Category Archives: FitLabPGH Features

FitLabPGH Features 34:21 Kristin – @4run2 (Repost)

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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: Kristin – @4run2

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes. I grew up here, but moved away for college and a couple years after. I’ve been back for about 7 years. Most of my family is here and I love being close to them.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Running, rock climbing, mountain biking

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Patagonia. My now husband and I did an awesome hiking trip in Argentina and Chile about 2 years ago. The scenery was gorgeous, the hikes were challenging, but fun, and the food was amazing! My favorite part of the trip was an overnight mountaineering trip we did with a guide.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre- apples, post- Diet Dr Pepper and pretzels

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. French Fries

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 husband and I are hoping to bike the GAP trail from PGH to DC next year! I would also love to do a dog trail race with my pup!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Either motivation or finding something they enjoy doing. It can be hard to stay motivated if you are not seeing the results you want to see or if you are not enjoying the activity. I love to run. I love being outside and I use that hour as me time. A lot of people hate running and see it more as torture than a fun activity.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Lead Rock Climbing

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Recovery- sitting on the couch 😂. Self care- pedicures. Lately I’ve been doing a lot of at home pedicures/foot baths. Running does a lot of work to my feet and I try and keep them looking decent.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Frick Park

Contact info for Kristin:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4run2/

FitLabPGH Features 33:21 Marissa Venanzi (Repost)

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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: Marissa Venanzi

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I’m from Monongahela, so about an hour south of the Burgh! I’m currently living in the city for school at Chatham University. I fell in love with the campus, my program, the people, and the neighborhood and I know that this is where I am meant to be right now!

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? 1. I am a spin instructor, so teaching classes is definitely my favorite movement activity in the area! I teach at Spin City Oakmont and Triangle Foundry, and I love both studios and communities so much! 2. Outdoor yoga or walking… Pittsburgh has so many AMAZING parks and there is nothing better than rolling out a mat or walking and enjoying some movement and beautiful weather in a beautiful space (and then walking to the nearest coffee shop afterwards, of course). 3. This is very general, but I LOVE trying out different studios of different fitness disciplines in the area. The Pittsburgh area is full of a variety of studios and tons of incredible instructors, and it is so much fun to challenge myself with new workouts and meet new people by trying different studios!

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? I haven’t travelled a ton yet due to a super busy school schedule, but it is definitely a goal of mine! The best vacation I’ve ever taken was probably going to Ocean City, MD with a group of my lifelong best friends! The destination was not the most exciting, but the trip was filled with so many laughs, long beach walks, and quality time with some of the most quality people in my life.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? My favorite pre-workout snack has to be a banana with peanut butter! It gives me the energy I need to crush a workout without making me feel weighed down or sick from eating!

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. This is the toughest question EVER. I love Shady Grove’s cobb salad… bonus points when I ask for the chicken tossed in buffalo. I love everything at Friendship Perk and Brew and Square Cafe. Both places have the BEST brunch and coffee in the city! I’m also in love with Millie’s vegan dark chocolate ice cream. I’ll stop the list there or else I will literally go on all day!

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? Yes! I really want to try acro yoga and paddleboard yoga! I also am thinking of setting a goal to try one fitness studio every time I travel!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think confidence is the biggest obstacle, mainly for people who haven’t tried certain workouts before. It can be really intimidating to enter a space where people may have more experience than you, and getting over that hill is the toughest part in my opinion. A lot of workouts can also be very daunting and challenging at first, which can lead to a bit of doubt, but the more you do them, the better and more confident you will feel in your abilities and entire self!

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I’ve been ziplining a few times! Hocking Hills in Ohio is the best place to zipline! I have a fear of heights, so this is definitely the most adventurous activity I’ve done. Honorable mentions are kayaking and paddleboarding, and Stonewall Jackson Resort in WV is the best for those!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Yoga is my favorite recovery/self care practice, but that isn’t always entirely a recovery practice depending on the flow. The highest form of self care for me is to walk to a coffee shop or a park with my friends and enjoy the company and atmosphere.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Mellon Park and the Chatham University Mellon Building Solarium!!!

Contact info for Marissa Venanzi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissavenanzi/

FitLabPGH Features 32:21 Gabrielle Monaco (Repost)

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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: Gabrielle Monaco

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Instructing cycle at SWEAT PGH, taking barre and yoga classes, running with my husband

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Too many to list but I love trying new cycle studios when I travel!

