Instructor Spotlight | Practice What You Preach

Instructor Spotlight | Practice What You Preach

by | Sep 3, 2018 | All, Home, Member Stories

Before I was an instructor, I ran a daycare business from my own home. I had such a great time raising my own kids that I wanted to continue doing what I loved and luckily started a business out of it.

When my dad reached his 50th birthday, he was diagnosed with Diabetes. It was heartbreaking to hear. A while later, my eldest brother was also diagnosed with Diabetes when he reached his 50s. This was a wakeup call to me and the rest of my family. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet was not something that my family was accustomed to.

When I first started out, losing weight for me was very difficult. After having 3 children, the weight would just come back any time after seeming to make a little progress with weight loss. Naturally, this became very frustrating for me. In 2010, my husband and I made a commitment to educate ourselves on nutrition, diet, and exercise. We researched everything we could on the internet and even started going to our local gym together. We became so addicted to this lifestyle that we were going to the gym 6-7 days a week for 2-3 hours a day. After some time, I started seeing results again, only this time things were different. I was able to lose weight and keep the weight from coming back. I realized that before, my results were poor because I wasn’t properly educated on proper dieting and exercise.

I think a main reason why people fail in their fitness goals is because they are misinformed. Everyone’s body is different, and therefore everyone’s plan should be different. I want to show and teach people that they can get the body they want if they take the time to learn about the diet and exercise that is right for them. In addition to that, I want to show people that making these changes to their lifestyle can make them more confident and ultimately bring more happiness into their lives. This was when I knew I had a passion for teaching.

Teaching was a natural career transition for me. I had a thirst for knowledge when it came to diet and exercise. I also love to dance and interact with people. Before I became an instructor, I attended many different conferences and certification courses. I wanted to learn as much as I could so that I could share the information with others.

I got my start at LA Fitness a couple years ago through a friend of mine who got me an audition as a Zumba® Instructor. I am so thankful for that reference because it has opened so many doors for me in the past couple of years. Not only do I teach Zumba®, but I also run boot camps and Aqua Fit workouts now.

At the end of the day, I feel very blessed to be where I am. I LOVE what I do and hope that people can feel that when they attend my classes.

– Marilou E., LAF Group Fitness Instructor

Q: What are your current health and fitness goals?

My short-term fitness and health goals involve me getting as many people as I can to be excited about exercising. I’m a huge believer in spreading positive energy and getting people motivated to make healthy lifestyle changes. That type of energy/motivation can be infectious.

For the long-term, my goal is to maintain a healthy, happy and balanced lifestyle for myself. I’d like to teach for a long time, so I need to stay as healthy and happy as possible to do so.

Q: How has instructing helped shape/change your fitness lifestyle?

Instructing has definitely shaped my fitness lifestyle in a positive way. I’m a huge advocate of practicing what I preach. If I’m going to advise students to exercise, eat healthy and drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses) then I absolutely must do the same. Before I even got into instructing, I really enjoyed living a healthy lifestyle – teaching became a very natural transition for me because of that.

Q: If you could give others one piece of advice, what would it be?

Living healthy and happy isn’t for everyone, and that’s OK. My only advice would be for people to give it a try.

Member Testimonials

Marilou has changed my life and many others in the most positive ways.

As a 54-year-old woman, I came to Marilou’s class with some problem areas that I would like to work on. Marilou immediately assessed my issues and told me to commit to coming to her class twice a week along with my weekly class routine.

Almost 5 months later I am a changed person for the better. Not only am I sooooo happy because I am seeing results that hard work and dedication can accomplish but I am drinking more water, I am standing proud, I laugh, I listen, and when I do things now I say to myself CHECK ME OUT. Marilou has been the nurturing force behind all of these things I have accomplished.

Everyone wants to be around her due to her infectious personality. She explains the correct form and corrects us to do so. She explains nutrition. She laughs a lot and everyone loves it. She has changed the way I think. I like what I am seeing and am so proud of myself for getting there.

Her classes have doubled in size due to everyone wanting to be inspired by Marilou’s wonderful way of feeling good about yourself. I love going to her classes. I am not turning back as I know how hard it was to get here.

I not only think Marilou is one of the most knowledgeable instructors but I consider her a friend. I met so many new friends in her classes that all are inspired by her wonderful way of teaching. I told her I’m hanging a picture of her on my refrigerator as a reminder of all the things she taught me and how I love the transportation I am seeing when I look in the mirror.

Ann G.

LA Fitness Member

My experience in Marilou’s class has been nothing short of fantastic! She is very genuine when it comes to making sure we understand what it is that she is trying to show/ teach us. She is a very motivated individual that knows how to get myself and the class energized and ready for the class. For myself personally, the class and Marilou has made my fitness journey very enjoyable.

