Pam Jacobson
Aerobics and Program Director
Pam, a 25-year veteran of dance, aerobics and body sculpting instruction and certified through AFAA, is our Aerobic and Program Director. She has been with U.S. 1 Fitness Center since we opened our doors over 16 years ago! As the Program Director, Pam is especially proud of the multi-talented and distinguished instructors that teach at U.S. 1 Fitness. Each one of them is professional, extremely experienced and dedicated to their craft and to our program.
Pam has been dancing since she was three years old, continuing through her college years, and then professionally in New York, Philadelphia, Miami and California. She graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, majoring in Drama, Dance and Music, and the honor of being selected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. After college, Pam performed in musical shows Off Broadway in New York City, the Kennedy Center, Parker Playhouse and Community Theater in Miami. She has studied Ballet, Jazz and Modern Dance at the Pennsylvania Ballet Company, Jazz with Luigi in New York and with many other talented and well-respected choreographers. She has also appeared in films, magazines, industrial shows, radio, television and national and local television commercials.
Pam teaches her innovative “Power Jam” aerobic dance class exclusively at U.S.1 Fitness.
Her choreography encompasses creativity, agility, discipline and an exciting energy shared by everyone who experiences her classes. Each and every one of her classes is presented at a professional “performance” level that’s so much fun. She makes you feel like you’re in a show!
When Pam’s not in the gym she enjoys volunteering for community charities, the United States Tennis Association, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and pet rescue organizations, as she is an avid dog lover. She also enjoys baking and making everyone’s favorite “treats!” Pam says it’s important to laugh every day and lives up to her belief by doing so!
Pam’s Training Philosophy: “Through dance you not only keep your mind active, but enjoy the freedom and creativity of movement, creating a positive energy while promoting good health, self-esteem, harmony and happiness. Have fun, feel the music, express yourself, and don’t be afraid to make a mistake. That’s the only way to learn how to dance! Just pretend no one is watching, and never stop dancing! Dance with passion and you’ll stay young forever!”
Her Favorite Sayings: “Places everyone! Curtain’s going up! It’s Showtime! 5-6-7-8!”
Peter Barber
Yoga
Peter retired in 1996 from a full-time law practice to become a
professional yoga instructor. In 1997, the Miami New Times
Magazine named his class “Best Yoga Class” in Miami, where Peter was described as a “humble and subtly humorous teacher.” He has also appeared on the Fox News Network, Miami’s Channel 7, CBS Latino and WBPT.
Peter has studied and practiced most of the major styles of Hatha yoga including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kripalu, Vinyasa, Sivananda and Bikram’s. He has taken workshops and trainings from many of the best-known teachers in the United States including Rodney Yee, Richard Freeman, David Swenson, Patrician Walden, Erich Schiffman, David Little and Sharon Gannon. In 2000, Peter began to study with John Friend, the founder of Anusara yoga. In 2002, he became authorized to teach Anusara, which means, “flowing with grace” and is an exceptionally therapeutic style of yoga. Peter is especially adept at combining the flow and vigor of Vinyasa yoga with a focus on alignment. He believes that proper alignment not only prevents and heals injuries, but also leads to an ability to do more advanced asanas.
When he’s not teaching Yoga, Peter enjoys live music and being outdoors.
Peter’s Training Philosophy: “Each individual is, in essence, infinitely good, and the role of the yoga teacher is to help each student realize this because; “always remember that yoga is a spiritual practice.”
Linda Chesnik
Spinning
Linda was born in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a young girl, she enjoyed figure skating at the local ice rinks. After completing high school, she spent a year at Pennsylvania State University. While at Penn State, she developed her love of music as a DJ and Program Director at the school radio station, and also booked rock bands to appear at the student union. She then transferred to a college in Florida and graduated with a degree in Interior Design.
Upon graduation, she was hired by a local retailer and began her career in their Visual Merchandising Department. She now works for Macy’s Florida in their Store Planning Department.
Linda likes to be athletic and participated in Step, Body Sculpting and Yoga classes. Eleven years ago she tried Spinning but hated her first class. A friend encouraged her to try it gain and she developed a love for it. Linda is now a Star 2 level instructor. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and helping students learn the techniques of riding. Her favorite part of the class is the cool down, as she can incorporate breathing, stretch and yoga. She thinks that stretching is an important component to any fitness class.
When Linda’s not working or Spinning, she enjoys listening to music and gardening.
She is also a semi-professional photographer.
