Scroll to See Why Our Clients Are Smiling!

Johanna is, hands down, my favorite fitness instructor. Ever. For a lifelong exercise resister, this is a very big deal. Johanna has a soothing, melodic voice, great routines, and a sense of humor (critical). Her classes for us “old ladies” are therapeutic and plenty rigorous; maybe most important, she makes us feel like we’ve got plenty of action left. Somehow, she makes it all fun…or (let’s face it) as fun as exercise is ever going to get! I always feel better after one of her classes.

- Erika Moore, Retired Actress and Cancer Survivor

Johanna’s classes kept me going through the pandemic. They were an anchor to an otherwise scary time. (Unlike many of my friends, I am proud to say I was even able to take off a few pounds with my consistent exercise.)
Her classes are energetic, balanced, and always put a smile on my face! Her music choices are terrific and varied. I look forward to them.
But the true magic is Johanna herself - consistent, Knowledgeable, upbeat, and fun.

- Barb Pinto

Johanna is an exceptional instructor. She is knowledgeable and empathetic, always keeping the abilities and needs of her clients at the forefront of her work. I have enlisted Johanna both as a personal trainer and as a member of her Sweaty classes. Her instruction is clear, easy to follow, and stimulating. For me, the intermixing of pop and rock oldies makes it a lot of fun, along with a great, comprehensive workout. She is extremely personable, has a great sense of humor, and it’s a pleasure to be in her company.

- Andrea Simon, Author

Johanna has been my Personal Trainer for the past 5 years. When we started out I couldn't do a plank, and I was barely lifting 5pd weights. Today I can do a plank for one minute, and i am using 10 pd weights. By the way, when I started with Johanna, I was a young 79!!! And to add to this, whenever we work out she always makes me laugh!!

- Bernard Mohr, Retired CUNY Professor

I love Johanna's classes, all of them. She does a really terrific work out, and best of all, Johanna's warm personality, and wonderful sense of humor, make the class total fun. After each class, I am always in an uplifted mood. Thanks Johanna!!!

- Penny Laitin, Retired Rehabilitation Counselor

Johanna's class lives up to its name. Challenging COVID edition workout. Swingin'tunes. Modifications and clear instructions.

- Andrea Herzberg, Retired NYPD Sergeant and Cancer Survivor

Sweaty Smiles Workouts by Johanna lives up to its name and more. With its combination of aerobics, weight work and balance training, this is The Class for those past the age of consent who want a great (but safe) workout. Johanna herself has a wonderful, warm, welcoming personality. Her love of dancing and joy at movement, comes through loud and clear with no judgement for those of us less lithe than she. Exercising does not have to be a chore. Johanna proves that it can be a joy!

- Lorraine Whitman Check

As someone who has never formally exercised, I reluctantly took Johanna's class. I was so pleasantly surprised, not only was she well informed about exercises that work for seniors

but she is so kind and caring. She has a great sense of humor and the music she plays is memorable and motivating. The bottom line is she is so much fun to have as an instructor. I always looked forward to her class.

- Eileen Dalessio

I never thought at age 77 I would enjoy a workout so much until I began with Johanna, thanks to the combination of dance/cardio and weights/conditioning, great music that brings up memories, and Johanna’s genuine warmth, support and joyfulness.

- Roz Chernesky

I have participated in classes with Johanna for approximately seven years now and have benefitted enormously. Perhaps one of the most important things about her class is that you always want to come back. I have learned, felt challenged, and not only maintained but enhanced skills (not easy to do in my age group), joyfully.

I am currently taking classes with her involving cardio, dance, weights, and balance, as well as yoga. These were always helpful, but now during COVID, they have become a lifeline for health and wellness. As we have fewer opportunities to be active, they need to have a more formalized exercise routine is even more critical. Johanna’s Sweaty Smiles has been just the answer for me.

I noticed the difference, almost immediately when I made a commitment to do the cardio class at least twice a week. Core and overall strength were significantly enhanced. Yoga, which I only returned to because of Johanna, and now do weekly, has brought me a sense of private fulfillment on many levels.

Johanna’s persona translates well to online teaching. If exercise releases endorphins, working out with Johanna feels like endorphins 2.0. Her expertise, combined with her patience, humor, and beautiful world view makes spending time with her particularly meaningful.

“Sweaty Smiles” seems the perfect name for this new website. You will do both and you will enjoy the ride. I highly recommend Johanna and am delighted that now through her website she can be shared with the world.

- Ricky Cosenza

Johanna’s workouts have saved my life! I am 77 years old and went to Johanna’s Silvers Sneakers workout classes 3 times a week before COVID lockdown. Since lockdown I have been so lucky to do her video workouts which have been a lifesaver! I love the music she chooses, I love how she incorporates her dance background into the workouts, and she makes the whole experience joyful and inspiring. I smile as I sweat and am so thankful that Johanna keeps me in great shape :)

- Tove Mandel

Johanna...provocative, professional and pretty...her classes are challenging and fun!

- Barbara Freeberg

Sweaty Smiles delivers on its promise: a really good workout that's fun to do! Johanna's positive mood is contagious, her music selection makes you want to move - and often provides a trip down memory lane, and her ability to give a dance flare to the moves adds to the fun. I love the challenging and satisfying weights and balance workout. Johanna's classes have saved my body from sagging and spirit from flagging!

- Nancy Montgomery, a Johanna devotee for 5 years

Johanna’s cardio kickboxing class was the first group fitness class I ever took. I was hesitant to try but was hooked after the first class, an hour of moving and sweating to fun music and fantastic energy. I began attending each week but always stood as far back in the studio as I could. One night, Johanna arrived at class and told us that she had lost her voice and would ask her regulars to come up to the front to help her teach and show the routine to the rest of the class. I continued to hide in the back as I always did, but she motioned to me saying “I know you know the routines. Can you please come up front and help me out?” I was initially hesitant, but Jo assured me I knew the moves and would be great. So I moved all the way up to the front row, and I never left.

I began also taking Jo’s total body conditioning classes and quickly became a front-row fixture in that class as well. Jo would consistently challenge and push us with various exercises while also ensuring the class was incredibly fun and full of positivity. I remember once lying on my bench doing a chest press during class with the weights I had chosen, and I looked up to see Jo standing over me with a heavier set of weights. Sure enough, the new set was tough but manageable. Johanna’s classes are consistently high energy and challenging, yet motivating. I always walked out drenched and exhausted but feeling on top of the world.

- Lisa Misher, Accountant

It's well established that movement and exercise can and do make for a life better lived. How often do we begin an exercise program, join a gym, or promise to take those power walks only to give it up way too easily. For me the answer has been; join Johanna's Sweaty Smiles class. Whatever the inspiration it works. Johanna is enthusiastic, encouraging, and adds just the right lightness to all her classes. An easy smile and gentle instruction push you to try more and do more. The classes have brought me physical and mental well being.

- Jo Cavaliere

Johanna is an amazing instructor. Her classes leave you feeling super energized, physically and mentally. Most importantly, she makes exercise FUN and something to really look forward to!

- Jan Reid