Moving with Confidence: Tamara Sharp at Edgehill
Fitness Instructor Helps Edgehill Residents Thrive Through Fitness
“It’s incredible to see someone move in ways they never thought possible. In the water, limits disappear,” says Tamara Sharp, a beloved fitness instructor who has been guiding Edgehill residents since 2010.
At Edgehill, staying active is about far more than exercise. It is about building strength, maintaining independence and fostering meaningful social connections. Through thoughtfully designed fitness classes and genuine encouragement, Tamara helps residents feel capable, confident and inspired to keep moving.
Starting Out on the Ice
Tamara’s approach to fitness is shaped by a lifetime of movement. An athlete since age eight, she spent 16 years as a professional figure skater, performing on four continents and in more than 20 countries as a principal skater in both stationary and touring shows.
Her career included performing as a cast member—and later serving as a choreographer—on Dancing on Ice, along with other international productions that demanded precision, endurance and complete body awareness.
Using Her Expertise to Help Others
That deep understanding of movement carried naturally into her next chapter. While transitioning from the frozen stage, Tamara began her career in the fitness industry, using her acute knowledge of biomechanics and technique to help people move better—not just more.
She was hired by the Tully Health Center in Stamford, Connecticut, a comprehensive outpatient facility that includes the medically supervised Sarner Health and Fitness Institute, where she further honed her work with individuals managing health conditions, recovery and mobility challenges.
Tamara holds several professional certifications, including:
Her expertise spans senior fitness, strength training, yoga and aquatics. With a choreographer’s eye for detail, she breaks down each movement so residents can feel how their bodies are working—safely, effectively and with intention. “When people understand how their bodies move,” she says, “they gain confidence—and that changes everything.”
Get Moving in Style: Tamara’s Weekly Classes at Edgehill
Tamara teaches weekly classes at Edgehill, thoughtfully designed to support strength, mobility and confidence for older adults—helping them stay active and independent.
Water Exercise
Held in the warm-water pool, this class builds strength, flexibility and mobility while supporting cardiac health. The water’s buoyancy reduces impact, eases stiffness and allows participants to move more freely—often making it the most comfortable and effective way to exercise.
Arthritis Mobility
Focused on all major joint groups, this class helps maintain range of motion, reduce stiffness and support everyday movement through gentle, guided exercises.
Chair Pilates
A core-strengthening class that improves posture, balance and flexibility, incorporating controlled movements and guided breathing—all from the support of a chair.
In addition to group classes, Tamara also works privately with Edgehill residents, offering individualized training both in and out of the pool.
“There’s something powerful about seeing someone move beyond what they believed was possible—and then watching that strength grow with each return,” says Tamara.
Residents often discover new freedom in movement. “The pool gives people confidence they may not feel on land. It’s incredible to see them walk taller, move more easily and smile while doing it.”
Active Living at Edgehill
Edgehill’s fitness activities perfectly complement Tamara’s instruction. The indoor heated pool and hot tub, fitness gym, instructor-led classes and walking paths provide a safe, welcoming environment for residents to stay active.
Through Tamara’s guidance, encouragement and welcoming approach, residents can maintain independence, improve mobility and embrace an active and social lifestyle. Her classes and the community’s fitness offerings create a space where residents can move and feel empowered as they age.
“Movement is more than exercise—it’s confidence, connection and fun. That’s what I hope everyone leaves class with,” says Tamara.