Interested in learning more about our fitness programs? Contact Anthony Ange our Fitness Director!
330-835-0058 or email
Our dedicated team of group exercise instructors is here to inspire, motivate, and support you on your fitness journey! With diverse backgrounds and expertise in various fitness disciplines, they bring energy, knowledge, and passion to every class. Whether you're looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or boost endurance, our instructors are committed to helping you reach your goals in a fun and welcoming environment. Join us and find the perfect class—and instructor—for you!
Check out our Group Ex schedule under the Group Fitness tab or on the My Akron J app.
Anthony Ange
Fitness Director
B.S. Exercise Science, NETA-Certified Personal Trainer, TBMM-Corrective Exercise Specialist, TRX level 1
Anthony has been teaching TRX at the JCC since 2018, creating a supportive and motivating environment. As a Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist, he helps individuals build strength, balance, and confidence through high-intensity suspension training. Join his TRX class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 PM for a fun and effective workout!
Autumn Fullmore
Group Fitness Manager
Certified Personal Trainer & Certified 500 Hr RYT
Autumn Fullmore has been with the Shaw JCC since 2017. She holds certifications in TRX, Spinning, Kettlebell, Barre, Silver Sneakers and many others. She believes fitness is for everyone and should be both fun and challenging. She is passionate about helping others achieve their best functional lives with strength and ease of movement. She loves the fitness family at the JCC. It is such a great place to come and connect and move with other wonderful people.
Elaine Morrison
Primary Aqua Instructor
Fitour Aqua Certification
Elaine has been teaching at the JCC since 1986, starting with preschool swim classes before earning certifications in Hydro Slimnastics and Water Arthritis. She also taught Senior Aerobics before focusing exclusively on Water Werks. She loves helping participants improve mobility, strength, and balance in a fun, welcoming environment. Join her in Water Werks on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9-10 AM!
John Messina
"The Early Morning Spinning Guy"
Lifetime SPINNING Certified
John has been a certified spinning instructor since the late 90s, bringing over 20 years of experience to the JCC. He teaches early morning Spinning Classes at 6 AM on Tuesdays and Fridays, creating an energetic and welcoming environment for his "spinning family." Known for his eclectic music choices—ranging from disco and Madonna to alternative hits—John ensures every class is a fun and invigorating way to start the day. His motto for every class: "Wake up, get here, get moving!"
Julie Stover
Fitness Instructor
AFAA – Group Fitness, SilverSneakers
Julie’s goal is to help individuals live a fit and active lifestyle they love. She emphasizes proper form over speed and provides options for all fitness levels. Her favorite part of teaching at the JCC is the supportive community and its members. She loves celebrating participants' progress as they gain strength and confidence.
Join Julie for MetKon RX Express on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with the #600amcrew, or start the week strong with SilverSneakers Classic and Circuit!
Rose Marie Mercer
Fitness Instructor
Pilates Teacher Training
Rose completed her Pilates teacher training with Balanced Body Pilates and has been teaching Mat Pilates at the Shaw JCC since 2017. She introduced Chair Pilates for seniors when Silver Sneakers was added to the center. Using props such as small and large fitness balls, foam rollers, hand weights, Pilates Magic Circles, poles, and bands, she helps participants engage various muscle groups. Her classes focus on strengthening, stretching, and balance, encouraging members to listen to their bodies while enjoying a social and supportive environment.
Tammy Treen
Fitness Instructor
Zumba Certification
Tammy enjoys teaching Zumba class at the JCC. She has had a Zumba license for over 10 years. Tammy started dancing at Martell School of Dance at age 5 and has continued to be a part of this family currently as an instructor. Her love of dance was the fuel for her to pursue a Zumba license and a Pilates Mat Certification. Tammy grew up in the area, graduating from Copley High School in 1998, and attending Malone College ‘02 earning a B.A. in Psychology.
Tong Xu
Fitness Instructor
WERQ & Zumba Certification
Tong has been a group exercise instructor at Shaw JCC Akron since 2019, certified in WERQ cardio dance fitness (hip-hop/urban style) and Zumba. She enjoys exercising and dancing with people of all ages, creating a supportive community. Teri also performs in musicals at Weathervane Playhouse and is a vocalist and piano player in her band, “Hand+Noise.”
Heidi Cohen
Fitness Instructor
Certified in Zumba, Zumba Gold and Silver Sneakers classes
Heidi has been a fitness instructor at the JCC since 2021, specializing in senior fitness. She teaches Silver Sneakers Classic, Active Agers Aerobics, and AquaFit classes. She began instructor training in 2020 with the goal of teaching senior classes in retirement. Passionate about helping older adults stay active and healthy, she creates fun, energetic, and challenging workouts tailored to varying fitness levels. Her favorite part of teaching is building connections with participants and supporting their journey to an active lifestyle.
Teri Thompson
Fitness Instructor
Yoga Certification
Teri has over 17 years of certification with YogaFit, the global leader in Yoga Teacher Training, and is passionate about sharing her strength- and fitness-based Vinyasa Yoga. She holds a professional degree in architectural interior design, is a certified instructor and competitor in Eventing, and is currently competing in Triathlon.
Interested in learning more about our fitness programs? Contact Anthony Ange our Fitness Director!
330-835-0058 or email