Balance Blog

When Thomas Circle Sports Club began its transformation into Balance Gym last summer, many of you let us us know there was one thing we needed to bring back — spin instructor Stacy Martin. We listened and Stacy rejoined the team in December, bringing not only her enthusiasm back to spin, but to her position as Membership Coordinator. Here’s everything you ever wanted to know about Stacy!

Q: What drew you to Balance?

A: I really am impressed with the fact that Balance Gym has such a variety of ways to work out.  You can do spinning, yoga, boxing, CrossFit or you can take a Pole Pressure class.  Where else in the city can you get that type of variety from a gym.  There are no excuses for claiming boredom here.  Once you think you have reached your fitness goal there is always something for you to advace to.  I have never worked for a gym that offers so many fitness styles and classes.  It is a great place to grow and learn.
I used to work at the Washington Post doing sales and marketing behind a desk everyday 9-5.  Switching to the fitness industry was one of the best things that I could have done.

Q: Why Spinning? What do you like about it? How did you get involved? 

A:  I think spinning is one of the best cardio workouts out there. You can burn between 500 and 1,000 calories in a 45-minute class.  There is no shock on your joints, people can spin if they are having knee or joint problems.  This workout is very high energy and it is a good alternative to regular recumbent bikes or jogging on the treadmills.  You are always more motivated in a class environment.

I got involved in the spin program when one of my favorite instructors decided to start his own company.  His schedule didn’t allow him to teach as many classes.  A few instructors had suggested that I get certified to teach spin.  So I took this as an opportunity to finally get the certification.  I received my Jonny G Madd Dogg Spinning Certification and have been spinning ever since.

Q: What’s your fitness background? 

A:  I have been teaching spinning for more than 4 years.  I am certified in BODYPUMP and AFAA certified to teach aerobics classes.  All throughout college and high school I played volleyball and swam on my school’s swim teams.  In the next few months, I plan on having my Personal Training Certification so I can take my training to the next level.

Q: What are your goals as an instructor?

A:  As a trainer I am dedicated to motivate people of all ages and body types.  My philosophy is it is not always how thin you are on the outside but how healthy you are on the inside.  As an instructor that is not a size 2 I am able to motivate people to work out that would find the gym intimidating.  I have been able to persuade people to take my class that would never step foot into a spin class.  It is my goal to make everyone that steps into any of my classes feel comfortable being in there.

Q:What do you like to do in your spare time? 

A:  I have done a few Sea Gull Centuries and two 5Ks.  I am about to start training for a mini- triathalon that will be coming up in June.  So in my spare time I just try to keep myself motivated to get to my next goal.

Check out Stacy’s Spin Classes!

Mondays: 6:15 p.m.

Tues/Thurs:  6:30 a.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.

Or e-mail her any questions at Stacey@balancegym.com !