Marianne Gallina - Continuing Education Student Success Story

Taking that first step is tough, no matter if it’s into a new situation, a new routine or a new atmosphere. Marianne Gallina did all three when she enrolled in a fitness class at Harford. She was already on the path to making healthy lifestyle changes, as she had recently lost 77 pounds by increasing her steps and walking three miles daily. As a school bus attendant for special needs students in Harford County, Marianne has a busy schedule but wanted to add to her fitness routine. She discovered that Harford Community College was offering a variety of fitness classes and decided on indoor cycling, a great low-impact cardiovascular activity. She says, “It was the only spin class I could find that was convenient, local and affordable. I didn’t want to pay monthly membership fees for a large gym. Harford’s options and schedule were a perfect fit.”

At age 59, Marianne has goals. She wants to strengthen her muscles in a healthful way, reduce stress, and enjoy such benefits of group fitness as meeting people of all ages and skill levels with similar interests. “I want to get fit and strong and keep the weight off that I had already lost,” she says. Marianne says that her family has been extremely supportive. They recently bought her specific indoor cycling shoes that assist riders with form, new athletic clothes to wear during her workouts, and a new gym bag to carry it all in. She makes it a priority to pack her bag the day before so she’s ready to go from work to her workout and stay on track.

Once Marianne joined her first indoor cycling class back in March 2022, she was hooked. In fact, she hasn’t missed a class since she began. “I really enjoy my instructor, Lauren. She’s motivational, loud and fun. And I just recently found out she’s from the same hometown where I grew up – small world!” Marianne truly enjoys riding to the upbeat music and especially the occasional themed classes for added fun. “I was so surprised that I could have that much fun riding an indoor bicycle in the dark!”

Harford’s Community Education Division continues to offer a wide variety of fitness and outdoor recreation opportunities for the community: Zumba, Swimming, Pilates, H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Training), Mat Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi and more – there’s something for everyone. Marianne took that first step and has no regrets. Does she want others to take that first step, too? She says, “Absolutely! It’s been worth every minute, every drop of sweat and calorie I burned. I look forward to continuing.”

To discover all the fitness and outdoor recreation classes available at Harford, visit harford.edu, click on the “Take a Class” quick link on the homepage and select the Noncredit Schedule of Classes or visit go.harford.edu/ncschedule and scroll down to the Fitness and Outdoor Recreation section.