Meet All of Our Instructors, Trainers & Massage Therapists
They’ll push you forward and pull you in new directions — whatever it takes to make you feel fitter. Meet some of the best trainers and instructors in Baltimore.
Sherri Weinman
Motivating: I am passionate about teaching group fitness. My goal is to connect with the members and learn about their individual fitness goals and then provide an environment that promotes success.
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Kristy Soltesz
With verbal & visual cuing + modifications, I aim to teach isometric, isotonic & dynamic exercises to gain strength, alignment & balance. “Better Form, Better Results.”
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Julie Wigley
I’m right in there with you—we have 30 minutes to get in a full body workout—if I’m not tired at the end with you, I didn’t do my job! I want to make sure everyone sees growth with the harder moves of the class- So I will always challenge you to take it to the next level. I think it’s important to remember where you started on your first class and how much you can grow! Your core is so important to all other classes, so don’t forget to give it some love!
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Suangela Abrams
FUN with an emphasis on form and safety. I teach by physical example and use both spoken and visual cues. My class plans offer adaptations, modifications and more advanced challenges when appropriate to ensure there is always a safe option for each student to practice.
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Hillary Slade Gras
Fun, encouraging, challenging, will push you to the last beat!
Joyful movement is the key to fitness success. Find what you love and never stop exploring.
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Lisa Ballesteros
My goal is to have someone leave my class knowing they put in the work. Everyone has a different story and different goals. I love watching people meet and crush their goals, but also having fun while working out.
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Bob McDowell
I am compassionately committed to making a wellness connection to you. Wherever you are on your wellness trail, I am there with you. I teach people in a fun, safe atmosphere as each pose should have the elements of safety, comfort and stability. All are welcome to yoga and pilates at Merritt.
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Cory Donovan
I received my E-RYT 200 in late 2016, and have taught over 2000 classes in over three years as a full time instructor. I have a few hundred hours of additional advanced training in yogic philosophy, anatomy, and sequencing various formats, and have experience teaching Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, and Restorative yoga.
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Andres Bujanda
My classes are designed to be high-energy, high-intensity, and full of joy! My goal for members is to get them to push their limits while still smiling. I love the feeling of getting lost in the music, and inspiring members to do the same!
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Julia Mazariegos
Everyone has their own fitness goals. As an instructor, I try to provide the tools that each member needs to personalize their workout and accomplish what they came for! Whether it’s endurance, strengthening, mastering the technique, or just to have fun!
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Lyndsay Fraser
Trained in Kripalu Yoga. I practice to the mood, energy and level of the group presented to me for that class. Flexibility to the students can transform their practice.
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Alycia Wepasnick
Always friendly and teaching in the essence of the program. In my classes I like to offer you achievable power and strength. You will be challenged no matter if you are a fitness beginner or fitness pro.
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Jennifer King
I love to interact with the members and the more I push them, the more they push me! I have been told I’m intense but I love to act a little goofy and use the performance opportunities.
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Ryan Vandenberge
Ace Certified Personal Trainer, AED/CPR Certified, IDEA Nutrition Essentials Certified
Health is the ultimate motive for exercising. Gaining new or regaining lost pieces of one’s life and achieving higher goals through physical training motivates me to do my best as a fitness professional.
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Nancy Molimis
ACE Certified Trainer
Working out should be a challenge, but one you enjoy; never a punishment.
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Ellyn Gildea
BS Athletic Training, Certified Pre/Post Natal Coach, HYROX Coach, MS Nutrition, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
My approach focuses on building strength, enhancing flexibility, and improving overall wellness. Whether you’re navigating the changes of pregnancy, recovering from an injury, or seeking to maintain vitality and independence as you age, I provide the support and guidance for sustainable change.
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Shane Thompson
B.S. Exercise Science, NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization
Combines functional movement patterns and dynamic exercises in order to Prioritize movement over body parts. Work with a purpose in order to be more efficient with your workouts. Shane’s passion for training will inspire and motivate you to push past your limits.
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Leonardo Angeles
HKC HardStyle Kettlebell Instructor, NSPA Certified Personal Trainer, RKC Russian Kettlebell Instructor, SCC Strength Calisthenics Instructor, WMS Weight Management Specialist
The right training for the right needs.
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Matt Grafton
Ace Certified Personal Trainer, B.S. Kinesiology/Exercise Science, HKC, RKC-L1, SCC
Train hard, train smart, train with purpose
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Brooke Peterson
When you are struggling to catch your breath, dreading the next interval, I am there to motivate, support, and encourage you to give it your all. My goal is to make each class as fun as possible. We are going to work hard, but I am going to do my best to make sure you have a good time doing it.
