16 | THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026 MONTICELLO TIMES
Health & Wellness
Helping Monticello stay active, one class at a time
Fitness instructor Donna Finnell has taught classes at the MCC for over two decades
LAUREN FLAUM Monticello Times
MONTICELLO— Donna Finnell has one rule for the people who attend her fitness classes at the Monticello Community Center.
“ Nobody dies,” she said with a laugh.
The line gets a chuckle from regulars, many of whom have been attending her classes for years. Some are recovering from surgeries or strokes. Others are simply trying to stay strong and steady as they age.
But beneath the humor is a serious goal: helping residents, particularly older folks, build strength, improve balance and feel confident moving their bodies.
Finnell has been leading fitness classes at the Monticello Community Center since 2003, guiding participants through everything from aerobics and strength training to water exercise and balance-focused workouts.
Today, she teaches roughly 13 to 14 classes each week and also works as a personal trainer, offering one-on-one, buddy or small-group training sessions. Around the MCC— and across town— she’ s a familiar and beloved presence, exchanging warm greetings with familiar faces in the halls and at community events. Many devotees have been attending her classes for years.
Although she lives in nearby Buffalo, Finnell said the years she has spent teaching in town have made her feel closely connected to Monticello.
“ I feel like part of the community,” Finnell said.“ That’ s kind of a dream thing for me.”
Her classes draw a wide range of participants, from younger adults to seniors well into their 80s and 90s. In fact, one of her current students is 92.
The 63-year-old said being
COURTESY OF DONNA FINNELL
Donna Finnell, left, poses with client Patricia at the Monticello Community Center. In addition to leading group fitness classes, Finnell also offers personal training sessions.
close in age to many of her class members helps her understand what they’ re experiencing physically.“ The aging process can be so much better than what people think it will be if they would just move a little more,” Finnell said.
While fitness is the focus, the classes often provide something else many participants need just as much: connection.
“ When people come in, they get a social club right away,” Finnell said.
She intentionally gives attendees time to chat before class begins, allowing friendships to form and easing nerves for newcomers who may feel unsure about trying something new.
“ Sometimes people are anxious about coming in for the first time,” she said.“ I’ ll go to the door and meet them so they feel comfortable.”
Music also plays a big role in setting the tone.
Over the years, Finnell has watched the definition of“ oldies” evolve as generations age.
“ When I started, people wanted music from the’ 40s,” she said.“ Then it was the’ 50s and the’ 60s. Now people are asking for the’ 80s.”
The playlists help keep the energy high while participants
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