Peggy is a long-standing award-winning leader in the fitness industry, best selling author of fitness and nutrition books, and international speaker. She enjoys a professional and personal commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle that benefits many!
One of the highlights of her fitness career was volunteering with her husband Tom at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, BC.
Peggy Buchanan’s formal education includes a master’s degree from the University of California in teaching and coaching, with an emphasis in exercise physiology. She has received numerous certifications and awards, nationally and internationally, in health and fitness.
She began her fitness career teaching high school physical education and coaching in Santa Barbara, California, where she was a Jazzercise® instructor, trainer and franchise owner for 31 years.
In 1997, the world’s largest association for health and fitness professionals (IDEA) selected Peggy as “International Fitness Instructor of the Year”, and in 2002 recognized her as “International Program Director of the Year", She is one of the few candidates ever to receive two of the three coveted international award categories.
She is the author of Movin ‘n Groovin’, a children’s fitness and nutrition book awarded Amazon.com’s “Best Children’s Fitness Book” in 1998. Peggy is also the creator/co-author and Program Director of the Know More Diet™, a weight management program incorporating the first exercise/food plan for international marketing through the Jazzercise® network.
Peggy is currently Director of Fitness, Aquatics and Physical Therapy at Vista del Monte retirement community and coordinates the vitality wellness programming for Front Porch, the largest non-profit senior service agency in southern California.
Most recently, she completed the Wellcoach® Training Program, in strategic partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine.
Peggy has over 30 years experience in the health & fitness industry as a motivational/keynote speaker, instructor-trainer, author and program creator/coordinator, known for her passion to inspire people of all ages to successfully embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.
RESUME
EDUCATION
2012 Northwest Rehabilitation Associates Continuing Education Certificate: Cognitive Rehabilitation: Evidence Based Interventions for Older Adults
2011 Master Senior Programs Instructor Exerstride ®Nordic Walking
2010 Zumba Gold® Instructor Certification
2008 Wellcoaches®, Wellness Coach Training completed.
2003 FallProof Certification in balance & mobility training.
1999 Fitness Specialist for Older Adults, Cooper institute for Aerobics Research.
1999 Certified and Registered Pool and Spa Operator (CPO), National Swimming Pool Association.
1987 Master of Arts, Physical Education/Exercise Physiology, California State University at Northridge, California.
1971 - 1992 Bachelor of Science, Standard Lifetime Teaching Credential, University of California at Santa Barbara. Academic Major: Ergonomics, Minor emphasis: Pre-Physical Therapy.
1968 - 1971 Bachelor of Arts, undergraduate work San Diego State University in Physical Education major/Dance minor.
WORK EXPERIENCE
2005 - present Senior Fitness spokesperson for IDEA, the international association for fitness Professionals.
2001 - present Corporate Fitness & Wellness Program Coordinator for Front Porch, the largest non-profit senior service agency in southern California.
1997 - present Director of Fitness, Aquatics and Physical Therapy, Vista del Monte Retirement Community, Santa Barbara, California.
1986 - present Private practice, fitness/nutritional counseling for individuals, private organizations, corporations and fitness facilities.
1985 - present Health and fitness private consultant, elementary school districts for the purpose of revamping, developing and implementing sound physical education/nutritional programs.
1985 - 1988 Lecturer/instructor for best selling author, Covert Bailey, M.S.
1980 - present International lecturer for the continuing education of 5,000+ franchised Jazzercise® instructors in exercise physiology, kinesiology, motivation, and teaching techniques. Consumer education lectures for Jazzercise students (400,000 worldwide).
1980 - 1986 Jazzercise® instructor/trainer, nationally and internationally.
1980 - 1987 Jazzercise® Area Director, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, California.
1979 - 2012 Certified Jazzercise® franchise owner, Santa Barbara, California, International jazz dance fitness program created by Judi Sheppard Misset.
1975 - 1978 Physical education teacher and coach, Santa Barbara High School, Santa Barbara, California.
1973 - 1975 Physical education teacher and coach, San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara, California. Women’s track, field, and cross country.
1972 Physical education teacher, Dos Pueblos High School, Goleta, California.
Professional Activities & Awards
2009-2012 ICAA Visionary Board
2010-2011 NuStep, Inc. Pinnacle Award Advisory Board
2001-present Corporate member International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
2005 Appointed “Official IDEA Corporate Spokesperson on Older Adult Fitness.”
2004 AASA (American Association of Homes & Services). Best Practices Award for Senior Fitness, Aquatics and Physical Therapy Clinic.
2003 Santa Barbara City Parks and Recreation Department “Russ Hargreaves Award” for community service in Health, Sports and Fitness.
2002 “IDEA International Program Director of the Year” award, (International Association of Fitness Professionals).
