Monica VanDieren served as a board member of the Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen for several years before becoming the president in January 2017. She hopes to continue the WPW tradition of working with other area cycling organizations to provide a spectrum of group ride options for cyclists. Monica is also a math professor, wife, and mother. She enjoys incorporating cycling into her daily life. Every year she leads the RMU freshmen honors class in a bike ride with Venture Outdoors during orientati...
Jun 18, 2017
Larry Gioia is management consultant at PwC, and when not traveling on business, it’s a safe bet that you can find him doing something active outside with his wife and his dog. Larry is passionate about building and connecting communities and is best known for his work in adaptive sports and advocating for people with disabilities to live active lifestyles. Larry is the Founder of Dynamic Paddlers – a (concierge) kayaking school based in Pittsburgh that offers instruction and training for paddle...
Jun 11, 2017
Jason Miller is the Assistant Director for Campus Recreation at the University of Pittsburgh and the Founder and CEO of Active Cities. An alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh, Jason received Bachelor’s Degrees in History and Sociology and a Master of Arts in Teaching. As an undergraduate, Jason was a member of the Men’s Varsity Swimming Team where he won multiple individual and team Conference Championships, earned Academic All-American honors, and was the 2006 recipient of the Blue-Gold Pitt...
Jun 04, 2017
Sven Lynch, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and the Founder of Pittsburgh Concierge Therapy. Dr. Lynch is one of only about 100 Board-Certified Neurologic Physical Therapists in the state of Pennsylvania. He is certified as a Neurologic Certified Specialist (NCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). He is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) as determined by the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS). He has trained or worked at The Children’s...
May 28, 2017
Rick Lithgow, in his own words: Computer Network Engineer for Pittsburgh Consulting. Avid mountain biker. Hasher. Beer connoisseur. He is also a Board Member of Pittsburgh Off-Road Cyclists (PORC). Show Notes: Rick Lithgow, Board Member, Pittsburgh Off-Road Cyclists (PORC), contact info: Website: http://www.porcmtbclub.org PORC Membership e-mail: SafeTPrincess@aol.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/porcmtb/ Links mentioned in the Podcast: Pittsburgh Hash House Harriers www.pgh-h3.com Critica...
May 21, 2017
Don Drolet has been practicing and studying Qigong and Tai Chi for over 10 years. Don has been a student of Eastern philosophy, with a personal meditation practice of more than 20 years. He has taught in and around the Pittsburgh Metro area for health clubs, corporate wellness programs and community organizations. He established Standing Crane Tai Chi, Qigong and Meditation in January of 2017. Standing Crane offers private sessions, group classes and corporate wellness classes/programs. Show Not...
May 14, 2017
Walt Drennan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2000 at the age of 12. After cycling across the United States twice (first with Bike & Build, then with The 4K for Cancer), Walt was inspired to put together his own cross-country ride to raise awareness, and funds, for Type 1 diabetes. Walt has partnered with Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education and helping those living with Type 1 diabetes live well today while funding a better tomorrow, to make th...
May 07, 2017
Steve Mentzer is the Vice President and Events Director of the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy. He serves as the Organizer for the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge (a 35-mile endurance hike) and for the Baker Trail UltraChallenge (50-mile ultramarathon). Steve is also the developer of the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy’s event participant tracking system, the creator of trail guides for the trails it oversees, its website manager, and a professional software developer. The Rachel Carson Trails C...
Apr 30, 2017
The Pittsburgh Gaelic Athletic Association (PGAA) was founded in 2010 and has since promoted the Irish sport and culture in Pittsburgh. Of course, this was not the start of Gaelic sport in Pittsburgh. Gaelic football has been played in Pittsburgh since the 1940s. The tradition continues today and the PGAA is now home to three teams, the Pittsburgh Celtics Gaelic Football Club, the Pittsburgh Banshees Ladies Football Club, and the Pittsburgh Celtics Youth teams. Gaelic Football (commonly referred...
Apr 23, 2017
Jon Clouner and Garry Clouner, founders of GoWildPA, are two brothers trying to motivate others to go outside and celebrate what Pennsylvania has to offer. They get annoyed when they hear people say Pittsburgh or Western PA is a boring place to live. One quick glance at their Instagram account (filled with pics from their hiking, trail running, fly fishing, kayaking and other adventures) should be enough to convince anyone that PA is anything but boring. Show Notes: Jon Clouner and Garry Clouner...
