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: James Lloyd
Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I’m from Akron Ohio. My girlfriend Julie and I moved to Pittsburgh in 2016
What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? I’m a mountain bike coach and personal trainer, so riding bike and weight training are my passion. I also love running with my dog Sadie
Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? We just recently took a vacation to Jake’s Rocks in the Allegheny National Forest to ride bikes with the Pittsburgh based group HighSpeedDirt. It was a blast, and a beautiful destination for any lover of the outdoors
What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? For long rides or hard workouts I like to eat some complex carbs about 2-3 hours before. A brown rice bowl of some kind, or sweet potatoes are my go to. I always finish a workout with a protein shake or Huel.
What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. My guilty pleasure is definitely the Pronto Original Spicy Ranch Pizza from the Avalon location of Pizza Pronto. We’ve tried almost all of the local pizza establishments and I haven’t had a pizza I enjoyed more!
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? Julie and I are excited to race the Oz Trail mountain bike epic ride this October as long as it doesn’t get cancelled. The real bucket list destination would be to ride at Whistler Bike Park in British Columbia!
What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Getting people started and staying consistent for the first few weeks is the biggest hurdle! It’s much easier to make the time after you realize how much fun it is to get up and do something.
What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Mountain biking for sure! I’ve traveled to so many beautiful locations, challenged myself, and met some of the most amazing, generous, and community driven people while on my bike.
What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Yoga, and mobility movements! Not only are they great for recovery, but they also help your body perform better.
What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) North Park is my favorite place to move, but Pittsburgh has many amazing parks that I would encourage everyone to check out.
Contact info for James Lloyd:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirt.heroes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNCADmgBzw2fFifE1Xq1EGA
