Favorite Way to Sweat

I’m so immature, I laughed at that question! Spin – all day, everyday. I’m an addict. In the off season, I like to add a few days of hot yoga to my schedule. I can sweat just as much in a 75 minute hot yoga class as in a 60 minute spin. From a stretching perspective, it’s almost imperative if you’re working out a lot, not to mention the mental release. If you can let everything go and just be in the moment, it’s incredibly freeing – the same thing goes for spin. When you get in that room and the lights go off and the music starts, the only thing I’m thinking about is exactly what I’m doing. I just try to be present.

Style of Teaching

Thorough and energetic.  Form and safety are super important so I cue a lot. I love walking around the room to give each person individual attention.  Just because everyone has a different level of experience doesn’t mean everyone shouldn’t be working their hardest – I always teach to the strongest in class and will modify for those who need it. I also bring a lot of energy to each workout I teach.  Sixty minutes is a long time to stay focused so if I can engage my clients and keep them motivated, I’m doing my job.

What can people expect to get from your class?

A dirty vocabulary lesson? I have an awful mouth.  I actually encourage cursing, yelling, grunting, laughing, singing, CRYING (it happens more than you think) whatever you need to get through it. It’s not always about the physical results. That 60 minutes is also a mental and emotional release for people who are busy with work and family. That’s their time to focus on themselves, and I’m right there to make sure they are making the most of it.

What is your favorite music to play during class?

I am a music fanatic so playlists are a priority for me.  I can put Kanye, Alkaline Trio, Bob Marley and Frank Sinatra in one playlist, and it’s a total hit.  It’s about appealing to the masses and finding songs that you can get into… songs that move you. There are days when I roll out an entire 80’s playlist or Pop or Punk… it depends on my mood and the workout I have planned. I am a sucker for good EDM especially in the spin room. One thing you can bet your ass on – NO. COUNTRY. EVER.

What is your guilty pleasure?

That question should be plural.  Good denim.  My perfume – I’m pretty sure it was made from the blood of the last unicorn and no I’m not telling you what it is. Tom Ford sunglasses. MILK chocolate in any form. MASSAGES.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

“Nothing good comes easy.” Maybe it’s owning a business, maybe it’s marriage or children or friendships- these things aren’t handed to you on silver platters. You work at them, you tend to them, you are patient and loving towards them because you value them and you want them whole-heartedly.  If you’re not bleeding, sweating and/or crying trying to get what you want out of this life, chances are, you don’t really want it.

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Vacation is my favorite word! I have a bag packed at all times “just in case”. I love a good surf trip to Costa Rica or Puerto Rico in the middle of winter, when everything is grey and cold, but I’d have to say Anguilla. Even though the surf is super inconsistent, I get to spend a lot of time with my family when we are there.  It’s just sun, food, drinks and laughs with the people I love on one of the most beautiful, secluded islands in the West Indies.

Who/What inspires you?

Our clients. I’ve seen some insane transformations over the last few years and not always weight loss related.  When people text, email and call thanking me “for such an amazing experience”, “for helping me get stronger”, “for pushing me to do better”, “for motivating me” it’s the force that drives me to want to go back into the studio every day and do more.  To know that I can make a difference is someone’s life by just being me, makes it’s all worth it.

Which would be harder for you to give up: coffee or alcohol.

COFFEE. I’ve been drinking it since I was 14.  I have 2 cups before I leave in the morning and bring the third one with me, which I’m usually finishing during my first workout.  I like a light roast with half and half – none of that frou frou shit with syrups and whipped cream.  I’m anti-Starbucks – it’s like jet fuel that will put hair on your chest.  Lucky for us, there are some amazing local coffee shops that help feed my addiction.

Please tell us one unique thing about yourself

I’ve never been fall on the floor, black out drunk. Ever. It was just never my thing. People don’t believe me when I tell them, as though it’s impossible to have that much self-control lol. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy alcohol – I just don’t enjoy vomiting, hangovers and making bad decisions – at least ones I wasn’t aware of.

Favorite Way to Sweat

I don’t like to sit still. Anything I can do outside or on the beach! But obviously working out.

