Amy takes pride in having mostly all “class participants” from her gym facility perform in her video’s with her, not professional instructors. There is one professional in the Xtreme series who is a part of the Nrg Fitness Family.  This should motivate anyone out there who thinks they cannot achieve performing these workouts and maybe are too intimidated to start getting NRGizied. They are doable by real people. Being good to you is the first step. Make the time to take care of your body as much as you can inside and out. These “A-team” ladies put in the work and achieved their fitness goals. You can see this in each video, they are amazing!

“A special thanks to my A team who volunteered their time, patience, and devotion.”

Jen du Bay of Advanced Workouts
Jen du Bay began her love of home fitness when she was 15 years old--back in the days of Buns of Steel and the original Firm. Since then she--and the entire home fitness industry--has made huge advancements. When Jen had her second child in 1998, she realized she wanted to stay at home with them, and fitness seemed the obvious career choice to make. She began AdvancedWorkouts.com with just Greg Twombly's CIA video tapes, and over the years has continued to expand her offerings of advanced-level home fitness DVDs. Her business has grown to several employees and shipments around the globe.

In addition to selling home fitness DVDs through her web site, Jen also teaches children's yoga and strength training classes. She believes that a healthy attitude toward fitness starts young, and enjoys encouraging children to stay fit. Her daughter, Keariel, is known as "Amy's littlest fan" -- at age nine, Amy's 10 Minute Solution: Tone Trouble Zones and Hi/Lo Xtreme are her two favorite workouts (although Jen and Keariel have a habit of colliding with each other during the football weave!)

Jen lives on the coast of Maine with her four children and husband
Amy's Add: Jen has made an excellent addition to the A-team. You'll see her in Slo-Mo Strength Challenge. She is fantastic in this video right down to her smile. Did I mention she trained extremely hard for this? I am so proud to call her friend as well as business associate. I cannot rave enough about what an endearing person she is. Jen I am blessed to have met you. Thank you for everything you do.

Uchenna Pratt
Uchenna grew up in Ohio where she was very involved in academics, music, and sports. Her love for athleticism developed extensively in high school with track and field.  Her coaches suggested that she condition for track during the off season by joining a local gym.  This is how she began to enjoy taking aerobic classes and working out on a regular basis. 

This practice continued on through college where Uchenna attended the University of Rochester and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. She and her husband, Dan, met her first week, and his second year, in college, and have been together since.  They now have two dynamic and handsome little boys ages five and three. "They fill our home with love and happiness; there is never a dull moment!"  Dan is an equity analyst.  He is a loving, devoted father and husband who shares Uchenna's views on fitness and health.  This has allowed the couple to fully incorporate wellness in our lives and that of their children's.  Uchenna and Dan both understand the importance of a healthy body as they attempt to gracefully grow old together with their children.

Upon graduating, Uchenna  found a job as a production engineer in the Semi Conductor industry and moved to Norwalk, Connecticut.  Once there, she wanted to continue to stay in shape so began to look for a gym.  She tried several, but none had the quality of group exercise classes that she was looking for until discovering Amy's class at The Fitness Edge.  It was one of the best classes she had ever taken because it was very challenging, but also fun.  Amy's great personality, unique chorography, and the helpful eating tips she gives during class sets her classes apart from the rest.  Uchenna has enjoyed taking her classes for the past eight years, will continue to do so, and also encourage others!

Amy's add:  This woman adds something special to my classes when she attends them. She has this very specific energetic woohoo she does that just gets the class all pumped up, including me.  She has such a beautiful presence and way about her.  I am excited to have her on board.  Thanks Uchenna for your commitment and enthusiasm!

Toni-Ann Benedetto
Toni became addicted to group exercise after joining a gym in 1993. Having always been an athlete she realized that this was the missing element in her life. As she grew older, it became difficult to pursue competitive sports while working two jobs and attending school, so the gym was the perfect solution. Eventually, she decided to pursue fitness as a full-time career.

After becoming an AFAA® certified personal trainer and instructor, Toni also received her APEX® and Johnny G Spinning® certifications. She currently teaches bootcamp, step/flex, spinning, and kickbox interval classes part-time and enjoys being a full-time Mom to her son.

Toni has been battling chronic Lyme disease for a number of years now and, according to her doctor, her consistent fitness regimen is a key reason she has been able to function as well as she does. Toni is very thankful to find yet another benefit from exercise and encourages everyone to get moving, set a goal or two and never stop trying. She adds, “To change physically, you must first alter your state-of-mind. Body follows brain and they must work together to attain success.”

Toni and her husband, Jason, reside in CT with their son and rescued cat, Bella. They are expecting their second child this winter.

