Health First’s Pro-Health & Fitness Center trainer Stephanie Werkeiser spied Iriarte immediately
Health First’s Pro-Health & Fitness trainer Stephanie Werkeiser, left, and member Miren Iriarte take a moment to celebrate Iriarte’s remarkable transformation since joining in September. Iriarte lifts weights under the direction of instructor Werkeiser during a recent Body Sculpting class at Pro-Health in Viera.
Miren Iriarte works her core strength during a recent Body Sculpting class at Pro-Health. She also attributes an improvement in her overall wellness to her fitness routine.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Miren Iriarte was skittish about joining a gym at 65. Yet, on her first day of a fitness class, she did the exact opposite of most beginners.
And Health First’s Pro-Health & Fitness Center trainer Stephanie Werkeiser spied Iriarte immediately.
“Most people are nervous and scared, and they stay in the back,” Werkeiser said. “But she came right up front.”
And she still does.
“I took care of my mother, and she was chair-ridden, because she couldn’t walk,” Iriarte, of Viera, explained. “I just don’t want that to happen to me. We have to keep moving and get strong, so we are not a burden to our kids.”
A nudge from neighbor Natalya Bronson set off one heck of a domino effect.
“She was telling me every week, every week, until I joined,” Iriarte said. “She really pushed me to join Health First. Also, it’s so inexpensive…I thought of changing my life, and it’s been great. I am embracing yoga. I never did that, and I’ve never done weightlifting. I love Stephanie’s class, as she’s making me so strong.”
The pair go to Pro-Health on weekends together. But Iriarte has taken it to the next level – and then some.
“For us, it’s now a part of our life,” Bronson said, adding two other neighbors on their Viera street join in on the trek to the gym.
Pro‑Health’s wellness programs focus on helping people stay active, strong, and connected at every stage of life – a continued promise of
Health First is advancing the wellness and health of the communities they serve.
Iriarte takes Werkeiser’s Body Sculpting class two to three times a week, and swims, does yoga, and Pilates. It’s become a social outlet as well as a fitness resource – a community of like-minded people who simply want to improve their health.
She’s so hooked on feeling better and getting stronger, she estimates she takes about 13 to 14 classes a week. And rides bikes with her husband on the weekends, too.
Pro-Health member Miren Iriarte tones up during a recent class at Pro-Health – a place where she says she feels safe and has a supportive community. Iriarte has lost 20 pounds and toned up since joining Pro-Health in September 2025.
“I really am very active,” she said proudly. “It’s given me so much energy, and it has changed my life. I’ve lost almost 20 pounds since September.”
Here, she feels safe.
“Everybody’s welcoming – very, very nice people,” Iriarte said. “I’m happy I went there, and I will not stop going.”
But the benefits stretch beyond muscle tone and endurance.
“This energy I have, I want to do more,” Iriarte said. “Once you start doing it, you want to. I feel stronger and healthier.”
Iriarte’s goal is not to be “skinny.” She wants to be strong.
Before, Iriarte was unable to pull herself to standing position from the floor. Now, she can nail it – without even holding on to something for support.
“I’m gonna keep going because I want to,” Iriarte said. “I want to see my muscles. I want to see me stronger.
“I want to do everything,” Iriarte said. “I want to find things to do. Read. I’m learning two new languages.”
Ask Iriarte how she changed her routine – and her life – and she’s going to credit instructor Werkeiser and others.
“She’s a great motivator,” Iriarte said.
But Werkeiser knows she’s there to help Iriarte and her classmates – the rest is up to them.
“I’m like, ‘I didn’t do anything. You’re doing all of this work,” Werkeiser said. “She’s the sweetest, and she’s just so grateful. She’s just so happy and positive.”
Pro-Health member Miren Iriarte tones up during a recent class at Pro-Health – a place where she says she feels safe and has a supportive community.
Werkeiser makes it a point, when she sees a new student in her classes, to introduce herself, give them a little rundown of what to expect.
“Nobody’s judging anybody,” she said. “We are in it together. We’re just there to help each other.”
Like any habit, consistency is what tethers it.
“Nothing happens overnight,” Werkeiser said. “People didn’t get out of shape overnight. It’s being consistent and showing up for yourself.”
So, what does seeing members like Iriarte thrive mean to Werkeiser?
“You can see the happiness and confidence by the way she walks, by the way she talks,” Werkeiser said.
Miren’s experience reflects a broader focus at Health First: supporting wellness beyond the hospital. Through services like Pro‑Health, the organization is determined to improve the health and wellness of the community — helping people stay active, independent and engaged in their everyday lives.
As far as advice for others, a little intimidated by the gym?
“They just have to go and do it,” Iriarte said. “It’s really, really changed my life.”
Learn more about the various wellness programs available at Health First’s Pro-Health & Fitness Center – Viera. Call 321.434.9149 or visit hf.org/prohealth.
Miren Iriarte works on her core strength during a recent Body Sculpting class at Pro-Health. She also attributes an improvement in her overall wellness to her fitness routine.
