FITNESS
THE FITNESS WORLD constantly evolves, making it difficult to keep up with new trends. One thing that never changes, though, is the love McConnell Golf trainers and instructors have for our members. It takes a special person to continuously motivate others to reach their goals, both mentally and physically. McConnell Golf is fortunate to employ some of the best trainers and instructors in the business. Here are four who never cease to amaze us with the drive, talent and creativity they bring to our organization.
GREG KEARNS
Yoga Instructor, The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation Greg Kearns is a North Carolina native who attended UNC Charlotte, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology. By day, he works as an organic chemist for the city of Raleigh. He’s always enjoyed participating in group fitness classes and, at the age of 40, he decided it was time to step out of his comfort zone in order to help others reach their fitness goals. Kearns fell in love with yoga after 54
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“I started going to Greg‘s classes a little over four years ago. Then my husband, Marc, decided to join me and we have been going together from that time on. Marc has even rescheduled his golf outings so he can go do yoga with Greg on Saturday mornings. Greg is not only one of the best instructors we have ever had the honor of learning from, he is also one of the kindest and truly thoughtful people we have had the pleasure of knowing. With his humor and his non-judgmental ways, he gets you to do things that sometimes you don’t want to do, and at the end you’re glad that you did it!” – Merri Robinson
his first class. Two years later, he was a certified instructor. He continues to gain knowledge and certifications; for example, he learned how to teach trauma-sensitive yoga to individuals suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. Through his teaching style, Kearns dispels popular yoga instructor stereotypes. He loves to have fun with
his participants, as they slowly let go of the busy outside world and build a practice on their breath, body and focus. Kerns ends every class with the “Shavasana” pose, with members laying back on their mats and focusing on the subtleties in and around them – including the sound of their breath, heartbeat, the movement of air around their body, the warmth of the sun or even the pressure against the mat. There is very little that brings Kearns more joy than opening his eyes after the closing salutation and being met with smiling, restful faces.
SHERRI TALLANT
Director of Fitness, Sedgefield Country Club Sherri Tallant has served as a personal trainer, instructor and director of fitness at Sedgefield Country Club for more than 25 years. An ISSAcertified (International Sports Science Association) Master Trainer, she also holds TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Level 1 certification along with other specialized certifications such as ISSA Exercise Therapy, Corrective Exercise Therapist.
