Mission Statement:  Sheila's Fitness Jam is committed to helping each client and student to become      healthier through safe and effective fitness programs.  We will only endorse and represent healthy solutions         to the issues that are of concern to your health and well being.  We follow the standards of the fitness industry as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine and the International Dance Exercise Association         and ACE.  All trainers pledge to maintain professional conduct dealing with each client, customer, student and affiliate.  Our dedication to continuing our education in the field of exercise science will assure your success as        we assist you, our clients, to reach your fitness goals.  Each member of our fitness team will individually and personally follow the same standards that we recommend to our clients.

History of the Company: Sheila's Fitness Jam, LLC was formerly Sheila's Aerobic Jazz, Inc. Since 1980         we have been bringing men, women, and children in Western New York, the most up to date fitness programs. Sheila's Aerobic Jazz was the original choreographed aerobic dance company in Western New York. In 1998      they opened Sheila's Fitness 2000, where people of all ages, shapes and sizes came in and exercised to these fun choreographed classes.  A group strength training class called Muscle Flex, mat pilates and yoga, were added           to the menu of classes as well as state of the art exercise equipment. In the spring of 2004 the businesses              were sold to a local health club and now Sheila's classes are back,being offered in convenient locations         throughout the Greater Buffalo area.  
     From the beginning, people of every age,shape and size have been getting healthy, staying healthy, and  reaching their fitness goals through their participation in these fun choreographed exercise classes.  Our           trainers and choreographer maintain nationally recognized certifications in the fitness industry. The branded       fitness programs guarantee consistancy throughout our network of locations, so that no matter where you     participate in our classes, you are getting the same fun, safe and effective workout . We remain committed to  staying on the cutting edge of the most current research from the most respected leaders in the fitness industry,  which assures that you will always have the most safe and effective fitness programs around.

Who's Sheila?
Sheila M. Samson-Powers                             

BACKGROUND:

     She saw her first aerobic dance workout on television over 30 years ago...it changed her life and the lives of thousands of others.  Through her various fitness programs, Sheila Samson-Powers has taught more than 10,000 students and trained more than 300 fitness trainers her unique methods of choreographed exercise classes.  
     In the spring of 1980,  this mother of four, used her background in dance, music and fitness to launch her own aerobic dance exercise program called Sheila's Aerobic Jazz. It soon became Western New York's largest aerobic dance company. In 1998 she opened Sheila's Fitness 2000, where people of  all ages, shapes and sizes came in and exercised to her choreographed aerobic dance, step,  and strength training routines. In the spring of 2004 she sold her business to a local health club and now she's back, offering classes in convenient locations throughout the Greater Buffalo area.  
      From Community Ed centers and church halls, to school gyms and dance studios, Sheila and her team of well trained and motivating trainers teach Sheila's Aerobic Jazz, Muscle Flex, ZUMBA, and mat Pilates classes.  It's the same great fitness programs, all under a new name...Sheila's Fitness Jam.      Sheila has three daughters, one son, four granddaughters, two grandsons (and one more grandchild on the way) who are all the joy of her life!

SPECIAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• 1983         Certification from The Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research in Dallas Texas (IAR)
• 1986         Gold Certification from the International Dance Exercise Association (IDEA)  now (ACE)
• 1976-96    Dance training at David De Marie Dance Studio - theatrical tap & jazz
• 1996         Certified AAU Aerobic Competition Judge
• 1998         Certified Health and Fitness Instructor American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• 1999         Certified Body Pump Instructor
• 2004         STOTT PILATES Reformer Certification Course and MATPILATES Workshop
• 2004         STOTT ANATOMY Workshop
• 2004         AFAA Mat Science Workshop
• 2005         STOTT MAT PILATES Intermediate Workshop
• 2005       STOTT MAT PILATES Foam Roller Workshop
• 2008        Certified Transitions Lifestyle Coach
• 2008         nutraMetrix Consultant  
• 2009         ZUMBA GOLD Licensed Instructor 
• 2009       ZUMBATOMICS Licensed Instructor
• 2009       ZUMBA BASIC 2 Licensed Instructor

 SPECIAL HONORS AND RECOGNITION:

• 1996 RECIPIENT OF THE "TOAST OF BUFFALO" AWARD   The YMCA annually awards individuals            who have made a difference in  the Buffalo Community.   Over the years, Sheila's businesses have           raised over $250,000 for various Childrens' charities in Western New York.       
• 2004 RECIPIENT OF THE YWCA  LEADER LUNCHEON AWARD -"ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR This award honors women who work or live in Western New York. It is given annually to women who have           "new  ideas, bold vision, and a deep committment to making  a difference in the lives of others".