fitness helping to achieve fitness goals as well improving abilities to function well in daily life.
“I have been working with Sharon Peterson for the last 6 months. The results I have been able to achieve as a result of working with Sharon, far exceed expectations! Sharon takes a very dynamic approach to training, rather than develop one exercise program that will serve the needs of all of her clients, Sharon takes the time to evaluate each individual client, then develops an individual program based on needs and goals. Sharon trains with a very positive attitude channeling positive energy constantly during the workout. Sharon is always on time, well prepared, and ready to change the workout at any moment to maximize results. I am fortunate to work with Sharon, a talented, knowledgeable, and dedicated trainer.”
“Sharon is a fantastic trainer. I had tried Pilates before, but I just couldn't seem to understand how to do the exercises. After one session with Sharon, I could tell I was finally going to get it. She is very knowledgeable about Pilates. Her explanations are clear, her workouts are interesting, and the difference in my body was almost immediate. She's also great to work with--warm, funny and supportive. After 4 months, Sharon has helped motivate me to lose a bunch of weight and gain muscle, and she's completely changed my posture. Thanks to her, I'm finally getting my body back after having 3 kids!”
Tiffany Rittler-Foley
Education | Certifications | Specialties:
NASM Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Certified Group Exercise Instructor, YMCA Pilates Reformer, Maddog Spinning, TRX Suspension Training Kettlebells, YogaFIT, SilverSneakers
People reaching their fitness goals and getting somewhere they never thought they could, is what makes me tick. I strongly believe we all can do more than we think we can and having the right person by your side throughout your journey is essential. The clients that I work with all come with different needs and desires, which is what is so unique about personal training at the YMCA. I have clients who are teenagers wanting to keep in shape for the sports they play in high school, to people who are rehabilitating from knee and hip surgery, to seniors who are looking to improve and gain back skills, such as, balance and strength. My personal goals in life are simple. They are; to lead a healthy, active lifestyle, to be a role model for health and wellness and to make the most out of each day we are given and I achieve my goals on a daily basis through my work as a personal trainer at the YMCA.
“After having my second baby via C-Section in September, I was eager to get back into pre-baby shape. I started working with Tiffany in December and let her know my goals to lose the baby weight, get my abs back and just gain overall physical fitness and strength. Tiffany listened to my goals and created work-outs that helped me achieve my goals a lot faster than if I had attempted it on my own. She is a great cheerleader and unbelievably knowledgeable. She had me doing things at the gym that I would have never attempted on my own. I quickly started to see and feel the results. As my strength improved, she kept the workouts challenging and motivating. No matter if you are starting out or looking to up your fitness level, Tiffany is able to help you obtain your fitness goals. I hit my pre-baby weight goal just before our trip to Hawaii.”
