INSTRUCTORS
Kari Fundingsland / Owner, Kari Kardio
Kari Fundingsland began her career in 1981. She opened her first Jazzercise fitness center in 1983 in St Thomas, Virgin Islands. From there Kari has managed fitness centers from Oregon to Australia.
With over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry and certification in both group fitness and personal training, Kari Fundingsland opened Kari Kardio, a group exercise studio in June of 2008, with the best classes and most qualified instructors in town!
For the past 15 years Kari managed group fitness operations for Gold’s Gyms and The Omni Club in Ft Myers. In setting up the group fitness programs, Kari noticed an increase of weight training by members including those who attended group classes.
Combining 10-plus years of choreography for Jazzercise and her experience with a wide variety of group exercise classes, Kari developed the Kardio Flex System.
This unique program offers fitness instructors flexibility to choose their own music and to personalize their group exercise routines while providing a structured and safe workout with proven results.
Kari lives in South Fort Myers, with husband Brian and 16-year-old son Mitchell. Her daughter Kally is a graduate of NYU and works for Michael Kors in Manhattan, NY.
AFFA/ Primary Certification
ACE/Personal Training Certification
Johnny G Spinning Certification
RED CROSS/ C.P.R. Training
Presenter Desinger of Body Flex System
APEX/ BodyBugg Fit Pro
With over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry and certification in both group fitness and personal training, Kari Fundingsland opened Kari Kardio, a group exercise studio in June of 2008, with the best classes and most qualified instructors in town!
For the past 15 years Kari managed group fitness operations for Gold’s Gyms and The Omni Club in Ft Myers. In setting up the group fitness programs, Kari noticed an increase of weight training by members including those who attended group classes.
Combining 10-plus years of choreography for Jazzercise and her experience with a wide variety of group exercise classes, Kari developed the Kardio Flex System.
This unique program offers fitness instructors flexibility to choose their own music and to personalize their group exercise routines while providing a structured and safe workout with proven results.
Kari lives in South Fort Myers, with husband Brian and 16-year-old son Mitchell. Her daughter Kally is a graduate of NYU and works for Michael Kors in Manhattan, NY.
AFFA/ Primary Certification
ACE/Personal Training Certification
Johnny G Spinning Certification
RED CROSS/ C.P.R. Training
Presenter Desinger of Body Flex System
APEX/ BodyBugg Fit Pro
Shakti Barnhill (Yoga)
Age: I feel 20, but my birth certificate will say I'm 52—I don't believe it!
Years teaching: 30
Education/Certifications: Advanced Yoga Instructor
Likes teaching because: “I get to share what I love doing and introduce many to the thrills of having a healthy body and mind via Yoga.”
Philosophy: Smile and Laugh Out Loud—it can brighten cloudy days, will keep you happy and healthy and make you feel like you're 20! (well, it does for me :)
Years teaching: 30
Education/Certifications: Advanced Yoga Instructor
Likes teaching because: “I get to share what I love doing and introduce many to the thrills of having a healthy body and mind via Yoga.”
Philosophy: Smile and Laugh Out Loud—it can brighten cloudy days, will keep you happy and healthy and make you feel like you're 20! (well, it does for me :)
Jessica Currin (Spinning and Sub)
Age: 32
Years teaching: 1.5
Education/Certifications: Bachelor of Health Science, Master of Healthcare Administration/ Spinning certified
Family: Married to Randy Currin for 7 years, mother to Raleigh, 2.5 years old. Has two dogs, Toy Rat Terrior Fletcher and German Shepherd Samantha.
Likes teaching because: “I enjoy helping people in my class reach their fitness goals. I love that my class pushes people beyond their comfort zone and allows them to see results over time. And – IT’S SUPER FUN!!”
Years teaching: 1.5
Education/Certifications: Bachelor of Health Science, Master of Healthcare Administration/ Spinning certified
Family: Married to Randy Currin for 7 years, mother to Raleigh, 2.5 years old. Has two dogs, Toy Rat Terrior Fletcher and German Shepherd Samantha.
Likes teaching because: “I enjoy helping people in my class reach their fitness goals. I love that my class pushes people beyond their comfort zone and allows them to see results over time. And – IT’S SUPER FUN!!”
Karen Stone (Yoga, Boot Camp, and Sub)
Age: 43
Years teaching: 6
Education/Certifications: Certified in Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Cycle, Step Aerobics, Aerobics, Kickboxing, Kettlebell, Body Attack, Body Pump, and Personal Training
Family: Married mother of three boys ages 17, 13, and 10.
