Severna Park Fitness Instructor’s 50th Birthday Cause for Celebration

On March 24, the usual evening Clubbin’ Cardio class at Severna Park Racquetball and Fitness Club (SPRFC) generated even more buzz than usual while Brian Ferguson, instructor and personal trainer, taught this class on his 50th birthday.  The class showed their appreciation with cards, gifts, banners, balloons and cake on his big day.

At the beginning of the night’s class, members presented gifts, five signed birthday cards and wore neon bracelets for the occasion.  Visibly moved, Ferguson said, “I guess when you are used to giving, it’s hard to receive.  This class wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you all.  Thank you.”

Ferguson has made it a tradition to conduct a drawing for gift cards and prizes every one hundred classes as his personal way of saying thanks.  Ferguson is always quick to remember a new face and welcomes people with a hug and that winning smile.

Clubbin’ Cardio has had staying power because Ferguson custom crafts the music selection for every single class.  Mixing a wide range of music from the '70s to the present, the class appeals to all ages and fitness levels.  Participants are able to follow the moves readily because Ferguson incorporates consistent, repeatable movements timed to the music.  The moves can be modified for low impact or increased in intensity for advanced students.

Ferguson has been on staff as a personal trainer and nutritionist at SPRFC since 1996.  Seven years ago, he developed and started teaching Clubbin’ Cardio, an aerobics class set to high energy club music.  The class is by far the most popular one at the fitness club, having expanded to four classes a week and an additional class taught by another instructor.

Michael Patnode, a Millersville resident and Platinum member of SPRFC for 23 years, said, “Brian is the best.  Clubbin’ Cardio is the path forward as far as I’m concerned.  I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Brian.” 

At the invitation of a friend, Severna Park resident Barbie Maniscalco took the class a year and a half ago and promptly joined the club the next day.  Maniscalco said, “Brian brings us all a lot of joy.  You can have a bad day and you come here and just let it all go.  We laugh a lot, you turn the lights down… I don’t get out much otherwise!”

Amanda Andrews, of Glen Burnie, met Brian 15 years ago, when her husband, whom she was dating at the time, started working at the gym with Brian.  Andrews said, “Brian was doing personal training downstairs and taught me there.  Then he started the Clubbin’ Cardio and I decided to do that.  It’s high energy fun.”

“It’s been seven years and there are 60 to 100 people every class.” noted Patnode.  At that rate, Clubbin’ Cardio shows no signs of slowing down.