NETA has been creating healthy careers for more than 48 years; throughout that time, we’ve aimed to help fitness professionals from all walks of life accomplish their personal and professional goals in the fitness industry. Since 1977, countless relationships have been developed through our training and certification programs, and we are grateful for the trust so many individuals have put in us to help them advance their career. One of those people is Rose Armentano, an active 84-year-old who has been a part of the NETA family since the beginning. We recently connected with Rose to learn more about her journey and how NETA training has elevated her career and passion for fitness.
Q: Rose, will you tell me a little bit about your fitness journey and how you became interested in being a fitness professional?
A: As a teenager, I was a professional dancer and a dance teacher. I eventually turned in my dancing shoes to pursue an undergraduate degree and master’s degree and spent most of my life being a teacher. I also raised a son, became a self-taught oil painter, and even published a novel. When it was time to retire, my husband and I moved to Florida, and I entered a “gym” gym for the first time. I ended up practicing yoga and started taking yoga classes and workshops. For nearly 30 years, I’ve been a NETA member and have taken almost every workshop and home study course you offer. At 84, I still teach students in a private setting and group classes when asked. I teach everything from ballet bar, to strength training, to balance, to nutrition – you name it, I’m probably still doing it!
Q: In your opinion, what has been the biggest change in the industry since you started?
A: When I think about early on, when we were first introduced to physical fitness, it came in the form of Jazzercise and dance studios. Then it progressed to Richard Simmons and Jane Fonda with aerobics and aerobic dance styles. The emphasis was not so much about overall health, but about weight loss and trying to achieve a certain body type.
Over the years, I feel there has been less emphasis on the perfect shape and building muscle to a more of a focus of being healthier at any shape and age. I have seen that especially in Yoga. The approach and the classes have changed to focus on health. This approach invites more people, regardless of size and age, to enter the gym and studio. I try to be a role model to the people around me. I like to say, “You can still be vibrant and alive as you age! Hold your head up, throw your shoulders back and put a smile on your face!” You can take 10 years off by just doing these things.
Q: You’re 84 and still an active Group Exercise Instructor, which is amazing! What keeps you motivated to keep teaching? Do you have a favorite class to teach?
A: The same thing that kept me motivated when I was 16. I love movement and exercise, whether it’s dance, tennis, or running. I have always sought ways to stay engaged and direct my energy. I also wanted to make a positive difference in other people’s lives, and I felt I was able to do this as a teacher. It makes me feel good when I see people who might have much confidence gaining confidence through fitness, and people who are becoming stronger physically as well as emotionally. I love the interaction and I think I get more out of it than my students. I have learned more from them than they have learned from me.
I am a strong and firm believer in the benefits of yoga. The majority of courses I took early on were related to yoga. But now, given the nature of some of my students who need to work on balance and strength training to improve muscle and bone mass, I enjoy teaching all of it. It’s a matter of trying to teach a variety so they, and I, don’t get bored. I definitely believe in strength training – I know how important the benefits are. The last two courses I took through NETA, I took somewhat selfishly. One had to do with intensity and aging. The last one was adaptive yoga – I get students who need this and find it beneficial to my helping them.
Q: Throughout your time as a fitness professional, how have your personal preferences changed when it comes to staying fit and healthy?
A: I would say my interests have broadened. I took a 20-hour course on nutrition and found it very interesting. I like to learn about how the human body works, functions and what keeps it healthy. Now, more and more I find myself studying the benefits of physical activity and aging.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the fitness industry?
A: The first lesson I learned for myself as a teacher was to put myself in the place of my students. If I were this person standing in front of me, how would I be feeling right now, what would I be looking for from the teacher in front of me? If I was obese and had never exercised before, how would I feel if I was that student? As much as possible put yourself in the place of the students. What questions would they ask you (often they don’t have the confidence to ask them). People come to you with their own baggage. Do they appear to lack confidence? If so, how will you help them build confidence? How would you want to be treated if you were that student? This profession requires a great deal of empathy. I believe great teachers are born, but that doesn’t mean you can’t become a good teacher. Know your stuff, and be prepared, but don’t be judgmental.
Q: You’re certified through NETA. Can you speak to the overall experience you’ve had with NETA and why you continue to trust NETA as a fitness professional?
A: For me, the training through NETA is practical. I really appreciate the home study courses and have found those to be valuable. I can spend my time on them and learn and digest the material. In the early years, I went to more in-person workshops and enjoyed them, but now I prefer the home study courses and appreciate that option. I also trust NETA as a subject matter expert and have found the information in the courses to be informative and valuable.
Q: When you reflect on your career as a fitness professional, what do you think the most rewarding part has been?
A: In my own small way, I have touched other people’s lives in a positive way. I have students I worked with 20 years ago who I still see and train. Others have moved away, but I get a note saying they still remember me. It’s the whole idea of teaching. It makes me feel good to watch them grow, acquire new skills. I really do believe if I can turn a student on to wanting to be motivated and working out on their own, I have done something worthwhile.
Thank you, Rose, for the many contributions you have made to your students’ and clients’ lives over the years! We are proud to have you as part of the NETA family!
