Inside DSN Community Center’s Fitness Department
At the heart of DSN Community Center’s vibrant wellness culture is its thriving Fitness Department, led by Fitness Director Sharon Carlstrom. With a year-round commitment to movement, motivation, and professional excellence, DSN’s Group Exercise (Group Ex) has become a cornerstone of daily life for so many, both men and women, young and old, in the community.
DSN’s Group Ex program offers an impressive average of 60 classes per week, drawing over 110 participants daily, as one can see from the parking lot. Whether members are looking to sweat, stretch, strengthen, or simply reset their minds, the schedule delivers something for every fitness level, interest, and goal.
There is a class for everybody. The Group Ex schedule is thoughtfully designed and categorized to ensure balance, variety, and accessibility. Mind/Body Classes focus on flexibility, alignment, and recovery, including yoga, Wall Works, Pilates reformer & mat, foam rolling, guided and one-on-one stretch and barre. Cardio Classes bring the energy and elevate the heart rate with options like Kick A** Cardio, Sweat It Out, 305 Dance, Step, Spin, Boxing, Battle Ropes, and Fitness Center Circuits. Strength & Conditioning Classes help members build power and endurance through circuits, TRX, FeeLEEing It, Burn w/ Bren and Perspirology Toning. This wide-ranging lineup allows members to mix and match styles, prevent burnout, and stay consistently engaged with their fitness journeys.
Earlier this year, the Pilates Reformers were relocated from the DSN Beach Club to Norwood Ave where the former Spin room was renovated to become a complete Reformer Studio, much to the appreciation of DSN’s members who find the space to be exclusive and the perfect vibe to match the reformer classes. The Spin bikes were relocated to a nearby space in Elberon where the space was renovated to create a Spin studio to accommodate 25 participants. Dani Rubin, owner of Pilates Blast, who provides instructors for DSN’s Reformer program, says, “Our instructors love the private, serene, fully equipped studio where every class includes access to all the props and thoughtful amenities.”
What truly sets DSN apart is its unwavering commitment to quality, safety and professional excellence. All Group Ex instructors are required to hold certifications from nationally accredited organizations. A standard DSN takes seriously. Instructor Janie Fallas stated, “I love teaching at DSN because we have grown to be a family. Coming to exercise, seeing my friends, everyone with a smile on, sweating, laughing and having the best time is the best high in the world. The staff are all so accommodating and everyone greets you with respect and a smile. I feel so grateful to be a part of the DSN family.”
To keep members inspired and energized, DSN offers semi-annual Group Ex incentive challenges, a favorite among participants. The first challenge of 2026 ran from December 28 through January 15, pushing members to stay active during a notoriously busy time of year. Participants received challenge cards with three class categories and were tasked with completing five classes per category, for a total of 15 classes in just 19 days. Every member who completed the challenge earned a DSN Fitness sweatshirt, and, of course, bragging rights. A special mention to the challenge winners, Rivka Bahary, Sherri Betesh, Danielle Brown, Suzie Chera, Lisa Cohen, Suzy Cohen, Allegra Cojab, Caroline Cornman, Danielle Gindi, Rena Golden, Elaine Grossman, Sally Grossman, Sarah Klein, Tzippy Maimon, Alison Mamiye, Laura Mizrahi, Jacqueline Shalom, Nicole Shamah, Joyce Shamosh, Gladys Sutton, Yvonne Tobias, and Leah Tobal Varver.
Looking ahead, DSN is excited to launch its Six Weeks to Summer Challenge, kicking off April 12. Challenges are free to all Group Ex members, and details are shared regularly on Instagram at @dsngroupex.
With inspired leadership, certified instructors, and a community that shows up day after day, DSN Community Center’s Fitness Department continues to prove that wellness is about more than exercise, it’s about connection, consistency, and showing up for yourself together. Sarah Kish, when asked for her thoughts on DSN’s Group Ex program, offered, “Classes at DSN are a highlight of my day and of Jersey life. The variety of classes keeps things always interesting, and it is a great social and healthy way to start my day. I also love babysitting and find it incredibly convenient and my kids love their early start at DSN.”
Sharon Carlstrom reflects on how far DSN Fitness has come since opening eleven years ago. “Looking back at where we started, to the thriving programs and diversity of classes that we have today, is incredibly humbling. I am profoundly proud of how far this facility has come, but even more proud of our instructors and members who have evolved our classes to be more than just a workout, but a lifestyle. We’ve grown, we’ve adapted, and we’ve built something truly special together.”
