Our vision is to be a diverse, highly trained team that is recognized for positively and proactively impacting the health and well-being of the community.
Our mission is to educate and instruct the community through the delivery of comprehensive quality fitness & wellness programs for a strong, healthy Virginia Beach.
Diane Benner, Fitness Unit Supervisor
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional
Diane has spent 25 years in the fitness industry developing fitness and wellness programs, teaching group fitness classes, training individual clients, supervising other instructors and presenting at local and national fitness and wellness conferences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure studies from Shepherd University and completed graduate level coursework in Exercise Science and Wellness at Old Dominion University. She has also received training in in a wide range of fitness formats including TRX® Suspension Training, Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing and Kettlebells. She maintains an active lifestyle through hiking, camping, biking, and gardening among other hobbies.
Diane's Personal Fitness Philosophy: “Don’t quit. Never stop. A happy, healthy, vibrant, well-being is obtainable for all.”
Birgitt Kishbaugh - Bayside
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional
Birgitt comes to the fitness unit with 18 years of experience teaching group fitness classes and managing group fitness programs in the private sector. She has training in a wide range of fitness formats that include Yogafit, SilverSneakers®, Turbo Kick, Bodypump™, Bodystep™, BOSU®, and Drums Alive®. Birgitt’s passion for group fitness carries into her personal life. When she isn’t teaching classes, she takes classes to stay fit. She admits that she has never been a fan of the treadmill; instead, she finds that group fitness classes and learning from other instructors help her meet her fitness goals and keep her motivated.
Birgitt's Personal Fitness Philosophy: “Staying fit can be challenging, but there is no reason why you can’t make it fun and a lifetime commitment. No matter how experienced you are in fitness, you can always learn something new.”
Jaq Clark - Great Neck
NASM Certified Personal Trainer, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Jaq has teaching experience and training in a wide range of formats that include Yoga, Spin, Pilates, TRX® Suspension Training, Kettlebells, Hip Hop, SilverSneakers®, Kickboxing, and Aquatic fitness. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University where she studied group fitness programming. She is currently taking graduate level courses in Exercise Science at Old Dominion University. Her passion for an active lifestyle includes everything from running and swimming, surfing and snowboarding, to playing racquetball and taking hot yoga, just to name a few.
Jaq's Personal Fitness Philosophy: “Exercising and eating right needs to be a lifestyle. Quick fix diets don’t work. With dedication and hard work, any fitness goal is achievable.”
Karen LeRette - Princess Anne
KLerette@vbgov.com | 426-0022
NETA Certified Personal Trainer Karen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in group fitness, personal training and aquatic fitness to her new post at Princess Anne Rec Center. As a navy wife and mother of three, she understands the hectic pace of life and the challenges it can bring to staying in shape. She prides herself on getting to know her participants, encouraging them, and helping them achieve their goals. Outside of work, Karen enjoys gardening, boating & fishing with her family and walking her dogs.
Karen's Personal Fitness Philosophy: "Discipline – inside and outside of the gym - for a balanced whole being. Motivate yourself to do well and others will follow your lead."
Tony Lighthart - Princess Anne
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Tony’s long career with the department has taken him to a variety of recreation centers where he has always excelled in programming for youth, adults, and seniors. This continues to be his focus with the Fitness Unit. He uses his training in SilverSneakers®, BOSU®, and Aquatic fitness to develop programming for all ages and puts his personal talents and interests to work teaching youth skateboarding and women’s surfing clinics.
In his time away from the rec center, Tony enjoys cycling, swimming, and studying nutrition.
Tony's Personal Fitness Philosophy: “Use it or lose it.”
Robert Barber - Williams Farm
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional
Robert began his career in the department as a part-time employee, but has since been promoted twice and is now challenged with programming fitness classes at both Bow Creek and Seatack. He also puts his skills to use in programming and leading outdoor fitness opportunities such as surf lessons, skate camps and outdoor cross-training classes. His special training in Kettlebells, TRX® Suspension Training, and Boxing help him develop a variety of classes for a wide range of participants. His own fitness interests take on a competitive edge when he competes in events such as mud runs and Warrior Dashes.
Robert's Personal Fitness Philosophy: “You have to put a lot of hard work and effort into making a change. You can’t just go through the motions. You have to actually push your body past its limits. Your body is your life: take care of it.”
Chuck Thomas - Kempsville
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, United States Amateur Boxing Coach
Chuck’s tenure with the department began 23 years ago, making him the longest tenured employee on the fitness team. Many of those years have been spent developing group fitness and boxing programs. He is especially proud of the number of youth who have come through his programs. Now with the Fitness Unit, Chuck continues these classes and uses his training in Aqua Fitness, TRX® Suspension Training, Kettlebells and Ropes to challenge the patrons who frequent his classes. He also oversees our largest outdoor program, the boot camp class at Mt. Trashmore. Chuck enjoys life as much as possible and believes that his career in fitness helps him maintain a strong and healthy lifestyle.
Chuck's Personal Fitness Philosophy: “You put in the time, you get the results!”
Robert Arbogast - Great Neck
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional
Robert has been with the department for 10 years and has focused on aquatic fitness since the Fitness Unit was formed. He also has training in SilverSneakers®, TRX® Suspension Training, and group fitness instruction. His college education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Methodist University. Along with teaching classes, Robert enjoys working with new instructors whom he helps develop their own aqua fitness classes, researching new and innovative classes for the water, and writing feature articles for the Fitness & Wellness Email Newsletter. Robert recently completed his first marathon with Jaq and maintains an interest in running. He also enjoys golf, bike riding, and writing.
Robert's Personal Fitness Philosophy: “Don’t be afraid to set lofty goals, but remember: a truly healthy lifestyle includes activities that are both challenging and fun, mindfulness when it comes to your diet, and scheduled time for rest and relaxation.”