Fitness Friday! AKT in Motion

Happy Friday!!!! 

{{It never really gets old, does it?}}

Exercise is such an important aspect of overall health and wellness (and my life!) that I just couldn’t neglect it anymore on C it Nutritionally! Last month I shared a glimpse into my ever-changing workout routine with three, unique, dance-based exercise classes. From the Tracy Anderson Method to barre class to 305 Fitness, I love dancing, or working my muscles to get a long, lean, dancer’s shape. Today’s workout is no different…

Introducing…AKT!

AKT stands for Anna Kaiser Technique. Never heard of it? Consider yourself ahead of the trend! Anna Kaiser is the trainer to celebs like Kelly Ripa, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Shakira. In fact, I caught a glimpse of uber-fit Ripa right as I entered the studio. She’s as ever gorgeous in person as she appears on TV!

Luckily for you, I have the inside scoop because my incredibly talented college roommate, Samantha, is an instructor at AKT (pictured above)! As she’s trying to conquer Broadway, her day job is being AKT’s star trainer (at least in my eyes!).

I had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Samantha to about what she eats and drinks to fuel her crazy schedule and the scoop on all things AKT (see below)! But first, what even is an AKT workout??

AKT combines dance cardio with whole body strength training. Before class, Samantha explained that every two weeks the dance combination changes, so I shouldn’t be intimidated because regulars know the combination well by now (I was there on the last day of the two week cycle!). Nevertheless, Samantha broke down the combination slow enough for a newbie like me to catch on, but not too slowly so her regulars got bored. More than any of the other dance cardio classes I’ve taken, this class was focused on choreography. Beginners don’t fret — the moves were simple enough that non-dancers can easily take the class and get the hang of it. Plus, no one was watching me anyways!

Samantha paused every couple of songs for some awesome strength training (legs, arms, and abs!) with those huge physio balls! I felt the burn! My arms were definitely sore the next day.

Overall, the class had awesome music, was fast-paced, but not too fast that I was totally lost (which I always appreciate in these dance classes!). Samantha was SO encouraging, with pep phrases like “you can do it” and “how good does that feel…keep it up!” I may be biased because we’ve been friends for nearly 9 years, but my unbiased self [and friend Arielle who I took the class with], 100% recommends AKT!

I was surrounded by a puddle of sweat by the end of class, and sometimes a great sweat is just what the doctor ordered!

Here’s a glimpse into the conversation I had with Samantha about exercise, food, and nutrition: 

C it Nutritionally [CiT]: Hi! It was so fun to finally take your class! I’ve seen you dance for years, but this was totally different (in a completely great way!). Let’s just jump right in…How many classes do you teach each day?

Samantha [SG]: Along with class, we offer private training. So, I can have anywhere from 3-5 sessions a day.  A mix of class and clients!!

CiT: Knowing how much I was sweating, that’s a lot! I know you train some clients at 5:30am! Do you eat before your early morning classes?

SG: I have very early mornings every morning! I do not, however, eat before my morning sessions. Working out on an empty stomach actually burns a greater percentage of fat for fuel!

CiT: I know there’s a lot of research being done on when and what to eat before exercise, but I would say doing what feels right for your body is the best bet! So what do you eat and drink to replenish your stores after class? 

SG: Typically after a session, I try to eat protein within half hour of the workout in order to repair and replenish my muscle stores. My go-to snack is usually some hard boiled eggs!

CiT: As a fitness instructor, what role do you think nutrition plays in your life and for your clients?

SG: Nutrition is EXTREMELY important.  You can exercise as much as you want and not lose the weight you want if you do not eat right! Sugar is typically the number 1 downfall we find with our clients’ diets. 

CiT: I can’t say I’m surprised by that! Do you talk to clients that you train privately about nutrition?

SG: I don’t typically talk about nutrition unless someone asks me a question about what I eat. At AKT we have a nutritionist that works one on one with many of our private clients. What works for one may not work for the next person!

CiT: I’m glad to hear that! What do you think is the biggest myth about fitness instructors?

SG: For me, I find that people think we can eat whatever we want because we train so much throughout the day. That is not the case!! Of course, I allow myself indulgences here and there, but I am always trying to fuel my body with the healthiest foods in order for me to perform at my best. Without eating enough or eating clean, there is no way someone can train as much as I do and get through it all without collapsing!

And there ya have it! I re-fueled post-class with a delicious salad from Candle Cafe with greens, beans, quinoa, and avocado and tonsssss of water!

AKT in Motion is on ClassPass and Anna has released a new DVD!

Have you tried any new fitness classes lately? 

Have a fantastic weekend!

XO