2001 Presenter/Lecturer for AAUSA (American Association for Homes and Services for the Aging).
2001 National Pinnacle Award, “Best Senior Fitness and Wellness Program.”
2000 Selected member of IDEA Exercise and Aging Committee.
2000 FEOAA “Educator of the Year Award”, National Association of Fitness Educators of Older Adults.
1999 - 2009 Advisory Board member, Keiser Institute on Aging.
1999 Cooper Clinic Certification in Exercise for Older Adults.
1999 “Senior Fitness Program of the Year", Santa Barbara Agency Services.
1998 Amazon.com “1998 Best Children’s Fitness Book", Movin’ and Groovin’.
1998 Keynote Speaker, Santa Barbara Health Celebration.
1998 Presenter/Lecturer for CAHSA (California Association for and Homes for the Aging).
1998 Selected committee member of the State of California Physical Activity and Health Initiative for the Over Fifty, Sacramento.
1998 Member and certification, Senior Fitness Association and Fitness Instructor, Association for Older Americans.
1997 IDEA “International Fitness Instructor of the Year” (International Association of Fitness Professionals).
1997 Author of Movin’ and Groovin’ (The Learning Works), a children’s home fitness nutrition book.
1996 to present Annual Event Co-Coordinator, National Senior Health and Fitness Day, Santa Barbara, California.
1996 Personal Training Certificate - International Sports Sciences Association, Master of Fitness Level.
1996 IDEA “International Fitness Instructor of the Year Award,” and “Make Fitness Happen
Award” finalist, (only finalist ever in both categories in the same year), Orlando, Florida international convention.
1996 Keynote Speaker, Aquatic Exercise Association, San Diego, California.
1996 Keynote Speaker for Santa Barbara National Senior Health and Fitness Celebration Awards ceremony.
1995 Program Director/Developer for the “Fitness over Forty” fitness facility in Santa Barbara, California.
1995 Creator/Developer of Musical Chairs™, a total fitness program by Jazzercise®Corporation.
1995 IDEA Five Star Presenter’s Award, the highest honor awarded to a fitness professional for speaking and presenting on an international level.
1994 Extra Mile Club Award for volunteer project supporting the George “Ben” Page Youth Sports Center, Santa Barbara, California.
1993 - 1994 Keynote Speaker, Sara’s City Workout, Orlando, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia.
1991 - 1993 Member of IDEA Lifetime Achievement and Instructor of the Year Award Selection Committees
1993 Jazzercise® Presidents Award (first recipient), the highest honor awarded to one outstanding Jazzercise instructor for overall career achievement.
1993 Member of the Aquatic Exercise Association Research Committee.
1992 Keynote Speaker, FACT instructor conference, Chicago, Illinois.
1992 - 1993 Approved Continuing Education Credit (CEC) Provider, American Council on Exercise (ACE), Aerobic & Fitness Association of America (AFAA/, Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), and Jazzercise®, Inc.
1992 - 1998 Member of the Association for Fitness Professionals (IDEA), practical performance review committee.
1990 - 1992 Member of the annual Shape Magazine video review panel.
1991 Co-author, Know More Diet Cookbook™.
1990 - 1992 Lecturer for IDEA Link international Aerobic instructor workshop.
1990 - 1991 Workshop leader, International Aquatic Exercise Association.
1989 Member of Jazzercise® delegation to Exotic Expo, Japan.
1989 Creator/co-author and Program Director of the Know More Diet™, a weight management program incorporating the first exercise/food plan for international marketing through the Jazzercise® network.
1988 Member of the first American Health and Fitness Delegation (sponsored by the Unite States People to People Ambassador Program) to enter the People’s Republic of China.
1985 - 1991 Creator/Instructor/Trainer of Aquamotion®, a water fitness program taught in the United States and many foreign countries.
1984 - 1991 Co-creator/Program Director, Target Fitness, Inc., corporate and personal fitness testing, evaluation and programming.
1980 - 1984 Local KEYT TV hostess, daily exercise program, Santa Barbara, California.
1984 Member/Convention speaker, (IDEA) the association for fitness professionals.
1984 to present Convention Speaker/Presenter/Master Teacher for international fitness professionals, including USA, Canada, Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China and the Caribbean.
1983 - 1990 Member, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
1983 Member, Aerobics Fitness Association of America (AFAA).
1983 - 1987 Exercise/Nutrition lecturer for Covert Bailey, best selling author of Fit or Fat?
1983 Co-author, original Jazzercise® Physiology Newsletter and Instructor’s Manual.
1980 to present - Charity fund raiser. Planned and executed major fund raising events for the following non-profit organizations; Leukemia Society of America, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, Special Olympics, Council of Christmas Cheer, Senior Citizen nutritional program, Cottage Hospital wellness program, Santa Barbara Shelter Services for Women.
1980 Assisted in structuring a physiologically sound class format to help position Jazzercise® as the largest dance fitness program in the world. Keynote Speaker for annual Jazzercise® worldwide conferences.
