Meet the Fly Girl GLAMbassadors! These are AMAZING WOMEN that have proven they are, not only SUPA FLY, they are HUGE supporters and cheerleaders for our studio! They work hard in AND out of the studio!
Patty
{member since Feb 2015}
My name is Patty Flaherty! I married my high school sweetheart almost 25 years ago and we have 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 girl - ages 13-23. They keep us busy but I love it!
I have worked as a nursing assistant for 20 years at Lutheran General Hospital. It’s not always an easy job, but taking care of people can be very rewarding. I am also a licensed esthetician and in my spare time I do waxing, facials, and make up for family and friends.
Besides working out, I also enjoy spending time with my family, Netflix binges, and having some cocktails and laughs with my girlfriends.
About 3 1/2 years ago I kept driving passed this little dance studio on Northwest Highway called “Fly Girl”. I was curious and looked it up online and found the Fly Girl Facebook page. I signed up for my first class and have been hooked ever since!
I FOUND MY PEOPLE!! The strong women and support and welcoming feeling was something I had not experienced before. I have tried pretty much every class at Fly Girl and love them all...but my heart belongs to Zumba... I love to dance!
Marcy
{member since May 2015}
My name is Marcy Rix. From a personal perspective, I got married late in life, only 4 years ago. I married a great guy, Sean, who has 3 daughters. So, I went from living along in the city, to living in Edison Park with 4 other people. Challenging, yes, but so worth it. I am also lucky to have a good group of friends that I like to spend my free time with. Movies, going out for cocktails, trying out the latest restaurants. And, yes, I am even in a book club.
I still get to the city, daily, for my job.m I work at JP Morgan Chase where I make sure that your data is accurate and kept secure. I do my best anyways. My favorite part of my job is coaching the younger staff, seeing them reach their potential, blossom into the future managers at Chase.
I am that girl who you always see in the front row at Fly Girl - one of those front row snobs at Kymberlee likes to call us. I don't know why it is so important for me to be in the front. I just know I like it! I have recently become obsessed with fitness classes. I have been challenging myself to use 12 pound weights - it's hard, but even if I don't get there, I know that everything in the front row, and all of the rows behind me are there to support me. That is what Fly Girl is all about. I LOVE IT!
Cynthia
{member since January 2016}
Hello, beautiful FlyGirls! My name is Cynthia. I live in Jefferson Park with my husband, Kirk, and my two adorable kitties, Bug and Moose. I’m a college administrator at Columbia College Chicago.
You’ve probably seen me at Fly Girl because I’m there almost every day. But, for those of you who don’t know me, I’ve been taking classes at FlyGirl since January 2016. I still remember my very first Zumba class with Kym. I couldn’t believe how much fun I was having while exercising. Since joining FlyGirl, I’ve become a much healthier and happier person. FlyGirl is no ordinary gym - it’s a place for fitness, fun, and friendship!
Some of you have asked me how I achieved my weight loss. As the instructors at FlyGirl will tell you, the only plan that works is consistency. You have to consistently eat a healthy diet AND exercise. There are no tricks that result in lasting weight loss. Tricks and short-cuts are not sustainable - they just ultimately leave you feeling disheartened. Rather, you have to choose healthy foods most of the time and commit to moving almost every day. I understand that this advice doesn’t sound very exciting, but the truth is often simple. Taking care of yourself is an essential act of self love - only you can do this for you!
If you don’t know me, please don’t be shy and say hello! I’m always happy to make a new friend and I’m not scary like the big weights you may see me using ;-)
Thank you so much to the queen Glambassador - Kymberlee - for creating FlyGirl! Also, thank you to the many wonderful instructors and members at FlyGirl who make it such a special place.
