Michelle Heisler, of Northampton, certainly doesn’t let any grass grow under her feet. In addition to raising a family, teaching second grade in Allentown School District and serving as a community education coordinator in Northampton Area School District, she teaches fitness classes several days each week.

This month, Heisler runs the Aerobistix class 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Egypt Memorial Park, a strengthen and stretch class 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Northampton Recreation Center and an aerobics class 8:45 a.m. Saturdays at Coplay Borough Hall. There is a modest fee per class, which she splits with the organizations that allow her to use their facilities.

Heisler began teaching fitness classes in college, continuing until the birth of her first son and resuming two-and-a-half years ago. Already certified in group fitness, she hopes to become a personal trainer.

Aerobistix is her unique creation, developed by incorporating the licensed Stix program into her Saturday aerobics class. Set to energizing music, the workout blends aerobics, plastic drumsticks, stretching and strengthening activities and Heisler’s original choreography.

Donning workout attire and grabbing a yoga mat and water bottle, this reporter headed over to the Egypt park to join a recent popular Tuesday evening class. Approximately 20 women of various ages chatted enthusiastically as they selected drumsticks provided by Heisler and waited for the class to begin.

After dimming the lights in the pavilion, Heisler led the class through choreographed stretching and movement activities. Anticipation grew when she instructed the class to pick up their drumsticks.

Music was punctuated by the staccato click of drumsticks tapped together and on the floor as the women energetically lunged and stretched. The routines were reasonably easy to follow, even for newbies with no experience.

Class ended with yoga mat core strength exercises and, finally, a cool down and relaxation.

When asked about the most rewarding aspect of teaching fitness classes, Heisler beamed as she shared how fulfilling it is when people tell her how much stronger they feel after taking her classes. The most challenging component of teaching fitness classes, she said, is remembering each routine’s choreography.

Heisler encourages anyone considering attending an Aerobistix class to give it a try. Activities can be modified to suit all fitness levels and offer both physical and mental benefits.

For information and class schedules, visit the Pop-up Fitness with Michelle Facebook page or text her at 484-661-6662.