Man works out with personal trainer at the Orchid Island Fitness Center
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Living a healthy lifestyle is easy at Orchid Island thanks to the community’s Tennis & Fitness Center with over 11,000 square feet devoted to healthy living. With licensed and knowledgeable personal trainers, the member-owned club tailors programs designed to guide and motivate every personal fitness quest. Onsite physical therapists can develop a personalized treatment plan for those in need of physical rehab. With so much going on, it’s no wonder that Orchid Island’s director of fitness, wellness, and spa, Denise Duda, is always kept on her toes.

Though Duda now spends her days helping others fall in love with fitness, she hasn’t always worked in the fitness industry. Her career began in resort management and in-house customer service training at Seascape Beach Resort & Conference Center in California. However, as many people well understand, your first career isn’t necessarily the one that you stick with. In the early 1990s, Duda took a step back from her hospitality career to take an overall look at her life and found that her true passion was in making a difference in the lives of those around her. “I loved working in my industry,” says Duda, “but I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Now, Duda dedicates her time to working directly with people, building relationships and helping people on their fitness journey. Duda began with her own studio where she was named one of Brevard County’s top personal trainers by Space Coast Living magazine. She then went on to become director of operations at the Brevard County YMCA Family & Wellness Center, before eventually finding her way to Orchid Island.

At Orchid Island, Duda has the chance to make a difference in someone’s life every day by helping residents lead a healthier lifestyle.

With Orchid Island’s calendar jam packed with activities, members have the opportunity to be busy, moving and on the-go—which sometimes means they can be in a little need of some R and R. Members have the opportunity to relax and indulge in the extensive selection of spa treatments offered at Orchid Island’s day spa. The luxurious spa offers a long list of services such as rejuvenating facials, body treatments and massages. After a tough match on the tennis courts, or a long day on the golf course, or just for a treat, Orchid Island’s spa is ready to take you away.

The Spa at Orchid Island, which has two treatment rooms, can be found at the Beach Club. For those who play golf and tennis, the therapeutic massage can be an excellent preventive treatment. Not only will it reduce the occurrence of injuries, but it can also help relax the muscles.

Besides instructing and running the operations of the fitness club and spa, Duda spends most of her time working with members. Her fitness classes and personalized programs take place in the state-of-the-art Tennis & Fitness Center. Occasionally, her classes incorporate Orchid Island’s breathtaking scenery by including a beach workout.

Orchid Island also has personalized training, in addition to its fun and lively exercise classes. The classes, taught by any of the four or five fitness instructors, are exciting and current and can help contribute to personalized goals. Personalized training and care offers exclusive and comprehensive advantages. With wear and tear comes the need to make sure that what you do is correct for your body and your individual physical needs. “It’s important to make sure members are taking care of their bodies’ individual needs, says Duda. “Each member is different and so are their bodies’ requirements.”

Health and wellness is built into Orchid Island’s core. Duda makes sure to keep in constant contact with the chef in order to make sure members’ individual needs are met in the kitchen as well as the gym. “The chef is very open to working in tandem to provide healthy options,” she says. “What you eat is going to affect you as much as exercise does, and if you’re trying to lose weight, nutrition is the biggest hurdle.” Even though the menus at the Pool Grille, Golf Club and Beach Club have some staples, they’re subject to change daily. The partnership helps to make sure there are clean and healthy menu options available at all dining venues. Alongside a local nutritionist who is available for members on request, Duda recommends menu options to guests and members to help them reach their goals.

Duda’s passion is palpable, which is naturally encouraging to members of the Club. “The most rewarding thing about [my job] is the member interactions and watching people reach their goals,” she says. “It’s not just weight loss. Maybe it’s increasing healthy cholesterol or fighting an illness.”

Whether members are beginning a new training program or they are new to the Club, Duda and her staff help them get started by stepping on a scale that quickly measures bone weight, muscle mass and body fat. The personalized and customized training program of an individual member will outline whatever the member is trying to improve. “We start at whatever baseline they have, and try to improve on that,” Duda explains, describing what a personalized program might look like. Once members have tried this super scale, known as the InBody, they can check their progress against those original measurements.

At Orchid Island, there’s always a way to get active. Members can enjoy an active lifestyle year-round thanks to the variety of amenities in the community. With such an exquisite view, how could you not want to take to the golf course, explore the Treasure Coast, or sign up for a pickleball lesson?

Lauded as one of the most visually stunning and exclusive barrier island clubs, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is a private, gated residential golf course community in Florida. Offering a variety of luxury properties, including breathtaking waterfront and golf course homes, Orchid Island is nestled between the peaceful Indian River Lagoon and gorgeous Atlantic Ocean. Having all the amenities island living has to offer, Orchid Island is more than just a place—it’s a lifestyle. Let your journey begin.