Meet Aileen Sheron of Bonsall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aileen Sheron

Hi Aileen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started assisting dance classes at the age of 14. By the time I was 16, I was teaching on my own at Gloria Noblitt Dance Studio in the San Fernando Valley. I fell in love with fitness after taking an early aerobics class in 1978. One of the first studios I taught at was owned by Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van Halen. Soon after I began teaching there, I landed a video project that was produced by Jane Fonda’s producer called the 29 Minute Total Body Toner. It sold millions of copies in the 80s and I began my full-time career in fitness, eventually filming for many different brands. My Weight Watchers Workout series hit the top of the charts and won Consumer Reports’ top review. Making a living in fitness is tough, so I learned that I needed to be entrepreneurial. I starred in video projects for different companies, competed as an aerobic athlete for the National Aerobics Championships, went on TV as a fitness expert, wrote articles for magazines, and presented original content at some of the largest fitness conferences in the world. I was one of three finalists for IDEA’s Fitness Instructor of the Year award in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Through the decades, I have lead the industry with innovative formats across virtually all facets of fitness. I am an international presenter, inventor, program developer, content creator, writer, mentor, business owner, and social media personality, while still maintaining my passion for teaching students every single week for over forty years. A continuing education provider for 35+ years, I have trained thousands of instructors in a variety of specialties. During Covid, when in-person teaching and most of the fitness industry came to a standstill, I was recommended to an insurance company to create content for those who were homebound. To date, I have created thousands of videos for them, across many different formats and levels, and continue to work actively in the online arena. I have mentored and coached many of today’s industry leaders and provide proprietary choreography to align with their personal brands. I am the Talent Scout for world renowned Rancho La Puerta resort and spa in Tecate, Mexico. I am also president of my own company, Good Natured Products, Inc., selling my patented invention, the Omniball, and other fitness offerings.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life is never easy! Making a living in an industry where, for the most part, you are an independent contractor makes things challenging. From the very early years in fitness, you would get a (generally low) hourly fee to teach classes, no benefits, no paid time off for pregnancy, no insurance, no sick days, and no paid vacation. Fitness pros pay for their own music, clothes, and are responsible for most expenses. It is also a very competitive industry, and selling myself became a big part of my business. Especially during the early years, people who made fitness a career did it for two reasons — to make a difference in the lives of their clientele and for the love of the industry. I can’t remember a time in my life when fitness wasn’t a huge part of what I do and who I am. During both my pregnancies, teaching was not easy and recovery was challenging. At 50, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, and for a few years, until i figured things out, I struggled physically with such a high demand on my body. I am lucky that I have had only minor injuries, despite teaching a very rigorous schedule for so many years. Covid was a game changer for fitness presenters like me who made most of our living traveling and teaching at conferences and working in gyms. Although it opened doors for the online market, personal reinvention was critical to survive all the changes. Luckily, I had already been very active online and the transition was easier for me than most.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Since a very young age, I have had the ability to hear music and come up with movements that match. Whether it be for dance, aerobics, or for any piece of equipment, coming up with innovative programs, moves, sequences and transitions is second nature to me. I was one of the first content creators for both fitness tubing (elastic bands) and myofascial release. People reach out to me when they require a fresh approach and innovative ideas. Despite these specialties, I am a generalist when it comes to teaching and can offer original, world class programming in virtually any category of fitness. I am proud of the industry recognition I have achieved after so many years of hard work in the business.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I am a people person. I can connect with the lowest and highest level of attendee in my classes. My students come cover a wide range of abilities, from those walking in the door for their very first class to seasoned fitness professionals looking to expand their knowledge. I do my very best to make everyone who walks in to take a class/session/lecture feel like part of the community. The key is to teach to the best students and front row fans, as well as the lesser-skilled, injured, or newbies in the back! I make people laugh, show them my vulnerability, and make sure that everyone gets along….

Contact Info:

• Website: aileensheron.com and Omni-ball.com
• Instagram: aileenfitpro
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aileensheron/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileen-sheron-b7761612/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aileensheron