A Boot Camp With Compassion

Jodi Lederer, a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, once battled with her weight. Today, Lederer runs Stronger U, a popular Long Beach fitness program.

Long Beach is home to a number of gyms and private fitness facilities, but unlike these establishments, Lederer chooses to work one-on-one with her clients in private sessions and leads boot camp classes that include small groups working together.

Lederer takes more of a motivational approach and guides her members instead of yelling orders at them that is typical of many boot camp instructors.

“My boot camp experience is much more personal than other places,” Lederer said. “I take it to heart.”

Because Lederer was once overweight, she understands that her members may be uncomfortable when beginning a workout program. Her classes provide a comforting environment with a leader who wants everyone to feel energized and accomplished after a workout.

“I’ve been overweight and I know what it is like to go to a gym and feel uncomfortable,” Lederer admitted.

She has many loyal boot camp participants and personal training clients who work with her throughout the year and appreciate her kinder methodology.

Client Diane Duel met Lederer three years ago at a large gym and they trained together. When Lederer left that location, Duel stayed with her for both personal training and boot camp.

“She has been where so many people have been,” Duel said. “Boot camp is the perfect Saturday morning outdoors. What can be better? I just signed up for winter sessions, too.”

Ginny Daly, a senior-aged boot camp member, knew she needed to make a change and chose Lederer’s programs to help.

“I was looking for somewhere to go to because I have tried the gym by myself, and I wasn’t really getting anywhere,” Daly said. “For my health, I felt like I needed to get in shape, get some weight off and see a professional.”

After working with Lederer for the last six months, Daly is taking on physical tasks that she once doubted she could accomplish. Daly lost 30 pounds and now participates in 5K runs.

“Jodi is very warm,” Daly noted. “She has patience with me; she doesn’t get annoyed. She’ll show me things over and over and over again. She has a nice, kind, motivating way about her.”

During the summer and early fall, Lederer hosts her small group boot camp sessions on East End beaches, utilizing the boardwalk and benches during her classes. However, after Hurricane Irene in August, parts of the areas where she worked were destroyed. She now holds session at the Pacific Beach playground. The last sessions, at 8 and 9 a.m., will take place Oct. 22 and are offered at a discounted “drop in” rate of $15.

Winter classes begin on Nov. 5 and will take place at Island Park United Methodist Church. The full seven-session program costs $125. 

“We're all in this together,” Lederer said. “You should end your workout with a smile.”