Aisha
{member since April 2016}
I’ve been married to my husband Brian for 20 years and we have two hilarious and amazing children who are Japanese, Pakistani and white: Samir (16) and Sofia (11) who keep us very active and entertained. Fun fact about me: I’m a kidney donor (3.5 years ago to one of my BFFs) and I joined FG by following Bianca from ultimate martial arts where she taught Zumba and I loved it after I decided to get healthy post-kidney surgery. She thought I’d love FG even more and I’ve been hooked since! We have lots of fish, a cute cat named Koko and live in Lincolnwood.
Her formal bio: 🤓▶️
Aisha Ghori Ozaki is a manager on the enterprise-wide Inclusive Diversity team at Allstate (since 2015) where she supports communication, marketing, training, education and metrics. Aisha is a frequent presenter and facilitator on diversity and inclusion as well as career development topics and is devoted to ensuring that all individuals feel welcome, find their passion and contribute toward creating an inclusive environment. Prior to joining Allstate, Aisha worked in higher education for almost 18 years.
Aisha holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Sociology from DePaul University and is certified in the administration and interpretation of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and the MBTI. Aisha volunteers with multiple organizations and especially enjoys her mentoring and time with Upwardly Global Chicago, the DePaul University Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) program, Muslim Women’s Alliance (MWA) and the Career Transitions Center of Chicago (CTC). In 2013, Aisha received the Diversity Founders Award from MWACE for her hard work and commitment to the Diversity Advancement Committee.
Aisha has actively engaged in various professional associations including recently becoming a board member for the Muslim Women’s Alliance (MWA) and the Forum on Workplace Inclusion where she has served on the conference programming committee since 2016 and co-presented at the annual conference in 2017.
Liliana
{member since March 2017}
I am honor to be chosen for the next Glambassador . I will tell you a little about myself. I have two wonderful boys which I know a lot of you have seen them sitting on the purple couch in the studio. My oldest son's name is John Paul who is 7 years old. My youngest son's name is Joshua who is 6 years old. They are my everything. They are the reason I get up every morning. I am the youngest of 8 siblings and we are a close family. One of my sisters is my identical twin. We are best friends. We do everything together.
I have been a Medical Assistant for over 10 years now. I work at Chicago Allergy Center for and I have been there about 4 years. I love my job especially working with pediatric patients. My goal is finish nursing school and become a RN.
I first saw the Fly Girl Dance & Fitness Studio, two and a half years ago while dropping off one of my sons at daycare across the street. I would always think okay this week I am going to join. But never did, because I was afraid of being judged or thought I wouldn't be able to keep up with the workout. But on March 2017 I joined zumba and the fell in love. Zumba to me is my therapy. I get lost in the music and just let my body move. In the first year of zumba and other classes I lost about 75 Ibs by attending 5 to 6 classes a week and changing my diet. But I must admit I have gained some weight this year. Obesity runs in my family. I will continue to fight this disease until the end. My journey is not perfect. But it is not over. I want to thank to all the instructors and especially to Kymberlee.
Teresa
{member since April 2016}
Wow this is an honor to be chosen Glambassador! Let’s face it any title at my age starting with the word Glam is thrilling for me. Lol I would have never dreamed 4 yrs ago when I opened that door on Northwest Hwy that it would come to this honor. I had my 1st Zumba class with Kym & Gina and I remember Marcy R all so friendly & welcoming to me (still the same to this day)❤️and it was FUN! I couldn’t wait for the next class but that afternoon I was diagnosed w/pneumonia and finally after one month later on a Fri night I had a Zumba class where I met Bianca I believe it was her 1st night as an instructor there the rest is history.
About my self if you don’t already know I was the youngest of 7 born to Irish Immigrant parents. My sister was the oldest (15 yrs older)& 5 boys in a row my sister & I referred to ourselves as our brothers bookends. If you would have asked my family what I liked to do as a kid they would say”eat” and it showed. I struggled most of my life with Yo Yo weight loss/gain but 7 yrs ago I went to a Zumba Class in Florida and caught the bug realized it was my kind of exercising that I could enjoy. That & changing my diet because I am restricted because of stomach health issues ( Celiac for one) I have now averaged the same weight for the past 4 yrs.
