Make it happen…
It’s very difficult to not get pumped up about life and fitness while speaking to Kristen Langan. One minute she is laughing about long walks on the beach, the next she is pounding her fists down with excitement about the success of her business, Fabulously Fit. The 33-year-old Scranton native left a successful career in broadcast journalism three years ago and has become one of NEPA’s most highly demanded personal fitness trainers. She is also a certified Piloxing instructor, teaching several packed classes a week in multiple studios throughout the area. Her main goal is to motivate people to be active and imagine an even better version of themselves. Get up, get on your feet and meet the empowering Kristen Langan…
When did you decide to get into the fitness field?
It all started three years ago. I was working at Lackawanna College in admissions and also teaching journalism. I was at the gym constantly and someone suggested, “If you’re going to be there helping people, why don’t you do it and get paid for it?” I never really thought about it before. I decided I would do it and threw myself into it. Things started happening rather quickly, leaving one profession and starting another. I’ve always wanted to help people change their lives for the better in any facet, so this has been the best way I’ve been able to make that happen. I found that I was happiest in this environment and was able to connect more with clients on a one-on-one basis.
How and when did you start teaching?
I focused specifically on one-on-one training for the first two years and I loved it. I still do! That is my mainstay. I work on nutrition individually because everyone has their different goals. There are no prepackaged deals; you have to really get to know the client. My first consultation is free of charge and takes about an hour and 15 minutes. That gives me time to understand where they are coming from and where they want to go. Teaching Piloxing classes came about this past summer. I randomly looked up what was new in fitness and discovered Piloxing. I read about it and thought it was great and made people feel strong and powerful. No one in the area was doing it. Since then, the classes are growing quickly. People come to the class, they leave feeling a little beat up, stronger and empowered. There needs to be more of that in the fitness world instead of aiming for unattainable goals that don’t really matter in the end.
What is Piloxing?
Piloxing was created by Viveca Jensen, a personal trainer to the stars. She came up with the idea one day to combine boxing and pilates, a hybrid interdisciplinary involving some boxing moves and standing pilates. It’s a high tempo hour of interval; I take you up really high as far as cardio, then take the heart rate down and do the pilates movements, focusing on balance and your core.
Do you ever take a day off from training?
I only take Sundays off. That is my day to do laundry and get my schedule together for the rest of the week. It’s sort of a 24/7 job, or at least that’s how I do it. My clients have full access to me at all times. I’ve received pictures on a Friday night of food on a dinner plate from clients at weddings asking what they should and shouldn’t eat. I answer them and I’m there for them. I’m happy to be there if that is going to help them stay the course and make a lifestyle change.
Do you have any guilty food pleasure?
There might be, I’m not perfect (laughs). I’m a big fan of peanut M&Ms. I do love a good almond vanilla latte, not the sugar free stuff either. I love cheese. In November, I competed in my first bikini competition and was on a very strict diet. The night when I got off the stage and I was done, it was all Dots and M&Ms. I wish I could say I was craving sushi or burgers, but all I wanted was sugar.
What are your other interests?
I like writing. I just wrote an article for RX Girl, a nutrition online magazine. I would really like to continue doing that. I also enjoy traveling and baking.
Where are you currently training clients?
I train everywhere. I go to clients’ homes. I have clients at Core Fitness and Planet Fitness. Home training right now has really picked up for me. Someday, I would like to have my own training studio; a place for other trainers in the area to come. It would have a personalized boutique fitness feeling to it. Clients could come in groups or by themselves. It would be something smaller than a gym.
Describe how your Piloxing classes have grown.
I think it has to do with word of mouth. One person brings a friend and that friend brings a friend and stays for the workout. I use Facebook to promote the classes and I’m always posting updates. They get a great workout. I feel it, too. No one gets inoculated to not feel the class. We all feel it. People seem to enjoy the classes and like my crazy personality. I say crazy things in class and keep them entertained. It’s like dinner and a show, with no dinner.
What are your goals for the next year?
I’m going to continue on working on the training studio and would like to incorporate fitness programs for children. A healthy lifestyle should begin while you are young.
Leave us with some motivational words to help get our days moving.
If you think you’re tired now, think how tired you’ll be at 89. If you don’t make time for yourself, you can’t make time for anybody else. People have to be selfish sometimes. And drink more water! -tom graham
Check out Kristen Langan’s upcoming classes, services and health tips at www.fabulously-fit.com and www.facebook.com/FabulouslyFitKL.
