Karyn Lynch
Karyn was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She is married to Dr. Ted Lynch, an Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist in Sisters and Bend. She is the mother of Cinnamin (38), Michael (35), Tyler (33) and the grandmother to Austin (15) and Johnathan (16). In addition to her family is Buddy (13) a chocolate-chesapeake labrador retriever and Toby (23) a yellow-napped amazon parrot.
She began skating at age 6 and entered her first competition at age 8. Her events were pairs skating, artistic skating and dance. She became the Regional Champion in 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962 and National Champion in 1962. In later years she turned professional and taught competitive skaters as well as her own children.
After graduating from high school she became an airline flight attendant for Continental Airlines based out of Los Angeles, then later transferred to the Seattle base. During her years with the airlines she flew government chartered MAC flights (Military Airlift Command) for the Vietnam War.
Once retired from flying she was married and began her family. Having been an athlete all of her life and with a background in modern dance and ballet she was drawn to the new craze of aerobic exercise. She opened three studios in the Milwaukie area and hired instructors as well as herself to teach classes. She also freelanced and taught at the Bo Jackson Fitness Center at Nike World Campus, Beaverton, Multnomah Athletic Club, Riverplace Athletic, Western Athletic, Gold’s Gym, Natilus and was the creator of an Obese Program for Providence Hospital in Portland. Then in 1982 she and Ted moved to Bend where for seven years she was the Group Fitness Director at the Athletic Club of Bend.
While teaching in Bend she was asked to apply for the Winter Games in St. Petersburg, Russia along with other applicants from various countries to train Russian aerobic instructors. The Russian Federation responded and they selected her to teach an intensive course for one week. She and her husband traveled to St. Petersburg and were amazed by the VIP treatment as well as the turnout of eager instructors from as far away as Siberia. Ask Karyn, this was the highlight of her fitness career.
She is certified in step, slide, dance, Zumba, NIA (neuromuscular integrative action), and body pump. Her continued philosophy is, “TO FIND THE JOY—EXERCISE SHOULD BE FUN!” Her goal is to provide a safe, fun and challenging class that appeals to all fitness levels, and that everyone leaves happy and energized.
Karyn is also the office manager for her husbands orthodontic practices. She is also the acting president for the Oregon Dental Executives Association based out of Portland with chapters in Bend, Salem, Eugene and Roseburg. The organization is dedicated to excellence in the management of dental practices and provides continuing education programs and motivational speakers to it’s members and the community at large.
Other than the love of her family, she and Ted are obsessed sailors. They have a sailboat at Tomahawk Island on the Columbia River in Portland and try to get out as much as they can, which is never enough. For quick trips they have a day sailor that can be easily transported to various lakes in Central Oregon. They both were bareboat licensed in Florida and San Diego, where they have done most of their sailing.
When at home she loves to garden. She finds it good for the soul!!! Other activities include walking, biking, canoeing, sculling, bowling, tennis and skiing. However her absolute obsession is walking the beaches (anywhere) and shelling. She says there’s just something about finding the beautiful little treasures the sea leaves behind.
To Sisters Members and Staff—I would like to thank all of you who have enriched my life. Teaching here at SAC is an honor. I have truly appreciated everyone’s support from day one. As members you all know that you have something special with this club and having taught for over 30 years, I know you do! A special thanks to Tate who kept at me to come teach for you. I have enjoyed every minute. HERE’S LOOKING AT 2010, HAPPY HOLIDAYS! IN FITNESS WE BELIEVE!