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 degree 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 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 disbands 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.

“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 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.

Tallant has a passion for helping clients “correct” physical limitations, focusing on mobility issues that affect golf swing, posture corrections, presurgery exercises and post-operative exercise therapy. She also loves working with youth. An ISSA Specialist in Strength & Conditioning and Youth Fitness, she works with young athletes in sport-specific strength and conditioning as well as teaching proper techniques and the importance of general fitness to all.

Tallant was born and raised in North Carolina. She has two sons – Rob and Adam – as well as two grandsons. Outside of work, she enjoys family, gardening, cooking and special time with her grandsons. Tallant is a tremendous leader and trainer, and McConnell Golf is grateful to have her on our team.

KYM REED

Whether personal training or

– Amber Marsh Elliott

teaching a class, Kym Reed helps results happen – indeed, she’s been leading others to fitness for more than 25 years. As Providence Country Club’s fitness and activities director, Reed is keeping members motivated and moving by teaching RIPPED, a high-intensity interval, strength training program twice a week. She’s energized by the community and personalization that can be accomplished via small groups and one-on-one personal training.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Reed has a degree in kinesiology and a variety of certifications, such as Advance TRX Group Training, Tabata Bootcamp, PIYO, SilverSneakers Yoga and Circuit, Moving for Better Balance (Tai Chi), Speedball, RIPPED and Pound (cardio drumming). Her goal each day, especially during the pandemic, is to safely assist members with workouts to help them stay physically and mentally strong.

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Reed balances her work life with a rich family life, which includes playing fetch with her corgi, Valentine. She’s the mother of two daughters and she recently launched a relationship podcast with her husband. Reed brings positivity, knowledge, imagination and a fun, well-rounded fitness program to Providence Country Club. ALLISON EVANS

Wellness Director, Porters Neck Country Club

Allison Evans has served as the wellness director at Porters Neck Country Club since May 2015. She moved to Wilmington from the Outer Banks, where she worked for Dare County running a community center fitness program. She got married in October 2019; she and her husband, Douglas, spend as much time outside as possible with their dog Quincy. Surfing, cycling, boating and running are just a few of their favorite things to do.

Evans grew up participating in gymnastics. In college, she discovered

that health and fitness was something you could major in, so she went on a wellness track. She earned an undergraduate degree in health and fitness from East Carolina University – where she was a member of the cheerleading squad – and a master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Virginia. Evans quickly found a way to utilize her voice, social nature and passion for movement/physical activity on a daily basis while helping others discover their commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Evans thrives on helping Porters Neck members meet their wellness goals. Figuring out ways for members to maintain their health and fitness throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been her driving force over the past year and she looks forward to continuing to adapt, learn and grow the PNCC wellness programs to meet whatever challenges are in store for the future.

“Everyone knows intellectually that committing to a regular routine of cardio and strength exercises is essential to a healthier and happier life. But we all need inspiration and leadership to get us emotionally engaged. Allison is a magnificent leader, keeping the PNCC fitness programs fun, flexible and challenging. All of us in her classes look forward to being with her and our teammates, laughing and getting better every day.” – Gene Haley

For leasing opportunities, contact Wendy Russell: (865) 525-3888 | leasing@russellcoach.com | www.russellcoach.com 6344 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924