Faces of Fitness is a monthly feature highlighting our incredible Group Exercise instructors. This is a platform to discover their classes, teaching style, and their passion for inspiring others through fitness. We’re thrilled to introduce our outstanding instructors and the Y’s diverse group exercise offerings.

Meet Cristen Grajeda

"I love sharing the joy and gratitude I feel through movement in every class I teach."

New to our Y but a powerhouse in the fitness world, Cristen brings 30+ years of dance and wellness experience that makes every class feel electric. From upbeat Cardio Latin Rhythms to grounding Vin Yin Yoga—and even pop-up Line Dance sessions—she knows how to keep members moving, smiling, and coming back for more. Cristen’s style is bold, motivating, and inclusive, making every workout less like a routine and more like a celebration.

Leave a Kind Word for Cristen. Click the button below to share a testimonial.

Get to Know Cristen

What was your initial motivation for becoming a fitness instructor?

Simply stated, at a very young age, Iife taught me the value of health. My experiences led me on a path that shaped my personal and professional passion for integrative wellness. In my young mind, being healthy equated to moving your body, sound nutrition, and having a creative outlet. Therefore, while attending school to earn my undergraduate degree in art, I became a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Counselor, and Group Exercise Instructor, additionally obtaining every specialty certification imaginable- from step aerobics, to powerlifting, and everything in between. I love to learn, but again, life taught me that this was just a tiny fraction of what supports optimal health. Nonetheless, I fell in love with the lifestyle at an impressionable age, and have always worked in the industry in some capacity while I continued my studies and my journey towards a more holistic approach to well-being.

What's your favorite aspect of teaching fitness classes?

I love celebrating the body and all it is capable of, and the positive energy that brings, which is amplified in a group setting.

Describe your teaching style in one sentence.

My teaching style is educational, motivational, challenging, and inclusive.

How do you measure the success of your fitness classes?

I am not sure I really ‘measure the success’ of my classes, but when participants share with me any facets about their experience- from how they loved the music, to how they feel they are getting stronger- this is my favorite part about teaching. And when participants continue to return to class, and share their progress with me, I feel this is a good indication that they are enjoying themselves, they see value in the class, and I am approachable, which to me, is a success!

How does teaching group-ex classes impact your own fitness journey?

Teaching dance, fitness, and mind-body connection allows me to share with others the true joy and gratitude I experience personally when moving and challenging my body.

What's some advice you would give to a new class participant?

My advice is to show up for yourself in each class with self-compassion, non-judgement, and radical acceptance. Listen to your body and most importantly, have fun! Anything you enjoy, you will be consistent with.

Tell us about a highlight moment in your fitness instructor journey.

I have quite a few highlights from my journey, but when I coached Crossfit, the camaraderie I experienced in the gym was something truly special. The dedication of the members, the intensity of the programming, and the authentic community support pushed me to be a better leader, athlete, and competitor. I was at peak performance during that time and hit my best PRs, qualifying as an elite level female powerlifter in my weight/age bracket. Becoming a competitive athlete wasn’t something I ever really aspired to do, but the energy was truly inspiring and infectious in the best way possible. As a trainer and coach, you assume the role of assisting others with stepping out of their comfort zone and to realize their potential. I am eternally grateful that during that time I was able to actualize this growth personally.

What's a fun fact about you?

am semi-retired! In 2022, after 25 years of service, I retired from my position of Deputy Director of Workforce Development for the Chicago Park District to focus solely on my business. As I mentioned, fitness is where it all began for me over three decades ago. But throughout my professional career, my own personal healing journey has been the guiding force leading me to continuously explore, study, and apply a variety of modalities, and was the inspiration for my heart-centered private practice, Balanced Bluebird Healing, LLC.

Join a class!

Tuesday
Core & More
11:00 AM
Central Branch

Thursday
Barre & Stretch
10:00 AM
Central Branch

Thursday
Cardio Latin Rhythms
11:00 AM
Central Branch

Sunday
Guided Meditation
9:15 AM
Central Branch

Sunday
Vin Vin Yoga
10:00 AM
Central Branch