Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Katsikaris.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I knew that I had a passion for all things fitness when I was in elementary school and obtained my first “Runner’s High” during the Mini Marathon in Physical Education class. I fell in love with the sport as I enjoyed the outdoors and liked participating in sports activities. However, what I liked most about the experience was the competition against and within oneself, and the endless amount of possibilities to succeed.
When I was in high school, I played field hockey competitively. I loved the boot camp drills and the one to two mile runs before practice. Anything “field day”, strength training, or cardio related, and I was all in.
It was after high school and entering college that I really took it upon myself to join the group fitness scene. I took barre classes, pilates classes, yoga classes and running classes. Working out, either on my own, or in a group setting became a daily staple to my routine.
I was eighteen years old when I made the leap and decided that not only did I want to continue being a student in group fitness classes, but I wanted to instruct classes, too. I received a certification from BTone Fitness two days before my nineteenth birthday. I soon began teaching customized reformer pilates and Indo Water ROWing. I loved coaching classes, developing playlists, and crafting routines. What’s more: I loved seeing my clients grow as individuals, become strong, and was witness to both their small and large victories. Teaching did not seem like a job, but something that I woke up everyday yearning to do, as it was something I truly enjoyed.
I am an elementary education and psychology major. Having this experience and knowledge about classroom management and multiple means of representation and learning styles, I was really able to create classes that appealed and were beneficial and satisfying to all clients. During this time, I trained for my first Boston Marathon, accomplishing my bucket list goal of running Boston when I turned twenty.
I have run Boston since, as well as have trained for, participated in and am registered for many more marathons, half marathons and road races. It was during this time that, after becoming certified in barre and yoga also, that I found myself wanting to pursue my passion even further, and teach a running class. That is when I discovered the new state of the art and one of a kind Precision Running class.
I continue to grow and develop as a fitness professional, taking classes, teaching classes and learning from my students and clients at both BTone Fitness in Wellesley and Chestnut Hill, MA and the Equinox Precision Running Lab in Chestnut Hill, MA. I could not be happier with the dynamic, different work-out and exercise styles, and fitness community that these two excellent facilities have given me the opportunity to be a part of.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been times where my young age can cause skepticism, however, after adapting the mindset that age is simply a number and ability cannot be measured by a birth-year, I would say that I have obtained a very successful and smooth road in my fitness career thus far.
In the end, it is about delivering a class in which each and every client feels challenged on an individual level. The client leaves the class feeling accomplished and glad that they decided to attend class on that day. Hard work, strength, effort, a good attitude and a smile can take you far!
BTone Fitness & Equinox Precision Running Lab – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I teach customized reformer pilates and INDO Water ROWing at BTone Fitness and Precision Running at the Equinox Precision Running Lab.
The workouts are personalized and clients of all levels and abilities are able to complete both workouts (at BTone Fitness and at Equinox Precision Running Lab) effectively. Prior experience is never a requirement. My biggest philosophy is that there are never any modifications, but rather variations. An individual is never making a move or exercise easier for them, but simply adjusting and customizing the workout to best fit and challenge their needs for that specific day in particular.
What sets me apart from others is that I know how to make pedagogical choices on the spot that will allow each of my clients their best workout possible. I am able to read the class, determine what may be working and what may not be working and thus make the appropriate decision that will benefit the class best from there. This alternative is done rapidly, effortlessly, and flows into the program neatly. Adjustments and personal attention that best fit each client is impeccable to creating the BTone and the Precision Running Experience, both of which the workouts are very different from one another.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is a day by day measurement. Success is not a finite scale but an infinite scale that can be adjusted and varied throughout. Success is encouraging someone to push through to the finish line during their fastest Precision Running Lab sprint, or hold and pulse in a lunge for the entire two minutes and thirty seconds. Success is motivating clients, which, in turn, motivates me. Success is determined by the small wins and the big victories. High fives, smiles, and sweaty hugs post class is a proper image of success to me!
Pricing:
- BTone Fitness offers an incredible 3 classes for $30 Introductory Special
Contact Info:
- Instagram: dsk8154
Image Credit:
Personal Photo by Nick Cosky
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