FITNESS STAFF

MEET YOUR WEST COOK YMCA PERSONAL TRAINERS and Fitness Instructors!

Liz Fairweather
Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor

I have been an aquatics and fitness instructor at the West Cook YMCA since 2018, but a fitness and sports enthusiast my entire life, from gymnastics and diving to sailing and skiing. My primary focus was gymnastics, where I earned a record ten state titles in Wisconsin and then was twice named an All-American at the U.S. Air Force Academy. I have recently transitioned my interests to distance running and triathlons, and currently serve on the board of Best Foot Forward (BFF), an Oak Park women’s running group. When I first moved to Oak Park two years ago with my family, I was seeking both a new calling and community; I was fortunate to find both at the West Cook YMCA with its holistic focus on one’s mind, body, and spirit. I have enjoyed sharing my passion for health and wellness with fellow Y members, and I look forward to bringing my experience and enthusiasm to the Y community.

Certifications: NASM Certified Personal Trainer, AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional, YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach, Healthy Weight and Your Child Leader, Weight Loss Program Facilitator, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Instructor

SERGIO PEREZ
Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor

I have been a certified personal trainer since 2007. The sense of family and community drew me to the YMCA organization. I get the most enjoyment being able to teach clients/members about physical fitness and how to customize their workouts according to their needs.

Certifications: ACE Personal Trainer, ACE Group Fitness Instructor, RKC (Russian Kettlebell Certified), Battle ropes Certified (John Brookfield), Functional Movement Screen Certified, Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Y-Balance Test Certified, HKC (Hard style Kettlebell Certified), Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Certified Instructor, Enhance Fitness Instructor

Nicki Pieart
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

I have been a certified athletic trainer for 11 years and teaching classes at the YMCA for 1.5 years. I moved to the area 9 years ago. I was looking for a gym where the focus was on community. The Y fit the bill perfectly. I enjoy all of the people at the Y, from the front desk staff to the class members to the residents. I have enjoyed having the Y as a part of my daily routine. I started at the Y as a member and quickly felt at home. I was challenged by the classes and made many fitness friends who were pushing me to reach new fitness goals. As I got more ingrained in the WCY, I decided I wanted to contribute to others success! So I started teaching group ex classes and have loved taking my class participants on their fitness journeys.

Certifications: MSEd--Exercise Physiology, Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer 

Kathy Valdivia
Fitness instructor

I’m very happy to be part of the YMCA family and to be able to offer my knowledge and experiences as a Zumba Instructor. I have just joined this great family, but I am sure it will be a great start to plans and programs for the service of the community

I’m Peruvian and been a Folkloric Dance teacher for 30 years, I have a ton of experience in the dance stages because I belonged to a dance group for many years back in Peru and here in the United States.

I decided to train as a Zumba instructor 2 years ago with the intention of approaching people who like to dance and enjoy music. My purpose is to guide them towards a basic development of easy steps and movements for them to enjoy a fun and relaxing class. My experience as a dancer has led me to understand that it is not necessary to be a professional or expert in difficult steps to live and feel the music. It’s the inner feeling that comes out to express itself in a way that brings life from the music and makes one happy.
Certifications: Professor of Art in Folklore Dance, Zumba ZIN MEMBER Instructor