Cindy Brenarth started teaching in 1983, when she was just 24 years old. At Bodyworks in Columbia, MO, she taught strength and aerobics classes before moving on to Club. In 1987, the first year certifications were available for group fitness instructors, Cindy acquired her Gold certification with the American Council of Exercise, traveling to Kansas City for the exam with fellow Wilson’s veteran instructor, Cathy Forbes. Both came to Wilson’s in 1990, teaching a variety of classes, including strength, cardio and a particular favorite, step. In 2014, Cindy added a KettleWorX certification to her qualifications and currently teaches KettleWorX Resistance and Advanced Strength.
Drawn to teaching because of the people, Cindy loves to encourage and motivate her participants to meet their fitness goals. “I’ve prayed that over the years I’ve led my members to desire a healthier lifestyle. If I can help just one person to be healthier, it is fabulous.”
Health and fitness have always been a natural lifestyle for Cindy; she believes good health is vitally important to a happy life. With a BSN from Mizzou, she works as an Occupational Health nurse at Boone Hospital where she take care of not only her patients, but in many ways, the staff as well. “Fitness is a journey and sometimes people need someone to help them along.”
Cindy believes that women need to take personal responsibility for their health. In addition to a nutritious diet and regular exercise, quality leisure time is also a priority to her. She and her husband of 33 years, Jim, love the outdoors and frequently bike and walk the trails in Columbia, making time for each other in their busy lives (Jim works for State Farm). The couple has two daughters, the eldest of whom is an architect in San Francisco, and engaged to be married; the youngest is studying engineering at the University of Missouri, graduating in 2017.
“Staying strong is my goal now as I move into my 50’s and I hope to inspire others to keep working out.”