Education
Penn State University; B.A.
Certifications & Specializations
- Certified Pilates Instructor (JL Body Conditioning)
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
- NASM Senior Fitness Specialist
- NASM Women’s Fitness Specialist
- CPR/AED Certified
Experience
19+ years
Clients Denise Commonly Works With
Denise works with a wide range of clients and goals. The examples below highlight some of the people she most commonly trains.
- Adults returning to exercise after joint replacement or injury, following completion of physical therapy
- Individuals building strength and mobility while navigating back or joint limitations, such as scoliosis, spinal stenosis, or similar considerations
- Older adults focused on staying active, strong, and independent
- Individuals seeking low impact higher-intensity workouts
- Individuals looking to improve cardiovascular fitness through dynamic, low-impact movement
- Individuals seeking training support while pursuing weight loss goals
- Recreational athletes looking to improve strength, mobility, and resilience
- Individuals rebuilding strength and mobility after injury, inactivity, or life transitions
Background
Denise brings over 19 years of experience working across a wide range of Pilates and fitness studios. She is best known for her time as a Pilates instructor at Julian Littleford’s world-renowned studio, where she developed her foundation and teaching style under his mentorship. Denise also spent several years as a personal trainer at CHUZE Fitness, where she was repeatedly recognized as the top trainer across all 14 locations nationwide.
Throughout her career, Denise has worked with a diverse range of clients, supporting individuals returning to exercise after joint replacements, navigating bone and joint changes, or building strength and confidence alongside ongoing health considerations. All training is approached thoughtfully and conservatively, with medical clearance when appropriate.
Denise is known not only for her experience, but for the genuine care she brings to every session. Over the years, she has developed a loyal client base drawn to her warm, encouraging presence and her ability to meet people where they are. Denise believes that trust, consistency, and thoughtful programming are key to long-term success.
In 2005, Denise completed the 500-hour Pilates apprenticeship under Julian Littleford. She later became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer in 2012 and continued expanding her education with certifications in corrective exercise, senior fitness, and women’s fitness. Her commitment to continued learning allows her to create intelligent, balanced programs tailored to each client’s goals and abilities.
In 2015, Denise and her daughter Kelly opened Fit Monkeys, creating a one-on-one studio environment that blends the best elements of Pilates and personal training. Denise is currently completing NASM’s Stretching and Flexibility Coach certification, continuing to refine her approach to functional, well-rounded movement.
Hobbies
- Movie nights with her husband Jack
- Healthy cooking
- Reading about health and fitness
- Meditation
- Longevity-focused lifestyle practices such as sauna sessions and fasting