Zoe Y.

LA Fitness Member

Marilou is the best instructor! I have been attending Marilou’s bootcamp classes for over a year now. I notice my strength and flexibility increased and even my friends and family are impressed with the outcome. I never attended a fitness class before hers. Marilou inspires me to attend twice a week. She has an unstoppable enthusiasm that helps carry you through the entire hour. She is attentive to the newbies and the seasoned workout junkies. She takes time to ensure proper form and follow through on each exercise during and after the class. Her bigheartedness and carefree laughter are extremely welcoming and make me feel that I accomplished a great workout and I look forward to the next one.

Fay D.

LA Fitness Member

Recommended Reading

la fitness als fundraiser, la fitness action for ALS, la fitness Chris Mehess
Chris Mehess Sits Down to Talk ALS, His Diagnosis and The Upcoming ‘Take Action for ALS’ Event

Chris Mehess Sits Down to Talk ALS, His Diagnosis and The Upcoming ‘Take Action for ALS’ Event

It is almost time to TAKE ACTION FOR ALS with our annual fundraising event fast approaching! On Saturday, February 27 all LA Fitness Group Fitness classes will join the effort in ACTION FOR ALS! Donate $20 to support Augie’s Quest and help find a cure for ALS....

| Feb 23, 2016 | 0

I Took a Body Works Plus Abs Class, and It Was One of the Best Workouts I’ve Ever Had

I Took a Body Works Plus Abs Class, and It Was One of the Best Workouts I’ve Ever Had

by | Jul 25, 2018 | All, Fitness, Home, Workouts | 1 comment

If you had asked me a year ago if I knew what a Body Works Plus Abs class was, I would have told you it sounds like something to avoid at all costs. Now, I’m a moderate gym user who goes a few times a week. But I’ve had a lot of non-starters when it came to regular exercise; canceled gym memberships, workout clothes gathering dust in my dresser, yoga mat stashed in the back of the closet. I had to literally drag myself to the gym and I would go alone, put my headphones in, and chug dully along on the elliptical.

It was a sad sight.

Then, I discovered group workout classes, and I finally found a fun and challenging exercise experience that I actually felt motivated to do.  Whether it’s Yoga, Zumba®, or Pilates, Group Fitness classes are mini-communities that are forces of positivity and personal growth.

That’s what led me to the Body Works Plus Abs class at my local LA Fitness one Tuesday night. I had skipped a few sessions, so I was ready to work hard and push myself. The class opened with some light stretching, followed by digging in with everyone’s favorite – squats. Upbeat tunes blasted through the speakers as we moved up and down, followed by lightly jogging around the room to stretch our legs; our sneakers pounding against the floor to the beat of the music.

Then, our instructor broke us into pairs and had us work out together. My partner and I high-fived our way through a series of exercises: planks, sit-ups, lunges, and everyone’s second favorite – burpees. Fully feeling the effects of the high-energy leg workout, we had just conquered, we sat down on our mats and moved onto the second part of the class, the abs. For this section, our instructor took us through 10 ab exercises in 10 minutes, one minute per exercise.

This section of the class is the true test of how much you push yourself. We grinded through the fifth exercise, working to maintain the same amount of energy we had in the first exercise. It was exhilarating and hard, yet I felt empowered. What makes Group Fitness classes so appealing is that you have the energy of the rest of the room working with you to push yourself towards the finish line.

And by the finish line, I mean a good long stretch as soon as the last crunch is done. We laid on our stomachs and arched our backs into Cobra pose; slower, more relaxing music played above us then.

 

There is truly no greater satisfaction than the feeling after an intense workout; I now understand why cats and dogs love doing it so much.

 

What I love most about group workout classes is the camaraderie that comes with them and the LA Fitness experience is no exception. The instructors are energetic and supportive, you get to meet more of the LA Fitness community, and it’s a solid workout whether you’re looking to relax with some Yoga or shake it out with Zumba®.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out the schedule here.

Recommended Reading

What You Didn’t Know About Aqua Fit

What You Didn’t Know About Aqua Fit

by | Jul 26, 2017 | All, Community, Exercises, Fitness, Home, Workouts | 1 comment

Splish, splash, it’s time for an Aqua Fit class!

