By Janelle Davis
Diane Benedetto doesn’t just talk about heart health, she lives it. As board chair of the American Heart Association’s Syracuse chapter and a longtime spin instructor at Elevate Fitness, she embodies the organization’s mission in everything she does.
“You only have one heart and you need it,” Benedetto says simply when asked what drew her to the American Heart Association five years ago. Her motivation was personal, wanting to set an example for her two sons, now 28 and 25, especially given the family history of heart disease on both sides. “I wanted them to see the right behavior so they could model that and perhaps not go down the same road as their grandfathers.”
By day, Benedetto works as a jurisdiction manager for National Grid, but it’s her role as a spin instructor that has become her signature. For ten years, she’s been teaching at Elevate Fitness on Morgan Road in Liverpool, building what she calls “a great following” with consistently full classes.
Her approach to teaching mirrors the same care she brings to her advocacy work. Before every class begins, Benedetto takes time with newcomers to set them up for success. “The first class is awkward if you’ve never spun before, and it might discourage you from coming back,” she tells them. Her solution? “I want you to pay attention to your body. If you can’t do what I’m doing, sit in your seat, just move your legs, catch your breath, and come back when you’re ready. I promise you that the next time you come, you’re going to be that much stronger.”
This personal connection extends beyond technique. Benedetto makes it a point to learn every participant’s name. “Everybody loves their name, and my job is to remember who you are and what you’re all about,” she explains. It’s this combination of cardiovascular commitment and community building that keeps members engaged, and Benedetto knows that group fitness classes are what keep people at the gym long-term.
When asked about the biggest misconception women have about heart disease, Benedetto doesn’t hesitate. “The misconception is that the symptoms a man has are the same symptoms a woman is going to have. They’re completely different.” This awareness is exactly what the Go Red for Women initiative addresses, as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women.
While men typically experience chest pain radiating down the arm, women’s warning signs can be far more subtle and easily dismissed: chest discomfort, upper back pain, shortness of breath, upset stomach, shoulder pain, unusual fatigue or weakness, and anxiety. “That’s why it’s really important to pay attention,” Benedetto emphasizes. “You should always call 911 if you have those symptoms and they feel unusual.”
Her most critical piece of advice? “Buy a blood pressure cuff and know your numbers.” Benedetto recommends taking blood pressure daily, using devices that now come with apps to track trends over time. “Take it three times in a row to make sure it’s consistent,” she advises. The devices are affordable—around $35 at major retailers—and those machines at drugstores are reliable too.
Beyond monitoring, Benedetto is passionate about the two “silent killers” in our diets: salt and sugar. “A teaspoon of sugar is your maximum daily allowance. You eat a donut, and you’re way over it,” she notes. She uses MyFitnessPal’s upgraded version to track her food intake and nutrient levels daily, paying particular attention to sodium and sugar accumulation. “You have to read labels,” she stresses, recommending people prepare food at home whenever possible to avoid hidden sugars and sodium in processed foods.
As board chair, Benedetto works on initiatives ranging from smoking and vaping cessation advocacy to bringing resources into disadvantaged communities that may lack access to healthy foods, blood pressure monitoring, or even basic CPR training. When the executive director calls for advocacy action, Benedetto and fellow volunteers contact their representatives. “It’s so simple,” she says.
“You call up and say you’re calling from the American Heart Assoc-iation to ask them to vote on a bill. Anyone can do that.”
The best way for local residents to get involved? Attend the Syracuse Heart Walk on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College. The two-to-three-mile walk, which goes both inside and outside around the campus, offers opportunities to walk in memory of loved ones, join company teams, or simply learn more about heart health resources. There’s even a fun run for kids at 9:30 a.m., with the main walk starting at 10 a.m.
For those looking to make a bigger commitment, the annual Go Red for Women event each October brings the community together to raise awareness about women’s cardiovascular health. While both events welcome participation, Benedetto acknowledges they’d love to see increased attendance. “Unfortunately, it matters to people after they have an event,” she reflects. “We want to be out there ahead of those events. That’s why we want participation, we want to keep raising the awareness.”
“You have to be your own advocate. Nobody’s going to be an advocate for you. You can’t ignore the signs.” Whether it’s noticing a blood pressure trend that’s been off for a week or recognizing unusual symptoms, taking action early could save your life.
Diane Benedetto reminds us, you only have one heart, and it deserves your attention. SWM