When I was 28 yrs old I found myself unexpectedly divorced w/2 kids my 14 mth old daughter Tara & my 7 yr old son Michael as the 70’s TV commercial went “I brought home the bacon & fried it up in the pan I am woman”. I was the sole supporter for the next 12 yrs. I worked various jobs from Cocktail Waitress to Sewer Laborer for the City but my longest job was for 23 yrs as the Purchaser for Lincoln Park Zoo from band-aids to Baboons was what I would say & all the food for the animals too.
Speaking of the Zoo...
My lament was always the only way I would meet a good guy he would have to fall thru my ceiling onto my couch or at my desk at work. Luck had it 34 yrs ago I met my husband Frank Duffy in front of my desk and we married 1 yr later I became a Step Mom to 3 ( Theresa, Michael & Margaret who is now deceased ) and later we had 6 grandchildren. I am lucky enough to have another 11 children & young adults that call me Grandma who were born in my heart.
I have had Fly Girls come up to meet to say I inspire them but in all honesty you gals motivate me making sure you come to class even though you have young families, jobs outside or inside the homes you are here at classes at the crack of dawn & the last class at night. Days that I could be lazy I think of you gals and say I have no excuse it’s too easy for me to go & for that I thank you. The world for women has changed for the better since I was a single Mom with laws put into place for Dead Beat Fathers, Family Leave etc but the most important thing was not made in a court of law but by women like us Fly Girls who understand the meaning of kindness & compassion towards other women to build each other up never to tear each other down. Fly Girl is Our Happy Place at times maybe Our Port in the Storm at other times. Thank you to all the incredible instructors who give 110% of themselves always with a smile on their face.❤️. Kym if I live to be 100 I will be in awe of your business sense how you juggle all that you do & make it seem so easy. Most of all Thank You Kym for creating Fly Girl Dance & Fitness , Fly Girl Fraternity and Girl Gang. God Bless you gals let’s keep Dancing, Getting Fit and of course Let’s Keep Laughing & Having Fun.😘❤️
Lydia
{member since October 2016}
I feel so honored to have been named Glambassador of Fly Girl.
A little about me personally: I've been married to John for 32 years, live in Lincolnwood down the street from another Glambassador, Aisha, and have 2 awesome sons, Alex and Eric. They are both fun-loving people who work hard and have a great sense of humor. I consider myself very lucky because even though Alex lives & works in Rockford and Eric in Madison, Wisconsin, one or the other is usually at home on the weekends and it's always a good time when they're around. I also live a few doors down from my 94 year old mother. I hang out with her during the day and help her with chores around her house as well as try to keep her spirits up.
Professionally, I used to teach German at Niles North & Niles West High Schools & travelled with students to Germany every other summer. But I've been retired for the past 2 years and loving it. Now there's no more grading or lesson planning or calling parents - just fun! Retirement has allowed me to take more classes at Fly Girl and has given me the time to bike more in the summer, ski in the winter and get together with friends whenever I want.
I remember my first classes with Kym. A colleague asked me to go with her to something called Zumba at the Niles Fitness Center. I used to love dance class but had not worked out in 25 years. I was too busy juggling work and a growing family. Kym was the teacher and I was hooked from that very first class. I couldn't believe working out could be so much fun. Kym made me laugh and Gina was always there in the front row leading the way. I then followed Kym to St. Andrew's in Park Ridge and now am a regular at Fly Girl.
I have watched Kym expand from teaching a few Zumba classes in a community gym to offering a wide array of workout classes in a beautiful studio. I have witnessed her mission develop from providing physical wellness options to including professional and social support as well. Fly Girl is our safe place, a community where we can work towards our individual goals without judgment but rather with positive encouragement and kindness. I am so thankful for Fly Girl and all the strong, optimistic women I have met there. I don't know how you do all that you do, Kym, but I know I speak for all of us when I say you are truly amazing.