Apr 16, 2017
Rory Lazear is the Founder and Owner of High Maintenance Pittsburgh, a wellness concierge service for individuals and businesses in Pittsburgh. High Maintenance PGH provides stress free, personalized programs connecting people with Pittsburgh’s premiere workouts and healthy dining options. They also design and implement corporate wellness solutions, including workplace wellness programs and lunch and learns. Rory Lazear has a BS in Nutrition and is a Certified Personal Trainer (NASM), Health Coa...
Apr 09, 2017
Christine Iksic and Chris Kaminski are Pittsburgh natives and the founding partners of Gear Fest Pittsburgh and 3 Rivers Outdoor Company (a local, independent specialty outdoor retailer planning to open in Lawrenceville in Spring 2018). The inaugural Gear Fest Pittsburgh will be held on April 23, 2017 at the Ace Hotel in East Liberty from noon to 5pm (doors open for sellers to register gear at 11am). The event will feature outdoor gear sales, live music and craft beer from four local brewers as ...
Apr 02, 2017
The Three Rivers Rowing Association (TRRA) is a membership organization offering rowing and dragon boating programs to anyone living in the Pittsburgh region. Founded in 1984, TRRA has grown into one of the largest community-based rowing and paddling clubs in the United States. Its programs serve people of all skill levels from a broad range of social and economic backgrounds, and participants range in age from teenagers to senior citizens. TRRA offers lessons for beginners in rowing and dragon ...
Mar 26, 2017
The Pittsburgh Hurling Club (the Pittsburgh Pucas) is a Greater Pittsburgh hurling team and a member of the United States Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA). The Pucas were the Midwest Division Champions in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015; they hope to reclaim the title this year (2017). The Irish sport of hurling, at times referred to as the “fastest game on grass” or the “greatest sport you’ve never heard of,” is over 3,000 years old and combines skills of lacrosse, field hockey, and baseball. It i...
Mar 11, 2017
Movement Studio Pittsburgh, established in December of 2010, offers small group fitness, personal training, yoga and aerial yoga. The studio offers unique customized workouts such as group TRX Suspension training, kettlebell, kickboxing, and “women on weights” to help you develop and maintain a strong body. Their mat yoga and aerial yoga not only benefit your physical body but also will lead you into a spiritual peaceful mind. Classes are small for more personalized attention. They’ve created a ...
Mar 04, 2017
Ascend Pittsburgh (opening March 2017 in Pittsburgh’s South Side Flats neighborhood) is an indoor rock climbing facility. They offer climbing, fitness, yoga, classes, group events, memberships, and other services. Ascend’s retail shop will provide climbers of all abilities with a wide variety of climbing gear. Ascend’s Vision (in their own words): We strive to provide the best climbing and fitness experience for our customers. From excellent equipment to knowledgeable staff, our gym will be a to...
Feb 25, 2017
Coach Jason DeRose, established FASTER LLC in 2008 to expand his dynamic passion for educating others about health, fitness, nutrition, performance enhancement exercises, injury prevention and overall well being. He has a Health and Physical Education degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is Pittsburgh’s only certified XPE Master Trainer. Show Notes: FASTER Pittsburgh / FASTER Southpointe, Coach Jason DeRose, Owner and Megan Meyer, General Manager contact info: e-mail: coachderose@c...
Feb 17, 2017
This week we have a special mid-week podcast with Lesley Davenport, long time Pilates teacher and owner of The Pilates Center of Pittsburgh. Lesley approached FitLabPGH about working together to organize a Pilates Day PGH coming on Sun, May 7, 2017. Locale to be announced. Lesley explain why Pittsburgh needs a Pilates Day now. An international event, Pilates Day is promoted by the @pilatesmethodalliance to foster appreciation and awareness of Pilates through innovative, accessible community even...
Feb 14, 2017
Ron Edwards has a long history with the Explorers Club of Pittsburgh (ECP); he has served as the club’s President since 2015. He is also an instructor in the ECP’s Mountaineering School, Rock Climbing School, and Backpacking School. Here’s a little about Ron Edwards in his own words: In 1995 in the middle of the largest National Park in the United States, Wrangell St. Elias, a former Everest climber, now guide in the small town of McCarthy, Alaska, takes me onto a glacier to introduce me to ice ...
Feb 10, 2017
Special mid-week FitLabPGH podcast introducting Exhalations Dance Theatre. Why?? Because they have an upcoming show on Feb 11th and 12th, 2017 that you want to check out. Tickets on Eventbrite (link below) and search “Exhalations Dance Theatre” or “This Thing Called Love”. Exhalations Dance Theatre was founded to create performing and choreography opportunities for both professional dancers and for professionals pursuing other careers who still desire to express their art. We embody the theory t...
