Alicia Romano

WHY DID YOU BECOME A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR?

My career in health and wellness has always been driven by the desire to work with people- to help them reach their goals, to push them a little harder and to have a heck of a lot of fun on the way there. There is nothing more satisfying than a class full of riders working their butts off together, being pushed by not only me, but by each other; seeing them come back class after class, getting stronger and more determined…it’s just amazing.

It was in my blood- literally. I grew up a dancer and multi-sport athlete with a love for bringing people together, a passion for health and wellness and a secret dream of becoming a DJ- hence my near obsession with music and trying to find the most kick ass beats. I got a taste of the fitness industry thanks to my mom, who taught a variety of fitness classes at our local gym, including spin- my fire was lit at an early age.

FAVORITE GO-TO PUMP UP SONG?

Right now I’m LOVING Work (Jacob Plant Remix)- Iggy Azalea and Bitch Better Have My Money (R3hab Remix) – Rihanna

FIRST GROUP FITNESS CLASS?

My first group fitness class was actually “Spinning” with my mom back home! She was an instructor when I was young (circa 15+ years ago) and I would go to her classes religiously- hence where my love began.

FAVORITE MOVIE?

I’ve always been a sucker for comedies like Zoolander, Step Brothers….lately I’ve been really into all the Marvel Movies.

FIRST JOB?

I used to work at a local coffee shop as a barista! I loved that job- not only did I learn how to make some great coffee, but I met great people.

HOMETOWN?

Wallingford, Connecticut

FAVORITE JUNK FOOD?

Teddy’s Chunky peanut butter by the spoonful paired with a glass of red wine and some kind of chocolate, preferably dark. I guess you can call this my “adult” version of peanut butter & jelly. I’m also really diggin’ Ben and Jerry’s new dairy free line of ice cream- I’m lactose intolerant, so it’s a dream come true.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Pomodoro (previously Volle Nolle) in the North End is a delicious little hole in the wall with simple delicious Italian food; Toro in the South End for Tapas and Island Creek Oyster in Kenmore Square for seafood and Oysters, hands down.

GO-TO WEEKDAY MEAL?

Lunch is always a big salad- usually arugula and baby kale, a mixture of veggies (whatever’s in season or is leftover in the fridge), leftover fresh herbs, beans, kalamata olives or avocado, a hard boiled egg and some kind of homemade dressing.

PERFECT SUNDAY AFTERNOON?

I love to start my Sunday with a big cup of coffee and a long walk with my dog Chili- we have our favorite Sunday walk that goes along the whole Boston harbor along the North End and Seaport- it’s just the best! Once I’ve tired her out, I’ll hopefully be grabbing some kind of delicious brunch or lunch on a patio with a glass (who are we kidding, multiple glasses) of Rose followed by some bargain shopping and eventually a trip to Whole Foods and the Boston Public Market so I can grab everything I need to make a super yummy dinner and get myself ready for the week ahead!

FAVORITE WORKOUT GEAR?

I’m going to be real here. I wish that I could afford all the Lulu and Athleta and everything fancy and so cute. That’s where I do my window shopping. Honestly, I get all my workout gear from Marshalls & TJMaxx- right now I’m loving the 90 degree by Reflex brand- they have great high waisted leggings (full length and crop) in super cute colors and prints- paired with their ladder or lattice sports bra or a crop top- done. And I can’t forget a great headband- right now I love Under Armour UA Bonded Headbands- I need something with a good grip- it helps keep my glasses in place during class 🙂

WON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?

My glasses (rocking 4-eyes for 28+ years), a pair of headphones (I’m constantly listening to music), chap stick/lip gloss and some kind of portable snack, like almonds and handheld fruit, because a) I’m always hungry , b) I’m always on the go and like to be prepared (that’s the type A dietitian in me)

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Reality TV. I just can’t get enough of it. Whether it’s the bachelor/bachelorette, anything on Bravo, Catfish on MTV (yes I still watch MTV)- it is such a great escape from reality sometimes (ironic)- and a great excuse to snuggle on the couch in my leopard bathrobe at the end of the day.

FAVORITE PLACE TO SWEAT WHEN YOU AREN’T TEACHING?

Depends on my mood, but I would say top three spots are: North End Yoga for Vinyasa flow, Btone North End or Barry’s Bootcamp.

IN TEN YEARS I WILL BE _____?

Happy and healthy, surrounded by the people I love.

HAVE TOO MUCH OF?

Big chunky statement necklaces and “pops of leopard” in my wardrobe- even my glasses have a little leopard accent on the cat eye.

Water hands down, because our bodies would not be able to get through the heart pumping, sweat dripping workouts we endure in group-fitness, let alone function in a healthy and happy way on a daily basis (that’s the RD in me talking)- however, if you were asking me this question when my 5am alarm clock goes off, or when I need my 3pm pick me up- I would clearly say coffee

GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

I am such a morning person and really love to take advantage of a full day! I really enjoy extra me-time in the morning- a nice cup of coffee, a short walk with my dog; pair that with getting ready to tackle a day filled with riders, patients and clients, it’s easy for me to rise and shine. The mornings I teach, my early morning riders certainly motivate me to hop skip and jump out of bed- their energy and motivation powers me through any morning.

IF YOU COULD BE ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Part of me is saying- I’d like to be myself, because I love myself, even all those little quirks. On the other hand, I wouldn’t mind stepping in the shoes of Lady Gaga. She is such as passionate authentic artist who truly owns who she is and what she stands for- plus she has a crazy and risk-free sense of fashion and amazing music.

CELEBRITY YOU’D MOST LIKE TO MEET?

Justin Timberlake hands down. I’ve followed him since he was a mouseketeer- literally obsessed- he’s so talented, so humble. If I could meet the two of them together AND convince them to collaborate, well that would be heaven.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My mama, Felicia Romano- I know I am 100% a product of my mother and I couldn’t’ be prouder. She’s taught me everything I know and life- between how to be a hard worker, to how to cook at a young age; showed me how to advocate for myself throughout my career and how to live a healthy happy life; not to mention she is the one that introduced me to group exercise! She’s shown me that balance in life comes from hard work, family and good friends, good health, laughter, a little dance party and always a glass of wine in one hand.