FitLabPGH is a podcast about movement and movement opportunities in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Once a week we also highlight a FitLabPGH mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity. The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability. Click FitLabPGH Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.
This Week: Emilia Hobbs
Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I’m not a Pittsburgh native! I grew up in Minnesota and moved to Slippery Rock for graduate school then came to Pittsburgh to support my fiancé as he attends dental school at Pitt. I have stayed because I have found a community of people and activities that I love!
What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Biking the trails along the rivers Paddling (either kayaking or stand up paddleboarding) Hiking at the many trails and parks in the area
Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? My family and I took a trip to Montana about 5 years ago and had a blast enjoying nature and getting outside! We stayed in a cabin and went hiking, whitewater rafting, did a ropes course, and went on a boat ride to an island for more hiking!
What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? For pre-workout I like fruits and veggies with a high water content like cucumber, bell pepper, and berries My favorite post-workout is something with carbs and protein like yogurt and cereal (cereal because it has less added sugar than granola)
What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Pittsburgh salad! My family didn’t believe me at first when I told them people put french fries on salad here!
Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? The Rachel Carson challenge!
What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Finding an activity that you enjoy! I think it is easy to get discouraged if you try something like running and don’t like it. My tip is to keep trying other forms of movement until you find something you like!
What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Kickboxing! I wanted to learn about a year ago so I got a job as a group fitness instructor at a boutique kickboxing studio
What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Crafting! I love to knit, sew, and build projects to share with family and friends
What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Mellon Park – the grassy area across from the playground where they have a big space for playing, a garden, and plenty of benches and chairs to sit and read!
Contact info for Emilia Hobbs:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiliaskye13/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilia.hobbs