U: Your abs are next level. What’s the number one thing people can do to tone their core?
KS: People need to cross-train their core performing dynamic movements for what I consider the powerhouse of the body. Crunches alone will not get you results. I teach clients to always mind your muscle. Put your brainpower into the muscle groups you are focusing on. This very much applies to the core as often times people just go through the motions of abdominal work rather than truly allowing their body and mind to connect. Planks (and variations of planks) are an essential at strengthening the core, as are c-curves static holds. Our core is involved in every single movement we perform, even standing still. So, draw the navel towards the spine all the time!
U: What’s the most common mistake you see people make in spin or STOKED Series classes, and what’s the best thing you see people doing?
KS: In general, I notice people taking breaks not necessarily when they need them, but when workouts get super challenging, often times out of habit. Those are bench mark moments in a STOKED Series class. When you think you have nothing left to give; that’s the good stuff. That’s what changes your body and wakes up your spirit. Embrace the challenge and get uncomfortable with your workout. Another general mistake, as I mentioned above, people just going through the motions rather than really engaging.
One of the best things I see people doing is – showing up! When I see athletes really watching their bodies as they workout and making the form adjustments I always give during class. I often say, “take the cues I give and apply them to your body, rather than just hearing them.”
U: What do you do for your own fitness needs?
KS: I really and truly love to workout. Although I know I should, I really never take a day off from getting my sweat on. I feel extremely lucky that I’ve been able to turn what has been a passion of mine, since I was a little girl, into a successful career. My work is my passion. Every day my schedule is different as I split my time between Westchester and the City. Although I would love to be able to crush my personal workouts first thing in the morning, that is prime time for clients and classes. I have learned to enjoy working out at all hours of the day. 2pm may not be the time of day when your body necessarily wants to workout, but it’s all mental. I consider it another challenge of the workout to make it happen and give 110% effort. As a fitness professional, if you can’t motivate yourself, you have no business motivating others. I also feel changing the time of day when you conquer a workout is another way to keep the body guessing and shock it into stellar shape.
My last meal on earth would be pizza or pasta…carb up.
People would be surprised to know that I was a rockstar clarinetist from 4th grade on; once I hit Boston College I sadly put that talent to bed. However, I put as much time and effort into developing my skill as a musician as I did being an athlete growing up. One more fun fact, I grew up with an obstacle course in my backyard. My father literally turned nature into a playground/gym in the woods behind our home. He built balance beams that ran from tree to tree, some parallel to the ground, some ascending/descending. Shipping rope connected trees and a real trapeze allowed me to set my sights high and reach for the stars! My love of bodyweight training (now STOKED Primal) was born in my backyard.
Number one track on my iTunes playlist is:
This is a tough one as there are many I use to pump myself up for a workout. “Sirius” by Feenixpawl vs. The Alan Project, is one that folks may not know about that gets me fired up. My forever favorite, “I Will Wait” by Bloombox and Sam Feldt remix, takes me somewhere amazing on a run. “Pumpin Blood” by NONONO, is no doubt perfect for a workout, “Hangin On” by Sigma Remix, helps me nail sprints.
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