Trainer Tuesday! A Day in the life of Stefanie Hasbany

If you're a regular at any of the Pilates Platinum west side studios, you've probably had your booty kicked into shape by Stefanie- she teaches multiple classes in all 3 west side locations! Read below to learn more about this Tuesday's Trainer of the week: Stefanie! Her love of dance, barre, pilates, TRX, and any outdoor exercise will definitely inspire you to get moving!

A Day in the Life of Stefanie Hasbany

Pilates Instructor (Venice, Brentwood, and Santa Monica Studios)

 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PILATES MOVES?
Mega Hamstring Curls. Kneeling Side Kicks and ABS. Abs on your back, abs in compound planks, twists and the pool of exercises that makes you use your abs for balance and stability.

WHAT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE NON-PILATES WORKOUTS?
Dancing. I enjoy barre classes. It's really nothing like a ballet class but it takes me back. I've spent most of my life at the barre and in a dance studio so the barre, posture, external rotation, it makes me happy.

WHAT'S YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE LIKE FOR A TYPICAL WEEK?
I try to switch it up but you will mostly find me taking barre or Pilates with an occasional yoga or TRX class thrown in the mix. I enjoy exercising outdoors as much as possible too.  I live right by the beach so I'm always taking advantage by taking long walks and I will hike at least 2x a week and do the Santa Monica stairs for quick cardio fix too.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE HEALTHY FOODS?
I love spinach, kale, ginger, garlic and tumeric. Haricot verts. Cashews. Oranges. There's really not much I don't like:)

WHEN DO YOU WAKE UP?
It depends but typically I see my husband off to work around 8 am. But we like to sleep in when he's off or goes in later than usual.

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR BREAKFAST?
Does coffee count? That's first and water with lemon. I don't usually eat as soon as I wake up but I will enjoy a grapefruit or Greek yogurt with chia seeds and banana earlier in the day.

WHAT DO YOU DO FIRST HALF OF DAY?
I will try to get into a class before I start teaching and/or hike, walk. I will stretch at home or give myself a mat class or work on the stability ball.

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR LUNCH?
I'm not in the habit of eating the same thing at the same time everyday. I like to have small meals during the day so I don't feel weighed down or tired. But I will try to have some greens or a green juice.  I will grab some nuts or avocado or cheese and fruit.

WHAT DO YOU DO DURING A TYPICAL AFTERNOON?
I usually teach in the afternoon and if I'm not I will get into class or go on a hike and get some fresh air.

WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR DINNER?
I always have a plethora of veggies in the fridge mostly for sides but sometimes for the main meal. We have pork, beef and fish at least once a week. My least favorite is chicken but I will make it from time to time.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A WORKOUT ON A TYPICAL DAY?
I always try to do something active that gets my heart rate up but on rest days is when I will get on the mat or take a walk and enjoy the view.

WHAT TIME DO YOU GO TO SLEEP?
Sometime around midnight on a typical night.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?
Everyday has a high at different times but my favorite part of the day is when my husband comes home from work.

WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST SOURCE OF INSPIRATION... WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING EVERYDAY?
My husband inspires me to be the best person I can be everyday and he keeps things in perspective for me.
I love to take classes and studio hop to see how other teachers interpret things and encourage their class. I'm inspired when trying new things and when staying  connected to the student process.  I'm inspired by what's tried and true and what's best and fresh. I'm inspired when I stay in the moment.

WHAT ARE YOUR TRAINER TIPS OR WORDS OF ADVICE FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN PILATES AND A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?
Stay present.  Try not to worry about anyone else in class or anything going on outside of class, listen to the music, listen to the instructor and listen to your body and do your best. Same for your diet. Listen to what your body needs. Eat when you're hungry and embrace the wealth of health that is out there for you to savor.

 Watch Stefanie in her Trainer Bio video HERE!

What is bubbly, refreshing and can always make you feel better?

It was a trick question...there are two answers. 

 A Mimosa is more of the obvious

 but the not so obvious is:

 Lindsay Whitley

  What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum?

From the moment, I took my first pilates class at PILATES PLATINUM Brentwood - I was hooked!  Coming from a competitive athletic background, I loved both the mental and physical challenge. The challenge is truly one-of-a-kind and the results speak for it.  I wanted elevate my own voice and share my passion!

What is your favorite exercise to put your class through? 

Scrambled Eggs.  "See You Saddlebags!"

Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?  

I love the results, unique to pilates, from Scrambled Eggs, French Twist and Inner Thigh.

What is your favorite way to exercise?   

Spinlates @ Pilates Platinum (30 minutes of a cardio dance party and 30 minutes to tone sexy arms/six packs).

