Pedal Power fitness club opens in Greenwood Lake

GREENWOOD LAKE, N.Y. — The goal set by Teresa Thomas, mother, spinning instructor, personal trainer, kick boxing instructor and accomplished triathlete, is to help others adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Greenwood Lake Mayor Jesse Dwyer, members of the Greenwood Lake Chamber of Commerce, friends, class members and family joined Thomas for the grand opening of Pedal Power, Inc., 69 Windermere Ave.

Thomas started Pedal Power, an indoor cycling and physical fitness program, in her garage with just three indoor cycling bikes and joined by friends, who gathered to work out and socialize.

Along with trainer Nancy DeLuca, she developed the technique of combining strength training with indoor cycling in the same class, an important innovation for people with limited windows of time to exercise.

"Soon," explained Thomas, "yoga was added to provide the stretching, meditation and balance that is needed in life's daily activities, as well as shadow kickboxing and Zumba."

In September, Pedal Power moved into the current location on Windermere Avenue in Greenwood Lake.

"Pedal Power members," she said, "have seen immediate results in their overall health and fitness goals, including increased mobility and strength, even beginning a regimen on 5K runs. These classes also provide a social outlet and healthy community."

Thomas keeps her classes small to encourage group support and keeping it fun. And she hand-picks instructors who share her passion to help people live a healthier, more balanced life.

Thomas also competes regularly in triathlons.

This past year, she placed first in her age group at the Monroe YMCA triathlon and the Hudson Valley triathlon club's sprint triathlon series, qualifying for age-group national championships in Milwaukee. And last summer she completed her first Half-Ironman in Syracuse.

"In a world where the dangers of chronic illnesses like obesity and diabetes are at an all-time high," said Thomas, "We want to create a comfortable space for everyone to work on a healthy lifestyle."

For additional information, call Thomas at 845-313-8699.

- Roger Gavan