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Avocado toast on Ezekiel bread

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Authentic Italian food – my dad’s cooking is the best!

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? Boxing!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Excuses!

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Rock climbing

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? A massage or spa treatment

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Wild Rosemary

Contact info for Gabrielle Monaco:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.monaco/

FitLabPGH Features 31:21 Amanda Beckett (Repost)

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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: Amanda Beckett

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Pittsburgh born and raised! I’m from the city and went to Pittsburgh Public Schools. I also went to Point Park University. I guess you could say I’m Pittsburgh obsessed. I never want to leave! I think it’s the perfect mix between big and small city, culture, diversity, and hometown vibes. Also, I have a very large family who all live in and around Pittsburgh and I can’t leave them.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? I love Endure Barre, obviously. I joined as a member last January and became an instructor in September. I also love riding bikes on the various trails around the area, and just walking the city. On a nice summer night, you can’t beat the city views.

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? My husband and I went to San Francisco, CA and Maui, HI for our honeymoon 5 years ago. By far the best and most active vacation! We hiked across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fran and back. In Maui, we hiked, swam in the 7 pools, bikes down Haleakala, and zip lined! It was amazing. We can’t wait to go back in a couple of years with our children.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? I love peanut butter toast and a banana pre-workout and chocolate milk post-workout.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. I love good bar food. Take me to Fatheads any day over a fancy steak house. I love a good grilled chicken club, homemade chips, and ranch dressing. If a place has good homemade ranch you can count me in.

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? I’d love to run a half marathon again! I’ve run two in the past. I also am looking forward to Body Rock-currently cancelled, but hoping it is rescheduled! I also love any of our group events at Endure Barre which I know will be coming once this quarantine is over!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Time. Isn’t that the problem with everything? I never feel like there is enough time in a day but I make sure to make time for movement. Even if it’s a quick walk on the treadmill. I also think people struggle with finding workouts they enjoy. I was a soccer player in college and in the best shape. After I lacked motivation to do it in the gym on my own and then had two kids. After finding Endure Barre, I have found my motivation again!

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Biking down Haleakala Volcano in Maui. It was so much fun, fast, and something different to do. I also played soccer in Paris and Amsterdam in college with our college team. It was definitely an adventure.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love taking hot baths. I’ve been using epsom salts as well for helping with soreness and recovery. I also love reading a good book and just being alone.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) My favorite spot is not a hidden gem whatsoever. Haha I love Starbucks. Green tea Frappuccino’s all day everyday. Specifically the one on Cochran Road. Great people work there and they are so friendly and amazing!

Contact info for Amanda Beckett:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandatrain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=849245205

FitLabPGH Features 30:21 Ryan Popple (Repost)

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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: Ryan Popple

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I moved to Pittsburgh 10 years ago. Back then I was really into BMX. The riding scene here was/still is really good for bmx. A lot of my friends that I would travel, ride and compete with lived in Pittsburgh. I would come to visit, ride and party with them every summer, before eventually moving here and becoming a full time resident. Due to injuries I had to hang up the bmx. Now I am a cyclist of a couple different disciplines. The cycling community in Pittsburgh is awesome. Very welcoming, all inclusive and positive.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? -Cycling (cyclocross, MTB, road/gravel) -Hiking -Yoga

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? It’s hard to choose the best, but a couple years ago my wife and I went to Sedona, which was amazing. We met up with some friends to do some of the best, technical and scary mountain biking and hiking that I’ve ever experienced. It’s beautiful out there.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Depends on the time of day and workout but… Pre- normally a good breakfast. Steel cut oats with fruit. Post- a smoothie with a scoop of Coco Elite protein powder.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Lately it’s been the poke bowl from Reed&CO. Everything on the menu is amazing.

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? This winter I had planned on taking up more running, but an injury has kept me from doing too much of anything lately. Luckily it wasn’t worse, and I should be clear for all activities very soon. I’ve also been very interested in jujitsu for a while. I just need to make the time and drop down to True Believer for some beginner classes.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Motivation and accessibility.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I went to Australia 6 years ago on a BMX trip. I met up with some friends that lived in Sydney. The very first thing we did was jump off some sea cliffs into the ocean. The locals call it “the blow hole.” It wasn’t too high of a jump, maybe like 40/50ft, but then the scary/sketchy part… to swim through a cave and come out on the other side of the headland. The cave was about 50 yards long and narrowed as it went on. This particular day the water was choppy and had a washing machine feel. Once in the cave, we had to dive underwater each time a wave came to avoid being smashed up on the cave ceiling and walls. It was hectic, exciting and could have been deadly. I never felt more alive.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I’m really into yoga. Yin yoga to unwind before bed it my favorite. I also use a foam roller everyday.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Emerald View trail system has some great views of downtown and the point.

