December 2021 Trainer of the Month - Cocoa Boston
The YMCA of Parkersburg's Trainer of the Month is designed to help you get to know the trainers that help make our Y community great. This month, we’re introducing Cocoa Boston. Cocoa has been teaching our Silver Sneakers classes. Let’s get to know her:
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself: what are some fun facts about you?
In 2011, I received a Silver Sneakers membership card from our AARP medicare supplemental insurance company and decided to give it a try at the YMCA of Parkersburg. At the time, our instructor was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot about myself in the class. I was 20 lbs over my usual weight and needed to get into an exercise routine. It worked!
In addition, my family is very familiar with the YMCA of Parkersburg. My daughter, Shelly, began swimming on the YMCA of Parkersburg’s Shark Swim Team at the age of 6. She continued to be a team member until she left for college on a swimming scholarship at the University of Cincinnati and West Virginia University. Also, in the 1970s, our niece and nephew, Kim and Wes Kaufman, swam for the YMCA of Parkersburg’s Shark Team as well as college teams at West Virginia University and the U.S. Naval Academy. Kim was a YMCA national champion backstroker, All-American NCAA, and WVU Hall of Fame Inductee.
2. What fitness class(es) do you instruct?
Currently, I teach Silver Sneakers, which is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm.
3. When and why did you become a trainer? What's your style of training?
Even though I enjoyed the Silver Sneakers program a lot, I never intended to become an instructor. However, our instructor at the time announced that she was going to leave which meant that there would only be one instructor left for the program. The “Girls” in our class encouraged me to give instructing a try. I did, and now I am doing so 4 days a week. My style is to be myself and help others with exercises we can all enjoy. Laughing a lot and meeting others who want to do the same is also a must.
4. Tell us a little bit about the fitness class(es) that you instruct.
Silver Sneakers is designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement, and activities for daily living by having fun and moving to music through a variety of exercises A chair is used for seated support. Ages 65+ are welcomed.
5. What is your most favorite part about instructing at the YMCA of Parkersburg and why?
The Y is the best place for all those who are seeking help in becoming more fit and healthier in a friendly atmosphere. The YMCA personnel are helpful, dedicated people who love what they are doing. I feel the Y instructors have always been good, well-trained people who help you learn with compassion and understanding for all participants in their programs.
For more information about group fitness classes and trainers, please contact Crystal Leonard, Health & Fitness Coordinator, at 304-485-5585 ext. 222 or crystal.leonard@parkersburgymca.org.