I was born and raised in Rochester, NY with my big (and loud) Italian family. I came to Buffalo in 2012 to attend the University at Buffalo and graduated with a degree in Exercise Science.
What is your history with the health & wellness/fitness world? How has your trajectory brought you to where you are today?
As long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for physical activity. Growing up, I played a handful of sports including dance, soccer, lacrosse, running track and snowboarding. Saying I was busy would be an understatement. However, when I was 14, I suffered from a severe ankle fracture resulting in surgery and requiring physical therapy. This injury sparked my passion for the physical rehabilitation process because it allowed me to get back to playing all of the sports I loved. I am currently enrolled in the Physical Therapy doctorate program at the University at Buffalo. I took a few years off in between undergraduate and graduate school to familiarize myself with the fitness industry, and I fell in love with making a positive impact in my clients’ lives.
What is your primary role at SWEAT? How long have you been with the studio? Where else do you instruct, if anywhere? What is your major area of expertise?
I started out as a Pilates instructor and worked at Stretch Pilates for three years prior to coming to SWEAT 716. Pilates focuses heavily on proper body mechanics and strengthening deep core muscles, also known as the Powerhouse. My knowledge carries over into my position as a fitness instructor and personal trainer at SWEAT 716 because I love cuing and correcting form to avoid our clients from injuring themselves. I have worked here since January 2018 and have treasure every second of it! In my spare time, I am also a boxing instructor at Level Red Boxing in Williamsville.
Do you have a particular ethos about health & wellness/fitness that you wish to share or that would be inspirational to someone coming into the world with no prior knowledge or experience?
I believe working out should be “fun.” There are so many different forms of physical activity, that if you take a class you don’t enjoy, I advise that you do not give up for good, but to try something else! The most important piece of information I’ve learned is that everybody is unique.
Do you have any tips/tricks you can share on how to succeed in reaching personal health & wellness/fitness goals? What are some best practices you’ve developed or witnessed in your time as an instructor? Some of the biggest or most common mistakes one makes when embarking on this journey?
There is not one secret recipe that works the same for each person. Stay patient and you can achieve whatever you put your mind to!
Do you have any other words of wisdom or advice you can share with people considering a new fitness journey in 2020?
My biggest word of advice for people considering starting their fitness journey in 2020 is very simple. In a world where social media is so prominent, it is imperative not to compare your journey with someone else’s. That bathing suit model you strive to look like may be unhappy mentally. Lastly, remember, your team at SWEAT is here to support you throughout your journey, so you are not alone!