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Corporate Fitness

About Us

Valerie Patrick - Owner and director of Fitness & Dance of CNY.  Certified 3rd Generation Pilates and Yoga Instructor

Valerie has an extensive fitness and dance background and over 25 years of teaching, performing and choreographing experience.  Dancing since the age of 4, she has years of experience in body mechanics, alignment and technique.  A certified and experienced professional with over 200 hours of training in Yoga and Pilates, Valerie has trained with master trainers such as Mari Windsor, Alycea Ungaro, Seane Corn, Baron Baptiste and Doug Swenson.  She has received her Pilates certification from Power Pilates in NY, NY with 2nd Generation Pilates Instructor Susan Moran Perich and from Balanced Body University in Boston, MA with Zanya Gold and her yoga certification from Yogafit of California.

An instructor at Syracuse University where she trained the women's crew team in Pilates and Yoga, she holds corporate classes at Crouse Hospital, the Syracuse Post Standard, Hutchings and with Onondaga County employees. Valerie was also the past director of dance at the CNY Gymnastics Center and the National School of Gymnastics. Valerie has also trained the Cirque du Soleil Alegria National Touring Performers.

Choreography credits include Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar and Bye, Bye Birdie. In addition to choreographing several local stage productions, Valerie has also played numerous roles in many musical theater productions, including Chorus Line, Chicago, Cabaret, Anything Goes and The King and I.

Yoga Stretch

Annette Stein – Certified Pilates and Yoga Instructor

Annette has been practicing yoga for 10 years and Pilates for 6 years.  Originally as a way to stay fit, yoga and Pilates helped Annette reach her fitness goals.  Now Annette Rejoices in bringing fitness to others.  As an instructor Annette is Certified in Pilates through Power Pilates, a student member of Pilates Method Alliance and is currently working towards her 200 hour Registered Yoga Instructor status through Yogafit Training Systems.  Continuing education is an integral part of Annette’s strong belief in building a firm foundation to bring quality instruction to her clients.   Annette has trained with 2nd generation, classically trained Pilates guru Mari Windsor as well as Ellie Herman.  Annette’s continuing education for yoga includes training with Doug Swenson, Lisa Black and Doctor Ray Long. Most of all Annette enjoys helping others find the mind body connection.  “The attitude of physicality is an amazing connection to make and once made, it can change your life!”  Working exclusively for Fitness and Dance of CNY Annette is committed to making sure clients safely enjoy reaching their fitness goals.

Yoga Stretch

Emily Janisch – Certified Zumba Instructor

I have always loved working out and taking classes at my gym. As much as I loved working out, there wasn’t anything that I ever really wanted to teach, that was until I started taking Zumba. I was very nervous to take my first class, but when I did I absolutely fell in love with it. After taking classes for a few months, I decided that I was going to go for my certification. I love everything about Zumba, including the endless results. It doesn’t even feel like I’m working out because I have so much fun and the music is awesome. I don’t have a favorite song or style because there’s just too much to choose from! I can’t wait to see what they’re going to release each month. I love sharing my passion of Zumba with other people and getting them to love it as much as I do!

Yoga StretchMission and Philosophy

My goal is to educate people on the benefits of fitness.

  • As of 2007, 1.4 million American adults are overweight according to a survey done by the American Heart Association and the percentages have been steadily increasing since 1960.
  • According to the American Chiropractic Association 31 million Americans have had experience with some type of back pain in their lives. Back pain is the most common job related disability in the U.S.
  • The American Psychological Association released a survey that says 1/3 of all people are now considered extremely stressed.

I see fitness as preventative maintenance. For the body to be strong, the core must be stable. Pilates strengthens the core muscles and the surrounding spinal muscles. Yoga is beneficial in relieving stress through stretching and breathing. Dance is a fun way to burn calories and sculpt your body at the same time. And what better way to improve your golf game! All classes are different and taken separately are a wonderful compliment to each other.

Making fitness a part of your weekly routine will leave you feeling refreshed and accomplished. We all need to do things for ourselves. Setting goals and attaining those goals gives people a sense of self satisfaction.
We all take time for our busy lives, our families and our jobs. Knowing that you have done something for yourself is important. If you are apprehensive about being in a class setting private sessions are always an option. A private session is a great preemptive to a group class.

As a certified professional, I work with each client individually to ensure modifications are followed and that all students train at their own level. Every student is challenged to work at their full potential in a non-competitive relaxing atmosphere and all levels are welcome.