Fitness has its rewards

By Lia Bichel
A FITNESS “legend” at Casey Arc received a top honour at the 2011 Victorian Aquatic and Recreation Awards.
Casey ARC group fitness instructor of 10 years Leanne Sklavenitis was a joint award recipient in the Group Exercise Instructor category at the 11th annual event, which celebrates the achievement of the people, programs and facilities in the industry.
Casey ARC manager Wes Hurrey described Ms Sklavenitis, 46, as a “local legend” in group fitness at the centre.
She has been qualified instructor since 1989, worked for the YMCA as a group fitness instructor at Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre then began at Casey Arc when it opened almost 10 years ago.
In that time, she only has had one break. She took five weeks off when she had her daughter 15 years ago, and then resumed the work she is passionate about.
“My passion is helping people to achieve the best health and fitness they can. I take 10 classes per week at the moment and I will always be involved in this industry,” she said.
“I love it and love seeing people get the results of their efforts.”
Ms Sklavenitis has numerous achievements including travelling to Singapore in March 2009 with her daughter to take fitness class with more than 5000 people.
Leanne is a member of the YMCA Health and Wellness Task Force, trained in all Les Mills classes and is also a personal trainer and pilates instructor.
Leanne also runs her own business as an on-line health and motivational coach.