Aqua Fit is a Group Fitness class unlike any other. In case you didn’t know, the entire class takes place in the pool, which is a perfect way to get your workout in while keeping cool. While many might interpret Aqua Fit as an easy class, it may not be as simple as you think it is. Working out in the water does help put less of a strain on the muscles, which may help make it an easier work out on the body. However, weights are still used, and muscle is still built, but the weights you use are specially designed for the water. If you can imagine mini boat propellers, that may be the best way to describe water weights. These weights help add resistance to your workout as you move through that refreshing H20. As you push and pull the water dumbbells through the water, you strengthen your core and challenge hard to target muscles.

For those of you who are still skeptics on whether or not Aqua Fit would be the right fit for you, we interviewed Aqua Fit Group Fitness cycle instructor, Ilke E.W. Ilke is a Stage III breast cancer survivor and lacked the motivation to work out after her cancer treatments. The only way she could get a workout in without overexerting her joints was in the water. She started participating in aqua dance fitness. She lost over 50 lbs., adopted healthy habits, and became a certified Group Fitness instructor, which helped her continue to stay motivated with her healthy new life choices. Ilke shared with us her views on exactly what Aqua Fit is, who Aqua Fit benefits and why you should give it a try.

“[Aqua Fit is] a never-ending party while you get healthier and more fit without even knowing it.”

Ilke E.W.

Aqua Fit Group Fitness Instructor, LA Fitness

Q: What sets Aqua Fit apart from other fitness classes?

Ilke E.W.: In an Aqua Fit class, you perform large muscle movements by reaching your arms and lifting your legs in the water as well as circling your hips and shoulders with the resistance of water added.  Furthermore, water gives support in terms of balance, minimizing the potential for injury to the muscles and joints.  In a land-based exercise, you do not have that.

Q: Would you recommend aqua fit for all age groups? If so, what would you like our younger members to know about it?

I.E.W.: Unfortunately, there is a myth among young groups that Aqua Fit is only for “grandma” while she does her thing in the water wearing a flowered swim cap. I can convince any millennial if she/he did ten minutes of my class in the water. First off, the workout is intense, as intense as you would like to make it. It combines both cardio and resistance and can be even more challenging because you are doing jumping jacks, leg lifts, and arm movements with the added resistance of the water. With the added benefit of dance fitness, a young person can stay motivated doing challenging and greater motions with their bodies in the safety of the water dancing to the tunes they hear every day.

Q: Why chose Aqua Fit over other aerobic options?

I.E.W.: Working out in an Aqua Fit class during the week will add variety and minimize burn out for members. Adding more resistance into a workout with the safety of the water will encourage members to push themselves even harder when they know they probably will not get hurt doing challenging moves.

Q: What does Aqua Fit mean to you?

I.E.W.: Aqua Fit means a healthy choice while I have fun doing it in a party atmosphere, while it does not feel like a work out or a job.

“Do not be afraid of trying Aqua Fit.  It is for everyone who can go in the water.  Furthermore, you will be less intimidated in the beginning, since nobody can see what you are doing under the water.”

Ilke E.W.

Aqua Fit Group Fitness Instructor, LA Fitness

Ilke and LAF member, Joe G.

Q: Please expand briefly, on how those with breast cancer can benefit from an Aqua Fit class. What does it help with?

I.E.W.: After any surgery or injury, not limited to mastectomies, most people must go through physical therapy to gain back the mobility in their joints and muscles. Usually a physical therapist gives a patient homework to do at home in addition to going to a PT center. These exercises can be more easily done in the water, helping to minimize further injury and maximize the challenge with the resistance of the water.  Particularly with breast cancer patients who went through mastectomies or lumpectomies, the mobility of the arms is quite limited. They may also develop scar tissue in the breast area that cannot be freed up and further hinders mobility of the arms. One way to gain mobility can be with targeted Aqua Fit exercises in the water.

Member Testimonials: 

Ilke with friend, and LAF Member, Kathy K.

LAF Member & Aqua Fit Advocator, Luisa C.

Susan P. enjoys Ilke’s Aqua Fit class because of the “fun, socialization, [and] support.”

“Ilke’s classes are engaging, fun, and a terrific workout.”

Kathy K.

LA Fitness member

“I came to Aqua Fit after I broke my ankle and stayed for the fun and camaraderie and Ilke’s great personality and inspirational methods.”

Gloria C.

LA Fitness member

“If you want to have a good time come to Aqua Fit.”

Joe G.

LAF Member

“The place is clean and the Aqua Fit classes are wonderful in particular. Ilke […] motivates us with her contagious smile.”

Luisa C.

LAF Member

Joe G. also shared that the class is like a mini family and community. They sometimes get breakfast together after classes, and have holiday themed classes. It’s like being at a party with some of your closest friends.

If you want to check out an Aqua Fit class and see if it’s a good fit for you, find a location near you that offers the class here*! Don’t forget that Aqua Fit is a fun, yet challenging water aerobics workout that is offered for members of all ages. It’s a unique way to switch up your typical workout routine – so stop on by and give it a try!