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Maria Mager, PT
AFAA Group Fitness, Les Mills CXWORX, NASM, Spinning, Tribe Team Training
Good form is the key to success when it comes to cardio or weight training. In time, proper technique will allow you to increase your resistance and speed.
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Rico Samuel
My teaching style offers levels for all participants. While my goal is to challenge, I want everyone to stick with it, give it a chance and realize their potential – no matter the level. My ultimate goal is for everyone to have an awesome time, sweating all the while and having a sense of accomplishment.
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Tony Wagner
A.C.E Certified Personal Trainer, A.C.E Certified Youth Fitness Coach, A.L.I.V.E. Coach, Cardio Boxing Certified Coach, Smart Fitness Certified
Activate Tissue don’t Mimic the motion!
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Kelly Tanner
HKC Certified Hardstyle Kettlebell Trainer, NCCPT Certified Personal Trainer, NCCPT Certified Weight Management Specialist, SCC- Certified Strength and Calisthenics Trainer, TRX Certified Trainer
Keep It Simple!
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Steve Siewierski
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Movement is Medicine.
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Heather Jordan
I grew up thinking you needed to play team sports in order to be athletic. It wasn’t until I joined Merritt as a member that I realized being athletic was more than just throwing, dribbling, or scoring goals. As an instructor, I help people unlock the inner athleticism they didn’t know they had!
Les Mills Group Fitness, NSPA, Post Natal Fitness Specialist
If you had to run a marathon in 9 months, you would train for it, right? I help women develop the muscles and stamina needed for labor and ease some common pains associated with pregnancy. After baby (no matter how many months or years that is) I help women regain core strength and become stronger than ever.
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Tom Martin
AED, CPR, First Aid
Fitness is all about learning the incredible things your body can do! My purpose is to help all of my students to accomplish things that might seem impossible by breaking down each movement into achievable steps, targeting specific muscles to strengthen, and understanding the importance of flexibility in everything we do.
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Jocelyn Wesson
My teaching style is high energy while keeping it fun! I’m here to motivate you to push your limits!
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Alison Jones
I try to bring a fun, authentic, and challenging vibe to class. It’s an honor to teach such an amazing Les Mills format. I hope to not only provide a great workout, but for each participant to leave the class feeling valued and inspired.
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Liz Davis
Liz encourages students to grow in their practice physically as well as spiritually and offers themed classes that emphasize proper alignment as well as modifications for beginners and experienced yogis alike. Whether it’s a fundamentals class, a power class or a restorative class, Liz will provide an informative, fun experience in a safe, non-competitive space all the while including meditation and mindfulness.
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Krissy Anderson
I hope to be fun and motivating- with a focus on self-acceptance and appreciation for each individual journey.
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Mandy Ferringer
I love including people of all ages and fitness levels in a fun, safe and energizing workout. My goal is to have all members develop a lifelong love of exercise!
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Keittie Ribadeneira
It’s all about having fun! Whether we’re lifting, running or punching I want everyone to feel the excitement. With that, we’ll hit our max every time. I’m all about achieving that max effort. I’m taking you with me!
CPR, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Les Mills Body Combat, Personal Trainer
Your body is a gift…cherish it!
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Kara Laurence
I love making exercise fun and showing that it is for everyone! I always show plenty of modifications in all my classes so everyone can get a great workout.
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Jamie Sullivan
Fun! I try to bring some fun and laughs into my BodyPump classes. Work Hard; Play Hard!
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Katie Brown
Motivational, challenging and different every week. I teach early morning classes and try to push my members to their edge so they are glad they didn’t hit snooze and got the best start to their day.
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Amy Cohen
I like to connect to the members and provide a fun, empowering, and strength-based approach to fitness.
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Jamie Sienko
I’ve been told by members that I am engaging, motivating and energetic. The enthusiasm I have for the workout transfers to members and makes strength training less daunting & more fun.
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Laura Remaly
I enjoy teaching all levels from beginners to veterans. I encourage each person to live up to their own potential and to always respect their own abilities. It is not my goal to make everyone follow my exact class or to overwork them. They should have a great workout and leave with a smile on their face, looking forward to the next time!
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Ann-Marie Bruchey
I love to add fun and flair to each class. I want the members to know they can have fun while they are working hard on crushing goals.
