Focused on a muscle-making mission

For several residents on the road of “ups and pounds,” they opt to take Marilyn Bunger’s exercise classes to not only mold their muscles, but strengthen their souls. Bunger, a 65-year-old Valley Stream resident, has been teaching aerobics classes for more than 20 years in many local communities to help people reach their weight loss goals and enrich their quality of life.

“I enjoy the people,” she said. “I feel like I am putting them in a good place. They are working out and becoming healthier.”

As a personal trainer, Bunger teaches an average of 14 classes a week at various places like libraries and senior centers, along with doing private instruction. Right now, 15 students are enrolled in her fall exercise class at the Fireman’s Field Clubhouse, which meets for one-hour sessions on Monday and Thursday evenings at through Dec. 20.

With a very busy instruction schedule, Bunger is happy and enjoying each step guiding people to achieve better bodies. If you ask her, she loves what she does since embarking on her “ fitness teaching journey” at age 39. “After going to a program with Jackie Sorensen, I was told I should try this,” she said. “I wanted a feeling of strength after having three kids.”

The mother of three said that Sorensen, who is known as the originator of aerobic dancing, was a source of inspiration. And years after growing up in Franklin Square and attending H. Frank Carey High School there, Bunger became certified as an instructor in her late 30s. Today, she is certified with the American Counsel on Exercise, the Arthritis Foundation, and the American Exercise Association. In addition, she holds two CPR certifications and takes continuing education classes on exercise and fitness each year.

Since becoming a trainer, she has many proud moments, one of which in particular has been a great achievement for Bunger. “I did my first breast cancer walk in 1999 with my daughter,” she said. “It was a great accomplishment. I showed my endurance. The excitement of the people was tremendous.”

It is that excitement that Bunger said is one of the driving forces behind why she teaches fitness and wellness. “I look forward to putting the music on and getting going each class,” she said. “To see the enthusiasm of people and see them work out is a good feeling for me.”

Bunger said she has had more than one person achieve great success in improving their body and health, including a woman who lost 50 pounds and lowered her blood pressure after having double knee replacement surgery. “My class gives endurance and people need that to beat off depression and accomplish their goals.”

Individuals like resident Maureen Amato, who is now in her fourth cycle in Bunger’s class, have achieved great success so far, losing 30 pounds. “I enjoy it so much,” Amato said. “We do exercises with bands and balls.”

In referring to Bunger’s instruction, Amato is very happy. “Marilyn is phenomenal, “ she said. “I love the camaraderie and helping one another.”

Amato, along with other ladies, will gain cardiovascular endurance, use weights and bands, and improve their flexibility while in Bunger’s current class. According to Bunger, her moves will increase muscle mass to improve body strength, increase range of motion especially in the joints, and strengthen one’s heart to combat high blood pressure. Several of the moves are set to a musical background, as each class has certain routines and different music.

Just last year, Nancy Meyer started taking Bunger’s classes and reports a noticeable increase in her body strength. “You feel good when you exercise and get a good balanced workout,” she said. “ You always have more energy. My metabolism has increased. “ Meyer added that Bunger is very good and makes her feel comfortable, and she said that Bunger is very personable.

Laurel Brown, who is in her third year taking Bunger’s classes, enjoys them. “We do music, weight-lifting and everything,” Brown said. “Bunger is wonderful. She makes sure people understand what is being said and what movements are made.”

Bunger hopes that each of her students makesvast improvements in their physical health. “ I hope people leave mindful of their health,” she said. “They should know the benefits of exercise. Their body, health and wellness improve their quality of life down the road. It is never too late to do something.”