Feb 07, 2017
David Dilettuso is the head tennis professional at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford, PA. David was born and raised in the Pittsburgh (Shaler) area. David got his start as a tennis teaching professional at the Allegheny Country Club in Sewickley, PA in 1974. David earned a BA from Lehigh University and a JD from Duquesne University School of Law. He is certified as an Elite Professional coach by the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and is a specialist in Competitive Player...
Feb 03, 2017
Bill Orr has a long history as a volunteer for the Montour Trail Council. He grew up in Blairsville, PA, approximately 45 miles east of Pittsburgh. He graduated from IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) with a degree in Accounting. Bill works at FedEx Ground as an analyst and resides in Oakdale. Bill is also a personal trainer and group exercise instructor at the Western Area YMCA in Moon Township. As an avid runner and cyclist, he competes in duathlon races (run-bike-run), where he is a nat...
Jan 28, 2017
Jeff Mucci is owner of and head trainer at Wolfpack Boxing Club. Jeff has been involved in amateur boxing and martial arts since 1990 including studying Muay Tai, Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do and USA Boxing in State College, PA. Coach Jeff has been with Wolfpack Boxing Club as a coach since 2009 and took over ownership in 2012. Coach Jeff has committed himself to the betterment of his students through the art/science of boxing. Coach is a former Regional Golden Gloves champion (undefeated) and still spa...
Jan 20, 2017
BaM Choreography, LLC is a team of two sisters, Brianna Pato and Meghan Greenwood, who are based out of Pittsburgh, PA. BaM strives to provide high quality dance routines and energizing fitness classes in multiple styles for a variety of venues, including but not limited to: Competition Teams, Schools, Gyms, Studios, Family Centers, Theater Performances, Events, Music Videos, Weekend Workshops, Weddings, Workplace Fitness, etc. BaM offers professional services and motivational fitness – promotin...
Jan 13, 2017
Carla Likar is the Aquatics Director at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford, PA. Carla started swimming competitively at the age of 5 and continued competing through college at Lock Haven University. November 2016 marks Oxford Athletic Club’s 18th anniversary; Carla was hired by the club 6 months after it opened. Carla was raised in Irwin, PA and started out swimming for the Norwin Aqua Club, where she has now returned as a coach. Show Notes: Carla Likar, Aquatics Director Oxford Athletic Club, ...
Jan 06, 2017
Cycletique (in the words of owners Lisa Lutheran and Deanna Bucy) is “a high energy indoor cycling studio dedicated to a healthier you. It’s our mission that you feel welcomed and comfortable when you walk in and positively energized when you leave. Sit where you like. Ask us questions. Forgot your water? We’ll hook you up. With us, you aren’t just getting cycling until your legs fall off – you’re joining a community that encourages growth and a positive lifestyle. Through your experience here, ...
Dec 30, 2016
Trista Yerks, an avid distance runner, is the owner of Pittsburgh Running Tours, which has provided guided running tours of Pittsburgh, PA neighborhoods since 2013. She brings to her work a deep interest in fitness, running and tourism. Trista moved to Pittsburgh in October 2012 from Minneapolis, MN, where she worked for American Express Business Travel. Since moving to Pittsburgh, Trista has worked in the non-profit and charitable foundations sectors, including The Pittsburgh Foundation and Ven...
Dec 23, 2016
Tonya Ford, owner of Sewickley En Pointe in Sewickley, PA, trained from a young age in ballet, character and jazz at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. While in college earning her degree in biology (focus on human genetics), she began teaching ballet at a local gymnastics school and continued to teach ballet to her daughters and their friends before opening her own studio. She began studying the human body again when she found the MELT method to help keep her dance students injury free. She then di...
Dec 17, 2016
Jackie Frederick is the Fitness and Wellness Director at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford, PA. Jackie began teaching fitness classes 25 years ago. Her commitment to fitness started at a young age. While growing up in the steel mill town of Clairton (south of Pittsburgh), Jackie, a self-proclaimed “tomboy,” saved up money to purchase a set of free weights at the age of 10. She’s always had a love for sports and competed in tennis, swimming, racquetball, and volleyball. After growing up in Pitt...
Dec 10, 2016
Harry Geyer is the owner of The Wheel Mill in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA. Harry, in his own words: Husband, virtual father to 5,000 kids at The Wheel Mill, hard-bop jazz fan, mountain bike enthusiast, all kinds of bike enthusiast, including with motors, closet science nerd, workaholic bad friend of good people, voted (by himself) most likely to go off the grid at any moment. Show Notes Harry Geyer, Owner, The Wheel Mill contact info: harry@thewheelmill.com www.thewheelmill.com F...
Dec 03, 2016
