Staff

Teran Hughes, Owner, I.F.P.A. Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

Originally from Minnesota, I can remember lacing up my 1^st pair of skates at age 5 and playing  hockey or buckling up my ski boots and grabbing the rope for the pull up the ski hill… The active life has always been my thing. Participating in competitive soccer, hockey, track,  football and doing individual sports such as weight training, waterskiing, downhill skiing, xc skiing, bicycling, rollerblading, snowboarding, windsurfing, kite boarding, surfing, etc, have all been lifelong passions and at times, obsessions… Becoming a personal trainer is a natural extension of sharing my love of fitness and exercise with gym members and clients.  Simply playing a role in peoples’ positive lifestyle choices is the overall driving reason why I have made this career choice. Whether it’s your 1^st time in the gym or you’re a true “gymrat”, I am excited to assist you in achieving  goals at Island Fitness!

Elizabeth Baker, I.S.S.A. Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

I have been an athlete since I was in the womb. I was a very active baby.  Some of my first memories are of being with my dad ‘pumping iron’ in our home gym. I started gymnastics when I was 5 years old, softball when I was 6, and tennis at 7.  I continued all of these until high school.  I stuck with tennis and picked up cheerleading and track.  While getting a degree in biology and chemistry in college, I hit the gym and started to take Spin classes regularly.  I found hobbies in wakeboarding and snowboarding as well. I think it is safe to say that being healthy and active is just a way of life for me.  In an age when a disturbing percentage of our population is unhealthy and overweight, I have found an interest in helping those that want to change to a healthier lifestyle.  Being a personal trainer is very rewarding for me because when I get that, “Thanks I feel great!” from a client I know I didn’t just do my job , I did it well. And since I keep up on the latest workout techniques and science in the industry, my own health and workouts benefit.  It’s a win-win.

Gretchen Minnotte, I.F.P.A. Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and Yoga Instructor

I started practicing Hatha Yoga in 1991 with a ski instructor who advised that it would improve my skiing.  It did more than just stretch my muscles it helped me focus.  The breathing technique helped my stamina.  I was fortunate to find a yogi I liked along with a daily morning grassroots program.  My studies taught me to apply yoga to other aspects of my life and before long I was hooked.  I’d wash the dishes in tree pose or go into downward facing dog when my back was tired.

My husband and I retired to South Padre Island 8 years ago.  Upon turning ‘50’ my doctor recommended weight training;  I enjoyed weight training so much at the gym I decided to return to yoga.  The class was a power vinyasa yoga, a western form of ashtanga yoga. My passion was found!  I was asked to start teaching a class and decided to further my yoga practice by taking a workshop/intensive in Estes Park, Colorado that was sponsored by Yoga Journal and taught by Baron Baptiste.  My teaching style is gentle and playful yet challenging, with focus on flowing with the breath.  Asana, pranayama and meditation are integrated into each lesson.  I guide students to move at their own pace.

Through breath and movement, students are taught meditation in motion. I really enjoy watching a student grow, strengthening their body while lengthening their muscles.   Namaste,  Gretchen.