Likes teaching because: “I love to help people challenge themselves to make positive changes towards their fitness potential. I strive to offer safe, effective, fun, yet strong exercises to gain trust from my participants and empower them to discover their individual strengths.”
Years teaching: 6
Education/Certifications: Certified in Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Cycle, Step Aerobics, Aerobics, Kickboxing, Kettlebell, Body Attack, Body Pump, and Personal Training
Family: Married mother of three boys ages 17, 13, and 10.
Likes teaching because: “I love to help people challenge themselves to make positive changes towards their fitness potential. I strive to offer safe, effective, fun, yet strong exercises to gain trust from my participants and empower them to discover their individual strengths.”
Stacy Kobert (ZUMBA)
Age: 42
Years teaching: 11
Education/Certifications: Bachelors Degree in Communication Science (University of Pittsburgh), Minor in Sign Language. Currently licensed in ZUMBA B1, B2, Toning, ZUMBA Gold, ZUMBATOMIC & Beat IT.
Married to James Kobert from Pittsburgh, mother to Chenoa Gregory, 17 years old, and Jalene Kobert, 7 years old. Has an American Pitbull Terrier, Jada.
Likes teaching because: “What I enjoy most is the high energy and fun involved in a group fitness atmosphere when working out!
Years teaching: 11
Education/Certifications: Bachelors Degree in Communication Science (University of Pittsburgh), Minor in Sign Language. Currently licensed in ZUMBA B1, B2, Toning, ZUMBA Gold, ZUMBATOMIC & Beat IT.
Married to James Kobert from Pittsburgh, mother to Chenoa Gregory, 17 years old, and Jalene Kobert, 7 years old. Has an American Pitbull Terrier, Jada.
Likes teaching because: “What I enjoy most is the high energy and fun involved in a group fitness atmosphere when working out!
Jessica Lindsey (Spinning)
Age: 30
"This is my first year teaching and I'm having a blast. I am AFAA certified, and CPR certified. I'm currently teaching Spin weekly and subbing whenever possible for classes including Body Pump, Core, Flex and Jolt.
"My background is in competitive gymnastics. I was a gymnast and then went on to coach gymnastics for several years. Along the way I also danced and cheered competitively. Becoming a teacher for group fitness seemed like a natural progression for me. It has provided me an opportunity to share my love of movement with everyone.
"I met my husband nine years ago on vacation and we have been married for four years. So far our only child has four legs - an insane beagle named Rowdy.
"I look forward to learning more about you all as the year goes on and I am genuinely excited for our fitness future."
"This is my first year teaching and I'm having a blast. I am AFAA certified, and CPR certified. I'm currently teaching Spin weekly and subbing whenever possible for classes including Body Pump, Core, Flex and Jolt.
"My background is in competitive gymnastics. I was a gymnast and then went on to coach gymnastics for several years. Along the way I also danced and cheered competitively. Becoming a teacher for group fitness seemed like a natural progression for me. It has provided me an opportunity to share my love of movement with everyone.
"I met my husband nine years ago on vacation and we have been married for four years. So far our only child has four legs - an insane beagle named Rowdy.
"I look forward to learning more about you all as the year goes on and I am genuinely excited for our fitness future."
Yolanda Russell (Aerobics and PT)
Age: 29
Education/Certifications: Bachelors in Health & Physical Education, Group Exercise & PT from IFA, Spinning Madd Dogg Athletics
Likes teaching because: “I love teaching aerobics because of the energy that you help create for your classes. I have always loved exercise, eating healthy & being in shape. With this recipe we feel better everyday & have more energy! It’s definitely one job that, no matter what, will put you in a good mood! This April I will be running my first marathon at age 30. My goal is to run one at 30, 40 and 50. With exercise and group aerobics it is still important to set goals for yourself. So everybody set a goal for this year & stick with it!"
Education/Certifications: Bachelors in Health & Physical Education, Group Exercise & PT from IFA, Spinning Madd Dogg Athletics
Likes teaching because: “I love teaching aerobics because of the energy that you help create for your classes. I have always loved exercise, eating healthy & being in shape. With this recipe we feel better everyday & have more energy! It’s definitely one job that, no matter what, will put you in a good mood! This April I will be running my first marathon at age 30. My goal is to run one at 30, 40 and 50. With exercise and group aerobics it is still important to set goals for yourself. So everybody set a goal for this year & stick with it!"
