Real stories, real energy: Part 2 – Vaughan Fitness instructors leading by example
Across Vaughan, some of the strongest champions of active living are the ones leading the classes. These instructors bring lived experience, energy and personal passion into every program they offer.
Meet Rita
For Rita Ieritano, teaching is rooted in both movement and community connection. Her classes – including DanceFit, Zumba Gold, SeniorFit and Aquafit – take place at Chancellor Community Centre and Woodbridge Pool.
Outside the studio, she looks for new challenges that keep life interesting. Hiking trails like Rattlesnake Point, learning pickleball and exploring partner dance styles have all become part of her routine.
That willingness to try something unfamiliar shapes how she approaches her work. Leading others comes naturally, but learning alongside participants keeps things fresh and meaningful.
Community has always played an important role in her life. Growing up surrounded by strong cultural roots helped shape her approach as a caring, involved and service-minded instructor.
Meet Florene
Florene Moskovitz brings a similar sense of purpose into every DanceFIT class she leads. Having raised her family in Vaughan, she sees firsthand how recreation creates opportunities for connection and confidence.
Moments in class often stand out in simple but meaningful ways. “What stands out most to me is the joy,” she shares, reflecting on how people arrive, connect and leave feeling lighter.
Meet Eddie
At another facility, Eddie Birnbaum channels music and movement into something more than exercise. His spin classes focus on energy, rhythm and creating an experience that feels both motivating and fun.
For him, the connection between sound and motion makes all the difference. “When you combine music with movement, it becomes something more than just a workout,” he explains.
Staying active, in his view, has no age limit. “As long as I can get on that bike, turn up the music and help people feel stronger and happier, I’ll keep going.”
Meet Chhaya
Chhaya K. offers a different but complementary perspective through her yoga-based programs. Teaching yoga, chair yoga and TIME (Together In Movement and Exercise) sessions across several community centres allows her to connect with participants in both calm and energetic settings.
Her personal interests add depth to how she approaches each class. Painting, reading, badminton and even winning a senior Bollywood singing competition all reflect her openness to creativity and joy.
That balance between social connection and quiet reflection shapes her outlook. Whether surrounded by a group or spending time alone, she finds meaning in both experiences and rarely feels disconnected.
Guiding others through movement also strengthens her own practice. Teaching becomes a shared journey that supports mental, physical and emotional well-being for everyone involved.
Opportunities like these are part of Vaughan’s Age-Friendly Community Action Plan, which focuses on creating spaces where residents can stay engaged and supported.
Together, these stories show how leadership, curiosity and connection continue to grow over time.
Learn more about the Action Plan.
Discover classes and programs that match your interests at vaughan.ca/OlderAdultRec