One of the highlights of her fitness career was volunteering with her husband Tom at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, BC.
Peggy Buchanan’s formal education includes a master’s degree from the University of California in teaching and coaching, with an emphasis in exercise physiology. She has received numerous certifications and awards, nationally and internationally, in health and fitness.
She began her fitness career teaching high school physical education and coaching in Santa Barbara, California, where she was a Jazzercise® instructor, trainer and franchise owner for 31 years.
In 1997, the world’s largest association for health and fitness professionals (IDEA) selected Peggy as “International Fitness Instructor of the Year”, and in 2002 recognized her as “International Program Director of the Year", She is one of the few candidates ever to receive two of the three coveted international award categories.
She is the author of Movin ‘n Groovin’, a children’s fitness and nutrition book awarded Amazon.com’s “Best Children’s Fitness Book” in 1998. Peggy is also the creator/co-author and Program Director of the Know More Diet™, a weight management program incorporating the first exercise/food plan for international marketing through the Jazzercise® network.
Peggy is currently Director of Fitness, Aquatics and Physical Therapy at Vista del Monte retirement community and coordinates the vitality wellness programming for Front Porch, the largest non-profit senior service agency in southern California.
Most recently, she completed the Wellcoach® Training Program, in strategic partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine.
Peggy has over 30 years experience in the health & fitness industry as a motivational/keynote speaker, instructor-trainer, author and program creator/coordinator, known for her passion to inspire people of all ages to successfully embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.
RESUME
EDUCATION
2012 Northwest Rehabilitation Associates Continuing Education Certificate: Cognitive Rehabilitation: Evidence Based Interventions for Older Adults
2011 Master Senior Programs Instructor Exerstride ®Nordic Walking
2010 Zumba Gold® Instructor Certification
2008 Wellcoaches®, Wellness Coach Training completed.
2003 FallProof Certification in balance & mobility training.
1999 Fitness Specialist for Older Adults, Cooper institute for Aerobics Research.
1999 Certified and Registered Pool and Spa Operator (CPO), National Swimming Pool Association.
1987 Master of Arts, Physical Education/Exercise Physiology, California State University at Northridge, California.
1971 - 1992 Bachelor of Science, Standard Lifetime Teaching Credential, University of California at Santa Barbara. Academic Major: Ergonomics, Minor emphasis: Pre-Physical Therapy.
1968 - 1971 Bachelor of Arts, undergraduate work San Diego State University in Physical Education major/Dance minor.
WORK EXPERIENCE
2005 - present Senior Fitness spokesperson for IDEA, the international association for fitness Professionals.
2001 - present Corporate Fitness & Wellness Program Coordinator for Front Porch, the largest non-profit senior service agency in southern California.
1997 - present Director of Fitness, Aquatics and Physical Therapy, Vista del Monte Retirement Community, Santa Barbara, California.
1986 - present Private practice, fitness/nutritional counseling for individuals, private organizations, corporations and fitness facilities.
1985 - present Health and fitness private consultant, elementary school districts for the purpose of revamping, developing and implementing sound physical education/nutritional programs.
1985 - 1988 Lecturer/instructor for best selling author, Covert Bailey, M.S.
1980 - present International lecturer for the continuing education of 5,000+ franchised Jazzercise® instructors in exercise physiology, kinesiology, motivation, and teaching techniques. Consumer education lectures for Jazzercise students (400,000 worldwide).
1980 - 1986 Jazzercise® instructor/trainer, nationally and internationally.
1980 - 1987 Jazzercise® Area Director, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, California.
1979 - 2012 Certified Jazzercise® franchise owner, Santa Barbara, California, International jazz dance fitness program created by Judi Sheppard Misset.
1975 - 1978 Physical education teacher and coach, Santa Barbara High School, Santa Barbara, California.
1973 - 1975 Physical education teacher and coach, San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara, California. Women’s track, field, and cross country.
1972 Physical education teacher, Dos Pueblos High School, Goleta, California.
Professional Activities & Awards
2009-2012 ICAA Visionary Board
2010-2011 NuStep, Inc. Pinnacle Award Advisory Board
2001-present Corporate member International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
2005 Appointed “Official IDEA Corporate Spokesperson on Older Adult Fitness.”
2004 AASA (American Association of Homes & Services). Best Practices Award for Senior Fitness, Aquatics and Physical Therapy Clinic.
2003 Santa Barbara City Parks and Recreation Department “Russ Hargreaves Award” for community service in Health, Sports and Fitness.
2002 “IDEA International Program Director of the Year” award, (International Association of Fitness Professionals).