Please visit “Positive NRG” to read about how Toni met Amy.
Amy's Add: “Toni is my dearest friend, confidant and is as close as a sister to me. I hold her knowledge of fitness/body/mind and person in the highest regard. She falls short at nothing she does, even when challenged by Lyme. When faced with the worst days, she holds her head high, smiles and helps others. She is truly selfless. She is extremely well balanced and is a wonderful energy to be around. She has been with me on this project from its inception. Her countless contributions to NRG fitness productions, support and encouragement is unmatched. We meet many people throughout life but not many great ones. She is a great one for me. Thank you for being you Tone... amazing.”

Jodi Langford Talcott
Jodi began working out a women’s gym about ten years ago.  Since she had been a dancer for many years, Jodi never felt the need to join a health club until that point in time.  Her son’s friend was an instructor at the club, which made her feel more comfortable, so she decided to make an attempt.  Jodi found the classes to be fun and challenging and she quickly became a regular once discovering step aerobics.  After this gym closed, she joined the Fitness Edge along with many other friends who were also members.  Jodi tried a variety of classes with several instructors and realized she was ready for the next level in her fitness regimen.  Finally, she discovered an instructor who challenged her in a new and creative manner.  Jodi has since been with Amy for two years.  What she likes most about Amy’s classes is the variety – how the choreography is constantly changing.  Although Amy is advanced, it was easy for Jodi to catch on because the routines are broken down and well taught.  She has pushed through her plateau and will always remain a faithful fan of Amy’s.

Jodi is married to a wonderful man, Frank Talcott who is an architect/builder.  His incredible patience allows her to juggle her work, fitness and personal schedules.  Jodi has two grown sons, Sean, 33 years old and Chris, 30 years old.  They are both engineers, love to cycle and work on their homes.  Sean’s wife and Chris’ girlfriend have both joined Jodi at the gym when visiting.  Jodi is also a devoted godmother of two-year-old twins.  Jodi and Frank share their home with two Yorkshire Terriers and a Black Labrador.

Jodi is a 23-year veteran realtor with Coldwell Banker.  She enjoys working with many different clients and loves being involved in guiding them through one of the most important investments in their lives.  Her fitness activities help balance the demands and stresses of her job.

Maria Valera
Maria Valera attended Southern Connecticut State University where she received a BA in Communications and Spanish.  After four years of college and unhealthy eating habits, she decided to join a gym.  Although she played her share of sports in high school, Maria wasn’t always an exercise nut.  She knew it was time to start treating her physical health and well-being with more importance.

In 1999 she joined a small club tailored to meet the needs of women.  After five years of attending various group exercise classes, Maria left due to job relocation.  A few months later she joined The Fitness Edge.  At first, she only used cardio machines and weights but quickly became bored.  Maria began taking Amy’s advanced step class and it surely alleviated her boredom.  Amy’s classes challenged Maria in a new way and she began to look forward to her workouts.  “No matter how tired I am when I enter, I always leave feeling energized.  Amy is focused on everyone getting the best out of her class, and that is what I want in an instructor.”

Until recently, Maria couldn’t figure out why she wasn’t losing any weight.  With Amy’s guidance, she developed new eating habits (e.g., five small meals per day rather then one or two meals) and is now eating foods she never thought she would while maintaining a healthier lifestyle.   

In her spare time, Maria enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends, and watching sports (football and baseball).  Maria looks forward to sharing Amy’s techniques and expertise with others.

Amy’s Add:  “Maria is relentless in her effort to change her body and she has done it.  She always gives 150 percent in class and is just a ball of energy.  She has committed to good nutrition and it shows.  I am blessed to have her energy help to keep me going as well.  Thanks for everything Maria!”

Stephanie Farkas
I have always lived a healthy, active lifestyle. When I was little, I started out in dance and gymnastics, which quickly lead me to competitive cheerleading throughout junior high, high school, and college. I was recruited to cheer for the Western Mustangs at the University of Western Ontario in Canada where I earned my bachelors degree in Management and Organization studies. I loved being part of a team, going to practice, training hard, working up a sweat, and more so competing and performing. After I graduated college, I was at a loss of knowing what to do physically since there is really no professional aspect of competitive cheerleading. It was only natural that I gravitated toward the group fitness program at the Fitness Edge as it reminded me of going to practice and being with a group of people who love what they are doing. When I moved to CT from NJ and first joined the gym, I jumped from class to class until I was referred by another instructor to Amy’s Step Class. This instructor thought the great choreography and athleticism involved in the class would be a perfect fit for me since I was a cheerleader for a majority of my life. I was hesitant at first because I had seen the class in passing at the gym and was warned that it was hard and Amy was tough. Nonetheless, I knew the only way to be good and master it was to throw myself in there and suck it up. Needless to say I haven’t stopped since! Amy has been such an inspiration to me. Her classes, uplifting energy, and personality has filled the void I’ve had from not cheering anymore. I have learned so much from her classes and am always amazed at the new creative and innovative exercises she brings to her workouts.