A big "Thank you" for keeping us fly.
Jade
{member since February 2016}
I am so honored to be chosen as a Glambassador! 👑
I grew up in Ukranian Village during the 1980s and attended University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I met my husband there and have been with him for almost three decades. We have three wonderful children.
Professionally, I am a seasoned consultant with 20+ years of experience in Fortune 100 companies.
I also love to cook, garden and take pictures of my kids.
About three years ago, I was two belts away from getting my TKD black belt when a couple of fellow fly girls, Patty and Barb suggested that I should try Fly Girl Dance and Fitness studio on Northwest highway. Well, this was a no brainer! I love to dance.
I would always be one of the first guests on the dance floor in weddings and quinceneras. The first time I tried a class I was hooked. The instructors are so friendly and encouraging. Thanks so much to Kym for creating this great community of fitness network for women ❤️
Abby
{member since February 2017}
I'm originally a Jersey Girl. I moved here to visit 2 weeks after I graduated HS and never left. I bar-tended at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn for 10 years and got the opportunity to be an extra in the movie "A league of their Own" while working there! I have worked for - Harley Davidson for 25 years. I'm the Buyer and General Merchandise Manager. I'm married and have two amazing grown ups and one sweetheart of a grand daughter! I love, Harleys, animals, shopping, working out, music, dancing and eating!!
Stacey
{member since June 2018}
Wow! First and foremost, I am beyond honored to be in the company of such amazing women. My name is Stacey Lowery and I have been a member of Fly Girl for a few years now. Growing up, dance was my calling - modern, tap, ballet, hip hop. You name it; I took it. I essentially lived in the dance studio of my small town even teaching classes and serving as the secretary to pay for my tuition. After high school, I came very close to joining a ballet company but instead opted to be the first in my family to attend college. I moved to Chicago at the age of 18 to attend DePaul University and never looked back.
In 2003, I received my BA in graphic design and digital media arts before venturing off to the design world working as the head of marketing for several non profits including the Chicago Lighthouse. While it was pretty cool to see my work on downtown billboards and buses, the boardroom was never quite my style. I went back to school and received my MAT in art education from Columbia College and have been teaching art ever since.
My husband Brian and I met at DePaul and have been married nearly 12 years. We have two hilarious children, Emerson (7) and Griffin (4), and a new puppy named Lil Wayne. I enjoy gardening, rocking some old school Nintendo with my kids, traveling (ask me about Iceland...PLEASE!) and everything early 90s.
Never in my life did I think I would look forward to “working out” and Fly Girl has done that for me! I am in “awe” of so many of the amazing women I have met here and feel blessed to have found a place to finally call home. Let’s keep crushing it and pushing one another ladies! Thank you doesn’t seem like enough!
Erika
{member since September 2018}
My name is Erika and live in Jefferson Park with my two sons, Andy and Sam. I’m an assistant for a cleaning company. I also clean houses and occasionally cater dinner parties. I love to dance Latin music, especially salsa and cumbia. My favorite thing to do was taking dance classes to learn different styles.
I have been coming to Fly for three years now, I usually dread working out but in Fly Girl I found my niche. The first class I attended was Verónica’s Zumba and I fell in love with the atmosphere and friendliness of the women at the studio. From there I have taken classes with every instructor and love them all, although I usually take all the dance classes.
Everyone made me feel welcome, instructors are approachable and easy to talk to. Kymberlee and her team have make Fly Girl a real community of strong women who help and cheer for each other’s success whether is a workout goal or personal one. I’m happy to be a part of this community and to have made new, good friends.
Karen
{member since July 2017}
Hi Fly Girl Family!
I just want to express my sincere gratitude for this wonderful community of empowering women!!! Kym and each instructor creates a true atmosphere of warmth and acceptance which is why I’m a die hard Fly Girl for life,
If you have seen me around in classes, you’ll know that I’m the giggly smiler and self proclaimed “Lucille Ball” with my fancy moves, lol!!!!
