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: Grace Kosko

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? Yes born and raised in the suburban area of North Huntingdon

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? I can only choose three?! 1. hiking all the wonderful parks and forests near Pittsburgh, Frick is my favorite city park 2. indoor bouldering and top-roping at Ascend or the Climbing Wall 3. Kettlebell training or spinning in my basement gym

Describe your fantasy movement-focused vacation…cost is not an object…where do you go and what do you do? A backpacking trip to anywhere, Mont Blanc in Europe, Spain’s Pyrenees on GR-11, the Pacific Crest or Appalachian Trail (maybe just a portion of those last 2!)

What is your go-to weekday breakfast? Your weekend breakfast? I usually start my day with just coffee or coconut yogurt and granola, but weekends its Pancake Sunday!

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Thai or Vietnamese food, Tan Lac Vien is my fave spot in Squirrel Hill

What is the most unusual and/or challenging movement activity you’ve done? Would you do it again? A half marathon in 2008 that I joke has cured me of ever wanting to run again and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Muay Thai which I LOVE; BJJ is like a movement puzzle and learning how to use your body as a way of defense is just awesome!

What movement activity/event are you looking forward to in the next year? There’s 2: Strong First Kettlebell certification in April if I’m ready, and a hiking trip to visit all 5 National parks in Utah in September!!

Would you rather go scuba diving or skydiving? I’ve gone sky diving twice so I’ll take scuba diving because it would take me out of my comfort zone

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Massage, I’ll be finishing massage therapy school in February. I wish we had bathhouses like in Europe, contrast water therapy is amazing for relaxation and inflammation!

What is the one place visitors to Pittsburgh “must” see? I’m sure everyone says this but Phipps [Conservatory] is my favorite place in Pittsburgh, then hike Frick park

Contact info for Grace Kosko:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceinstrength/