Madalene Aponte was nine months pregnant and teaching a step aerobics class when her water broke; 45 minutes later, she gave birth to her daughter Daiana.

The story is among many examples of Aponte's constant desire to stay fit.

"For me, personally, it's a way of living," said Aponte, 34, of 'Ewa Beach. "I just want to be around for a very long time."

Around, that is, for her family: husband Hector, whom she's been married to for 12 years; daughter Daiana, 10; and sons Hector Jr., 7, and Daniel, 5 months.

While kickboxing is her favorite workout, the former Olympics tae kwon do athlete is also a huge fan of most any type of group exercise program, such as Pilates, spinning and Latin dance. Aponte, the membership and marketing director at the new Leeward YMCA and a fitness instructor, plans to teach such classes when the Waipahu facility opens in January. (See box.)

"Music is a great motivator, and it keeps you going," she said. "I also enjoy group exercise because you make new friends and the instructor and fellow students help you stay focused."

Age: 34

Profession: Membership and marketing director at Leeward YMCA. Aponte is also a personal trainer, group exercise instructor and fitness presenter.

Residence: 'Ewa Beach

Height: 5-feet-4

Weight: 125 pounds

Stays in shape by: Kickboxing three times a week, Pilates and power yoga twice a week for muscle toning and relaxation.

Fitness goal: "To be a fit and funky grandma. Not in a hurry; my oldest child is 10 years old."

When and why I started working out: Aponte started taking tae kwon do classes when she was 9 years old. When she was 17, she made the Puerto Rico Olympics team and participated in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. After graduating from college in 1994 with a degree in exercise physiology, Aponte became a fitness instructor and personal trainer.

"I want to bring fitness to everyone, and that's why I decided to get certified in other formats, like yoga, Pilates, senior fitness, water aerobics, dance aerobics, spinning and step," she said.

Good foods/bad foods: Aponte loves tuna. Her weakness is Puerto Rican rice and beans with fried plantains.

Biggest motivator: "My kids."

What saves my sanity: "Yoga breathing. It can be done anytime, anywhere."

Advice for those in the same boat: "For all working moms, please don't feel guilty about taking time to work out. If you need to spend more time with the kids, try a routine where they can participate, like a family fit class or a bike ride with the family. My kids and I love to just put on some funky music and dance for an hour in our house."

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.