1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? (Where you’re from, your favorite hobbies,)
I am a fitness loving, happily married, Greek-American vegan who lives in Bayside, Queens. It’s safe to say I am a health enthusiast who cares a great deal about motivating women to eat smart and exercise daily. I have two NYS teaching certificates and obtained my Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Queens College and my Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education from C.W. Post Long Island University. Although I am not currently teaching in a school as I had originally set out to do, the teacher in me comes out a great deal when I guide women of all ages on fitness and smart health practices. I find that my background in education has definitely played a large role in helping me to become a very effective personal trainer and group fitness instructor. My hobbies include reading journals/articles on women’s’ fitness and plant based nutrition, drawing, and watching old movies!
2. How did you become an instructor at Lucille Roberts?
My home club is the Bayside Lucille Roberts on Bell Blvd. This club is warm, inviting, and has the best instructors/staff. In 2009, I was originally hired as a Weight Loss Coach for the Live Rite Nutrition Program. Little by little, I familiarized myself with the club/members and immersed myself in the positive fitness culture that is apparent when walking into any Lucille Roberts location. I eventually became a personal trainer and group fitness instructor and even went on to be the Assistant Manager working under the lovely General Manager, Mary Anne Rodriguez. I gained a wealth of experience working as a fitness professional and assistant manager and am grateful to have gotten to opportunity to do so. I am currently still teaching classes at that location.
3. What are some personal fitness goals you have?
Since 2009, I have lost 50 pounds through portion control and behavior modification. I now a proud vegan who promotes plant based nutrition. My main personal fitness goal is to keep the weight off by working out, eating right, and pledging to keep m own fitness participation lifelong! Weight maintenance can often be it’s own battle and journey even once the weight is off. Therefore, it is important to change your mindset while changing your body over the course of losing the weight. Keeping up with routine exercise is great, but it is important to take on new physical challenges, such as Spartan Races, Tough Mudder Races, Rock Climbing, etc.
4. What do you think is the best thing about Lucille Roberts?
The best thing about Lucille Roberts is knowing that the woman to your left and to your right in class, more than likely is facing the same thing you are when it comes to losing weight. The struggle, the inner conflict, the empowerment felt when completing a challenging move, the hardship, the frustration, the joy of weight loss, the despair of weight gain, are all issues that Lucille Roberts members can relate to and reminisce on when in discussion with a fellow member. The friendships that are cultivated, the inspiration that is gained, and memories that made are simply priceless!
5. What advice do you have for women who are trying to lose weight and meet their fitness goals? 4 things to always remember….
#1: In regard to weight loss gimmicks…if it’s too good to be true…guess what?….it probably is!!
#2: Nothing will work better, be safer, or last longer than good old fashion hard work, clean diet, and exercise.
#3: Will power is a muscle, the more you use it the stronger it gets. Whether it’s will power being used to eat healthy and be honest with yourself if you are not OR will power to get to class and be consistent in your training efforts.
Lastly…..
#4: “Drop the damn fork” -Weight Watcher’s Founder, Jean Nidetch
