Fitness can be overwhelming, especially if you are battling busy work days and a crowded schedule. Good news: It doesn’t have to be.
Tri-Village Magazine spoke with fitness pros from all facets of the industry to hear their advice about exercise, healthy living and the best plan for you.
What’s your favorite workout?
Casey Imhoff
“I snowboard a lot. While I’m in the gym, I like to keep myself in shape to do the things I enjoy outside the gym. I do mostly strength and conditioning, geared toward what I like to do. I mountain bike a lot in the summer. I do a lot of boxing and stuff too.”
-Casey Imhoff, co-owner of Sweatbox LLC
What's your favorite warm-up and cool-down? Why?
“The warm-up is one of my favorite parts of my workout. It’s my time to block out my crazy
Pure Barre Columbus
schedule from my mind and set my intentions for my workout. I like to get right into it and start my workout with a small burst of cardio, followed by planks and push-ups. I start with of these movements because they engage more muscles like the chest, shoulder, triceps, hips and abdominals at once, warming up the body as a whole.
As far as cool down, I always end with a stretch. It’s my time to elongate my muscles I just worked hard on. It helps prevent injury and increases flexibility and mobility. It’s also my time to re-focus for the rest of my day.”
-Emily Johnson, owner and instructor at Pure Barre Columbus
What do most people struggle with when starting a new workout routine?
“I think the thing that people struggle with most is finding or making time in their schedule.
Krista Salih
People are busy, and it can be hard to carve that time out and be intentional about making the workout happen. They have to commit to making the time, to changing their schedule, more than just one day a week.”
-Krista Salih, owner and instructor at Jazzercise UA
How do you get out of your comfort zone?
“I’m best at running, jumping and plyo boxes. I’m better at intense cardio movements. I make
System of Strength
sure I challenge myself in classes like high and tight, small weights, pulsing – something I’m not naturally good at and didn’t grow up doing. A class like that challenges my body in a way I’m not used to. I like to do something different every day.”
-Gretchen Dusseau, co-owner of System of Strength
What is your favorite post-workout meal and why?
“Grilled, skinless chicken breast, sweet potato and a green vegetable. This meal is super rich
Cycle614
in nutrients, protein and carbs, which will help with muscle recovery. I eat as soon as I can after my ride to replenish any nutrients lost to look and feel my best.”
- Demi Tsapatsaris, co-owner and instructor at Cycle614.
Which do you prefer: working out first thing in the morning or in the evening? Why?
“I prefer working out in the morning because it’s good to get it done and out of the way and sets the tone for a healthy day.”
-Holly Moretti, instructor at Grow Yoga
Holly Moretti
What advice would you give to someone just starting a fitness plan?
“Have a coach. You could be the hardest worker in the world, but you’ve got to have the right map to get where you need to go. A coach gives you the right map to succeed.”
- JL Holdsworth, founder of The Spot Athletics and world-champion dead-lifter
Jaya Pillai is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