Style of Teaching

My background is competitive dance and cheerleading, so naturally my style of teaching is high energy. I try to focus on what is working for each client and their individual needs. I like to push them, but also make sure they are comfortable. I usually tell people that my classes move quickly because I like to keep the energy up and keep people moving.

What can people expect to get from your class?

They can expect to sweat, laugh, and feel really good in their fitness journey and what they accomplished. I make sure that people know what they have done is not easy and they should be proud of themselves!

What is your favorite music to play during class?

I have a broad taste in music, I play all types of different music but it has got to be high energy and have a good beat.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I have a major shopping problem. I have over 30 pairs of jeans. I also love to add stuff to my cart without actually purchasing it. I am a chronic online window shopper.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

“To get out of your own way.” A lot of the time the only thing that is stopping you from doing what you want is yourself. The only thing you have control over in your life is yourself.

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Well I haven’t been to either, but Bali and the Amalfi coast are top on my list. The Bali trip would be my lazy beach trip and the Amalfi would be where I go to explore, eat, boat tours, etc.

Who/What inspires you?

People who inspire me are people who are able to take the road less traveled. People who do what they want to do, even if it’s not what they are supposed to do. People who go after what they want and are not afraid to make changes.

Which would be harder for you to give up: coffee or alcohol.

Coffee. I’ve given up alcohol before! Coffee would be really hard.

Favorite Way to Sweat

It sounds crazy, but I love spending a solid 20 minutes in the sauna – its the number one reason I still keep a gym membership. Sauna benefits are endless, it’s stress relieving, soothing on sore muscle, and helps me sleep like a baby. I don’t always stay put however, I like to bring a mat with me and do ab work for half of the session, IT’S INTENSE, but worth it. Also, its the best way to sweat out toxins, especially when you’re hungover (wink wink.)

Style of Teaching

I think I’m a happy medium between a drill sergeant and your best buddy. I like to push clients sternly within their limits, but also show them how workouts can be liberating and rewarding.

What can people expect to get from your class?

All core, all the time. Having a strong core is essential in everyday life, it gives you a confident posture, makes you aware and mindful of the rest of your body, and protects your spine and central organs! My version of ab workouts challenge you mentally even more than physically.

What is your favorite music to play during class?

Keeping things upbeat and energized is important, so I typically stick with rock and dance tracks. At heart, I love metal, which you might catch a glimpse of in spin class, where its no ride in the park!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Eating raw honey from the jar with a spoon… no shame in my honey game, it’s probably my favorite carbohydrate, being it’s so natural. Second to this would be Nutella, but that’s why I don’t keep it in the house…

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

To not take life so seriously because none of us get out alive anyway. I tend to be fierce in any pursuit, especially when attaining certain goals, so taking any moment I can to be silly and enjoy the little things is essential.

What is your favorite vacation destination?

As a college student, traveling is a goal that I’ll be focusing on post-graduation. However, from the places I’ve been Costa Rica was by far the best. That place exudes happiness, and is filled with such diverse wildlife. Between the friendly stray dogs who greet you on the beach and the tropical birds that serenade you to start your day at 6 a.m., I am always wanting to go back. Pura Vida.

Who/What inspires you?

Honestly, a lot inspires me, as a designer/artist, I am constantly stimulated by the things I see around me or what I read from history. I would say surrounding myself with beautiful places, people and things is where my inspiration stems. Appreciating my environment, and the natural world as a whole, keeps me humbled.

Which would be harder for you to give up: coffee or alcohol.

Coffee! Nothing like a good caffeine fix to start the day. However, green tea is an easy replacement that I enjoy periodically – plus it has way better health benefits!

Favorite Way to Sweat

Sex, just kidding!!!  Working out, being outdoors, running around with my Husky Waldo, laying on a beach/boat

Style of Teaching

Challenging, crazy, sarcastic, humorous, fun, engaging.  I use mindset work mixed with sarcasm and cursing as inspiration and motivation! It’s a little bit of this, and a little bit of that.  I try to engage my clients in the class.  Honestly, I never know what’s going to come out of my mouth…No filter! LOL My goal is to inspire and motivate people to become happier, healthier versions of themselves and change their mindset towards themselves, life and working out, and make time to take care of themselves mind, body and soul…to find and focus on their passion! Mindset, goals, dreams, vitality and living a large healthy and happy life! I want them to leave feeling energized, excited and looking forward to the next class! My goal and passion is to assist others in helping them connect to their WHY-their dreams, prosperity, health, mindset and inspiration, and live their DASH!