*Classes and amenities vary by location.

This article is not meant to be construed as medical or nutritional advice. Consult with your physician before starting a new fitness routine.

Recommended Reading

A Beginner’s Guide to Cycle

A Beginner’s Guide to Cycle

by | Jul 14, 2017 | All, Community, Exercises, Fitness, Home, Workouts

“You don’t always get what you wish for, but you get what you work for.”

Gail T.

Group Fitness Cycle Instructor , LA Fitness

Cycling –

It may first draw to mind the Tour de France, cycling legend Eddy Merckx, or Queen’s famous hit song “Bicycle Race”. It’s a sport that has been become increasingly popular over recent years, with trendy new businesses being built around the bike and the benefits its users reap when exercising. However, cycling itself has been around for quite some time. In fact, cycling was first introduced to the Olympic Games as early as 1896 Yet, you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, or even training for a bike race, to gain the benefits of cycling. You can simply enjoy biking or want to explore the idea of how engaging in a cycling class can help you get in better shape. If you’ve been curious about this fitness method, many LA Fitness club locations offer Group Fitness cycle classes that are complimentary with LA Fitness memberships.

Before getting started, there are some things you should know:

  1. It’s OK to be nervous.
  2. Bring water, and plenty of it.
  3. Classes are open to all fitness and skill levels.
  4. You can easily cycle at your own pace.
  5. Spandex is not required (but always fun).

Trying anything new can sometimes bring with it a sense of nervousness. It’s alright to go into a class a little worried. However, that’s why the Group Fitness instructor is there. If it’s your first time, let the instructor know. Oftentimes, they will ask at the beginning of the class if it’s anyone’s first time. That way, they can help you adjust your seat height and pedal straps and answer any questions you may have before getting started.

Cycling can be a somewhat vigorous and high-paced class, lasting approximately 50 minutes, so ensure you have enough water to stay hydrated. It’s important to always have water with you when working out, no matter what exercise you choose. Most LA Fitness cycle bikes even have a convenient water bottle holder, so you have easy access to your hydration.

Whether you’re new to cycling or you’re an experienced rider, all skill levels are welcomed to class. Instructors will often give you a range to work between for gear level and RPM (revolutions per minute), so you can adjust it to your own personal preference/skill set. Don’t go in to your first class thinking you have to go at full capacity or stay for the entire class. Do what feels the most comfortable for you, and your body will slowly build up endurance.

Cycling shoes are preferred by some riders, but are not a requirement for an LA Fitness group cycle class. Clothing can be loose or tight fitting, depending on your personal preference. Bring along a small workout towel to help wipe away excess sweat and don’t forget the most important thing – have fun!

Cycling doesn’t have to be a race. Think of it as a fun and fresh way to stay in shape, all while pedaling your way to a slimmer waist.

We interviewed cycle enthusiast and Group Fitness cycle instructor, Gail T. who shared her views on why you should give cycling a chance.

Q: What do you think sets cycling apart from other Group Fitness classes?

Gail T.: Cycling classes are unique. They are an amazing cardio workout and can be done by everyone, as the workout can be tailored to personal needs or goals. Cycling is different than other classes as it’s relatively easy to follow the instructor and get a great workout, even on your first ride. Anyone of any age or fitness level can do a cycling class. You can modify it to accommodate your fitness level or build up your cardio endurance, or you can scale it back if you are recovering from injuries.

Q: Why choose cycle over other aerobic options?

GT: People often ask why cycling? To be honest, I think cardio wise, it’s the best bang for your buck in burning calories, getting fit, and being able to quickly be a part of a team. In cycling, we do it all. We do intervals, hills, sprints, and mountains, which make you stronger and healthier with every class. It’s a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) class and it’s a lot of work, but also a lot of fun! Each member controls how easy or how hard the workout is by changing the gear on his or her bike.

“I don’t believe you have to be better than anybody else. I believe you have to be better than YOU ever thought you could be.”

Gail T.

Group Fitness Cycle Instructor, LA Fitness

Q: What does cycling mean to you?

GT: I’ve been teaching cycle classes for years and this year marks my 14th anniversary with LA Fitness. I was hooked with cycling classes from the very first class I ever took and being an instructor really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Over the years, I’ve tried to share my passion for fitness and cycling with everyone I meet. I’ve made countless friends over the years, and having new members join the team on a regular basis makes classes extra fun. No ride is ever the same and it’s amazing how quickly you’ll progress from being a first time rider who is unsure of what to do, to becoming a rockstar, full of energy and power!

