Instructor Spotlight: Fyffe Aschenbrenner
We are lucky to have so many excellent fitness instructors at the YWCA. Fyffe Aschenbrenner is one of the mainstays in Health and Wellness, and we recently sat down with Fyffe to learn about little more about her.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and how (and why) you first got connected to the YWCA of Asheville.
I’ve been a group exercise instructor for about 20 years. At first I was working at another Asheville gym. Doing that, you get to know this whole network of fitness instructors, and I started subbing at other gyms, and that’s how I ended up at the YW, and I just stayed. I think I stay for the same reason members do – it’s what the YWCA stands for….and, we have a gym.
What do you see as the role of YWCA of Asheville?
People come here because it’s the YW. They could go to any gym, but they chose to come here because of the Mission. It’s intentional. If someone is here, in the gym or in a fitness class, it’s because they most likely support the mission to eliminate racism and empower women. AND, nurture families. The child care piece at the YW is so important, and I love it that we have income based memberships. It’s community- and family-oriented. And we help women.
Who was an important or inspirational woman in your life growing up (and why)?
There are a lot of women, but I’d have to say my mother. I’m a lot like her. She was physical all her life. She was a professional wrestler, and I remember her doing exercises when I was a kid. She encouraged fitness for me and for all my siblings. I’m grateful for that.
What motivates you to keep moving forward?
Health and well-being, mental and physical, keep me moving forward. That’s another thing I love about the YW – I’ve grown older along with many of the members. They keep coming, so I keep coming.
What are you most proud of in your work with the YW?
When members tell me that something has changed because of our exercise classes. They have better balance, their bone density improved, they ski better….they do the work, but it makes me proud that I have a part in it.
What has kept you coming back to the YW?
Besides the health and fitness, community, women’s empowerment, and inclusiveness?! I think the anti-racism work of the YW is important. I’ve taken the Racial Justice Workshop a few times, and I have some family members that have been touched by racist attitudes. We have to talk about these things, and educate one another about racism.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Well, I’ve already told you that my mother was a professional wrestler, but it might surprise people to know that I actually produced a documentary about her experience called “Pin Down Girl.” Now showing on YouTube!