2001 Presenter/Lecturer for AAUSA (American Association for Homes and Services for the Aging).
2001 National Pinnacle Award, “Best Senior Fitness and Wellness Program.”
2000 Selected member of IDEA Exercise and Aging Committee.
2000 FEOAA “Educator of the Year Award”, National Association of Fitness Educators of Older Adults.
1999 - 2009 Advisory Board member, Keiser Institute on Aging.
1999 Cooper Clinic Certification in Exercise for Older Adults.
1999 “Senior Fitness Program of the Year", Santa Barbara Agency Services.
1998 Amazon.com “1998 Best Children’s Fitness Book", Movin’ and Groovin’.
1998 Keynote Speaker, Santa Barbara Health Celebration.
1998 Presenter/Lecturer for CAHSA (California Association for and Homes for the Aging).
1998 Selected committee member of the State of California Physical Activity and Health Initiative for the Over Fifty, Sacramento.
1998 Member and certification, Senior Fitness Association and Fitness Instructor, Association for Older Americans.
1997 IDEA “International Fitness Instructor of the Year” (International Association of Fitness Professionals).
1997 Author of Movin’ and Groovin’ (The Learning Works), a children’s home fitness nutrition book.
1996 to present Annual Event Co-Coordinator, National Senior Health and Fitness Day, Santa Barbara, California.
1996 Personal Training Certificate - International Sports Sciences Association, Master of Fitness Level.
1996 IDEA “International Fitness Instructor of the Year Award,” and “Make Fitness Happen
Award” finalist, (only finalist ever in both categories in the same year), Orlando, Florida international convention.
1996 Keynote Speaker, Aquatic Exercise Association, San Diego, California.
1996 Keynote Speaker for Santa Barbara National Senior Health and Fitness Celebration Awards ceremony.
1995 Program Director/Developer for the “Fitness over Forty” fitness facility in Santa Barbara, California.
1995 Creator/Developer of Musical Chairs™, a total fitness program by Jazzercise®Corporation.
1995 IDEA Five Star Presenter’s Award, the highest honor awarded to a fitness professional for speaking and presenting on an international level.
1994 Extra Mile Club Award for volunteer project supporting the George “Ben” Page Youth Sports Center, Santa Barbara, California.
1993 - 1994 Keynote Speaker, Sara’s City Workout, Orlando, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia.
1991 - 1993 Member of IDEA Lifetime Achievement and Instructor of the Year Award Selection Committees
1993 Jazzercise® Presidents Award (first recipient), the highest honor awarded to one outstanding Jazzercise instructor for overall career achievement.
1993 Member of the Aquatic Exercise Association Research Committee.
1992 Keynote Speaker, FACT instructor conference, Chicago, Illinois.
1992 - 1993 Approved Continuing Education Credit (CEC) Provider, American Council on Exercise (ACE), Aerobic & Fitness Association of America (AFAA/, Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), and Jazzercise®, Inc.
1992 - 1998 Member of the Association for Fitness Professionals (IDEA), practical performance review committee.
1990 - 1992 Member of the annual Shape Magazine video review panel.
1991 Co-author, Know More Diet Cookbook™.
1990 - 1992 Lecturer for IDEA Link international Aerobic instructor workshop.
1990 - 1991 Workshop leader, International Aquatic Exercise Association.
1989 Member of Jazzercise® delegation to Exotic Expo, Japan.
1989 Creator/co-author and Program Director of the Know More Diet™, a weight management program incorporating the first exercise/food plan for international marketing through the Jazzercise® network.
1988 Member of the first American Health and Fitness Delegation (sponsored by the Unite States People to People Ambassador Program) to enter the People’s Republic of China.
1985 - 1991 Creator/Instructor/Trainer of Aquamotion®, a water fitness program taught in the United States and many foreign countries.
1984 - 1991 Co-creator/Program Director, Target Fitness, Inc., corporate and personal fitness testing, evaluation and programming.
1980 - 1984 Local KEYT TV hostess, daily exercise program, Santa Barbara, California.
1984 Member/Convention speaker, (IDEA) the association for fitness professionals.
1984 to present Convention Speaker/Presenter/Master Teacher for international fitness professionals, including USA, Canada, Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China and the Caribbean.
1983 - 1990 Member, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
1983 Member, Aerobics Fitness Association of America (AFAA).
1983 - 1987 Exercise/Nutrition lecturer for Covert Bailey, best selling author of Fit or Fat?
1983 Co-author, original Jazzercise® Physiology Newsletter and Instructor’s Manual.
1980 to present - Charity fund raiser. Planned and executed major fund raising events for the following non-profit organizations; Leukemia Society of America, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, Special Olympics, Council of Christmas Cheer, Senior Citizen nutritional program, Cottage Hospital wellness program, Santa Barbara Shelter Services for Women.
1980 Assisted in structuring a physiologically sound class format to help position Jazzercise® as the largest dance fitness program in the world. Keynote Speaker for annual Jazzercise® worldwide conferences.