Q: If you could give one piece of fitness advice to our readers, what would it be?

GT: Just try a class. The first class is often your worst class, but if you kind of like it, it will only get better. You will notice that the more you do it, the better you get and we all like doing what we are good at. So, take a chance and embrace the opportunity to focus on YOU for an hour. I feel strongly that each person is entitled to some you time and you’ll never regret a great workout!

Recommended Reading

Hooray! It’s National Donut Day!

Hooray! It’s National Donut Day!

by | Jun 2, 2017 | All, Home, Nutrition

It’s National Donut Day! 

Before reaching for one of your favorite donut styles, do you know how many calories you are consuming? Ignorance may be bliss, but too many tasty treats can start showing on the waistline. Have no fear – you can still celebrate the holiday and perhaps even indulge in one of your favorites. We have listed a few different methods below to help you work off that scrumptious splurge.

How many calories are in your favorite donut? *

Glazed Donut | 260 calories2 

Exercise:

**You would need to walk at a brisk pace for about an hour and 10 minutes to burn around 260 calories.

Plain Donut | 320 calories1

Exercise: 

**It would take approximately 30-35 minutes of kickboxing to burn about 320-325 calories.

Chocolate Glazed Donut | 340 calories3

Exercise: 

**You would need to cycle at a moderate pace for about 45 minutes to burn roughly 340-350 calories.

Chocolate Cake Donut | 250 calories4 

Exercise:

**It would take about 1 hour and 15 minutes of engaging in jumping jacks to burn off about 250 calories.

Jelly Donut | 270 calories6

Exercise:

**In order to burn about 270-275 calories you would need to do about 1 hour and 30 minutes of Pilates.

Sugar Donut | 280 calories5

Exercise:

**It would take about 1 hour and 20-30 minutes of constant sit-ups to burn roughly 280 calories.

Vanilla Crème Donut | 370 calories7

Exercise:

**You would need to engage in moderate rowing for approximately 1 hour and 40-50 minutes to burn off about 370 calories.

Sprinkle Donut | 290 calories8

Exercise:

**You would need to jump rope at a moderate pace for about 30 minutes to burn approximately 295 calories.

Donut hole | 59 calories9

Exercise:

**It would take about 20 minutes of yoga to burn about 50-60 calories.

Maple bar | 490 calories10

Exercise:

**You would need to run approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes to burn about 500 calories.

Apple Fritter | 350 calories11

Exercise:

**You would have to engage in about 45-55 minutes of a Zumba® class to burn approx. 350 calories.

Depending on body weight, gender, age and fitness level you may burn more or less calories. If you want to learn the exact amount, there are online calculators that can give you an estimation of how many calories your body will burn based on the exercise you complete. Simply input your personal fitness information and you’ll have a good idea of how many calories you can burn.

*Calorie counts are approximate and may be higher or lower depending on size, brand, and ingredients. 

**Based on a 130 lb. female

Referenced:

  1. Healthstatus.com, Inc. “Calories Burned Calculator.” HealthStatus. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2017.
  2. “Diet Tool: Calories Burned Calculator for Common Exercises and Activities.” WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 24 May 2017.

Sources:

  • I. “Calories in Dunkin Donuts Plain Cake Donut.” Calories in Dunkin Donuts Plain Cake Donut – Calories and Nutrition Facts | MyFitnessPal.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2017.
  • II. “Calories in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Original Glazed Doughnut | Nutrition, Carbohydrate and Calorie Counter.” CalorieKing. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2017.
  • III. “Calories in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Chocolate Iced Glazed Doughnut | Nutrition, Carbohydrate and Calorie Counter.” CalorieKing. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2017.
  • IV. “Sharing the Joy around the World.” Krispy Kreme – Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts | Chocolate Cake Donuts. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2017.
  • V. “Nutrition Guide.” Dunkin Donuts, 23 May 2017. Web. 24 May 2017.
  • VI. Ibid
  • VII. Ibid
  • VIII. Ibid
  • IX. Bruso, Jessica. “How Many Calories Do Doughnut Holes Have?” LIVESTRONG.COM. Leaf Group, 19 June 2015. Web. 24 May 2017.
  • X. “4 Types of Doughnuts You Should Always Avoid / Nutrition / Healthy Eating.” 4 Types of Doughnuts You Should Always Avoid. Fitday, n.d. Web. 24 May 2017.
  • XI. “Sharing the Joy around the World.” Krispy Kreme – Apple Fritters | Apple Fritter Donut. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2017.

Recommended Reading

SUBSCRIBE TO

LIVING HEALTHY

Be the first to know about exclusive

content, deals and promotions

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest