City of Montclair Township

What is your age and where were you born?  I am Regina Thomas Griffith, born 63 years ago in Orange, N.J. (one could say that I am happily locked-into Essex County N.J. lol).

When did you move to Montclair and why?  My parents moved our growing family into a house in Montclair from an apartment in Bloomfield when I was 3 years old. I attended Montclair public schools, graduating from MHS, Class of '74. I graduated from Montclair State  College in 1979.

Are you currently employed?  If so, doing what?  If you had a career, what was it?  I am currently employed as owner and lead teacher/trainer at The Total Workout fitness studio on Grove St. Montclair. I have owned the TW for 36 years and have no plans on stopping. Improving the health and feeling of well-being of others is magic.  The studio has grown, aged, and developed with me, providing a great sense of community for all participants. I love the feeling of community in Montclair, and adore the subset of neighborhood within the studio. Ironically, one of my major roles as a teen at MHS was as a musician- a flutist in the band and orchestra. I decided as an underclassman that it might be more fun and rewarding to  lead  the marching band rather than being in the ranks. I served as drum majorette, leading the band, for junior and senior years. I guess my fitness career followed a similar path:) I always enjoyed participating in Group Exercise classes ( including at the "Y" in Montclair), and when I wanted to work in a fun, manageable, rewarding job (with 2 babies in tow) I decided that being the leader of group exercise might be for me! I get great satisfaction working with all types of individuals, boosting good physical and emotional health. It has been wonderfully rewarding to be a supportive part in the lives of many as we go through varied stages of life: births, schooling, careers, marriages, divorces, upsizing, downsizing, health challenges, deaths... children's ups and downs.  And, I love watching fitness levels improve!  I have also enjoyed teaching through the Montclair Adult School and MILL.

How are you currently engaged in the community?  Most of the volunteer work I have done centers around fitness work. I have taught "Healthy-Bones" classes for seniors. Taught fund-raising classes for schools and charitable organizations.  I head-up collections of sneakers, bras, coats to contribute to the under-served.

What are some of the most important lessons you feel you have learned throughout your life? THINGS CHANGE. Be prepared to go with the flow, because life is not a straight and orderly line. Be prepared with a smile and good humor!

What is your mantra or words you live by?  It’s overused these days, but BE KIND. As is said, you can be anything- but first, BE KIND. 

What are your plans for future? How does Montclair fit into these plans?   I would love to keep The Total Workout going for many more years. I may be a more “seasoned” fitness pro now, but I see many active and vibrant folks in our town who might join me as we take smart responsibility for wellness.
Other plans: Stay healthy. Travel. Take more classes through the Montclair Adult School. Enjoy 3 delicious grandchildren.

Full disclosure: I have lived in Nutley for my entire adult life. ~ simply an economic decision. My first husband and I bought in Nutley in 1980, and even then, taxes were 1/2 as costly as they would have been in Montclair for the same style house. I have stayed in Nutley- 3 miles from my childhood house and 4 miles from my work! I do, however, "live" much of my life in my hometown-- working - and often eating, shopping, using professionals, and attending the fabulous cultural events. Montclair was my personal residence in my youth, and it has been my professional residence since I was 27 years old.