Contact info for Ryan Popple:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r_popple/

FitLabPGH Features 29:21 Kathryn King (Repost)

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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: Kathryn King

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes, native and boomerang! I relocated to DC in my 20s for work, and moved back to Pittsburgh to be closer to family and pursue my dream of opening a fitness studio.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Hiking with my dog Abbey, we love the Fox Chapel area for the woodsy walks. Biking through rails to trails downtown, Abbey stays at home! And group fitness classes at F45 Training in the heart of the Strip

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Bali! I went with a friend and we explored 8 different towns across the span of 16 days. We spent the days hiking, both urban and rural, as well as yoga practice every morning.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Post workout is a perfect bar – they taste like cookie dough, are kept chilled and are loaded with protein.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. I could think about this for hours, but off the top of my head. Healthy is an açaí bowl from Salud. Unhealthy, a specialty pizza from Caliente!

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 item was to explore a new country every year, but well COVID. Instead, I’m going to work towards running the virtual Pittsburgh half marathon in May!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think there’s a misconception that movement has to be exercise and exercise is a chore. I walk a lot, not because I’m trying to burn calories, but because I actually enjoy it. Movement doesn’t always have to be intentional or with a purpose, it should be about feeling good!

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I once jumped off a pretty high cliff in Hawaii and had to swim back to the beach. I do not remember the height, but it was high!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Yoga and massage!!! I do not do either enough, but I do get massages more than most people I know. And I love a good hot yoga session to sweat and stretch.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Indoor movement – F45 Training , outdoor I love Fox Chapel hikes near Squaw Run Road

Contact info for Kathryn King:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryn_king/

https://www.instagram.com/f45_training_pittsburghstrip/

FitLabPGH Features 28:21 Lauren Wentz (Repost)

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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: Lauren Wentz

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes – my job as a physical therapist has grown in this area and of course my large family

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Running, yoga, strength training

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? that’s a tough one! I love going to the beach to run and paddle board, but I also love going out west to run and hike

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre – oatmeal. Post – pizza

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Pizza!!!

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? Boston Marathon, 50 mile race in the Florida Keys

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Consistency – physical activity needs to be a daily appointment with yourself. It’s just as important as a doctor’s appointment, but it’s the first thing that gets pushed to the side when life gets busy.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I ran 167 miles in 6 days from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio to Brookville, PA for MS RUN the US relay

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Yoga

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Pittsburgh Marathon finish line

Contact info for Lauren Wentz.:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurun_allthemiles/

FitLabPGH Features 27:21 Crystal Brenneman (Repost)

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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: Crystal Brenneman

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I am from Central PA (near Harrisburg) but went to Temple in Philly for my first year of college then transferred here to go to Pitt for the remainder of my undergrad. I stayed here because I absolutely loved this city. There was a small town feel yet with all the perks of the city.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Running, cycling, yoga!

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? My boyfriend (now fiancé), his parents, and myself went to Saint Martin. We chilled in the clear water together, stayed at a great house with an infinity pool looking into the Atlantic Ocean. We were carefree and just enjoying each other’s company for 10 days. I was in the middle of marathon training so I got to enjoy many miles of the coastline, the history of the island, and more. We also went snorkeling (my first time!) as a family.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? I absolutely adore my honey stinger GF waffles before, honey stinger gels or chews during as well as salt tabs, and Nuun.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. I am weak to some Condado tacos!

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? I really want to do a 100 miler in my lifetime. I love the idea of a grueling long adventure and spending all those hours and miles experiencing the beauty of the outdoors.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? The ability to get out the door or start the workout video. That’s why groups like weight watchers, running groups, etc… are so successful for people – it’s because they have a buddy system that keeps them accountable and gives them the motivation to do the work.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I unfortunately have not been as adventurous. I became a nurse in 2019, and in the beginning of 2020 when my fiancé and I wanted to start adventuring since we finally had the money to do so… the pandemic hit. But I would say that my most adventurous was hiking in New River Gorge.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love yoga. I miss a good hot yoga session (I regularly attended South Hills Power Yoga). I have been taking up meditation lately through the Peloton App

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) I wish I had a favorite!! If it’s a hike with my pupper and fiancé, a run with a great friend, or a backyard by the fire with good people, then it’s a favorite to me!

