Tag Archives: barre

FitLabPGH Features 32:21 Gabrielle Monaco (Repost)

September 9, 2021FitLabPGH Features412 cycling, barre, cycling, exercise, FitLabPGH, fitness, health, hike PA, lifestyle, made in Pittsburgh, movement, Movement is a Lifestyle, pgh, pgh fit, pgh fitness, pgh yoga, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh fitness, podcast, quality of life, run 412, run pgh, run pittsburgh, running, wellnessfitlabpgh

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 23:21 Laura Breen Escott (Repost)

July 1, 2021FitLabPGH Featuresbarre, Body Rock 2021, bounce, exercise, FitLabPGH, fitness, fitnesstips, health, hike PA, interview, lifestyle, made in Pittsburgh, meraki studio, movement, Movement is a Lifestyle, pgh, pgh fit, pgh fitness, pilates, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh fitness, pittsburgh pilates, podcast, quality of life, rebounding, Strip District pgh, SweatNET, wellnessfitlabpgh

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:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabreenescott/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meraki_studio412/

FitLabPGH Features 37:20 Ashley Fortune

December 3, 2020FitLabPGH Features412 cycling, barre, cycling, exercise, FitLabPGH, fitness, fitnessprofessional, fitnesstips, health, hike PA, lifestyle, made in Pittsburgh, movement, Movement is a Lifestyle, pgh fit, pgh fitness, pgh yoga, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh fitness, pittsburgh pilates, podcast, quality of life, run 412, run pgh, run pittsburgh, SweatNET, wellnessfitlabpgh

This Week: Ashley Fortune (SweatNET Pittsburgh) (RePost from 1/2/20)

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? No, I am from Seattle. Moving to Pittsburgh January 2020. My significant other is from Pittsburgh and has been wanting to move back. I am excited for the change and the opportunities of moving to Pittsburgh!

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? TBD!

Describe your fantasy movement-focused vacation…cost is not an object…where do you go and what do you do? I’m a tropical beach person so any beautiful island that offers beautiful hikes, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling and swimming in the waves

What is your go-to weekday breakfast? Your weekend breakfast? Weekday: Vegan protein smoothie mixed with kale, blueberries and a green juice. Weekends I love a delicious veggie scramble or hash with a mimosa!

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. I’ve been to PGH a handful of times to visit and as cliché as it sounds I LOVE the Italian Sandwich from Primanti Bros – although, I have recently gone more pescatarian so I will need to find a new favorite! I will be on the hunt for the best Thai restaurant in the city!

What is the most unusual and/or challenging movement activity you’ve done? Would you do it again? I took an incredible but SUPER challenging boxing class. The “warm up” was about 20 min of full on HIIT following by 40 min of partner boxing combos and static movement. It took me way out of my comfort zone but I loved it and would go back in a heartbeat. I LOVE getting out of my comfort zone when I workout.

What movement activity/event are you looking forward to in the next year? Trying endless new workouts from studios and instructors around the Pittsburgh area as we work on launching SweatNET Pittsburgh in 2020

Would you rather go scuba diving or skydiving? Sky Diving – I love to snorkel but the idea of scuba diving makes me a little claustrophobic.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? 90 min massage with added cupping!

What is the one place visitors to Pittsburgh “must” see? I’m a sucker for a good skyline so the incline is a MUST so they can see the incredible view. I also love roller coasters so Kennywood is where I plan to take all of my visitors.

Contact info for Ashley Fortune:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweatnetpgh/

https://www.instagram.com/ashleyfortune_/

FitLabPGH Features 35:20 Laura E.

October 29, 2020FitLabPGH Featuresbarre, exercise, FitLabPGH, fitness, health, hike PA, lifestyle, made in Pittsburgh, movement, Movement is a Lifestyle, pgh, pgh fit, pgh fitness, Pittsburgh fitness, quality of life, wellnessfitlabpgh

This Week: Laura E.

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I’m originally from Ohio but relocated to the Pittsburgh area 10 years ago for work. I now reside in Wexford with my husband and son where I also own an online boutique Lane 51.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? My family and I love visiting all of the local parks, especially Knob Hill in Marshall Township & Graham Park in Cranberry. Both have unique playgrounds and trails that are great for biking or walking. Over the summer we explored the waterfalls in Ohiopyle State Park and the hiking trails of McConnell’s Mill. The Bar Method in Wexford also has the best pop-up classes!

