Blog Posts (27)

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  Instructor Feature: Tsana D.

  There's less time and close quarters to get to know our lovely group exercise instructors with all the precautions and no Group Ex Launch Parties. So here's some fast facts and advice to get to know Tsana, who teaches BodyPump Thursdays at 6:30am (and also is a licensed social worker, and an ASL-English interpreter!) When did you get into the fitness industry? About 8-9 years ago. There was a class at a gym I wanted to take (Les Mills BodyAttack) and I asked the manager why there weren't more classes on the schedule of that format. She said she didn't have enough instructors to teach it and then suggested I attend training. At first, I balked at the idea (the person who was cut from her 9th grade volleyball team, therefore throwing herself into theater and band), but after she talked/persuaded/convinced me, I took the training and that was the beginning of my life in fitness! How do you personally practice self-care? EXERCISE! All kinds! And I am going to tailor this one to the COVID-world and right now, I'm just a crazy walker. I make sure to go outside for at least 15 minutes during the day and after work, and then one of those is a longer walk of 30+ minutes. I will bring my phone, chat with some friends/family along the way and catch up. In the days now where your work is your home and your home is your work, I feel like that's the one way I can fully disconnect. For a while there, I was running outside (which I didn't like a single second of, but it was a necessary evil when gyms were closed.) Thankfully, now CAC is open again and I can go back to not needing to put on 10 layers to exercise. What are some hobbies that bring you joy? Oddly enough, cross-stitch! I learned when I was a kid (my grandmother taught me) and loved it ever since. Also, I'm a big baker, always giving people sweets (my neighbors love me) and reading is always a good past time. What is one workout or workout move or exercise you LOVE to do, even if it's hard? Why? TUCK JUMP. I love that you can make yourself fly, just for a moment. What is one workout or workout move or exercise you avoid at ALL costs? Why? There aren't any I avoid, but if my body isn't having a particular exercise that day, then I just modify. Always gotta listen to what your body is telling ya! Do you have a health/wellness philosophy, or mantra, you tell yourself? Not really. What's your go-to self-motivation sentence, word, or the thing that drives you to exercise even on the days you don't initially feel like it? "Just put on your gym clothes." I know that if I get my clothes on, then I'll get my butt to the gym and feel better. Do you have any tips for new or seasoned class participants to get into a great, consistent fitness and health routine? Don't be afraid of variety! I try to try every kind of class out there and because of what I've tried in the past, I have so many options to pick from so I don't get bored. I also always joke that in order to work out, I have to be entertained and this could vary from a treadmill with a movie playing or a super engaging group ex class.

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  An Oatmeal a Day: Interview with Nicole, RD

  Nicole Bodin has brought smiles to group exercise class participants for several years now; her latest accomplishment, certification as a Registered Dietitian, allows her to reach even more people in a whole new way. Learn a little about Nicole, her nutrition philosophy, and what it takes to be an RD in this interview. And don't forget to give a big welcome to her as she joins CAC's nutrition team! Introduction AS: You've been a group fitness instructor for CAC and other clubs for around ten years now. What originally piqued your interest in fitness? NB: Growing up, I was a dancer and performer. I loved performing but when I went to college I decided to put away my dance shoes. While at the University of Maryland, I found that I still craved performance but knew that I did not want to dance anymore. That is when I discovered that I loved participating in group fitness classes. I saw that the university offered a group fitness certification course and I signed up immediately. I immediately fell in love with the energy and knew teaching fitness was something that would always be a part of my life. Now, with a Master's in Nutrition, you're able to see a whole new side of the Wellness Industry. Are there any fitness or nutrition myths that particularly grind your gears? Oh boy, this is a tough one. There is so much information about food (true and false) all over the internet. I'm a true believer that there is room for most anything in the diet. Unless there is an underlying medical reason, as soon as I hear a "diet" that promotes elimination of any sort, I become skeptical. Eliminating complete