There’s no shame in it; there was nothing to do for a solid month at one point but watch Netflix and stress eat takeout food. Then it was working from home, getting a little too comfortable in those sweatpants. Sure, the gyms all reopened, but mustering up the willpower to go is hard enough as is. When there are masks and social distancing involved, it became entirely too easy to just let your membership fees go to waste for a little while. So, the COVID 19 became the COVID 20 or 25. And since no one was going to judge your beach body when their own was getting increasingly flabby, you let it slide.
Well, that ends right now. It’s a brand-new year and a fresh chance to do it right. You’ve said it every year, and even though you’re playing from behind, you mean it this year. You’re going to get in shape. These are the people who are going to help.
Phil Mullins
Home Base: Breakthrough Fitness
Specialty: Hypertrophy, transformation specialist
How long have you been in the business of physical fitness?
I have been in the business for eight years.
Teach us one thing a person trying to lose weight might be surprised to learn.
When consulting or training someone with the goal of losing weight, the first thing I do is train them to eat with the purpose of building a furnace, to strengthen the metabolism. Most people are surprised by how much and often they have to eat.
Did you play a sport in school?
I played football and tennis in high school.
What is the primary reason you work out?
Training is like breathing to me; it is my art, my expression, my life’s work.
What is your number one “get hype” song during your workouts?
“Ain’t It Different” by Headie One
Favorite local fitness instructor?
Give someone a shout-out. No doubt, I love and enjoy the versatility of Alyssa Petro.
Jen Edwards
Home Base: Shelter Cove Community Park and Island Rec Center
Specialty: Outdoor cardio & strength bootcamps for men and women of all ages and levels
How long have you been in the business of physical fitness?
I’ve been a fitness lover since high school but became a certified group fitness instructor while in graduate school 22 years ago!
Teach us one thing a person trying to lose weight might be surprised to learn?
There are many different diets and weight loss philosophies out there, from low-carb to low-fat to shake diets, but one thing remains the same: your body requires a caloric deficit of 3,500 calories to burn one pound of fat. So, it’s not necessarily what you eat but how much you consume compared to how much you burn through exercise and daily activity. People are often looking for a magic prescriptive eating and exercise plan that will take the weight off and keep it off, but the bottom line is simple math: calories in versus calories out.
Did you play a sport in school?
Yes, I played four years of varsity singles tennis. My sophomore year I decided to join the track team to stay in shape during the off-season tennis. I was a pretty slow runner, but that disciplined track training got me hooked on fitness.
What is the primary reason you work out?
To sweat out daily stress! Working out releases your body’s natural feel-good endorphins. Whether I’m teaching a class or on vacation with my family, one hour of fitness is a non-negotiable part of my day.
What is your number one “get hype” song during your workouts?
I like to play a lot of different genres of music at SWEAT, but you can’t beat “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa
or “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake to
really get the party started!
Favorite local fitness instructor? Give someone a shout-out.
I’m not sure if she’s still teaching classes anywhere on Hilton Head, but Kristin Dillon has led me through some amazing cycling workouts. It takes a certain instructor to be able to get more out of you than you can get out of yourself. I try to give my clients that extra push to go harder when they don’t think they can, and Kristin did that for me many a morning.
According to an analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American man now stands at 5-feet-9 1/4 inches tall and weighs 196 pounds—up 15 pounds from 20 years ago. For women, the change has been even more striking. The average female today stands 5-feet-3 3/4 inches and weighs 169 pounds. In 1994, her scale read 152 pounds. What do you think is to blame for this trend, and how can we combat it as a society?
Great question. I think we are an instant gratification and convenience society. If we can save time by making a packaged processed meal (typically higher in calories) or grabbing something through a drive-thru (also calorie-dense), we do it. If we can jump in a taxi or subway instead of riding our bike to work, we do it. With computers and cell phones, you barely have to leave your office desk or couch to get things done. So, it comes back to that simple math I mentioned above. In general, as a society, we are moving less, and consuming more, and unfortunately, the statistics show that.
Jenna Irvin
Home Base: Pure Barre Hilton Head Island
Specialty: Pure Barre Classic, Reform, and Empower
How long have you been in the business of physical fitness?
I started teaching Pure Barre during my senior year of college at High Point University in 2016. I opened my first Pure Barre studio in Frederick, Maryland a year after graduation. After a year in Maryland, my heart was calling me back to the island, so I sold that studio to purchase the Pure Barre on Hilton Head Island. I have been the owner and an instructor here for two years.
Teach us one thing a person trying to lose weight might be surprised to learn.
I take an untraditional approach to the weight-loss topic. I believe that when we workout for an exterior goal only, our motivation will rise and fall drastically if the results are not immediate. At Pure Barre HHI, I encourage my clients to love and honor the skin they are in so that they show up from a place of gratitude and acceptance. Choosing to love our body and choosing to strengthen and tone it is not mutually exclusive. It is my mission for our energy to reflect that.
