April 15, 2026
We’ve all heard of spring cleaning – opening the windows, shaking out the rugs, and clearing away the dust. But what about a spring refresh for your body and mind?
Spring brings a special kind of momentum and Palatine Park District Fitness Instructor Lisa Imbordino is helping people get energized and get moving!
She currently teaches WERQ and 360 Toning, offering participants a dynamic mix of movement and strength. “WERQ is a fun dance fitness workout based on trending hip hop, rock, and pop music, and 360 Toning focuses on strengthening all major muscle groups using a variety of equipment,” she explained.
According to Recreation & Fitness Program Coordinator Alison Shariatzadeh, spring is an ideal time to begin. With more daylight and warmer temperatures, people naturally feel more motivated and energized. Starting a class now can help build healthy habits heading into summer while boosting mood and providing a consistent, supportive routine. Imbordino’s classes, she notes, are the perfect place to begin.
Newcomers walking into one of Imbordino’s classes will find a welcoming environment. Her classes feel like a community.
“I take safety and proper form very seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously,” she said. “I remind new participants that they’ll feel more comfortable each time they come.”
Keeping things fresh and engaging is key to her approach. From varied workouts to carefully curated playlists – ranging from 1950s oldies to hard rock – Imbordino ensures no two classes feel the same. She even incorporates themed playlists for holidays and isn’t afraid to laugh along the way. “Fitness classes are fun!” she said.
Her adaptability is another strength. Whether someone is brand new or highly experienced, Imbordino tailors the workout to fit individual needs. In WERQ classes, participants can choose low or high impact options, while strength training allows each person to select weights that suit their ability.
“Lisa stands out for the strong connections she builds with participants,” Shariatzadeh said. “She creates a positive, high-energy environment where individuals feel welcomed, supported, and confident, regardless of their fitness level.”
Beyond the physical benefits, Imbordino highlights the mental and emotional impact of exercise. “Exercise is a natural stress reliever,” she said. “The time you are in class is for you alone; everything else stays outside. It’s wonderful for the mind, body, and spirit to focus on movement and music.” She also notes that dance, in particular, has been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Since joining the Park District in 2021, Imbordino has contributed far beyond the fitness studio. She also teaches children’s dance classes, offers private ballet instruction, and helps choreograph productions in the youth theatre program.
For Imbordino, the most rewarding part of her work is simple: seeing others succeed. “It makes my day when participants meet their goals and share their wins,” she said.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to shake up your routine, joining a group fitness class can be a fun, supportive way to stay active.
And with Lisa Imbordino leading the way, you might just find yourself looking forward to every workout.
