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: Dayna Coleman
Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I’m a Pittsburgh transplant! I grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY. I came out to Western PA for my Master’s degree at IUP. I had an internship in Pittsburgh, got a job here, and I’ve been here ever since!
What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Spinning at Cyclebar Robinson, running the North Shore trail, and attending SweatNET events – especially outdoor events!
Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? One of my favorite vacations was going to Colorado to ski at Copper, Breckenridge, and Arapahoe Basin! I went with my friend that I’ve known since we were 3. You’ll never find me happier than when I’m skiing, so I loved being able to check out the bigger mountains.
What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre-workout – I love an eggo waffle with peanut butter and apple slices! Post workout – I love the Honey Stinger cracker bars – they are so easy to take with you anywhere and they hold you over until the post-workout meal.
What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Wingo tacos at Mad Mex, the San Francisco sauce is *chefs kiss*
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? My bucket list movement activity is definitely an in-person running race. I never started running until the pandemic, and since then, I ran three virtual races including the 2021 Pittsburgh Half Marathon. I’ve heard there is a magic and excitement about in person races, so I can’t wait to experience that!
What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think it can be tough for people to know what they will enjoy until they start doing it, and it can be really daunting (and sometimes expensive) to try new things. But once you find the things you like to do, movement becomes part of your lifestyle. Thankfully, we have SweatNET here, and it’s bridging that obstacle! You can try yoga, HIIT, boxing, and everything in between for a $10 membership.
What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? The day that I walked 14 miles around London sight-seeing. Although walking isn’t the most adventurous activity on its own, it was the first day of my trip and I couldn’t wait to see everything! I love how walking allows you to see so much that you would otherwise miss by driving or taking busses and trains. I saw so many sights that day including: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, London Bridge, Covent Gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Abbey Road, and Speakers Corner.
What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love cryotherapy – it’s amazing how just a few minutes in the cold can make such a significant impact on recovery. Also, if I close my eyes, I can imagine that I’m skiing 🙂
What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Washington’s Landing – I could only dream of owning a home there – but the look-out is my absolute favorite and it’s a really quiet place right in the city where you don’t feel like you’re in the city at all.
Contact info for Dayna Coleman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayynnaaaa/
