How do you motivate yourself to stick with making healthy choices or get back on track when you splurge?
Through high school and into my first year of college, I wasn’t into fitness at all—I didn’t exercise or think too much about what I ate. As a result, I had a lot of extra weight and never truly felt my best. When I got to college, I started thinking about it more, and I managed to lose more than 20 pounds in my first semester at Notre Dame. My main motivation for healthy choices comes from thinking about the way I used to look and feel, coupled with the way I feel now when I eat healthily and maintain an active lifestyle. It is amazing to feel fit and truly be aware of how fitness literally shapes the body and impacts each moment of your life. I carry myself differently and know I am so much stronger than I used to be. That’s a feeling I never want to let go, so I work hard to keep it in my grasp. Now, anyone who knows me knows I do still have a sweet tooth—I LOVE to bake, which is not an easy hobby for health nuts! To balance my splurges, I try to be even more aware of my workouts as well as what I eat for the rest of the day. Luckily, I also love to cook, so cooking veggies and proteins is not too much of a challenge besides finding the time!

Did you do a LIFT private or group class, a Calm session or both? Had you ever used an online platform before fitness or stress management?
I completed both a LIFT class and the Calm seven-day intro challenge. I’ve actually used Calm before so it was not completely foreign to me, but enough time had passed that the intro sessions were quite useful for helping me settle back into it. I’ve also listened to meditation podcasts and used other mindfulness apps to help me ground myself before I start each day. Completing a live fitness class online was totally new to me—I’ve definitely taken advantage of the many YouTube fitness channels like BeFit, Boho Beautiful and Yoga with Adrienne, but I’d never had the experience of an instructor coaching me through my computer! It was so different but honestly pretty amazing to see the other class members in their homes, and I liked that the instructor was able to correct my posture or movement in a way that a YouTube video obviously can’t.

How did you feel after your full day of meals from Sakara? How did it compare to other meal delivery services you’ve tried?
I felt full and content after my day of meals from Sakara! I was totally stress-free, first of all, because I didn’t have to think about cooking for myself and scheduling that time-intensive task into my day. It was a relief to know all three meals, plus a little chocolate for dessert, minerals for water and tea for fun, were ready and waiting when meal time rolled around. The food was so obviously fresh and nutritious, and the expert packing definitely made me feel like someone had personally prepared this for me—not like it came from a factory assembly line. Combined with the notes, explanations and encouragement from the Sakara team, the whole experience felt incredibly personal in a way other meal delivery services never have. I’ve only tried other services that require you to do some cooking, which I enjoy, but the fact of the matter is I don’t always have time. This was much simpler and still left me feeling very full and very satisfied.

What was your favorite meal that you received from Sakara? Would you order again?
I truly enjoyed every dish I tried—something unique stood out in each one. In the Strawberry Maca Shortcake breakfast, I couldn’t believe how light and delicious the “cream” tasted even though it was vegan and much healthier than whipped cream! It was like having dessert for breakfast, so I definitely enjoyed that. For lunch, the Spicy Harissa Chard Abundance Bowl had these amazing winter veggies in a green sauce that was so light and fresh—but what stood out to me the most was that the bowl came on top of a bed of fresh spinach. The spinach wasn’t wilted or old in the slightest—it looked like it came straight from the grocery store. This gave me even more confidence in the healthiness of the food. Finally, the dinner of Revitalizing Risotto with Citrus-Glazed Squash and Balsamic Tomatoes definitely stood out for the clever combination of a cashew “cheese” and quinoa in place of risotto’s typical dairy and rice combination. The whole dish was delicious and so filling that I was able to save some for the next day! I would definitely order any of the meals again and recommend them to friends.

What made you decide to become a trainer?

I had some excellent trainers throughout different stages of my active life, and I loved the feeling they inspired in me just by giving me their positive energy and commitment. I realized I get that same feeling from helping others with their own health and fitness, and that calling was a lot stronger than any desire to sit behind a desk for a living!

Does your fitness routine change once it (finally) starts to get warmer outside?

This week we caught up with Yusuf Jeffers to find out how his basketball career at Rutgers University led him to became a Tone House instructor.

What made you decide to become a trainer?

I’m an accidental tourist in the fitness field. After many years of working as a research assistant in cancer therapies and diagnostics I became a bit bored and became certified to personal train part time. When my company went through a round of layoffs,  I picked some more clients and began teaching more. Haven’t looked back since.

Does your fitness routine change once it (finally) starts to get warmer outside?

Yes. I do tend to enjoy outdoors workouts a little bit more in the warmer weather as well as playing more sports outside.

After being active for so many years, how do you continue to challenge yourself in the gym?

Maybe it was Aristotle who said “The more you know, the more you know you don’t know.“  It’s the same with fitness. There’s always some aspect to improve upon or learn. When you stop trying to improve is when you’re no longer motivated to face the challenge.

Whether they knew it or not, do your trainees ever help you learn something new during a session?

Absolutely. I’m certainly not the same trainer now that I was when I first began. That’s most directly because of what my trainees have taught me about human movement and maybe more importantly, how crucial mindset and psychology is to improving your physical condition.

What is your favorite workout you to do to switch up your routine?

HealthKick Ambassador Francesca Gentile gave plant-based meal delivery service Sakara Life a try and dishes on her experience.

How do you motivate yourself to stick with making healthy choices, or get back on track when you splurge? 

I motivate myself to make healthy choices based on how I feel and look when I eat healthy. I have more energy and glowing skin when I cut out sugar and white carbs. I also try my hardest to not bring it into the house so I am not tempted!

How did you feel after your full day of meals from Sakara? How did it compare to other meal delivery services you’ve tried?

Jen De Leon came all the way from Australia and has been teaching at Xtend Barre for 6 years. Jen shares with us how living in Australia has changed the way she works out in NYC, especially once it starts to get warm out!

What made you decide to become a trainer?

Whether they know it or not, do your trainees ever help you learn something new during a session?

Kick off March the right way! It’s time to start spring-cleaning, making your March Madness bracket and, more importantly, get back on your workout schedule after a winter slump! We spoke with Cyc instructor,  Elena Koshivaki, this week to hear about her experience as a cycologist, how she continues to push herself in the gym, her March Madness pick and more!

What made you decide to become an instructor?

I became a trainer because I was so passionate about helping other people find and create fitness goals. I think sending positive and healthy motivation to someone just starting out in their fitness journey is crucial for success.

Does your fitness routine change once it (finally) starts to get warmer outside?

When the weather gets nice I most certainly will spend more time outside going for jogs and utilizing the parks for my workouts.

After being active for so many years, how do you continue to challenge yourself in the gym?

There are so many workouts and moves you can do, so just constantly switching up your routine is crucial for progress. I do a lot of spin and that’s all cardio, so anytime I hit up a work out that’s full body, it instantly helps.

Whether they know it or not, do your trainees ever help you learn something new during a session?

Oh my god my riders are always helping me learn more every single day. I don’t go into class knowing what I’m going to say or really what I’m gonna do, I I look at who’s there and what they might need in this exact moment. Also what I might need is something that someone else might need. I have a lot of realizations in class. Lol

What is your favorite workout to do to switch up your routine?

My most favorite workout routine besides Cyc would be boxing.

What’s your most rewarding way to relax after a hard workout?

My most rewarding way to relax after work out will be an ice bath followed by some food and TV.

Who’s your pick to win it all this March Madness?

University of Kentucky!

This week we caught up with SWERVE instructor, Erin Nelson, to find out she is treating herself this Valentine’s Day and where she will be escaping in NYC for some quiet time.

Do you have any Valentine’s Day plans this year? Staycation! I’m going off the grid to an undisclosed location in NYC for two nights. Best treat for any New Yorker during the frigid winter months, especially if you can’t escape to a beach.

What Valentine’s Day candy is it impossible for you to stay away from? Red Hots will be my forever favorite, especially when they’re shaped like hearts.

Obviously, I’m going to throw SWERVE in the mix immediately. It’s indoor cycling with teams, so you can ride on the same team and work together to win the race or compete against each other on different teams. Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition?Switch Playground pairs people up. Each couple moves around to 20 different stations performing various strength & cardio exercises. The environment is one you’ll never forget! So fun & is over before you know it! Yoga is a great option for couples. It allows you to feel centered and open. Perfect pre-brunch burn on the weekends. Plethora of options in the City, but my favorite is Modo Yoga in the Village.

How have you noticed working out together affects people’s love lives?

I used to teach a very early morning SWERVE Ride that I unofficially dubbed the “couples ride” because so many people showed up with their partner. I think its an awesome way to start the day with your significant other. On the flip side, I’ve noticed couples that meet up after work and sweat together. You connect with each other & you connect with your own body. Plus, it’s sexy to see your partner working hard in a class.