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Eliza Mummert
I try to keep things intense, organized, motivational and empowering! One of my favorite things about teaching is watching members test their limits and go after their personal goals.
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Nick Granata Jr
My teaching style is passionate and motivating. My classes are hard but you’ll leave knowing you pushed yourself harder than you thought you could and pushed yourself out of your comfort zone. I will guide you there. I care about the relationships I form with members that come to my class and want to be there. I care about people.
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Michael Ballon-Garst
My teaching style scales to the format I’m teaching. Typically, I gravitate to high energy music to match the energy and intensity I bring to class, however, I also enjoy slowing down to focus on fundamentals and a restorative experience.
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JC Montminy
Solid cycle classes start with a strong playlist. The music in my classes tells a story…a voyage through outer space, a celebration on Bourbon Street, or resilience through a challenging time. When the music allows a class to immerse themselves in the moment, it’s easy to give a full physical effort from start to finish.
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Kristie Barron
I run a fast-paced, high-energy class and I live for the moments when my participants bring that same energy. I like to push my members to work hard but to have a fun time doing it.
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Homero Bayarena
Homero brings a high energy, Latin-infused flavor to most of his group fitness classes. He focuses on creating a supportive, safe fitness workout for all members.
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Michelle Petenbrink
I focus on form and enjoying the movement of whatever exercise you are doing. I like to motivate people through movement and let them know that they can customize any workout to fit their needs and achieve success.
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Bashi Olagoke
ACE Personal Training Certificate
Functional strength is the basis of any great exercising program
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Mike Bentivenga
CPT Certified Personal Trainer, USA Powerlifting, USA Weightlifting
Every day, you have the chance to get better.
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Krystal Darby
BS Physical Education, Certified Personal Trainer, CPR/AED, MA Educational Leadership
Come to the edge (the edge of your fears, desire, disappointments, etc). Don’t be afraid of the drop (weight loss, self-esteem issues, competition)…it’s only more room to fly!
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James Merritt II
ACE
Make your training fun to prevent making it feel like a chore or a task to be done. This will help you exercise more often and improve your fitness goals.
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Kristen Miller
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
As a personal trainer, I am deeply committed to elevating the well-being of my clients by focusing on a comprehensive approach to health. My philosophy revolves around cultivating both physical vitality and mental resilience, recognizing that true fitness is a balanced blend of strength, mindfulness, and balanced lifestyle choices.
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Ian Imes
ACE Certification, Nutrition Specialist Certification
My philosophy in training revolves around creating an awareness of the Mind-Body connection. This is specific to each individual thus my training is built around the client’s needs specifically. Cultivating this will increase a client’s intrinsic motivation to push themselves to ensure they meet the goals they set.
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Sarah Shea
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
I recognize and appreciate a person’s willingness to put in the work to achieve their goals. As long as one puts forth their best effort, they can be successful and get to where they want to be.
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Patrick Grove
ARC – CPR/AED, NASM – CPT
Focus on technique, strengthen your weaknesses, work hard but don’t burnout and quit
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Catherine Wroten
B.S. Exercise Science, NASM – CPT
With a positive mindset, dedication, and the right guidance you can achieve anything.
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Jake Schneider
Fitness Trainer, Speed and Agility Coach, Sports Nutrition Coach
Discipline is doing what you hate to do, but doing it like you love it.
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Brooks Chaney
AA Exercise Science, ISSA Personal Trainer, ISSA Strength and Conditioning
Work hard, but have fun doing it
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Corey Brown
A.C.E Certified Personal Trainer
My philosophy surrounds focusing on a persons form and technique. You could bench 315lbs but are you paying attention to how you lift that weight. To avoid injury focusing on form and technique with little to no weights is the way to start, continue and MAINTAIN your fitness journey.
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Kewena Killikelly
CPR/AED, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
I develop levels of progression to ensure long lasting and permanent results. Understanding the body internally as well as externally will always lead to victories. I encourage an alternative outlook toward nutrition, healing and recovery to get you acquainted with new and improved ways of living. You must be dedicated to yourself first which equals commitment and commitment requires consistency. All of this put together will guarantee a better fitness journey of becoming stronger, healthier and happier.
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Andrew Lingelbach
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, B.S. Exercise Science
Exercise is just as diverse as people. There is something out there for everyone to love and enjoy.
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Heidi Shaneybrook
Ace Certified Personal Trainer, FMS Level 2, McDaniel College M.S. Exercise Science, Original Strength, Salisbury University B.S. Exercise Science
It is your attitude more than your aptitude that determines your altitude.