On the home front, I met my sweet husband in 1988 during a college bbq and thought after one date that HE WAS NOT FOR ME!! But he chased and persisted until I agreed to go on a second date and we’ve been together ever since. Married with three beautiful daughters, plus a fur baby- I’ve been blessed with lots of love and joy over the years. Fly girl exudes that same love and joy the minute you walk in the door, which is why I’m so excited to be a part of this family too!
We work hard, yet we play hard also…
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Jen T
{member since July 2015}
Chi-Town! Please help us congratulate Jen on being the next BEAUTIFUL GLAMBASSADOR!!
"I have to say, I am so honored to be chosen as a Glambassador. It truly made my day!
My name is Jen! I have 2 fur babies, Emmy and Toni which, I rescued during my time in Georgia.
I joined back in 2015 when my now sister-in-law was a member. I made the tough decision to move away from my family and friends at the end of 2016 to start fresh. Sadly, life led to some heartbreak and I moved back a few months before the pandemic hit. I gained about 20 pounds after I moved back and knew it was time to get back into shape. I decided it was time to get back to what I love; FLY GIRL!!!!
I have always been a shy person and would come to class and leave right after. I never really talked to any of the girls until one day this lady (Karen) was standing outside, it was raining, and I told her to join me in the car. This was the day that changed everything. I started to come out of my shell and stay after class, starting to befriend other fly girls. Fly Girl is more to me than just a community of women that come together to work out, they are a family. These women are strong role models who support you on your journey and not just working out, but on a personal level. Some of these women have become family.
A huge thank you to Kymberlee for all your hard work and dedication. You are the glue that keeps us all together. Bianca and Natalie, you inspire me every day, continue to lead me through positive change. I can have a rough day at work, but when I walk into the studio, you all have smiles on your face. You all push me to get better with every class I take. Love you all!!!"
Fawn - Twin Lakes
{member since March 2021}
"Hey Fly Girls!
It is an absolute honor to be selected as the first Glambassador for Fly Girl Twin Lakes. I am so thankful that we have Fly Girl in our community and it has been such a powerful positive force for myself and others.
A little about me: I was born in Chicago but spent my teen years in Twin Lakes. I graduated from Wilmot High School in 2000 and graduated from Carthage College in 2004 with a BA in Business Administration. I worked as a retail manager for a few years before joining Allstate Insurance in 2008 where I made my way up the ranks as adjuster, trainer, then manager in the National Catastrophe Team. For the last few years, I have held the position as Project Manager for Allstate home office. I love what I do and am thankful to be able to work from home.
I married my husband Josh in 2013 and we currently reside in Twin Lakes with our 2 cats, Minnie and Winnie. We love travelling, beach vacations, and visiting casinos. We both love spending summers on the lake. I enjoy fashion, makeup, reading, dancing, and attending classes at Fly Girl!
I’ve met so many new friends at Fly Girl already and am looking forward to getting to know many more. I am extremely thankful that Kymberlee brought this amazing dance studio to Twin Lakes! I am thrilled that this is now part of my fitness journey and that I get to join you in yours. Let’s continue to lift each other up and rock it Fly Girls!!"
Lisa- Twin Lakes
{member since March 2021}
Hello Fly Girls! I have lived in Lily Lake all my life. I met my husband at the age of 16 and been with him ever since. We got married in 2000 in Las Vegas. We have 2 daughters - 18 yr old Alexis and 14 yr old Eva. We even have our little fur baby cat! Her name is Grace!
I have worked on an off as the kids got older. I worked in a bank as a teller an Aurora in medical records. My husband is a mechanic on planes and I help him with odd and end jobs currently. I spend lots of time with my family traveling and enjoying all my daughters activities. My older daughter has been a trap shooter with her Central High School trap shooting team and my younger daughter is a gymnast.
I love to shop in my spare time with my kids. I enjoy my pool and boating with my family. I love working out and taking long walks as well. I am so happy that Fly Girl opened in Twin Lakes. I started doing Zumba and was hooked! I enjoy all the other classes - as I go pretty much everyday there.
