When I took my first class at Btone Fitness Lexington (then called Boston Pilates Plus) I knew this was what I wanted to teach. A lot of my yoga instructor friends refer to this “ah-ha” moment during their first yoga class, saying they were hooked for life and wanted to teach from their first experience on the mat. For me, that moment happened during my TONE class. I still remember Heidi laughing at my terrible form on“scrambled eggs” (which 5 years later is STILL HARD!). From then on, it’s just become this yearning to learn more, get certified in more. It’s important to me to continue my education and exposure to a variety of fitness styles and trends so I can keep my clients and classes fresh.
I think being a fitness instructor was naturally in the cards for me – it’s who I was born to be. I grew up playing competitive sports, specifically D1 lacrosse in college, and coaching throughout my career. By the time I graduated, I knew I didn’t want to (couldn’t) sit at a desk job, but rather needed something more active. Luckily for me, I found a little lululemon showroom in Harvard Square where I got to work in the community. Once I started taking group fitness classes, I knew I wanted to teach something – it was just a matter of WHAT.
I am known for playing country music *however* when it comes to pump up time – usually before a road race – I have a few go-to’s that are not country. I get motivated more from the music/instruments than the actual words, so my all-time favorite piece of a song is the musical interlude of Wiz Khalifa’s “When I’m Gone” (the first ~60 seconds).
HA! It was actually back in college. One of my teammates said she “found this really cool thing where you sweat and meditate and feel awesome”…. It was Baptiste Yoga in Coolidge Corner. Needless to say I was TERRIBLE – full disclosure, I couldn’t touch my toes until like 2 years ago! But I loved the sweat, the mindfulness, and the “feel good stuff” of my attempt at yoga poses.
Depends on my mood. “Miracle” is an all-time favorite. I love the team camaraderie, the mental toughness, that it’s based on a true story, and the fantastic motivational sports quotes (which I used to recite before my lacrosse games).
Working for deBeer lacrosse as a grassroots marketing intern. That was just for the summer lacrosse tournaments & camps, and then I started working for the lululemon showroom.
Baltimore, Maryland… or as we say: Bal’more ‘hon!
Toss up between French fries and pancakes (if that counts as junk food?). I loooove breakfast!
Atlantic Fish Company because I love seafood. Or Stella – that’s definitely what I miss most about no longer living in the South End.
One of my go-to’s is hard boiled eggs with avocado and hot sauce – easy and delicious. One of my favorite dinners to cook is fajitas – I love Mexican food.
I love Sundays because it’s my only day off during the week, and I try hard to maintain that balance of NOT working on Sundays. I allow myself this one day to sleep in – past 7am if my puppy will let me! Then my husband and I make brunch together (or go out), probably take a walk with the pup and/or a run through Charlestown, followed by an afternoon nap. Pretty low key & lazy… and pretty amazing I think!
I try to be efficient when teaching (particularly at Btone) by changing springs, turning handlebars, and other things to prep the machines for the upcoming move. Doing so involves me running tire-drill style, hopping through machines, sometimes not looking, while cueing the current exercise. The result is typically tripping, falling, or otherwise hitting shins on heavy metal rings. Instructors always have lots of bumps and bruises!
Pretty obsessed with the lululemon Align Pant. I love their high-waisted leggings, and particularly love the thin, buttery soft fabric! For tops I love to rep loose fitting, cotton, cut-off tank studio swag. It’s fun to rep the local Boston studios, and is a great conversation starter with clients.
My iPhone (pathetic, but true). Also, snacks. I have a fear of going hungry!
Watching reality TV shows (Real Housewives, Southern Comfort, pretty much everything on Bravo or HGTV)… I might even admit that I record them so I don’t miss an episode #yikes!
My all-time favorite is the megaformer workout (Btone). If I could only do one workout for the rest of my life it would be this – I just find it to be the most effective and efficient. In nice weather I love a good river run along Storrow Drive. Or if I want a good sweat: hot yoga (typically CorePower Yoga because it’s most convenient to me).
Old! Wow… I’ll be living in the suburbs of either Boston or D.C. area, in my dream home with a big wrap-around front porch, and a bunch of little kiddos and puppies running around. Maybe running my own studio, or at least coaching my kids, and maybe training my neighbors.
Lululemon workout clothes! #jobperk
Literally my puppy because she’s up with the sun. Most days I’m up early anyway to go teach. The early morning is the best though because the city is so quiet.
Honestly, myself. And I don’t mean that in a pretentious way, but rather I just try to appreciate the life I have because it’s all I get. I admire qualities and lifestyles of other people, and sometimes may try to mirror said behavior, but at the end of the day I think it’s more important to appreciate the moments, people, and stuff you DO have more so than desire that which you do not. #preach
Maybe Ben Affleck because I’ve had a crush on him since I was like 12. Or Kelly Ripa because I’m convinced we would be best friends in real life.
Is it cheesy if I say my sister, Angie? Most recently I’ve watched her return to work after having her baby and I realized she’s my only mom-friend who DID return to work after having a baby. She still finds time to work her full time job, have time for herself and work out, all while being a great mom. I just think that’s a tough balance for a lot of women and she does it all with grace.
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