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Cindy Honsberger
NSPA Certified Personal Trainer, TRX, TRX RIP Trainer
I customize workouts for each of my clients, focusing on strength and flexibility with attention to proper form. Nutrition is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. I can provide information on a healthy eating plan and answer any questions. I train with a wide range of clients, one on one,small and large groups and seniors. With over 20 years experience, I can help you to reach your goals.
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Joan Dickman
Ace Certified Personal Trainer, Certified CPR, Certified Health Coach, Certified Spin Instructor
My personal training philosophy focuses on continual lifelong learning as I work towards enhancing the well-being of my clients by empowering them with the knowledge, skills, support, guidance and resources to assist and inspire them on their journey to a healthier life. Together, we will work to transform their quality of life through active participation in regular fitness activities. A large part of our focus will be on Functional Training, which attempts to adapt or develop exercises, which allow individuals to perform the activities of daily life more easily and without injuries. With the integration of guided fitness programs, together we can make their health goals become a reality, all in a caring, fun, and dynamic environment.
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Alison Pack
Challenging, but fun! I aim to motivate and empower my class members to give it their all and achieve new personal records!
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Shawn Brown
My style incorporates the deep roots of yoga while encouraging students to get in touch with themselves. Yoga becomes more than the physical postures, it is an exploration of the senses and emotions that make each of us unique. Leave your expectations at the door and hopefully you’ll walk out of class with a smile on your face and a feeling of lightness and joy in your body and soul.
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Omari Jackson Sr.
I aim to facilitate a challenging, but not impossible, ride. We vibe to good music while individually challenging ourselves to grow, in strength and endurance. During class, we listen to our bodies and are always kind to our bodies. Believe me, I want the most “studly” body possible; but I am not willing to injure my body in pursuit of such. LET’S GET IT FAMILY!
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Kelly Bocskor
I teach Les Mills Sprint which is a HIIT work out on the bike! If you are interested in a intense cycle class this class is for you!
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Susan Coulson
My style of teaching yoga is a full hour of movement and breathing. I keep a pace of nonstop power flow with a great stretch and full mind and body relaxation.
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Jennifer Brock
I like to think of my teaching style as inclusive. I aim to provide my classes with plenty of options and encourage members to use them, so that no matter where you are in your fitness journey, you can leave class feeling successful.
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Rae Granofsky
Rolling your mat out in my class should feel as though you’ve etched a moment of gratitude for yourself! My classes motivate students to experience renovations of the mind through our harmonious hour of yoga. I design qualitative sequences, which are curated to the everyday human experiencing endurance of the mind or body. My classes are modified for diverse experience levels, with a focus on safety and personal comfort (alignment), while keeping a chill vibe of empowerment.
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Tracy Ege
I love pop music from the 90’s, 2000’s and today and like to incorporate that with my class making it a mixture of hills, flats, attacks and racing for every fitness level. I love to motivate my classes and getting to know everyone that takes my classes.
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Stefanie Jacobs
Go hard or go home! I aim to inspire and encourage my classes through intensity and accountability. We are a team and will struggle and succeed together in the 30 minutes I have them. Giving 100% max effort, letting go of insecurities and self doubt, that’s what my classes are all about.
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DANIELLE SANDS-DAMON
500 RYT/CYT, Certified Health Coach, Level 2 Usai Reiki, LVL 1 Aerial Yoga, SUP Yoga
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Josef Kardelll
Ace Certified Personal Trainer
Josef believes that fitness training is mostly mental, and enjoys finding the “why” behind a member’s fitness journey. Having been through a body transformation himself, Josef has intimate knowledge of behavior change and exercise program adherence, and enjoys sharing his experience with others. Josef believes results are just byproducts of lifestyle chance, and is ready to help you change your life!
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Emily Williams
I love to provide all levels of experience and strength to my classes. Whether you are a first timer or a regular, there’s always a place for you! I like to have fun and treat each class like a fun dance and move to the beat. I want you leaving your class motivated and happier than you arrived!
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Arati Mejdal
I aim to make yoga, mindfulness and breathing practices approachable and accessible for all. I encourage individual agency and choice, and I give options during class. I love to use props, and I incorporate breath practices into every class.
RYT 500
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Shannon Speed
My style incorporates both fun and a judgement-free space for everyone to exercise. I am committed to excellence and helping others to reach their fitness goals, while simultaneously creating a safe and effective exercise environment. The only bad workout is the one you don’t do, and movement is the best medicine!