Kate Epler: Fitness Profile - as appeared in Reading Eagle 11/5/09

When and why you began to exercise: I began my dancing career at the age of 3. Throughout my entire life, dancing has been my favorite form of exercise. My early learning experiences started at the Gift Sisters with tap and ballet, then on to Shirley Thomas School of Dance for baton.

I entered the Exeter Township Baton Corps at age 13 and became featured twirler in my senior year of high school. After the birth of my son, I decided to learn a different type of dance. I received instruction on Middle Eastern dancing and began dancing for functions in the Reading, Pottstown and Pittsburgh areas.

As I approached my late 30s, I returned to taking jazz dance classes at a few different locations in Reading just to keep fit. From there I ended up at the Dance Centers of Mount Penn, where I furthered my studies with more tap and jazz instruction.

At that time, the baton teacher had left in midseason and the owner of the Dance Centers knew of my history. She asked if I would take over the classes. That was 15 years ago. I also taught children ages 5 to 10 tap, ballet and tumbling. In addition, I used my belly dance, tap and jazz experience and knowledge to teach adults.

Type you do: Nine years ago, with the help of a friend, I approached the Muhlenberg Township Recreation Center and asked if they would be interested in sponsoring dance classes. This is when I created A Touch of Class, which consists of an eight-week dance session for the person who wants to dance, exercise and have fun. I taught tap, jazz, baton, belly dance and dance aerobics. Four years ago, I also began teaching classes at the Cumru Township recreation facility. I am currently teaching hip-hop to children ages 7 to 12; beginning belly dance; intermediate belly dance; and low-impact dance aerobics. I design sessions in the fall and winter/spring months. Although because of the demand, I now run classes all year round for each township. I've also designed belly dance and dance aerobic classes for Curves of Muhlenberg Township.

Hardest hurdle to overcome: As I am beginning to age, my body tells me so. I do have degenerative disc disease and arthritis in my back and feet. So there are times that I am in pain. Nothing that a little aspirin or heat can't fix. But overall, I feel that I can overcome this hurdle when helping others feel good about themselves both physically and mentally.

Biggest exercise achievement: My biggest and most rewarding achievement to my entire part-time dance business is that my students want to come to my classes. In addition to losing weight and inches, exercise is good for your entire well-being. I always tell my students, this time is your time. Forget the papers on your desk at work and forget the dirty dishes in the sink. You are here to be healthier, feel good about yourself and have fun while doing it. Also, when I'm teaching the children at a young age to have fun with dancing, they don't even realize how much exercise they are doing.

How exercise helps you: I had been told by a doctor not to stop dancing. I may not be able to do the back bends, splits, etc., like I did when I was younger, but, it won't stop me from showing and explaining to my students how to do something. The children are great because they actually enjoy showing me. Dancing helps me retain my weight goals. It keeps me young at heart. I have more energy after dancing. But, keeping up with this form of exercise also helps me to sleep better. And it's a great stress reliever.

Tips to others: Do something for yourself. If it's not dancing, then walk, run, hike or bicycle. Get yourself involved with any form of exercise that will get your heart rate up. Of course, check with your physician before taking on any kind of exercise.

Once a week Lifestyle will profile a person who has made exercise a part of his or her life. If you know someone who enjoys being physically active, write to Fitness profile, Reading Eagle Company, P.O. Box 582, Reading, PA 19603, or e-mail life@readingeagle.com. Include the person's name, address and telephone number and why you think he or she should be profiled.