What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?  

Oysters mmm!  Pizza or cookies mmmmmmm! 

What is your most unique quality?  

My quick Wit.  It comes in handy for making people smile.

Where is your favorite place in LA and why?   

The Beach for a mini vacation and mother nature's ability to provide a mesmerizing Zen. 

In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates?   

At Pilates Platinum you get the 3 dynamics of fitness:  strength, cardio and stretch.

Where do you find inspiration?  

Sunny days and sunny attitudes from friends, family or people with hardworking, optimistic attitudes.  Spread the love!

Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class. 

 I strive for fun, high energy and music to positively bring out your best.

What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the platinum blog reader.  

Get in here, you won't regret it!

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well :-) 

It already exist, a Mimosa.  Who wouldn't want to be bubbly, refreshing and always make you feel better?

PP Instructor Feature: Beth

Beth Ella Bedingfield

- I have been teaching Pilates for 2 years. 

- I love motivating, encouraging and helping people in general. Any job that would allow me to do so I would be passionate about. However, the type of Pilates we teach is nothing like any type of exercise out, and I'm addicted, so it's easy to love what you do. 

- Don't know that I really have a motto. However, I try to be tough and motivating without discouraging anyone. Fitness is just as much mental as it is physical, and I believe being a good instructor is helping people mentally engage and challenge their bodies without feeling defeated by the end of the workout. 

- The cool thing about the studio is no matter what trainer you have every experience will be different, and I LOVE THAT. I am a very difficult instructor, but I never want it to be impossible. I play my music loud, I LOVE hip hop, and my goal is to not only instruct and motivate the class, but to also create in environment for the clients that they can get into a state of focus and improve their Pilates practice and increase their strength. I have high energy, and I train at a very high intensity, but will also help those who are newer to be able to get through and finish the workout without feeling defeated. My class does plenty of booty, and abs, two of my favorite things to work :) 

- What makes everyone unique is that none of us are the same. Everyone will gravitate toward different training styles or personalities. The way I train is unique because it shows a lot of my personality. I come from a Collegiate track background. I've learned to push my body to different limits my entire life. I think it's important for every trainer to know exactly what they are putting their class through feels like. If you don't know how it feels, there is no way you can instruct. I am very passionate about what I do and I genuinely care about people getting the best workout they can, and hopefully that shows in my teaching. :)

PP Instructor Feature: The Piper Sunrise

Ms. Piper

1. What inspired you to become an SPX Pilates Instructor? 

I fell in love with the Pilates Platinum workout before my first session even ended. After the first week, it was apparent that this is the most intelligent and effective total-body conditioning method I had ever tried. And THEN when I saw the results-- I knew I couldn't stop! I want to share my love for the Megaformer, because this is something that makes me happy. And I teach in the hopes that other people will find something that brings them joy too.

2. What is your favorite exercise to put your class through?

I love the Essential Abs Series on the Megaformer-- Wheelbarrow, Plank to Pike, and Bear ALL.DAY.EVERYDAY!

3. Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?

I think the Scrambled Eggs is the best exercise for their entire body-- It's arms, abs, legs. It's balance, flexibility, strength, and it sure does bring on the sweat!

4. What is your favorite way to exercise?

I only do exercise that feels like fun. Pilates Platinum, rock climbing, the occasional bootcamp, barre, or yoga. But mostly, on the days I workout, I go all out, and on the days I'm not, I'm resting completely. Actually, my classes are exactly how I like to workout-- Lots of intensity while you're exercising. And well deserved rest… AFTER once class is done ::laughs::

5. What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?

On the healthier side, I am obsessed with eggs. Obsessed! I eat them every morning. And often times try to sneak them in as a snack during the day. (Hm… I wonder if that's why I think Scrambled Eggs is the most effective exercise you can do on the Megaformer...) On the darker side as a fitness fanatic, I have a serious pasty problem. Actually now that I think of it, I might just have a soft spot for breakfast foods. I just try to stick to the ones that won't turn my entire waistline into a soft spot.

6. What is your most unique quality?

Aw shucks, isn't that hard to say? I'm uncannily talented at board games-- I'll give myself that. #allidoiswin

7. Where is your favorite place in LA and why?

At the risk of sounding like a shut-in, I love being at home in Santa Monica-- With two sweet puppies (Okay, they're full-grown dogs), a wonderful beau (So, mostly wonderful), and a refrigerator stocked with eggs (No addendum to that one!) I have a lot to look forward to when I'm at home.

8. Simply put, why should someone take class at Platinum or why SPX Pilates?

Come find out what the best version of yourself can do.

