About Us
Great Shape exercise studio was founded in 1988 by Rachelle Oseran and Harriet Scher and is a part of the Jerusalem International YMCA on King David Street. Although the JIY is a historic landmark in Jerusalem, Great Shape/YMCA follows the most up-to-date guidelines for the health and safety of its members.Great Shape/YMCA is committed to improving the quality of life of its members through fitness. Several classes are mixed (men and women) though the majority of the classes are for women only with sensitivity to modesty needs. Everyone is welcome in the warm, relaxed atmosphere of Great Shape/YMCA, regardless of age, size, fitness level and nationality. Great Shape/YMCA is mother-friendly and, while there is no official baby-sitting, many moms bring their babies to regular classes.
Co-directors Rachelle and Harriet are passionate about the health and wellness of their members. Each new member is encouraged to meet with them to build a schedule to meet their individual needs and fitness goals. A free meeting with a nutritionist is included in the membership.
Great Shape/YMCA frequently invites international presenters for teacher-training workshops and regularly holds in-house workshops. Great Shape/YMCA has the top fitness instructors in Jerusalem, many of whom present at national fitness conventions. They are all certified by national or international organizations and provide research- based, safe and effective exercise programs to meet the needs of the variety of exercisers who work out at Great Shape/YMCA.
Rachelle has a postgraduate diploma in Childbirth Education, is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and a Prenatal/Postnatal Exercise Specialist. She is a Fitness Professional certified by ACE (the American Council on Exercise) and has presented workshops to fitness professionals, doctors, midwives and physiotherapists in Israel, the U.S., England, Africa, Europe and Asia, including 6 times at the prestigious IDEA international convention for fitness professionals in the U.S. Rachelle also teaches at the Wingate aerobics certification course. Harriet has over 30 years experience in the fitness industry. She is also an ACE Certified Fitness Professional and a Schwinn certified indoor cycling teacher. Both Rachelle and Harriet are Pilates certified instructors.
Great Shape/YMCA is a department of the Jerusalem International YMCA located in the center of Jerusalem. In addition to housing a hotel, restaurant, sports center and a preschool, the JIY offers a variety of programs which include recreational and competitive sports and coexistence programs for youth and young adults. For more information on the JIY click here.
