Eileen Birk
Eileen received her Group Fitness Instructor (the highest level of group fitness designations) and Personal Fitness Trainer certifications through AFAA / NASM. She received specialized training as a Spin instructor through Mad Dogg, which owns the Spin brand, and her barre training through Barre Above. Always striving to keep her classes fresh and challenging, she completed her Advanced Mat Pilates training with Leslie Bender. Eileen recently obtained her American Red Cross Lifeguard certification too! These certifications require yearly continuing education to ensure the most up-to-date form, technique and science is practiced. She is currently working on her nutritionist certification too! As are all of our instructors, Eileen is CPR / AED certified.
Eileen and her husband, Norm, were married on Block Island (on July 4th ... in a hurricane) and moved to Block Island in 2014. She has two amazing teenage boys and two adorable Brittany Spaniel dogs (often featured in our social media posts). Never one to preach perfection, she enjoys pizza, nachos and Oar mudslides! You can read more about her unique story by clicking on the "My Story" tab.
Jill Kirby-Seppa
Jill Seppa, a 24 year-round resident of Block Island, started her yoga journey while attending Jim Reales' classes 22 years ago. While she enjoys practicing a wide variety of fitness class formats, yoga has consistently been a part of her life since the early nineties. She became a dedicated student of Sue Littlefields and eventually began assisting at retreats. In 2007, she attended her yoga teacher 300 hour immersion training at Sonic Yoga in Manhattan, New York. She began teaching on Block Island in the spring of 2007. Since then, she has attended various training modules to round out her teaching abilities such as advanced anatomy and prenatal yoga. She combines the principles of yoga, poetry and a solid sense of humor encouraging her students to be playful and curious in class.
When not on the mat, she is often spending time with her two daughters and son. As the owner of the amazing Koru Spa on Block Island, she is a busy girl! Jill is an Island girl at heart and also enjoys traveling and visiting other islands. Some of her favorites spots for her personal yoga practice are the jetty in New Harbor and Rodmans Hollow, although she enjoys embarrassing her children by busting out yoga poses in airports and malls. Everytime is a good time for yoga!
Susan Schuyler
We are so grateful to have Susan on Island Fitness' schedule. As a child, her love of being active grew as she played competitive sports through school, college and into her adult life. Susan has completed a handful of half marathons and is deservedly proud of her Spartan Run results. After the birth of her son, she decided to pursue her passion by helping others through group fitness. Susan obtained her Group Exercise & Personal Trainer certifications through AFAA / NASM. After falling in love with Spin, she also became a Mad Dogg certified Spin instructor. She has an impressive list of specialized trainings and credentials on her resume, including Barre Above, mat pilates, boot camp, Shred, Water Art, wellness & nutritional, as well as holding her CPR/AED & First Aid training. Susan has developed a large following of personal training clients on Block Island too! She brings an infectious level of energy, passion and fun to all of her classes, and we are thrilled to have her!
Susan lives on Block Island from June through September; she lives in New Jersey during the winter months with her high school sweetheart husband and son. You may also recognize her if you are at the Boat Basin often. As the manager of the Old Port Water Taxi, she may have given you a ride to the docks or helped dock your boat!
Cindy Kelly
Cindy immersed herself in expert aerobic dance classes throughout the 1980’s in Boston and New York City when the practice was first expanding and evolving. With the knowledge she obtained from her varied experiences, she began designing and leading her own aerobic classes when she moved to Block Island full time in 1989. In 2010 she became certified in Nia, a neuromuscular movement practice (nianow.com) and advanced to the Blue Belt level.
Cindy is continuing her education and is currently studying for the American Council on Exercise NCCA certification as a Group Fitness Instructor. You may also recognize Cindy from her ever popular and so delicious Pots & Kettles food truck. Her menus are absolutely scrumptious!
Alicia Miro
Alicia Miro may be new as an instructor, but she has been a powerhouse athlete and motivator for many years. When her son, Mason, was born with Muscular Dystrophy, she made raising awareness a driving force in her life. In 2012, Alicia committed to a healthier lifestyle and lost 62 pounds! Once a high school athlete, she overcame her asthma diagnosis and hit the pavement. She, while pushing Mason, ran the Marine Corps Marathon. The pair have completed five half marathons together and have been running with MDA Team Momentum since 2014. Mason was named as the MDA Ambassador of RI and Southeastern MA. When Spin arrived on Block Island, Alicia was instantly hooked! When asked if she had any interest in becoming an instructor, she jumped at the chance and aced her Mad Dogg training! Alicia is also CPR certified through the Red Cross.
Alicia has lived on Block Island since she was two years old. In addition to being the proud mom of Mason, you may also recognize her as the talented baker and owner of Block Island Cakes! Alicia will often be seen running around Block with her two gorgeous Native American Indian dogs, too!
Emily Butcher
Emily was first introduced to Spin when it arrived on Block Island in 2016. She was one of our first regular riders and grew to love the challenge of the class. Having grown up riding horses competitively until she was 20, Emily’s leg strength quickly returned. She brings a contagious laugh and smile to every class. When approached about becoming an instructor, she was a bit nervous but excited. Emily has excelled in inspiring others to get outside of comfort zones and having fun while getting fit.
Emily grew up visiting Block Island with her family since she was a baby until she made it her year-round home 16 years ago. She also helps people find their dream Block Island home or rental at Block Island Realty as well as serving amazing dinners at Eli’s. Hard to believe she has down time, but it is spent walking the beautiful beaches with her pup, Blu, and hanging out with her friends.
Best place in the world … Block Island!
Susan, Jill & Eileen
Love our winter warriors
We love when guest instructors visit! Thanks Jacki from pulse in newport, ri! Amazing class!
Island Fitness' july 4th float!! too much fun (and a wee bit warm)
