Toshiko Aramaki, EnhanceFitness Instructor of the Year

Toshiko Aramaki

Toshiko Aramaki, EnhanceFitness Instructor at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center. has been selected for the 2013 Northwest Instructor of the Year Award. The EnhanceFitness Program is part of Senior Services and Group Health. 

"Toshiko Aramaki is such an exceptional person, teacher and advocate for seniors and exercise. She feels such passion and commitment to all of the classes she teaches. She projects her deeply felt passion to every single person in each of her classes. She doesn't need special gimmicks to keep her participants motivated and wanting to come back three times a week. They all adore her; people have been coming consistently to her class for years. Some have lost spouses, some have had major health issues, but they always return. They know she cares about each and every individual in class."

In addition to teaching EnhanceFitness, she also teaches the popular Matter of Balance Classes that is sponsored by the Shoreline Fire Department. She developed a Falls Prevention Exercise class for the graduates of the Matter of Balance classes who don’t feel they are ready for EnhanceFitness; however, anyone is welcome to attend this class. This, too, has become a popular class.

Consuelo Cannon, one of Toshiko’s participants says, “My health has much improved since I’ve started with Toshiko.  I have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  When I started “Enhance Fitness Program” I had very little upper body strength and my exercise level was zero.  Today, I can bowl and extend my reach when releasing the bowling ball (no shoulder problems).  I’m able to rise up from kneeling or a squat position without assistance and my balance is getting better. When our class is over I feel like a million dollars, a little out of breath but my body thanks me over and over.”

EnhanceFitness classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning; one session is 8:30-9:30am, another 10:00-11:00am. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, a Beginning EnhanceFitness class is held, 1:15-2:15pm. There is no fee for Group Health members who are “locked in” and have Plan B. Non-Group Health individuals may also attend the class for a minimal fee. More information on the classes can be found at the Senior Center’s website or at the Senior Center.