Contact info for Crystal Brenneman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_almost_yecko_/

FitLabPGH Features 26:21 Rich Petyk (Repost)

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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: Rich Petyk

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Born and raised in Perryopolis. Left after graduating from Cal U. Went to Harrisburg/Lancaster for 7 years and then to New England for 3.5 years. Returned for parents’ health and my work was routinely bringing me back to PA for pipeline projects.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Mountain biking in Frick Park and surrounding areas. The numerous rail trails including the GAP. And, probably the city steps although I don’t get to walk or run them as much as I would like.

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Oh man so tough. Two years ago the wife and I did a 5 week western trip with mountain biking in Sedona, Bentonville, Palo Duro, Santa Fe, and we topped it off with snowboarding at Ski Cooper in Leadville, which was so amazing. We also did some hiking and snowshoeing, which was a first for us.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre- would be banana chocolate oatmeal with blueberries. Post- maybe a Probar or watermelon in the summertime.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Tough question but I would say Pizzeria Davide or Spak Brothers cheesesteak.

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? I deeply desire to spend a winter season in the west snowboarding. Events that I’m considering in 2021 include another go at Crush the Commonwealth, the GRUSK Venti 200 mile bikepacking route in WV, and I hear there’s an 850 mile gravel bikepacking route dropping soon in PA.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think people are too afraid of being uncomfortable and I’ll include myself in that trap. But once you get out there you realize you won’t melt in the rain, or freeze, and that with the right clothing and mindset being outdoors year round is extremely enjoyable.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I really think 2017 Crush the Commonwealth was probably the most adventurous. However, I did recently complete a 3 day solo bikepacking trip around the Laurel Highlands that involved paralleling the LHT (Laurel Highlands Trail) and stealth camping one night.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Without a doubt foam rolling.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Toss up between Emerald View trail in Mount Washington and the Slags/Summerset trails in Frick Park. I also really like the abandoned ghost road next to Carrie Furnace, any place off the beaten path.

Contact info for Rich Petyk:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rpetyk150/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.petyk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-petyk-1936a2126/

FitLabPGH Features 23:21 Laura Breen Escott (Repost)

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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: Laura Breen Escott

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I grew up in Phoenix, Az. I came to Pittsburgh in 2002 to be close to my family when they moved to Pittsburgh for a job change. Within 3 years my family had all moved back to AZ. I ended up staying because I met my husband here and his work kept us in Pa at that time. Since then we stayed because we wanted to establish a good foundation for our son. At first Pittsburgh was a difficult transition for me. Especially the weather! I will never get used to the winters. Now, I love Pittsburgh! (Still not the cold) but for the growth in art, development, restaurants, culture and the wellness expansion.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Creating and moving in Meraki studio. (Rebounding, Pilates & sculpting classes revolving around supporting muscle structure) Walking in the Strip by the river to the Pointe. Stand up paddle boarding

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? The Dominican Republic. We stayed in a very private location with only 7 villas on the property on the beach. It was extremely private and we were able to really fully unplug and restore. We walked on the beach daily and hiked to various waterfalls and lagoons. It was secluded and magical.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? I prefer to eat fresh foods like fruit or veggies but if I don’t have access to these I will eat a Sakara Detox bar.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. B52, Soba, Nicky’s Thai! So many things from 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? Travel! Would include lots of walking to explore and experience the new environment. And walking the Camino De Santiago.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think people have the notion they need to be good at it or “perform” well. The thought process should shift from exercise or working out to, like [FitLabPGH says], “move” or “movement.” This is a primal desire. We just need to move without any expectations or pressure about what that means or should look like. The experience is simply movement. The benefits are from moving. Mind, body, emotion, soul. Are all interconnected through physicality.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Pilates! Ha. (I mean sometimes you have to be real brave to go upside down on equipment) Water rafting excursion

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Infrared sauna heat therapy

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) My home (homebody) & Mt. Washington

Contact info for Laura Breen Escott:
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