By Shauna Scott Rhone
The Cincinnati Enquirer

When Blake Brown did her first warm-ups and faced her instructor Gino Caldwell in 1993, she had no idea that 10 years later she'd be leading her own class. The 38-year-old Pleasant Ridge resident stretches out the kinks all over Greater Cincinnati, including her classes at Madisonville Recreation Center.

What is it?

Aerobics.

How did you get started?

Gino Caldwell, who taught at a class in Mount Auburn, always made getting fit seem so exciting. He filled the gym with students of all ages and races. He made it so much fun. I thought,

"What a better thing to do than to teach what I love?" Now that I'm an instructor, Gino occasionally comes in as a guest instructor.

What do you get out of it?

I get friendship. I've gotten so many friends from taking classes, and now as I teach them, it's almost like a feeling of warmth that comes back from my students. This is so cool to me to be in the midst of people dancing. To teach it, it feels more like a high when the class is over. It's the best feeling in the world. I still get that same rush every time class starts. Sometimes, I'll see people who come in here in a bad mood and I smile because I know you can't leave here in a bad mood. You'll come out feeling great. I teach a class for seniors. We get moving with Motown music and a little of the more recent hip-hop music. Some of my students have been with me for 10 years.

How much does it cost to get started?

It varies depending on where you take the classes. I charge $3 for twice a week sessions.

What type of equipment do you need?

Comfortable clothing, free weights (3-8 pounds) and ankle weights.

How long does it take to get started?

If you're consistent, maybe four sessions. Sometimes, I'll see people who aren't putting their all into the session. I'll watch them more and encourage them to help pep them up. Depending on the type of day they've had, people come in and just go through the motions. It's important to keep coming to class in order to see benefits.

How long did it take to learn?

As an instructor, my training was a 10-week course through Elite Training, but Gino was an excellent mentor and taught me most of what I know. Even after I completed my training, my confidence still wasn't there to stand in front of a crowd. I was so nervous about it, so Gino said just do it one time. Ten years later, I look forward to starting every class.

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To nominate someone who keeps fit while having fun, e-mail srhone@enquirer.com, fax 768-8330 or write to Basic Training, The Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Include a daytime phone for you and your nominee.