Kym is full of energy and makes every class enjoyable with great with the upbeat music an dancing. There is not a single class that I don't enjoy. I have made a lot of friends and enjoy talking with everyone at the studio. Everyone is so supportive of one another. Just makes me happy to workout everyday!
Melissa- Twin Lakes
{member since March 2021}
"Hello Fly Girls,
I have lived in the Burlington area since 2000. I have been married since 2003 to Rick and I have three boys, Alex, 17, Andrew, 15 and Aaron 11. We also have a two year year Golden Retriever named Snickerdoodle.
I have been a kindergarten teacher at Randall since 2000. I have been teaching since 1995. My husband, Rick , is currently a car sales at Libertyville Toyota for at least 12 years!
My young men are involved in scouting with troop 381. My Alex is an Eagle Scout , Andrew is working on it and my Aaron has quite a few merit badges under his belt. My two oldest play soccer for Wilmot and my youngest likes cross country at Randall school. My Andrew also is on the trapshooting team for Wilmot high school .
In my spare time, I am on the Wilmot high school board , love to read, drink coffee and ride our 2015 ultra classic. I have had my own cycle license since 2002.
I feel very blessed and honored to have Fly Girls in the Twin Lakes area. The Fly Girl angels - Kymberlee, Elizabeth, Tasha, Kim, and Stacey inspire me to be the best me I can be. I usual go to class tired but I leave inspired and invigorated to keeping living a good life. They also push me to try new workouts and strength my limits. I love our Fly Girl community and all the ladies I work out with and their smiling support faces. Go Fly Girl go!" - Melissa S.
Loretta- Chicago
{member since October 2017}
A little about me…born & raised northside Chicago – grew up across the street from RIIS Park for those familiar with the area. Professionally …I jumped right into work after HS landing what I thought was a “cool” job working in an E/R as unit clerk/tech (oh the stories I could tell) after 12+ years my mother INSISTED that I go take the test for the phone company as they were hiring (for those with Irish mothers… if you know.. then you know) So off I went and landed a job in one of the Ameritech call centers selling (wait for it) … Caller ID boxes! I shifted to management & moved to the strategy side of the house and was blessed to have a very successful career for close to 25 years… I retired from my phone company job in July and started with DIRECTV Business (LOVING it)
Motto… work hard and relax harder (you thought I was gonna say play didn’t you!) … goal is balance and if I am not working, I am happy as can be in my yard either trying to keep the roses alive or just sitting on my deck (weather permitting) with my ipad and a cup of coffee (did I mention I have my masters in online shopping???). My better half (Kevin) and I have been together for 3 decades and lucky for me… he also enjoys the work hard/relax harder way of life! We have 2 (very spoiled) fur babies and a bunch of nieces & nephews that come visit often!
So how did I get to Flygirl?? I have struggled with my weight my entire life and have tried every fad diet there is… nothing would stick. I HATED going to the gym, the looks you get, waiting for machines and boredom of walking the treadmill was just not for me… even the female only circuits just did not have what I was looking for. Fast forward to one of our neighbors who began her journey at Flygirl and being at an all time high of weight… I decided to give a “Size” class a try and WOW… the minute I opened the door I felt calm, I felt accepted, I felt challenged and most importantly I felt good! I left that class already booking my next one. This community is so much more than a Zumba class… this community is friendly, encouraging and has become my therapy, my bubble where I can just turn off the day and dance (and the 7000 steps is the bonus!). Thank you Kym for standing up this studio and thank you FG instructors for making me feel welcome and comfortable in my own skin.
Diana- Twin Lakes
{member since April 2021
Hi! My name is Diana Rudolph, I am married to a good guy named Dave for 15 years now. Some said we wouldn’t make because we dated for 2 months and 2 days then we eloped down in Gatlinburg, TN. We have 1 son and 3 girls together along with 5 awesome grandchildren.