Linda’s Training Philosophy: “Utilizing a Heart Rate Monitor helps the student gauge their individual level of work. In Spinning, the student owns the bike for that hour to work at their level, and does not have to worry about competing with the person next to them. I enjoy the experience of teaching and am proud to see my students make improvements in their ride.
Her Favorite Saying: “You don’t have to work hard, but you have to work smart.”
Mario Goldberg
Hot Sizzling Salsa
Mario was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He loved sports as a young boy, and still does! He played on the soccer, swimming and wrestling teams throughout his school years. During his middle school years, Mario was greatly influenced by Israeli Folk dances that were presented to the students.
He then began to study all types of dance, including Jazz, Tap and Modern. Freddie Romero, who danced with the Alvin Alley Dance Company, was Mario’s teacher. He also enrolled in one of the best theaters in Argentina, the Theater St. Marten, and studied Jazz with Moira Chapman.
Mario attended the University of Buenos Aires, and graduated with his BA degree in Physical Education. He immediately began teaching Physical Education and Dance in schools, country clubs and gyms. He created and opened his own Party Planning Company featuring shows with live entertainment, catering, lighting and sound. He also lived in Israel for one year where he taught dance and Physical Ed.
In 2002, Mario came to Miami with his two children, Manuel, 11, and Paula, 7, and started his professional business from scratch. He taught at the JCC and The Point with only a handful of people, and built his classes up with his own specialized style of dance. He also pooled all of his talents once again, and formed another successful Party Planning Company.
Mario brings his experience, excitement and energy to every class he teaches.
He feels that each dancer expresses themselves with their very only unique style.
Mario’s philosophy: “Let the music go inside you, express yourself, and learn and grow from it.”
Miguel Guerra
Latin Rhythms
Miguel Angel Guerra was born in Havana, Cuba and grew up surrounded by musicians and dancers. At a very early age, he discovered his passion for music and dance, and later joined the Academy of Modern Dance where he was trained in modern dance and traditional Cuban dance as well.
After graduating, Miguel danced with several national companies for almost ten years. In January 1999, he was awarded a contract to dance in a show featuring traditional Cuban music in Rome, Italy. Upon completion of the contract, he was offered a one-year deal as an instructor of Salsa and Latin Rhythms for a private school of dance in Rome. From Italy he traveled to Costa del Sol in Spain where he worked as a choreographer, show master and dancer for the Spanish Hotel chain, Med Playa. He also performed in Ibiza, The Canary Islands and Malaga for five years.
In 2003, he joined his family in Miami where he has been working as a dance instructor of Latin Rhythms and personal trainer, attracting an enthusiastic clientele of dance fans who enjoy learning how to dance to Latin music while getting a full workout. He has also choreographed and danced in several shows in Miami night clubs and restaurants.
In his free time, Miguel loves to dance, listen to music, go to the movies and the beach and spend time with his family and friends.
Miguel’s Philosophy: “A positive attitude will lead to a positive dancer. Don’t give up trying to learn the steps. Have patience, believe in yourself and you will learn.”
His Favorite Saying: “Whatever you believe in, always reach for your dreams.”
Kevin Philion
Bodyforging, Spinning, Sculpt
Kevin is originally from Ontario, Canada . He enjoyed all sports as a young boy, but ice hockey was his passion, and he played throughout high school and college. He also became a black belt in the Martial Art of Tai Kwan Do, and won several competitions such as: Golden Gloves Champion (1980), Mixed Martial Arts Champion (1985), National Power lifting Champion (1990), and the Grand Prix Bodybuilding Champion (1995).
Kevin graduated from Seneca College in Toronto, majoring in Marketing. After graduation, Kevin opened and owned an active sportswear clothing store, and saved his money to eventually open, own and operate Gold’s Gym. He ran the gym for 10 years and also became an Ace certified Personal Trainer as well.
In 1992, Kevin left Canada for Miami and managed the Sunrise Fitness and Coral Spring Fitness Centers. He later came to Williams Island to run their Personal Fitness Program. Then it was on to Olympia Gym for the next 10 years where he designed and teaches Bodyforging, Spinning® and is also a Personal Trainer.
We are so fortunate to have Kevin join our team of instructors at U.S.1 Fitness.
Bodyforging was created in 2002, solely by Kevin. It is a unique training program utilizing the combination of Power Yoga, Pilates and Martial Arts. He is an international and national presenter of this incredible program, with certifications given all over the world. Kevin also has a 30 minute workout DVD out on Bodyforging, and has been featured on Deco Drive. Kevin was also the Health
Tip Fitness Expert for Marilyn Mitzel’s Healthwatch on Channel 7.
