1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? (Where you’re from, your favorite hobbies,)
I’m originally from Long Island and now live in Brooklyn, NY. I’m an ESL teacher at an elementary school and a Zumba instructor at Lucille Roberts in Bayridge, Brooklyn. I love teaching my students at school and assisting others achieve their fitness/health goals. I love both of my jobs because I feel so good when I help others. I enjoy cooking healthy, whole foods for my friends, family and coworkers. Some of my hobbies are jogging, reading, spending time with loved ones and recently, yoga and rock climbing.
2. How did you become an instructor at Lucille Roberts?
I started as a member at Lucille Roberts as a teenager and then went into teaching group fitness classes there. I worked at the Bohemia location and have worked at LR for the last 3 years. I lost a total of 20 lbs (after gaining the freshman 15 in college) from eating right and exercising. I loved the dance/ zumba classes and now look forward to teaching them every week. It’s a great feeling to see smiling faces during the class and hearing how much people enjoy it. I know I’ve done my job well if people feel good after class.
3. What are some personal fitness goals you have?
My personal fitness goals are to maintain eating healthy and add more weight training into my regimen. For the past two years I have participated in the Allyson Whitney Foundation 5K race, and I would like to beat my time next year. I would also like to incorporate helping others with health and fitness into my schedule more often.
4. What do you think is the best thing about Lucille Roberts?
The best thing about LR is the group fitness classes. I still enjoy taking them! It’s great energy all around you and it really motivates you to do your best.
5. What advice do you have for women who are trying to lose weight and meet their fitness goals?
The advice I have for other women who are trying to meet their fitness goals is to eat healthy whole foods, (try to stay away from processed foods) non GMO, try to buy organic when you can and find an exercise you enjoy doing to stay active everyday- whether its dancing around and blasting the music while you clean your house, taking more walks or finding a group fitness class that excites you, there are so many different kinds out there!