Amy's Add: Steph is a dynamo in my classes. I love her energy and her enthusiasm. She has helped me a tremendous amount in my business. I am very grateful to her. Wait until you see her boundless energy. I am honored to have her join us in the Dynamic Series 2009. Welcome to the team Steph.

Deirdre McKinnon
Deirdre grew up in Long Island, New York and was never really into athletics or sports. She veered towards dance and began a competitive Irish dancing career that lasted for 15 years. After graduating with an education degree from Boston University Deirdre realized the nights of partying had finally caught up with her. She joined a gym in Long Island and began to workout with a personal trainer. Also, at this time Deirdre began dating her present boyfriend, Jamel, an avid bodybuilder, personal trainer, and teacher. While attending one of his bodybuilding shows Deirdre saw that women could enter fitness and figure competitions. Immediately motivated with a new sense of drive, Deirdre began to train hard with the goals to one day compete and she did just that. Deirdre competed in numerous fitness competitions. She is still involved in the industry and judges a few shows a year.

Two years ago Deirdre made the move to Norwalk, Connecticut and joined The Edge gym. She had always seen Amy at the gym teaching classes and decided to try it herself one morning. After being completely lost in class, she decided that maybe group fitness wasn't the right choice. However, not giving up, a few months later decided to give Amy another try. It was hard at first, but after a few weeks Deirdre caught on and Amy was always there encouraging her throughout every class. A few classes passed and Deirdre was completely addicted. She loved the way the classes made her feel and began to see results in her body almost immediately.

Presently a special education teacher for students with emotional and behavioral issues, coming to class after a long, hard day with the kids is a great way to relieve stress. Deirdre attends Amy's classes 5 times a week during the summer when she is off and 3 days a week during the school year. Amy has taught Deirdre to push herself to the limits and not give up. Amy's animated personality is what first drew Deirdre into class and what has kept her taking classes for the past 2 years with Amy.

Not only is Amy a great person, but an awesome friend. Deirdre is so happy and grateful for this opportunity to join the A team and cant wait to embark on this fitness journey with Amy and the rest of the girls!

Amy's Add: Dierdre is one of the hardest working ladies on the team. Whatever she puts effort into she gives it 150%. She had great training form. She's very dedicated individual that’s gets her body to do the work. She'll be shaking at times ready to drop weight but she takes that energizing breath and keeps pushing. This is the strength of a true competitor. Thanks for joining me on the journey Morris!

Jacqueline Novotny
Jacqueline began taking Amy's step class eight years ago at The Fitness Edge. When she left Connecticut to go to college, one of the things she looked forward to at home was "Crazy Amy's Class."  Amy was the instructor who challenged her physical limits and Jacqueline, being an outdoor enthusiast, was hooked. Jacqueline has been interested in fitness since she can remember and loves to spend time outdoors as well as in the health club.  She enjoys water sports in the summer and skiing in the winter.

After earning her bachelor's degree in International Business and Marketing, she returned to Connecticut.  Jacqueline is currently in her first year at Quinnipiac Law, pursuing her life-long dream of becoming an attorney.

Amy’s Add: “Jacs is fantastic.  I have watched her body change over the years. She is strong inside and out.  She has learned what works for her body both training wise and nutrition wise.  I nicknamed her Beaner because she just keeps bouncing like a jumping bean!  When there is a problem she offers resolution and is always willing to help out.  I would like to thank her for jumping into this project and for offering so much support.  You are the best Beaner!”

Cheryl L. Berry
Cheryl has been an avid health and fitness enthusiast for over 20 years while remaining a dedicated member of the A-Team since its inception. She is a close, personal friend of Amy’s who has consistently participated, and greatly benefited from, Amy's enthusiastic approach to group exercise along with her dynamic style.  Cheryl maintains an optimal level of fitness by resistance training twice per week, attending classes with Amy two to three times per week, and participating in other group exercise classes at The Fitness Edge located in Connecticut. 

Cheryl earned her B.A. from Sacred Heart University while continuing to pursue an accomplished career in the financial services industry.  Cheryl is the President of  Unique Boutique. Her company offers the latest trends in costume and sterling silver jewelry, apparel and home accents. This is Amy's favorite place to shop! Contact Cheryl via email cberry@lovemyaccessories.com for more information.

Amy’s add: “Cher has been with me since the beginning of my career.  She has participated in all of my classes ranging from Cardio Funk to Hi/Lo classes.  Cher was there in the front hooting and hollering year after year.  She later stood by me when I got married and I was honored to have her as my bridesmaid.  Cher’s friendship and energy has never wavered.  I want to thank her for lending her ‘push hard’ work ethic to my dream of reaching out to the home workout enthusiast.”