9. Where do you find inspiration?

I think the best inspiration is the kind that catches you off-guard when you're not really looking to be inspired. The best part, is that kind of inspiration is everywhere if you keep yourself open. Hint: Smiling helps.

10. Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class.

Oh my-- I almost feel like this question would be better answered by people that have taken my class. The energy is on full-blast, and the music is too. It's kind of like a rowdy party: You're going to laugh. You'll want to dance. You might cry. And someone will probably spill their drink. You'll leave sweaty and wasted-- But reliving the achievements until next time. 

11. What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the Platinum Blog readers?

Only do things that serve you well. (…Hang in there-- you're getting stronger.)

12. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be?

The Piper Sunrise: Two parts adventure, one part laugher, and a pinch of disco. Served in a highball glass on the rocks.

PP Instructor Feature

Hilary Curwen

What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum?

I was a client first, while I was a personal trainer. I found myself happiest when doing pilates, then started integrating it into my training. I decided then that I would just go full on with teaching pilates. I was spinning since highschool and thought.. "hey I can do this too!"

What is your favorite exercise to put your class through?

Plank Wheelbarrel

Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?

Bunjee... we hate it but it WORKS

What is your favorite way to exercise?

Changing it up consistently. I never want anything to be easy. I try to beat my own time when I run, or when I do yoga I go for the posture that really challenges my balance to the point where I do fall.

What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?

Roasted Cauliflower.  Ice cream..

What is your most unique quality?

I am super independent.

Where is your favorite place in LA and why?

Brentwood farmers market... I have a health food addiction and love grocery shopping.

In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates?

The time goes by so fast and you know you have fatigued your body.

Where do you find inspiration?

My mom:)

Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class.

I listen to EVERYTHING, and play Top 40's, and mashup and remixes.

What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the platinum blog reader.

Stick with it, you have one body.

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well :-)-- 

coconut water, vodka, fresh mint, juiced strawberry 

PP Instructor Feature: Ms. Day

NICOLE DAY

I had been taking classes for 3 years, and was able to start critiquing the teachers' routines. "Oh, it would have been more challenging if she had ended the routine with this move instead of that one." My wonderful friend who teaches recommended I train, and that's how it began! With Spin, I love my bike. It was my main source of transportation in Colorado, where I'm from. Boulder, Colorado is the bike capital of the world. LA is not the most bike friendly, so biking inside was a great new place to go. 

 Favorite Exercise

I love lunges. Isometric poses (holding an exercise without moving). Bungee. You know, the really hard ones. 

Most Challenging Exercise 

Love me some leg sweep. French twist. Giant wheel barrel. Knee-strap crunch.

Favorite Way to make yourself sweat 

I love pilates, spin, hot yoga and running. Those are my 4 staples. When I'm back in Colorado, mountain biking and climbing. 

Favorite Healthy Food 

I am currently addicted to My Fit Foods. It's right next door to the Brentwood location. It's insanely well-priced, you know exactly how many calories you've eaten for the day, and my big problem is portion control. They create perfect portions for you. Love them. Favorite unhealthy food? The Frosted Cupcakery next to the Hollywood studio. Chocolate peanut butter butterfinger cupcakes. Ughhhh.

Most Unique Quality 

My sense of humor is pretty weird. I guess weird can be a synonym for unique. 

Favorite Place 

Anywhere by the beach. 

Why Should Someone Come Take My Class 

I teach both the most advanced and most beginner class at the same time. I give modifications for almost all of the routine. I have a bad back myself, and have to modify a lot of stuff when I take class. I've appreciated over the years teachers that have taken their time to let me in on how to adjust for my back, so I'm not just stuck watching everyone do something I can't do and wait for the next exercise. Conversely, for every move, I tell you how you can make it more advanced. My back can kill me doing some moves, then again, I have the strongest legs and really want to work them above and beyond the standard exercise. The most beginner person can take my class, the most advanced, and right in between, and all levels will be satisfied. Also, I hate taking a "bad" class. I am addicted to Pilates myself, and it ruins my day taking a "bad" class. So, I really try to go out of my way to make sure I don't ruin anyone's day!

 Type Of Energy You Can Find In My Class and Music

I almost exclusively get all of my music from an Iphone application called the Hype Machine. Check it out! A $3.99 one time fee, and your set! I play all types of music. Here's a sample from my current playlist: Constant Conversations (Passion Pit), Black Out Days (Phantogram), Applause (Lady Gaga), The Con (Tegan and Sara), We Are Together (Planet of Sound), this great Eminem vs Daniel Portman mashup, Pon De Floor (Major Lazer), Sixteen Saltines (Jack White), Quiet Dog Barks Hard (Mos Def), Solsbury Hill (Peter Gabriel). I play a little of everything. 