I was in Twin Lakes one day, probably getting a hair cut at daughter Stephanie’s shop, when I noticed a sign for Fly Girl. Being in tears some days over being so FAT and out of shape, I went in to check it out, it was only their 2nd or 3rd week in “Twinnie”.
Expecting the same feeling’s of embarrassment as a regular gym has to offer, here I am over a year later. FLY GIRL IS DIFFERENT ! They are my tribe, so supportive, no judgement. We share stories of failure, eating disorders, life and many of SUCCESS !!! You see, I have this obsession of pools and the BEACH. I do a yearly girls trip to Florida and every year I say I’m going to be smaller and fit in a regular swim suit… This year I did it ! A bunch of encouragement at FLY GIRL gave me the “balls” to get a breast reduction and lose weight. It’s so much easier working out without size E (or something huge) in your way!
Take the credit Fly Girls, you did it for me! At Fly Girl I have also enjoyed doing volunteer work, pool dates, lunches and FRIENDSHIP! Get yourself a good pair of shoes (NO BULL BRAND IS AWESOME) and come join us! Love, Diana
Stephanie & Kim - Chicago
{members since December 2017 + July 2016}
Meet Stephanie
Glambassador? Me? Well, I don’t know about that but I do know that Fly Girl is one of my favorite places to go! No matter how I’m feeling I know I’m going to be lifted up with lots of laughs and a fantastic workout. I actually look forward to working out and get major FOMO when my hectic life takes away my gym time.
The life that gets in the way includes my husband of 17 years, aka my 4th child, along with my 3 kids Tommy (12), Grace (9) and Hazel (4). All 3 of my kids are current or former Fly Kidz dancers too. My kids have been a major factor in modeling a healthy lifestyle to instill naturally healthy habits in them. During the pandemic when our classes were virtual my kids would work out with me and while the quality of my workouts was affected it brought me so much joy to see their excitement for exercise.
The fantastic instructors put up with my silly antics and welcome me back each week with a smile. I appreciate all my fellow fly girls who motivate me with their words, presence and acceptance of me during each and every class. I’m especially honored to be a glambassador alongside one of my favorite people to harass Kim Bendig. She motivates me to lift heavier and kick higher just by being in the room. That is the magic of Fly Girl: you are becoming part of a family!
Meet Kim
A little about me….I have been a teacher with Chicago Public Schools for 29 years and have been married to my husband for 25. We are blessed to have three wonderful children! They are all currently in college and continue to play college sports (Lacrosse and Softball). So when I am not at work or Fly Girl, I am probably driving to Iowa or Michigan to see them play!
Fly Girl has really allowed me to find time to do something healthy for myself. Like other moms, it’s so easy to worry about everyone else- overlooking our own health and wellness. Fly Girl allows me to see friendly faces, have a few laughs, and sweat it out along the way.
A big thank you to all of the instructors who are so invested in the studio! Your smiles and energy make me come back class after class. I am not hiding in the corner- it’s just the spot where I met my friends!
Donna - Twin Lakes
{member since March 2022}
"Hello Fellow Fly Girls! I was so surprised to learn about Glambassadors and even more honored to be selected as one. I have always been an active, firm believer in exercise. As a young woman my exercise routine consisted of playing softball and putting in my VCR tapes of Kathy Smith, Denise Austin and of course, Jane Fonda! After I was married, I joined LifeTime fitness. It was fine for free standing weight lifting but I longed for group classes. I love the energy a person gets from working out together. It pushes a person in a way that working out alone just doesn’t. At least not for me.
I found another work out studio in Huntley, IL which is near where I settled for over 20 years. I made many friends and learned so much about Zumba, Body Combat (Turbo Kick like) and group weight-lifting. I spent over 10 years there. I was there 3-4 days a week and very happy.
