MY Sports Club Story: Vivian

MY Sports Club Story: Vivian

Meet Vivian, From GroupX Enthusiast to Inspirational Instructor!

Meet Vivian, a dedicated Group Fitness Instructor at NYSC. Vivian's journey began as a participant in GroupX classes, where she discovered a passion for fitness and empowerment. Inspired by her own transformation, she now leads classes to help others build confidence, strength, and connections within the gym. Plus, read more to learn about some of our GroupX class offerings.

How long have you been part of the NYSC family?

I have been part of the NYSC family for roughly 2 years now.

What inspired you to be a group fitness instructor?

I started as a participant in GroupX classes and loved how the classes helped me build my confidence. That confidence inspired me to take the leap to help others build the same confidence and sense of accomplishment in the gym!

What do you love most about group fitness at NYSC?

The community is amazing within the group fitness studio. It’s awesome to see people walk into a class not knowing each other and walk out chatting and being friends! It’s true that everyone may be on their own fitness journey, but we (members and instructors) are here to lift each other along the way and motivate each other to strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

What classes do you teach at NYSC and can you tell us more about them?

I currently teach 5 Les Mills programs – BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, BODYATTACK, BODYBALANCE, and Les Mills CORE! I’m mostly at the W 94th St and Astoria locations. 

BODYPUMP is a strength endurance class using barbells and plates with functional exercises – amazing for building strength.

BODYCOMBAT is a mixed-martial arts-inspired cardio class – no equipment required – and we’re punching and kicking to the beat of the music!

BODYBALANCE is more mind-body – a mix of Tai Chi, Pilates, and Yoga. It allows us to build strength, balance, and work mobility as well.

BODYATTACK is our sports-inspired, aerobic workout. We combine athletic movements with strength exercises to feel the energy and maximize our cardio stamina! And yes, there is a bit of old-school aerobics in there too!

Les Mills CORE is our newest addition on the schedule. It’s 30 or 45 minutes (make sure to check the schedule) of building core strength (both front and back) using plates and resistance bands. I love the functional strength that is built through this class!

These programs can all work hand-in-hand with each other – for example, a BODYCOMBAT (or BODYPUMP) and Les Mills CORE double? Chef’s kiss. 

You can find lots of fun, uplifting tracks from Combat, Attack, Pump, and Core here that some of you may recognize! Bear in mind these might be slightly different than what you hear in class. Come up and ask Vivian about her playlist anytime.

What do you love most about NYSC?

The support at NYSC is phenomenal. Our GEX manager team is always so attentive and eager to upskill our instructors through trainings, workshops, and practice sessions. Through them, I have been able to meet a whole network of GEX instructors who are so supportive of each other, cheering each other on, and striving to be the best version of themselves for the members.

Additionally, the upgrades and renovation on equipment are great – from Smart Tech (Les Mills branded barbell/plates) to the recovery chairs in Astoria. And I might be biased but, the Smart Tech at W 94th and W 145th is a game-changer for taking BODYPUMP. Definitely worth giving it a go if you’re an avid BODYPUMP-er.

How does being a fitness instructor improve your everyday life?

Teaching is always the highlight of my day! It fills up both my social and fitness battery in one go, leaving me energized. Fitness itself overall has also improved my energy, strength, and balance after an old injury.

Do you have any advice for someone considering trying GroupX classes?

The unique thing about NYSC is the variety of GroupX classes you can try. If one specific class is not your cup of tea – don’t worry, it happens, and we all have our preferences! Luckily, there are so many choices available to find the class that we love to take and show up for repeatedly. Take your time to find one that makes you happy.

At the end of the day, your workout is catered to you – adjust the movements, if need be, and allow yourself the autonomy to make decisions or changes if needed.

If you want to catch Vivian in a GroupX Class make sure to find her on the schedule. She teaches at W 94th St on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays, and Friday nights in Astoria. She would love to see you there, so please say hi! 😊

Do you have a story about how our Club has helped improve life outside our Club? Submit your MY Sports Club Story here.