Did you play a sport in school?
I was an equestrian and a basketball player from the age of three up until high school graduation.
What is the primary reason you work out?
My “why” behind showing up to my workouts has shifted this year. I went through a phase of life where, in all honesty, I worked out to maintain a certain look and shape. In this season, I work out because my team and my clients deserve a strong leader—both mentally and physically. The heart of this community leaves me in awe, and [my clients] have carried my passion and drive during a year that has challenged that at every corner.
What is your number one “get hype” song during your workouts?
I always listened to “The Champion” by Carrie Underwood and Ludacris before every high school basketball game, and it feels nostalgic and motivating when I need that extra push.
Favorite local fitness instructor? Give someone a shout-out.
I can’t pick just one because my entire team is the heart and soul of my day-to-day, so the biggest love shout-out to: Ellen Maloney, Kathleen Mayers, Erin Rinehart, Celia Carroll, and Haley Stone. One more shout-out to Marwin Kline of Marwin Kline Speed and Sport Performance.
According to an analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American man now stands at 5-feet-9 1/4 inches tall and weighs 196 pounds—up 15 pounds from 20 years ago. For women, the change has been even more striking. The average female today stands 5-feet-3 3/4 inches and weighs 169 pounds. In 1994, her scale read 152 pounds. What do you think is to blame for this trend, and how can we combat it as a society?
The media plays the most monumental role in “diet culture.” Body shaming and marathon dieting is more widespread than ever before. Our bodies intuitively know what we need and how often we need to move. I’m a believer that getting on the right side of this consists of tuning in more and logging in less. Recognizing, accepting, and honoring our differences is the centerpiece of living in a world that sees beauty before shame.
Martin Catalioto
Home Base: CrossFit 843
How long have you been in the business of physical fitness?
I have been in the business of physical fitness since 2012 when I started CrossFit 843. The first location was in Old Town Bluffton. We outgrew that space, and in 2018, we built a new facility on Scott Way.
Teach us one thing a person trying to lose weight might be surprised to learn.
Most people would be surprised to learn that if you’re trying to lose weight, your order of importance for weight loss should be: first and foremost, sleep (quantity and quality), then nutrition, then exercise. If you don’t think of it in this way, in this order, your body will be fighting against itself.
Did you play a sport in school?
I played a lot of sports when I was kid—anything and everything. But in high school, my focus was solely golf. I had the privilege of receiving a full scholarship to play collegiate golf for Clemson.
What is the primary reason you work out?
I work out because it makes me happy, keeps me centered, and clears my head. I think giving myself that outlet for an hour a day makes me a better husband, father, coach and person.
What is your number one “get hype” song during your workouts?
Best get hype music is anything loud and upbeat.
Favorite local fitness instructor? Give someone a shout-out.
I would have to say my favorite coaches are all the CrossFit 843 Coaches. I am so proud of our staff. While they all are super knowledgeable, highly motivating, and lead-by-example kind of people, they all also bring their own teaching style and flair to their classes, which in my opinion is so valuable for our members. These are the coaches who motivate me, push me to be a better version of myself, keep me out of my comfort zone, and make fitness fun.
According to an analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American man now stands at 5-feet-9 1/4 inches tall and weighs 196 pounds—up 15 pounds from 20 years ago. For women, the change has been even more striking. The average female today stands 5-feet-3 3/4 inches and weighs 169 pounds. In 1994, her scale read 152 pounds. What do you think is to blame for this trend, and how can we combat it as a society?
I feel that many people have become lazy and more complacent. Many have gradually, over the years, become less active in their life—some days doing zero physical activity throughout the day. People (adults and children) are too busy watching TV, playing video games or are glued to the phone instead of partaking in outside “play.” We are all a product of our daily routines and habits. The mirror doesn’t lie. So, if you’re not happy with what you see, it’s up to you to make the changes.
Luis Estrada
Home Base: Cynergy Fitness
Specialty: Bodybuilding contest prep, weight loss, and strength training
How long have you been in the business of physical fitness?
I’ve been in the fitness industry for over five years, starting with my TeamEstrada coaching business in 2016 as a full-time personal trainer; previously, I had been a part of a live-in weight loss facility here on the island for over a year as well.
Teach us one thing a person trying to lose weight might be surprised to learn.
Something most people I’ve helped lose weight are surprised to learn is that you will lose weight by eating more of the right thing instead of eating less of anything. Most people struggling with weight loss are actually eating too little in general and not enough of anything that would help them make progress. You do not need to be hungry to lose weight!
Did you play a sport in school?
Yes! I’ve played multiple sports in high school like lacrosse, basketball, and track and field. But the thing that I loved the most was the weightlifting, so I focused on that and got into bodybuilding competitions starting at the age of 16/17.
What is the primary reason you work out?
I honestly started working out to boost my self-confidence and be more comfortable with myself. To this day, I still use it as a way to continue improving myself and as personal therapy when I’ve had a long day and need a way to let go of stress. You’d be surprised how much working out can help improve your mood and energy after you finish.
