Summer is just around the corner, and swimsuit season has officially arrived in the Valley of the Sun. If you’re looking to feel stronger, more confident, and in your best shape yet, meet two seasoned instructors — and DC Ranch residents — who are passionate about helping neighbors turn fitness goals into real results.

“Teaching here is more than a job,” she says.  It’s a connection.”

DC Ranch resident and longtime fitness instructor Jaie J. Tenney has been helping neighbors feel stronger and more confident for more than two decades. She and her husband, Scott, have lived in the area since 2010, raising their three daughters — Payton (19), Reese (16), and Amelia (12) — in the community they now proudly serve.

With over 20 years of experience in fitness instruction — including 13 years at The Village — she specializes in Pilates and strength-based group classes. Living just minutes from the club makes her role even more meaningful.

Her classes are designed to strengthen and energize participants of all ages and experience levels. She creates an environment where everyone feels capable, offering modifications so newcomers feel comfortable while still challenging seasoned members.

Her teaching style blends expertise with authenticity. Humor, relatable life moments, and a light-hearted approach help create a welcoming space. “I don’t take myself too seriously,” she says. “Fitness should be fun.” That philosophy has helped foster a supportive atmosphere where neighbors encourage one another and celebrate milestones together.

Beyond the physical benefits, she sees her classes as an important mental reset for members. Staying current with continuing education and evolving fitness trends, she introduces new movements that challenge strength and build resilience. At the same time, she reminds members that progress takes patience.  “If someone is having a stressful week, that one hour of movement can help them set everything aside,” she explains. “It’s about both physical strength and mental relief.”

One of her proudest moments as an instructor comes when members invite their spouses, friends, and family to join class — a reflection of the trust and community she’s worked hard to build. At The Village, she believes fitness is about more than workouts. It’s about connection.

Her personal motivation is simple: she leads by example. She continually pushes herself to grow and would never ask members to do something she wouldn’t do herself.

In DC Ranch, she’s not just teaching Pilates — she’s helping build stronger bodies, stronger minds, and a stronger community.

Silverleaf resident Marla Walberg has been a familiar and uplifting presence at The Village DC Ranch since it opened in 2005. A DC Ranch resident since 2006 — and in Silverleaf for the past eight years — Marla brings more than three decades of experience to the pool deck. She began teaching fitness while attending the University of North Texas and started leading Aquafit classes in 1988. Today, she holds certifications through the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), reflecting her long-standing commitment to safe and effective instruction.

Marla’s regular students proudly call themselves “the Mermaids,” a nickname that began organically and quickly became a badge of friendship and consistency. For this group of dedicated women, Aquafit is about more than exercise — it’s about connection. Many of them even gather at the pool outside of scheduled classes, a testament to the strong sense of community Marla has helped foster.

Aquafit offers a uniquely effective workout for all ages and fitness levels. Because water is significantly denser than air, it creates natural resistance — increasing intensity while reducing stress on the joints. This makes it an ideal option for those recovering from injury or seeking a low-impact alternative to land-based workouts. Marla’s classes are upbeat, music-driven, and refreshing rather than punishing. Participants spend most of the session in shallow water, with a portion dedicated to deep-water work using flotation equipment for a well-rounded, full-body workout.

Over the years, Marla has watched students transform not only physically but socially. Many have become close friends and neighbors. One of her favorite moments is hearing someone say after class, “I can really feel this — this is such a great workout.”

For those curious about trying Aquafit, Marla encourages newcomers to give themselves a few classes to adjust to the water’s resistance. Classes are held year-round at the outdoor recreational pool at DC Ranch Village, and water shoes and sun protection are recommended.

With energy, expertise, and a loyal group of “Mermaids,” Marla continues to make waves — strengthening both bodies and community.