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? The best vacation I’ve ever taken also happens to be my wedding – We hosted a destination wedding in Punta Cana with close friends & family. Everything from the food & drinks to the spa, the pools & the beach, it was the best vacation. While we were there we went snorkeling in the ocean & played on all of the water sports.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? My favorite post workout snack is a cold pressed juice & wrap from Clean Juice in Wexford. Right now I’m loving the Sweet Green Juice and the BBQ Chicken Wrap, with apple slices added.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. My favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh is Mexican fare. Some of my favorite spots for tacos & tequila are Tres Rios in Southside, Condado Tacos, Round Corner Cantina in Lawrenceville, and Emiliano’s in Cranberry.

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 love to be outside in nature so I’m looking forward to more hiking trips especially as the leaves continue to change & the weather cools.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Motivation. Once we get ourselves moving it’s easy to keep up with it, but it’s that initial effort that seems to be the biggest obstacle.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I wish I had something more exciting to share lol. I would have to say my most adventurous movement would be ziplining or parasailing while on vacation

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love indulging in a good massage. I also recently tried a Salt Therapy Room at Revitalize in Sewickley which is something I’d love to do again; it was so calming & detoxifying.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Any rooftop 🙂 I love being surrounded by the views of the city. Some of my favorites are Hotel Monaco’s Biergarten, Il Tetto, or Eighth & Penn Apartments. Even though I’ve done it 20 times I still love riding the Duquesne Incline for that breathtaking view at the top.

Contact info for Laura E.:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_wexford_housewife_/

https://www.instagram.com/lane51btq/

FitLabPGH Features 30:20 Laura Breen Escott

August 13, 2020FitLabPGH Featuresbarre, exercise, FitLabPGH, fitness, fitnesstips, health, lifestyle, meraki studio, movement, Movement is a Lifestyle, pgh, pgh fit, pgh fitness, pgh yoga, pilates, pilates pgh, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh fitness, pittsburgh pilates, podcast, quality of life, wellnessfitlabpgh

This Week: Laura Breen Escott

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.

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:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabreenescott/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meraki_studio412/

FitLabPGH Features 25:20 Erica Strasser

June 25, 2020FitLabPGH Featuresbarre, endure barre, exercise, FitLabPGH, fitness, fitnessprofessional, fitnesstips, health, lifestyle, made in Pittsburgh, Movement is a Lifestyle, pgh, pgh dogs, pgh fit, pgh fitness, pgh yoga, Pittsburgh, pittsburgh dogs, Pittsburgh fitness, podcast, quality of life, run 412, run pgh, run pittsburgh, running, wellnessfitlabpgh

This Week: Erica Strasser

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Pittsburgh native! But I’ve lived in Ohio (Cincinnati) and in Florida (Siesta Key) for periods of time.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Dog park walks with my pup Zoe! , yoga @ South Hills Power Yoga, Tennis at Highland Park tennis courts.

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Panama was an amazing vacation! I was there for two weeks. I did lots of running through the small towns and swimming/snorkeling in the Gulf with my daughter and seeing the Coral reef

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre workout- Nuun sports electrolyte tabs lemon lime 🙂 post workout- coffee and a banana or PB&J

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Country Style VEGAN pizza in Bridgeville

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? Triathlon before 50 yrs old (9 years) and Paris Marathon

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? People are resistant to changing their comfortable lifestyle. Stepping out of a comfortable health and wellness box is difficult. Especially for diet change. Getting folks motivated to move in the winter months is always an obstacle. I try to lead by example.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Zip lining in North park! Very fun and super challenging for me to land on my feet!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Sauna therapy- currently at Pure Sweat Pgh and practicing Pilates on off days from running.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) West End Overlook in Elliot City neighborhood of Pittsburgh

Contact info for Erica Strasser:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica_strasser40/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erica.britsch

FitLabPGH Features 14:20 Amanda Beckett

March 26, 2020FitLabPGH Featuresbarre, endure barre, exercise, FitLabPGH, fitness, fitnessprofessional, fitnesstips, hacks, health, lifestyle, made in Pittsburgh, movement, Movement is a Lifestyle, pgh, pgh fit, pgh fitness, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh fitness, podcast, quality of life, wellnessfitlabpgh

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 11:20 Gabrielle Monaco

March 5, 2020FitLabPGH Features412 cycling, barre, bikePGH, cycling, exercise, FitLabPGH, fitnessprofessional, fitnesstips, health, lifestyle, made in Pittsburgh, movement, Movement is a Lifestyle, pgh, pgh fit, pgh fitness, pgh yoga, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh fitness, podcast, run 412, run pgh, run pittsburgh, sweat pgh, wellnessfitlabpgh