Tag Archives: pgh yoga

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 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 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 18:21 Erica Strasser (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: 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 16:21 Sara Mastrine (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: Sara Mastrine

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 Ebensburg, which is about an hour and a half east of Pittsburgh. I moved here for a job and stayed because it’s a great city!

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Yoga, running/hiking, CrossFit

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? I went on a camping trip to Zion and Bryce National Parks in Utah last summer. I did a lot of hiking and learned to rappel and down-climb into an amazing slot canyon!

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Applesauce before a workout. Peanut butter toast and chocolate milk after.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Seafood trio appetizer from Monterey Bay

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 just purchased a mountain bike so I’m looking forward to getting better at that! I’d also love to do more rock climbing. And there a lot of CrossFit moves I’d like to improve. I’ve done a few half marathons and I’d like to try a full one day. Lots of bucket list goals!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think a lot of people just don’t know where to start or they’re intimidated by being a “beginner.”

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Hiking Angel’s Landing trail in Zion. It’s an exposed trail with a chain you hold to keep you from falling off the side of the 1500 foot cliff (at 5800 feet of elevation). So scary but really amazing when you make it to the top!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Massages or float tanks! There are some great float studios in Pittsburgh!

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Biddle’s Cafe

Contact info for Sara Mastrine:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saramastrine/

FitLabPGH Features 15:21 Emily Bischof (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: Emily Bischof

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 Johnstown, which is about 2 hours east of here. I came to Pittsburgh to go to the University of Pittsburgh and stayed here because my husband got a job here.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? I love going to our public parks. I enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, and yoga (of course!)

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? I’m a Disney fanatic, so I love going to Disney World. We are always on the go there so I definitely get my steps in while on vacation. I’m not a sit down and hang out kind of person, especially when it comes to vacation.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? I don’t usually have a specific pre-workout snack. I have a lot of issues with my stomach, so eating before I exercise just never works out for me. My post- workout snack is nuts.

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

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 would like to try boxing or even something with MMA.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think it’s diet. When I’m not eating right and feeling sluggish, I don’t want to do anything.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? My first ever time in a kayak I went through rapids. It was terrifying but also exhilarating.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love to stretch after a workout

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) I love the river walk along the Allegheny

Contact info for Emily Bischof:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yinzeryogi/

 

 

FitLabPGH Features 13:21 Adonah Perry

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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: Adonah Perry

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Born and raised!!! Pittsburgh and I have a love/hate relationship lol

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Cycling, Versaclimbing, and Yoga

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? The best vacay I probably took was a few years ago to Cali! I was out there for my cousin’s wedding at the time and I remember my cousins took my sisters and I down to Malibu beach to walk along the beach & admire some of the caves from afar! At that time I was in the prime of my fitness journey so sadly I didn’t really schedule time for the gym like I should have, but walking around Universal Studios could count right?

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Favorite post snack: Goat cheese & Blueberries (Please try asap!)

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Coop De Ville chicken sandwich & anything from Cinderlands! I have LOTS of favorite restaurants!

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 actually do! My goal for this summer (hopefully) is to get outside more to visit North Park and go out on hikes with my boyfriend/friends!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? People have a big problem with Self motivation! I could go on for DAYS about this topic lol

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? The most adventurous movement activity that I’ve ever done was become a cycle instructor! Never in a million years did I think I would ever be an instructor, but here we are! Also I’ll be becoming a nurse next year too so I’ll count that as a HUGE adventurous movement for myself!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I’ve become slightly obsessed with infrared sauna sessions! Also will be trying out a Cryotherapy at Restore and plan to do a float session at Victory Float lounge!

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) I have a few places, but first place that comes to mind is the Color Park in south side!

Contact info for Adonah Perry:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adonah_lynn16/

https://www.instagram.com/fitsfoodmeds_ap/

 

FitLabPGH Features 11:21 Special Feature – Gracie and Mia

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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: A look back at a Special Feature: the Cats of FitLabPGH, Gracie and Mia

As we mark the one-year anniversary of pandemic restrictions in much of the U.S., we’re looking back at this Special Feature we released on 4/9/20, in which the cats of FitLabPGH, Gracie and Mia, offered their advice on how to embrace staying at home.

What are your three favorite home movement activities? Mia (the White and Black Cat): Climbing the stall bars; climbing the coat racks; and jumping on top of the fridge (the humans don’t love it when I do this)

Gracie (the Gray Cat): Chasing Mia around the house; pacing around the downstairs while I wait for the humans to feed me; and stretching/scratching on my cat condo

Any advice for humans who wish they could travel right now? Watch a virtual tour of where you want to go on the internet and enjoy planning your future vacation.  Although, we don’t really understand the appeal of travel because we have everything we need at home.

How about advice for humans who aren’t able to enjoy dining out in restaurants right now? Our staff members have our food delivered to the house…can’t the humans out there have their food delivered???

Any suggestions for humans who are bored at home? Use your imagination to create entertainment! Examples: Turn a delivery box into a fort or a bed. Meow at the top of your lungs until your staff members come running in a panic. Knock objects off the counter at 2am to let your staff members know it’s time to play.

What’s your advice to humans who miss their gyms and fitness facilities? See our answer above about favorite home movement activities! With a few toys and a little imagination, you humans can get your exercise fix at home!

What is your favorite home recovery or self-care practice? This one is easy, and all of you humans should add these two items to your daily agenda: 1) Make sure you get enough sleep! Worried that you haven’t slept enough? Make time for a nap. 2) Take time for daily mobility work – a couple of moves to try: cat stretch and downward-facing-cat.

Any last thoughts for humans coping with a Stay-At-Home order? Appreciate the little things, like taking a nap on a sunny windowsill or watching the birds eating at the birdfeeder.

Contact info for Gracie and Mia:  The Cats of FitLabPGH do not maintain their own social media accounts, but you can keep up with them through the following FitLabPGH accounts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitlabpgh/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitlabpgh/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fitlabpgh

FitLabPGH Features 9:21 Marissa Venanzi

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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 8:21 Ryan Popple

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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/