About:
Athletics have always been my thing from the time I was old enough to join little league. I played T-ball, soccer, track and field, cross country, and a little bit of wrestling. But it seemed that Track and Field was my thing. So much so that I became successful and had the opportunity to train professionally at the IMG Sports Academy and was sponsored by True Athlete and Nike; which didn't last that long due to injury. I have been certified in Les Mills for about two years now with RPM (Cycle), BodyAttack (aerobics), GRIT (Circuit training), and BornToMove (child exercise).
Share a little about your fitness background. How did you become a fitness class instructor?
I was working at my hometown YMCA and when we introduced Les Mills. We, as staff, were asked to take the classes so that we would have a better understanding of what it is so when asked by members we could give them an accurate description. During this time I fell in love with BodyAttack and attended often. I was later asked to start thinking about teaching the program by two of the instructors that saw great potential in me, so I signed up for training and got certified and from there I grew more in love with fitness and health and passion to share it with others.
What makes your teaching style unique?
I like to keep my workouts fresh and challenging (because we all know there is no change without a challenge) and use muscle confusion to maximize the time spent in my class for people who come constantly. I believe that music plays a big role in staying motivated. All my classes are choreographed to staying with the counts of the music and the exercises match the tempo and intensity of the songs and workout. I try to interact one on one with every student, which includes motivating, fixing posture, telling them how they can get a little more out of their workout, and giving modifications if needed. I also inform/educate my students of the benefits of a certain exercise, push (all out), and recovery so that they WHY (they are doing what they are doing) and WHAT (they are to feel and where).
Tell us a little about the classes you teach. Who are they geared toward?
Cycle
Our cycle classes provide instruction on proper bike setup and body position, which allows participants to get more familiar with their bike. VIDA Cycle classes offer a challenging ride of intervals to deliver a confidence boosting, yet satisfying workout. Our classes are also designed to simulate different road terrains from steady flat stretches to hills, turns, jumps, and challenging sprints.
Spin & Sculpt
This cycling class is an intense cardiovascular and strength workout designed to maximize results. It's perfect for anyone wanting to burn a ton of calories in an effective full body workout.
Conditioning
Fast-paced class with a variety of cardio combinations, calisthenics, and plyometrics. Conditioning utilizes interval training to combine a series of high intensity spurts to increase power with lower intensity active exercises to continue burning calories and improve cardiovascular endurance. This class is an excellent training tool for athletes, runners, or anyone looking to obtain a high level of personal fitness.
On the Ball
Perform a unique series of crunches, planks, and strength exercises exclusively using an inflatable stability ball. On the Ball is an exciting full-body workout that will improve strength, endurance, and target your core muscles.
VIDA Assets
Lower body training at its finest! Say goodbye to that muffin-top or spare tire as we sculpt your body from every angle with glute, leg, and abdominal exercises.
VIDA Circuit
This dynamic class alternates between cardiovascular and muscular endurance stations. VIDA Circuit employs active resting, allowing your body to recover from cardiovascular exercises while performing strength exercises and vice versa. You're constantly exercising in a safe environment without overwhelming your body.
VIDA H.I.I.T.
HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a training technique in which you give all-out, one hundred percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. This type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time.
VIDA Rx
This barbell based program takes you through a full array of traditional strength training exercises such as squats, lunges, chest presses, and bicep curls. Each barbell has adjustable weight plates, allowing participants of varying fitness levels to challenge themselves and progress at their own pace.
VIDA Xtreme
A challenging total body workout combining various sport specific exercises to increase muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. VIDA Xtreme progresses in difficulty with each class to push you to your limit and achieve your maximum potential.
All of these classes are geared towards people who want to make a change and be a healthier version of themselves.
If you could change one behavior you see in class participants, what would it be?
The feeling of defeat. My classes are not the easiest. I like to create and provide a challenge to my students so that they get a workout and and actually see change in their bodies and attitude ... there is just nothing like walking out of a room confident in knowing that you're going to see and feel results. Everyone has to start somewhere and if you want something you're going to have to work for it .... because I find that no one truly appreciates something that has been given to them as much as something they've worked hard for themselves.
Briefly describe your weekly workout schedule. Is it seasonal? How many rest days do you take each week?
I teach about 27 classes a week. I work out with 90% of my classes and also train with my personal trainer Jeff at the Yards location once a week. I have take time on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday for my light and rest days.
How do you recover from a tough workout?
Steam room, yoga, and foam roller.
What is your favorite Washington D.C. area outdoor activity? Share a favorite hike or run.
I love running to the mall and hitting the stairs at the Lincoln Memorial on my 3 1/2 mile loop.
What is your favorite place in DC to get a healthy meal?
Love Sweetgreens!
EARTH BOWL *775 cal
quinoa + farro, organic arugula, tomatoes, raw corn, organic chickpeas, spicy broccoli, organic white cheddar, roasted chicken, pesto vinaigrette
I always add sweet potatoes and avocados
What do you like most about teaching fitness classes?
I like to show that fitness can be both fun and challenging. I love getting to be a part of someone’s fitness journey. Knowing that they trust me to be a part of it and that I get to witness people doing things they didn’t think possible when I ask for a little more effort or hold on just a little longer. The look on their face, the confidence in their posture, the way the feel about themselves, and the results they see are like no other! And thats what and why I love what I do.
Where and when can folks come take a class with you?
Monday
6:15am Cycle at the yards
7:15am Extreem at the yards
5:30pm Rx at Verizon center
6:30pm Cycle at Verizon center
Tuesday
6am conditioning at the yards
7:05am spin and sculpt at the yards
5:00pm HIIT at Verizon center
5:45pm killerCore at Verizon center
7:00pm cycle at city Visa
Wednesday
11am Extreme at the yards
12pm cycle at the yards
Thursday
7:15am spin and sculpt at the yards
Friday
11am Cycle at the yards
12pm HIIT at the yards
Saturday
9:30am RX at the yards
10:40am cycle at the yards
Read more:
VIDAfitness.com
Interviews
Cycling
Weights