Some Advice To Share 

A healthy diet is just as important, if not more, than working out. You can't just do one or the other. You have to commit to both. 

 What Cocktail Best Encompass Me

I have no idea what cocktail I would be. Tons of fruit, barely any alcohol and last minute, throw some sorbet in there with 8 umbrellas (I can only drink liquor if it tastes like a child's slushie)

PP Instructor Feature: Tara Singer

                 

Make sure you read all the way through to find out what you should incorporate these two liquids in your life :-)

TARA SINGER

1. What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum?

    I enjoyed Spinning so much - the intesity, the movement with the music, the sense of accomplishment at the end of a class - that I wanted to share that love of the activity with others.

 

2. What is your favorite exercise to put your class through? 

    Jumps on a hill - losing yourself in the rhythm of the music so you don't realize how hard you're tightening your glutes and abs. 

 

3. Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?

    Sprinting on a hill is quite effective.  It allows you to push yourself further than you thought you could go by adding a revolution to an already weighted peddle stroke.  You're strengthening your leg and glute muscles as well as lungs and heart, while also tightening your core.

 

4. What is your favorite way to exercise?

    Spinning, SPX, jogging on the beach by the shoreline and using my elliptical

 

5. What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food? 

    Kale salad with quinoa.  Fried chicken.

 

6. What is your most unique quality?

    I genuinely care about the clients -  their form during the workout, their enjoyment of the time spent in my class, their well being

 

7. Where is your favorite place in LA and why?

    Santa Monica beach near Ashland.  It's relaxing yet rejuvenating - wide expanse of beach and ocean with a beautiful view of the sunset.

 

8. In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates? 

    Done efficiently, SPX offers a full body workout that your body will feel and you will see the results of your work, as long as you listen to your body and understand it's current limits while also challenging yourself.

 

9. Where do you find inspiration? 

    Everywhere.  Everyone has something to offer that reminds us how much better we can be and do.  Removing your ego and being open enough to see it and learn from it is the key.

10. Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class. 

    Energy = inspirational, motivating, playful.  I play all kinds of music, from pop to alt rock, techno to r&b - if it's got a good rhythm and keeps the energy up, I'll play it.

11. What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the platinum blog reader.  There is no such thing as "bad" - i.e. "I was bad and didn't work out" or "I was bad and ate the ice cream".  Life is a progression with ebbs and flows.  Cut youself some slack and instead of beating yourself up about it, acknowledge that it was a personal choice and you can choose to make a different choice, if you want to, next time.

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well.  

Gentleman Jack whiskey & pineapple juice with two twists of lime over ice. Name = Gentleman's Surprise

PP Instructor Feature

Jeff Shine

1. What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum?
-Fitness has always been an important aspect in my life.  I remember searching at one point for a fitness system that would really challenge me and help round out my fitness regime.  SPX was that answer.

2. What is your favorite exercise to put your class through?
-I have a few.  Some are a series of moves I put together in a fast paced circuit.  But I suppose spoon is my favorite.  Or floor pike.  But push-ups are my go to.  
3. Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?
-This is sort of the impossible question.  Depends when in the workout you do it, what came before it...etc etc.  but runners lunge is always a beast.  

4. What is your favorite way to exercise?
-I like to mix it up.  I do a combination of Crossfit, SPX, yoga, running, body weight training.  I think variety is important.  No one system is the answer.
5. What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?
-Favorite healthy food is Brussels sprouts, unhealthy food would be fruit pie or pudding.  I fucking love chocolate pudding. 

6. What is your most unique quality?
-I think its my tough love mentality. I don't think it serves anyone to just blow sunshine. I think people respond to honesty and straightforwardness.

7. Where is your favorite place in LA and why?
-The Arclight Theatre.  Makes me feel like a kid and also a grown up every time.  

8. In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates?
Where do you find inspiration?
-If you want something challenging, that never gets easy, this is your place.  

Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class.
-Class is fast paced, intense, and highly demanding.  I push you hard and demand a lot and hopefully it gives you the the opportunity to grant yourself permission to push your limits,  I play a wide range of music.  I don't always think we have to rely on a techno beat to find motivation to workout.  At the end of the day, I heard a Crossfit coach say it best..."I'm a trainer, not a DJ."
What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the platinum blog reader.
-Be nervous before every workout.  Check your excuses at the door.  And for gods sakes leave your cell phone in your bag.  

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well :-)
-They already made it.  It's an old fashion or a manhattan.  Simple, clean, classy....done.