What can people expect to get from your class?

To be challenged, get out of their comfort zone and out of their head, pushed to their limits and beyond realizing they have so much potential and can do one more rep, can hang on for one more minute, can get through a class, can do a new workout/exercise and in the end, enjoy it and be proud with absolutely no judgement.  They will feel energized, excited, exerted, but happy! Positive experience… Motivated, inspired, happy, wanting to come back for more. Feel as if they’re getting closer to their fitness goals, and feel freer with a balanced mind, body, and soul! I want them to have fun, but know they worked out!!!

What is your favorite music to play during class?

Varies… Depends on my mood, class dynamics, requests, but I pretty much enjoy all types of music. Generally anything that has a killer beat, pumps you up, motivates or affects you emotionally and has meaning!  Songs that bring out your inner BADASS and inspire and motivate to push yourself to the limits!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Hallmark Movies especially at Christmas time! AND SUSHI!!! I could eat that shit every day!!! LOL

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Choose your battles. Remove caustic, negative people from my circle/life, and surround myself with positive people who lift you up and enrich your mind, body and soul, and Live Your Dash every day!

What is your favorite vacation destination?

BVI (British Virgin Islands/St. Thomas) Really anywhere that’s warm, with sun, fun, and a beach! I’ve always been a true beach/warm weather girl who absolutely loves salt water, sand, sun, and any activities and people that come along with it.  I love island vibes!

Who/What inspires you?

My parents: They inspire me because I live on through all of the amazing, wonderful memories and life lessons they taught me, and it keeps a smile on my face.  They taught me so many life lessons, and shown me what determination, perseverance, hard work, selflessness, friendship, unconditional love and a true family unit is and to stand up for myself and what I believe in.  We didn’t have to be perfect they wanted us to be alright; they wanted us to do right…for everything to fall just right with time, practice, and family. To pick ourselves up, to pick each other up when we stumbled. They taught us to live with no regrets… life’s a lesson…If you learn from your mistakes, they’re not mistakes they are lessons.  To do right, make things right, and make good choices. Don’t wait for next time, the one more time, you don’t have all the time in the world… time is not on our side…so give one more hug, one more kiss, go for one more walk, believe in love like you’ve never been hurt, take action, surround yourself with positive people, don’t wait for tomorrow, do the things you really don’t feel like doing because it could be your one last time.  It is all about “The Dash”…We all have a birth date and we will all have a death date, but what’s most important, we’re all remembered by how we lived our lives and what we did…The Dash or Hashmark is what it’s all about… Living a good life full of family, friends, and amazing times… MAKING MEMORIES… NO REGRETS!!!

Which would be harder for you to give up: coffee or alcohol.

If I had to choose, alcohol.

Please tell us one unique thing about yourself

I would say maintaining a positive mindset every day and being able to find the positives/see the silver lining in every situation no matter how bad it may seem, and supporting and lifting others up when they need it.  I am also very blunt, upfront and truthful!

Favorite Way to Sweat

Running, I secretly love running. Which is weird I know.

Style of Teaching

Patient, High Energy, All about technique and FUN. You don’t realize you’re working out in my class. I usually feed off the energy of the class.

What can people expect to get from your class?

Expect to sweat, expect a great workout, not just using your entire body but you also work out your mind.

What is your favorite music to play during class?

Rap and Reggae tone. I really love ALL music.

What is your guilty pleasure?

All of ’em! Any Sweet Treat.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Face your fears, Live your dreams. Getting over your fear is a big thing!

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Colorado! Love snowboarding, I love that state! I could move there tomorrow.

Who/What inspires you?

My Family. Family is everything.

Which would be harder for you to give up: coffee or alcohol.

Alcohol, there’s no way I could live without coffee.

Please tell us one unique thing about yourself

I’m bilingual and I always forget – haha! I fluently speak Spanish and English.