Tag Archives: SweatNET

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

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

FitLabPGH Features 22:21 Claudette Minnotte

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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: Claudette Minnotte

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 Lehighton, PA which is just north of Philadelphia. I went to the University of Pittsburgh in 2004 and I fell in love with Pitt and never left!

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Rebounding at Meraki Studio, Resistance Training at [Solidcore], and spinning at Zenergy.

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? I went on a trip to Maui in Hawaii. I loved the laid back atmosphere of the island and the love of the native culture. I went surfing, lifted and ran on the beach, and hiked through on the road to Hana.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? I’m obsessed with Over Easy bars. And I’m constantly eating chicken all day.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. I’m a huge taco fan – I could eat them every day. But my favorite is the octopus taco at Tako with a Paloma.

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? At Meraki Studio, where I teach, I look forward to our new routines every week. It’s constantly changing to help your body and muscles adapt and become stronger and more flexible. We are challenging you to think outside the box in your workouts.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think time and schedule. People tend to get set in a sedentary routine and forget to carve out time or become inundated with work. I’m a creature of habit where I firmly believe waking up early and getting your workout/movement to start your day is the best thing in the world for physical and mental health.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Waterfall repelling and ziplining in the jungle in Belize.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Deep tissue massages and getting a blow out for my hair.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) I love having a glass of bubbly after a long week at the Grapperia in Lawrenceville.

Contact info for Claudette Minnotte:

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

FitLabPGH Features 20:21 Dayna Coleman

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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: Dayna Coleman

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I’m a Pittsburgh transplant! I grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY. I came out to Western PA for my Master’s degree at IUP. I had an internship in Pittsburgh, got a job here, and I’ve been here ever since!

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Spinning at Cyclebar Robinson, running the North Shore trail, and attending SweatNET events – especially outdoor events!

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? One of my favorite vacations was going to Colorado to ski at Copper, Breckenridge, and Arapahoe Basin! I went with my friend that I’ve known since we were 3. You’ll never find me happier than when I’m skiing, so I loved being able to check out the bigger mountains.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre-workout – I love an eggo waffle with peanut butter and apple slices! Post workout – I love the Honey Stinger cracker bars – they are so easy to take with you anywhere and they hold you over until the post-workout meal.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Wingo tacos at Mad Mex, the San Francisco sauce is *chefs kiss*

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 activity is definitely an in-person running race. I never started running until the pandemic, and since then, I ran three virtual races including the 2021 Pittsburgh Half Marathon. I’ve heard there is a magic and excitement about in person races, so I can’t wait to experience that!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think it can be tough for people to know what they will enjoy until they start doing it, and it can be really daunting (and sometimes expensive) to try new things. But once you find the things you like to do, movement becomes part of your lifestyle. Thankfully, we have SweatNET here, and it’s bridging that obstacle! You can try yoga, HIIT, boxing, and everything in between for a $10 membership.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? The day that I walked 14 miles around London sight-seeing. Although walking isn’t the most adventurous activity on its own, it was the first day of my trip and I couldn’t wait to see everything! I love how walking allows you to see so much that you would otherwise miss by driving or taking busses and trains. I saw so many sights that day including: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, London Bridge, Covent Gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Abbey Road, and Speakers Corner.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love cryotherapy – it’s amazing how just a few minutes in the cold can make such a significant impact on recovery. Also, if I close my eyes, I can imagine that I’m skiing 🙂

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Washington’s Landing – I could only dream of owning a home there – but the look-out is my absolute favorite and it’s a really quiet place right in the city where you don’t feel like you’re in the city at all.

Contact info for Dayna Coleman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayynnaaaa/

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 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 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 7:21 Kathryn King

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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 6:21 Katie Robb

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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: Katie Robb

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 Hermitage, PA. I moved to Pittsburgh in 2012 for a job opportunity and have been loving it ever since.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Walks on the Montour Trail, attending exclusive fitness events through SweatNET Pittsburgh, and circuit training at F45 Strip District.

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? My favorite vacation was our trip to Lake Tahoe. My husband and I rode mountain bikes on the Flume Trail, paddle boarded in Sand Harbor, chartered a sailboat in Tahoe City and hiked through Emerald Bay.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Toast with peanut butter, and a protein shake.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Nicky’s Thai Kitchen

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 year my husband and I planned a two-week trip to Morocco, but due to COVID we had to cancel. I was most looking forward to camel rides through the Sahara Desert, so that remains at the top of the bucket list.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Inability to change habits.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Cliff jumping into a natural swimming hole in Vermont. I’m not an adrenaline junkie so this experience was especially terrifying.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? A spa day is always at the top of the list – or a hydrating face mask and a glass of wine.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Reginald’s Coffee in Bethel Park – they have unique caffeinated creations, and dish out Oram’s donuts on the weekends.

Contact info for Katie Robb:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekatierobb/

https://www.instagram.com/thesofetchfitness/

FitLabPGH Features 37:20 Ashley Fortune

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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: 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_/