In Focus: Instructor Christina Palacios

It is my pleasure to be celebrating my two-year anniversary with the Groton Senior Center this upcoming September. Prior to my weekly classes, I was introduced to the wonderful participants of the center as a substitute instructor for over a year prior.

I have been submerged in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years. I have a passion for encouraging others to live their best life and feel amazing both mentally and physically through consistent practices of healthy living.

I currently hold my certification for Group Fitness with AFAA and have been certified as a Silver Sneakers Instructor. My love for fitness has me also certified in many other practices which include, Pilates, Senior Yoga, TRX and Spin. Most recently, I’ve had the opportunity to be certified through the Arthritis Foundation and have really enjoyed leading their program “Walk with Ease”.

I have two basic philosophies when it comes to exercise. Consistency Over Time Creates Change and in order to be consistent Exercise Must Be Fun! In order to create an environment of energy and enthusiasm through exercise I strive to have energetic music and constant change in movement pattern. This I believe makes the commitment to consistency just a little easier for my participants. Beyond the weekly classes I try to encourage my participants to try new things. This past winter many signed up and completed local 5k Races and as a group we walked over 2200 miles as we virtually “Hiked the Appalachian Trail”. I truly believe I have the best job and I am blessed by my people on a daily basis.

We love to have new folks join our great groups, we not only sweat together but we also share life together. My classes get together outside of the center on a regular basis for lunch, walking and celebrating life!

Cardio Sculpt: M/W/F 9am/9:15am/9am. This class is the perfect combination of healthy heart pumping cardio and muscle strengthening resistance work. All levels welcomed as modifications are offered and encouraged.

Stretch Strength and Balance. M/W/F 10:15am/10:30am/10:15 am. This is a chair-based class that offers the perfect combination of Functional Movement Patterns that encourage participants to strengthen the mind as well as body. All levels welcomed as modification are offered and encouraged.

Walk with Ease: M/W/F 11:30. This class has been brought to the GSC through the Arthritis Foundation and encourages participants to embrace walking as a means for consistent exercise that everyone can commit to. Workbook and curriculum are included with this class equipping our members with the tools and knowledge they need to become successful walkers.

Walk with Ease 2: M/W/F 11:30. This group was created for the graduates of Walk with Ease. Join this energetic committed group as we collectively choose fun imaginary destinations and as a group achieve those goals. Encouragement & accountability, is what you will find with this class.