Life isn’t always what you think it is going to be and I sure had a few twists and turns in mine. My son grew up, I was single and in a new committed relationship. I was also ready to leave IL. Twin Lakes is only about 25 miles from where I lived so I knew I would still see friends and family. But what about leaving my workout sanctuary? That was a real concern of mine.
Do you believe in coincidences? Well, I don’t. Things happen for a reason. I was mentioning to my sister about how worried I was about finding a place to work out once I move. One that fits my beliefs and activity level. My sister, coincidence- um no- lives in Park Ridge. My nephew and Kym’s son went to grade school together. She said, “You have got to check out Fly Girl Dance and Fitness. The owner just opened in Twin Lakes and she is fabulous”. I drove by the Twin Lakes studio every time I was in Twin Lakes before I actually moved here full time and checked it out online. Had my sister not told me that I would love it, I may not have actually gone in. Who knows? But I am so glad that I did. My sister knows me so well. Women Empowering Woman. Physically and emotionally. A perfect fit."
Rachel - Twin Lakes
{member since May 2021}
"
My Girls are Fly Girls!!
Hello, everyone!! My name is Rachel Hetland and I am so excited to be a part of this amazing place! I was BEYOND honored to be chosen as a Glambassador!! This place and these women have been EVERYTHING I didn’t even know I was looking for!!
I was born and raised in Western Kenosha County. I married my high school sweetheart; Jonah and we will be celebrating 22 years of marriage this Fall. We have two children, Caden (19) and Ava (17), 2 dogs and 1 cat. We moved to Twin Lakes about 7 years ago when we bought 6 acres. We have spent the last 7 years remodeling and updating it and have added an in-ground pool. In addition to taking care of our property, I enjoy spending time with my family, thrifting and antique shopping, vintage décor, traveling, and listening to books and podcasts. I love all things leopard print, and I am a HUGE Green Bay Packers fan.
I am a local real estate agent, so I love getting out in the community and meeting new people. With my children getting older and aging out of sports, Covid and the aftermath of the real estate market; I found myself working from home and feeling somewhat alone, isolated and detached. I know there was “something” missing.
I am a recent Breast Cancer Survivor and over the past 5 years, I had 7 surgeries and 35 rounds of radiation, all relating to my breast cancer. I currently take 9 pills a day and from the side effects of the medications I have been on, the additional weight gain, scar tissue from the surgeries and now frail bones, I KNEW I needed to do some type of physical exercise, as I did NOT want my cancer to return, and I was tired of “feeling like I was 80”.
In the past, I had done Jazzercise, had multiple gym memberships, personal trainers and I’ll even admit, I have a fully “stocked” gym in my basement with a Peloton and the Mirror.
I joined FG shortly after Kym had opened her Twin Lakes location in 2021. I came to a few classes, and I knew I wanted to be part of this group of women, and I NEEDED to get healthy. I was finally in the right place.
Then, on a Spring Break trip in 2022, I ended up breaking my elbow and my fitness journey was put on hold, yet again.
I came back to FG in October of 22 and I have not stopped!! I cannot explain the energy and encouragement you get from Kym and these ladies in class. I have never “stuck” with something for longer than a few weeks or a few months, at best. I am going on almost 6 months at FG and I can honestly say I have not been this happy and felt this good in a very long time. My husband even made the comment to me that he hasn’t seen me this happy and confident in years and that I have “found” my place.
As I continued to come to my strength classes, I got to know some of the women. They encouraged me to try a cardio dance class. So, I did. And you know what? I can’t dance but, I love it!! Each one of us is a different shape, age and chapter in our lives. The music, the women, the energy. It’s just fun. I now try to go to as many classes as I can in a week.
I am turning 45 this week and I feel amazing!! Yes, I am the one putting in the work, but I would not be where I am without FG!
A huge thank you to Kym, Alanna and the rest of you ladies at FG. Without this place, I know I wouldn’t be where I am now! I look forward to achieving more of my fitness goals with my #flygirls as you all push me to get better with every class! Women Encouraging Women!!