What is your number one “get hype” song during your workouts?
This is dependent on my mood for the workout. I love metal/hard rock for heavy days, so I always turn on “Machine” by Born of Osiris. It’s gotten the job done multiple times for setting personal records on most exercises.
Favorite local fitness instructor? Give someone a shout-out.
I have to give a special shout-out to my own coach, Chris Hobbs. He took me in as an athlete and protégé when I was 18 and has taught me the foundations to everything I do/use now as an athlete and a coach. He actually recently won his IFBB Pro Card, and I was incredibly happy for him. He absolutely deserved it and needs to know I appreciate the time he’s taken with me over the last five years to do the same very soon. Thank you, Chris!
Katie Knowles
Home Base: CycleBar
Specialty: Indoor cycling
How long have you been in the business of physical fitness?
My entire life. I love movement; it is extremely important to keep me both mentally and physically healthy. I began touring with a national dance company and teaching dance classes. My passion for movement transitioned into the barre industry in Chicago, and I continued as an instructor for a variety of Core Fitness classes in the New York Metro area. I opened CycleBar in 2016 and love the cardio fitness CycleBar provides!
Teach us one thing a person trying to lose weight might be surprised to learn.
I don’t often focus on weight loss. I find myself being able to stay healthy and strong if I’m moving/exercising at least 30 minutes or more a day and eating healthy foods that energize my body.
Did you play a sport in school?
Yes, I was on the varsity volleyball team. In college, I was accepted into a dance program where the training regimen would be similar to any college sports team of training seven days a week.
What is the primary reason you work out?
Exercising helps me feel healthy! It makes me feel energized and able to conquer my day.
What is your number one “get hype” song during your workouts?
Any type of remix song. I love all music genres, but I am really drawn to remixes for my cycling classes.
Favorite local fitness instructor? Give someone a shout-out.
The entire CycleStar instructor team! This talented group has done amazing things for many riders’ health over the past four years; they inspire me.
Brandon Irvin
Home Base: Bikram Hot Yoga Hilton Head
Specialty: Hot Yoga/Hot Pilates
How long have you been in the business of physical fitness?
I started in the fall of 2009, so 11 years!
Teach us one thing a person trying to lose weight might be surprised to learn?
Everything works the same on a molecular level. To change the shape of anything, one must add heat. This is exactly what we offer at my state-of-the-art studio, equipped with far infrared radiant heat panels, UV cleansed air, and 24-hour circulation.
Did you play a sport in school?
I played tennis and golf (easy transition to the island life).
What is the primary reason you work out?
To maintain youth longer. Yoga gives me energy and vitality. It is my preventative medicine (it’s been over 10 years since I’ve been to a doctor). The yogi never becomes old.
What is your number one “get hype” song during your workouts?
“Adieu” by Tchami
Favorite local fitness instructor? Give someone a shout-out
Kaitlen Groetzinger, longtime friend and student. But what makes Kaitlen special is that she does a little bit of everything i.e., Pilates, yoga, and therapeutics. That wide array of experience really shows up in her teaching, and she is so good at conveying that knowledge to all of her students in a fun, lighthearted way.
Stacey Saritelli
Home Base: Breakthough Fitness & Peak Performance
Specialty: Functional fitness, strength conditioning, and lifestyle weight management
How long have you been in the business of physical fitness?
I’ve been in industry for 23 years.
Teach us one thing a person trying to lose weight might be surprised to learn.
Drink water! Most people would be surprised that drinking enough water throughout the day significantly helps with weight loss. Drinking water prior to a meal has been proven to increase caloric burn by over 30 percent. And it’s free.
Did you play a sport in school?
No
What is the primary reason you work out?
I’d being lying if I didn’t say a big part is for vanity reasons. However, I have learned (especially with age) that movement is vital in order to keep moving. Also, there is nothing like a hardcore run or weight session to work out all the stressors that life can throw at you!
What is your number one “get hype” song during your workouts?
It’s hard to pick one. I love rock, alternative, etc. “Everlong” by Foo Fighters is one of my favorites and is currently in heavy rotation on my playlist.
Favorite local fitness instructor? Give someone a shout-out.
Christina Lindstedt. Her hard work and dedication has enabled the success of Peak Performance. Christina’s passion for health and fitness is evident in the positive experience and results her clients (ages 15-95) enjoy. Plus, she is the best party planner I know!
According to an analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American man now stands at 5-feet-9 1/4 inches tall and weighs 196 pounds—up 15 pounds from 20 years ago. For women, the change has been even more striking. The average female today stands 5-feet-3 3/4 inches and weighs 169 pounds. In 1994, her scale read 152 pounds. What do you think is to blame for this trend, and how can we combat it as a society?
The reason for the drastic increase is simple: the food industry. The industry provides overly processed, chemical-laden, high-caloric foods that are easily available. These products can dominate most people’s choices and make it difficult for them to eat “real food.”