Steve Grinavic (Boot Camp)
"I have been a group fitness instructor for over 6 years. I find group fitness, in general, to be very rewarding as the clientele tends to be serious about fitness and committed to their workouts. Cycle is my personal favorite, as it tends to be technical yet still fun."
Jada Fleming (Body Flex, Step)
Jada has always had a passion for fitness and making it fun! In fact, she has been involved in physical activities practically since birth. An avid volleyball, softball, and basketball player, she continues to have her hand in team sports by coaching high school athletics. During the day, she occupies her time enriching the academic lives of elementary students. At least two afternoons a week you can find her organizing aerobic classes for her coworkers. She strives for a life that keeps her and those around her healthy and fit. With a strong interest in becoming an instructor and with assistance in training and preparation from Kari, Jada has been able to grow as in this area. This is her second year teaching aerobics at Kari Kardio. Her flex and interval classes are a big hit!
Erin Cantwell (Spin, Body Flex)
Erin Cantwell has been a certified ACE/AFAA Personal Trainer and Aerobics Instructor for three years. She currently teaches Spin and Body Flex at Kari Kardio. Erin has a passion and love for fitness and enjoys helping people succeed in their fitness goals.
Ron Silvashy (Boot Camp)
"There are not many things that occur before 8am to get excited, but Boot Camp at KariKardio is certainly exciting! Kari somehow convinced me to start teaching and I'm very glad I did because it has been the highlight of my week.
"I have been in the world of exercise and nutrition for almost 10 years, and have been a certified trainer for 5 years. As a Wellness Coach, I began doing nutritional consultation as well as a comprehensive exercise instruction.
"Boot Camps are a fun way to push the limit, and I welcome all to come to me and the other instructors with your questions as you prove to yourself that you can be Boot Camp Tough!"
"I have been in the world of exercise and nutrition for almost 10 years, and have been a certified trainer for 5 years. As a Wellness Coach, I began doing nutritional consultation as well as a comprehensive exercise instruction.
"Boot Camps are a fun way to push the limit, and I welcome all to come to me and the other instructors with your questions as you prove to yourself that you can be Boot Camp Tough!"
Christine Reyes (Cardio/Interval, Step/Interval)
Age: 40
Education: Doctorate in Optometry from Nova Southeastern University, Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stetson University
Certification: AFAA Certified in Group Exercise
Fitness History: Trained for the 1988 Olympics in 100M Butterfly and 200M IM
Nutrition Education: Extensive research in advanced nutrition in Biochemisty 1993/1994
Married for 14 years with a 12-year-old daughter
Education: Doctorate in Optometry from Nova Southeastern University, Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stetson University
Certification: AFAA Certified in Group Exercise
Fitness History: Trained for the 1988 Olympics in 100M Butterfly and 200M IM
Nutrition Education: Extensive research in advanced nutrition in Biochemisty 1993/1994
Married for 14 years with a 12-year-old daughter
Brigitte Adams (30/30/30)
Certifications: Aerobic Step, Aerobic Choreography, Body Flex, Body Pump, Body Step, Boot Camp, Crush Kick, Callanetics, Pilates, Slide Step, Muscle Training, Zumba Gold, Zumba, BTS, Les Mills, Afaa, Fitour, Inline, Ifaa, Body Life.
I started working in the fitness industry in 1989 at Sport Garten in Heidelberg, Germany and later I received my personal training certification while working at Fitzenmeier in Heidelberg. I was part owner of Viva Gesundheits Studio (Health Club) before moving to Fort Myers Beach in December 1997. I have worked as a fitness trainer at various clubs in Lee County and I am currently employed at the Omni Club in Fort Myers, Fl. I have also been a personal trainer in Lee county since 1999.
I started working in the fitness industry in 1989 at Sport Garten in Heidelberg, Germany and later I received my personal training certification while working at Fitzenmeier in Heidelberg. I was part owner of Viva Gesundheits Studio (Health Club) before moving to Fort Myers Beach in December 1997. I have worked as a fitness trainer at various clubs in Lee County and I am currently employed at the Omni Club in Fort Myers, Fl. I have also been a personal trainer in Lee county since 1999.
Brigitte Morris (Kickboxing)
Brigitte Morris was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in PT. In 2006, she moved to Fort Myers where she began teaching middle school science, and continued to pursue her certification in teaching secondary education. Brigitte has over 22 years of experience in the martial arts, which also includes 12 years as an instructor. In 2010, she became the kickboxing instructor at Kari Kardio. This kickboxing class offers an alternative style of exercise that includes many kicking and punching techniques, as well as conditioning exercises developed by martial arts fighters.