FirstHealth Fitness names new facility director

Laura Whiteside has been named the new facility director of FirstHealth Fitness — Southern Pines as longtime director Cinnamon LeBlanc steps down from her role to serve as an exercise specialist at both Pinehurst and Southern Pines centers.

The director of FirstHealth Fitness — Raeford since 2017, Whiteside is making use of her fitness industry experience to take on the unique task of managing both the Raeford and Southern Pines centers.

She joined FirstHealth Fitness in 2016 after working three years as assistant coordinator of the HIIT (High-Intensity Tactical Training) program and assistant manager of the HITT facility on North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune Marine Base.

“I’m excited to work with a new group of people and continue to make exercise and wellness as accessible as possible,” Whiteside said. “Whether you’re a high-performing athlete, new to exercise, or managing chronic conditions, I want the Southern Pines center to be the place to go.”

A native of Hubert, North Carolina, Whiteside earned her B.S. degree in Exercise and Sports Science from East Carolina University. She is a TSAC-F (Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator) through the National Strength Conditioning Association.

A USA Weightlifting Advanced Sports Performance Coach and Certified Personal Trainer, Whiteside is also experienced in Hardstyle Kettlebell, Dragon Door and TRX Level 3. Her areas of expertise include military training, Olympic weightlifting, strength and conditioning for all fitness levels, general health and fitness, youth fitness and weight loss.

Whiteside said she looks forward to continuing many of the programs LeBlanc put in place during her 25 years as facility director. LeBlanc looks forward to spending more time with her family and will continue to teach group exercise classes at FirstHealth Fitness — Pinehurst, and to work with the Cancer Wellness Program.

“Laura has done a lot of great work at FirstHealth Fitness — Raeford and I’m confident she will bring the same dedicated spirit to Southern Pines,” LeBlanc said.

 

Courtesy photo/Contributed.

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