When he’s not training or teaching, Kevin enjoys recording music for all of his classes, mountain biking and kayaking.
Kevin’s Philosophy: “Balance and moderation is a must for mind, body and spirit.”
His favorite saying: “Ooossee.” “I acknowledge and respect.”
Sebastian Santos
Step, Spin, Body Sculpt
Sebastian was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a young boy, he had a passion to play soccer and dreamed of becoming a professional player.
He played soccer throughout school but was injured and had to stop. He then attended the University of Buenos Aires, graduating with a major in Physical Education, and received his Masters in Physiology. Later he started teaching fitness classes in Step, Sculpt, Aerobics, Dance and Spin in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. He also developed a successful regime of training for athletes, Special Ed children and for physical therapy. He also is the co-creator of Walk Step 2001.
In 1998, ECA noticed his unique talent and invited him to Miami to teach guest classes in Step Aerobics. He quickly fell in love with our city and vowed he would return. In 2001 he returned to Miami with no papers, no friends, and spoke no English. Within 1 month, Sebastian was teaching 15 classes a week, received his Visa in 3 months and learned English. Within 1 year he owned his own gym in Pembroke Pines and sold it after 3 years. Sebastian’s many years of fitness training and education have given him the opportunity to develop many fabulous aerobic routines in Step, Dance and Body Sculpt. He is also a personal trainer. We are so fortunate to have Sebastian back at U.S. 1 Fitness.
When Sebastian is not in the gym, he enjoys playing soccer and competing in tournaments. He also loves to dance, sports, and enjoys going to the beach.
Sebastian’s Training Philosophy: “You can achieve your dreams and accomplish anything you want in life with hard work and dedication.”
His favorite saying: “No pain, no gain!”
Matt Solomon
Spinning
Matt grew up in the Washington, D.C. area as the only child of parents who were both in the health industry. His Dad worked at the National Institute of Health and his Mom was a nurse. Always an exceptional athlete, Matt excelled at all sports, especially track, football and basketball. He attended James Madison University and earned his B.A. with a degree in Finance. Upon graduation, Matt moved to New York where he worked trading commodities at the World Trade Center. He then moved back to Washington, D.C. to work as an Investment Advisor for Morgan Stanley.
In 1998 Matt decided to move to Miami to start his own fitness training company, Renaissance Management. He also attended Law School at Nova University. He became a Personal Trainer, Spin Instructor and also teaches Kick Boxing.
Matt is ACE certified in Group Fitness and as a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant. He is certified with NCSF, National Council for Strength and Fitness, as a Certified Personal Trainer.
Still the avid athlete, Matt enjoys running, having completed both the 1999 Paris Marathon and 2000 New York City Marathon. He is a member of the USA Canoe and Kayak Association and participates in advals at all ages of life.”
His favorite saying: “Focus on your goals and live in the now.”
enture racing, long distance bicycling, martial arts, and many team sports, which he implements into his training and fitness classes. His new interest is indoor rock climbing.
Matt’s Philosophy: “Through a realistic planning approach you can reach achievable goals. Incorporating new and fresh ideas to your workout is the key ingredient to maintaining your exercise routine. I use my background in Tai Chi and Karate to implement balance and focus to help attain your goal.
Karl Williams
Dance, Step, Pilates & Core & Weight Training
Karl has been a multi-talented aerobic instructor with expertise in Choreography, Gymnastics and Dance, as well as Aerobics, Pilates Core and Personal Training since 1986. He began his fitness career at his alma mater, The University of Maryland, where he choreographed routines for his acro-sport team, GYMKANA.
Following his graduation, Karl continued his choreography with internationally ranked acro-sports teams: The Washington Bullets cheerleaders, “The Bullettes” and taught dance for children at the Duke Ellington School of Arts.
Karl’s accomplishments continued and include appearances in national commercials. He also appeared in Denise Austin’s Step Workout Video, the Taste of Tennessee, a 1992 Presidential Inaugural tribute to the Vice President at Washington’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Avia Aerobic Demo Team.
Specializing in Jazz-Funk, Step-Combo and Strength and Conditioning classes, Karl can teach just about anything. He has presented for Dance for Heart, St. Judes Children’s Hospital and for The City of Hope. Karl has traveled to Germany on three occasions teaching in Dusseldorf, Frankfort and Munich.
When Karl’s not in the gym, he enjoys the outdoors, dancing, singing and traveling.
Karl’s Training Philosophy: “To achieve total fitness, (strength, coordination, flexibility) using movement with purpose, form and function.”
His Favorite Saying: “It’s all about the booty!”