November Instructor Spotlight: MEET JEN

Meet Jen Baldassari, a Group Exercise Instructor here at PEAC.  Jen currently teaches both yoga and PUMP classes multiple times a week - but her talent doesn't stop there! Jen also teaches our summer campers yoga every week all summer long! Since we just can't seem to get enough of her, we decided to sit down with Jen and pick her brain!

What is your fitness background? 
I started going to the gym when I was in college and have been working out several times a week ever since. Even while living overseas in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, I always found gyms and yoga studios everywhere I went. In fact, the first Body Pump class I ever took—back in 2006—was in Greek! I’ve been practicing yoga more than 15 years and now I love teaching yoga to both adults and kids, including preschoolers. When I had my daughter six years ago, I  got a jogging stroller and that’s when I got into running and running races. ​

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If you were a salad, what kind of dressing would you have?
Honey mustard because I’m a little sweet and a little tart ;)

If we looked in your refrigerator right now, what would we find? 
I have three little kids, so sadly leftover mac and cheese and pizza! But my own go-to foods are peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and fruit.
 
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role?
When I asked my friends, they said Jennifer Lawrence or Jennifer Garner. (So maybe it’s just the name?)

What is your least favorite exercise?
Crunches – I prefer isometric abdominal exercises
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If you were an animal, what animal would you be? 
I’m a marathon runner, so I’d have to go with gazelle!
 
Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks? 
Dunkin Donuts for sure, although I do love a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte this time of year!
 
What are 5 songs from your favorite workout playlist?
Whatever It Takes - Imagine Dragons
I Love Me – Meghan Trainor
Thunder – Imagine Dragons
Born this Way – Lady Gaga
And anything by Avicii or David Guetta

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CHECK OUT WHEN YOU CAN TAKE A CLASS WITH JEN!