1. Tell us about yourself. How did you start working out with DanceFIT?
Hi! I'm Melissa. I'm a benefits manager at a law firm in Boston. My husband and I moved to Natick 4 years ago. We love living in Natick because it's convenient to the city, but it's also a bit removed. It's nice having access to places where we can kayak and hike, which we like to do when we find the time. This makes me sound like a very active person, which is far from the truth. I'm not into winter sports and I don't like traditional forms of exercise, so I pretty much hibernate in the winter....then spring comes and I realize it's almost summer and it's time to get in shape! This is how I found DanceFit. I was looking to incorporate more stretching and cardio into my workouts and DanceFit turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. It also helps that it's in my neighborhood!
2. As DanceFIT Studio Natick client, how has working out with DanceFIT changed your workout routine?
Prior to working out with DanceFit, I had a hard time getting into any routine. I don't really enjoy exercising, so I have trouble sticking with a routine. I get bored easily and my good intentions go away, which hasn't been the case with DanceFit. I love the classes and the variety. I've enjoyed every class I've taken, even the really hard and challenging ones. I look forward to each one, which has finally given me a chance to start a routine. I also love the flexibility, which is a big factor in sticking with it due to my work schedule. Having evening classes and am/pm options on weekends has been so helpful. Even on busy weeks, I can squeeze in classes and I actually miss the ones I can't make!
3. What songs on your playlist keep you motivated during a workout?
I love listening to energetic music while working out like Kelly Clarkson's stronger. If I'm working out and feeling tired I feel like I can't stop when she's belting out "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". I've also been really inspired by the music played in DanceFit classes. I love the mix of classic and modern music and have added some new instrumental songs to my own playlists inspired by the DanceFit playlists like music by the St. Martin Pop's Orchestra, Lindsey Stirling, Escala and the Piano Guys.
4. What is your favorite DanceFIT class and why?
It's hard to choose one. What I love about DanceFit is the variety of the different classes and teachers. They compliment each other so well. After taking a Hot Balletfit class, it's awesome to follow it up with a Deep Stretch class. It goes from high intensity to complete relaxation. I enjoy the different teaching styles as well. On an ideal week, I like taking at least one class with Gina, Ashley, Kari and Lindy. It gives my week more variety and I learn something different from each of them.
5. Tell our readers what your favorite go-to pre-workout snack is!
I usually workout at night, so I'm pretty much eating dinner before class. I like making eggs packed with veggies since it's light and filling. My post workout snack is usually a glass of chocolate milk. I've heard it's good for sore muscles, so it's perfect after an intense class.
6. What is your best piece of fitness advice or inspiration?
I try to remember something I learned from DanceFit, "Don't try to dance better than anyone else, try to dance better than yourself". I was pretty intimidated when I started and this advice has been encouraging. When I'm struggling in a class, I remind myself of this advice. I have seen improvement since I've started, so I try to focus on that.
My other favorite is: "You can feel sore tomorrow or feel sorry tomorrow. YOU CHOOSE."
7. You have been an absolute rockstar in SpringFIT! You've dedicated a lot of intense hours to your workouts. What are you loving about this program?
There's a great community atmosphere. Everyone is so encouraging. The encouragement and positive atmosphere is really motivating. I've learned not to compare myself to others, but I'm really inspired by everyone. If I see someone doing a move I can't do, I just keep thinking if I keep trying I'll get there one day.
SpringFit also introduced me to some great tools. I've been using My Fitness Pal and purchased a fitness tracker (Garmin Vivo-Fit). They have been great tools for tracking activity and nutrition.
8. What do you tell your friends and family when they ask about why you love DanceFIT so much?
I basically tell them to just come to class to see why I love it so much! After just a couple of classes on my own, my mother and sister bought packages, too. It's turned into a fun way for us to spend time together. My mother and I try to go to a stretch class together each week and my sister will usually join me for HotBalletFit or Barre & Tone.
9. What were you most nervous about coming to your first DanceFIT class? What was your first experience like?
I was nervous I wouldn't know what to do or would be the most inexperienced in the class and feel completely out of place. While I was the most inexperienced, I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. My first class was with Kari and she was great at going over the basics and giving feedback without making me feel like I was sticking out. It was really encouraging.
10. We love our new Natick location and our new and dedicated clients! What is your favorite thing about our new studio??
It's such a beautiful and clean space, but my favorite thing is the size. The student to instructor ratio is perfect. I've benefited from the feedback given in class. If they notice I need to adjust my posture or need a little extra motivation, the instructors do so, which is really encouraging and helps me get a better workout. I also like that they can heat the room - I don't always like this because it can be the most challenging, but I know I'll get an amazing workout if I take a HotBallet class. While I sometimes struggle through class, the feeling after class is amazing!
Thank you so much for letting us feature you, Melissa! You are a wonderful addition to our DanceFIT community and we are so happy to have you in classes with us!
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