We were lucky to catch up with Alexandra Eady recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

I love this question so much because it is so important to be able to acknowledge the teachers that you have had, and the lessons that shaped you into the individual you are currently. I was blessed to have so many amazing mentors and teachers. Some through formal internships and apprenticeships and other more informal experiences. I am remembering some of my early years of leading group exercise classes. I was teaching at the University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness Center. I was a student there and I would lead some of the early morning yoga sculpt classes. I remember loving working in this place alongside other student and professional employees that were passionate about fitness and wellness. It was in this place that I learned the importance of consistency, of showing up for my clients and class participants and also recognizing that through my classes, I had the ability to bring a little sunshine and brightness to someone’s day. I learned the importance of making gym spaces accessible and welcoming to all, so that everyone can feel the power of movement.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am passionate about movement practices that are challenging, sustainable and individualized. I grew up dancing and I attended a performing arts high school. It was here at St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists that I was introduced to Dr. Ananya Chatterjea who was the Artistic Director of Ananya Dance Theatre. I joined the dance company when I was 16. Alongside my dancing practice I was looking for a way of cross training that helped to support my dancing and also would help me to find sustainability in my dancing career. I was doing a little bit of everything. Hot Yoga, Pilates, cycling, kettlebell classes. I loved the group fitness setting. The energy that accumulated in these spaces was so special. I completed many different teacher trainings in a variety of formats and started teaching group exercise classes and have been doing that for over 12 years. One practice and training modality that stood out to me was Pilates. I completed all of the Pilates training modules and loved all the information and had so much gratitude to my generous teachers. I wanted to be able to bring this practice to so many people.

Pilates has a strong relationship with dance, specifically ballet or more lyrical forms. The dance I practice is different from that. It is a contemporary dance form that has more impact involved, footwork, grounded movement requiring deep knee bends. I found that when I would take a Pilates class and they would find out I was a dancer, they immediately expected me to fit a certain mold that they believe to be “dancer” and I was interested in really establishing the fact that within dance there are different forms that require very different ways of training and rehabilitation and also an awareness and acceptance of different body types. As a trainer I feel very strongly about teaching and responding to the client/s in front of me. Because of this my teaching methodology is centered around finding a strategic sustainable intensity that is different for each individual in response to their lifestyle, their movement practices and the goals that they have.

I train individuals and groups in the small space that I am renting in St. Paul Minnesota. One day I thought to myself, I can do this, I can start something. Even if it’s small and there is room for growth I can start activating my mission of bringing a movement practice to people that is in alignment with their life so that they can commit to the important things, whatever that might be, maybe it’s playing basketball, leading an organization, teaching, dancing, or taking care of your grandchildren. I want to help people feel good in their bodies so they can do what they love for a long time. So this is where Sustained Body came from.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

This is a great question and an important one. Yes, of course the training and continued learning in and around this specific focus is necessary. Also understanding that the learning is never done and there is always something else to explore. I feel like I owe this to my clients and students to be humble and always in a place of openness so that they feel constantly engaged and enthusiastic around their training sessions. I think another thing that is helpful for being successful in this field is the ability to connect with different people. Teaching and leading movement based experiences for people requires welcoming energy. Not everyone’s energy needs to be the same. I feel there are some stereotypes that fitness instructors seem to be associated with… upbeat, energetic, happy.. those things are great, but you could have a different energy as long as you are genuinely excited by interacting with other humans in a way that centers joy, and consideration. It is an extreme responsibility that they trust me with their bodies and I am truly honored to be working with people in this way.

In the beginning years of teaching group exercise, I found that I would feel exhausted and want to leave the gym right away and I would not prioritize my own individual workout time. So something that I have recently found to be helpful for me is making time and committing to a movement practice of my own. I intentionally will go to a different studio to be led by other instructors in a workout. This is what is helpful for me and coming back to that group exercise setting grounds me in the place where I first fell in love with fitness and it is in this place I can focus on movement for myself with no responsibility to others.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

YES. I feel very lucky to have fallen into this path and immediately feel clarity and purpose. I am 30 and I have been teaching since I was 18. These past years I have taught and continue to teach in a variety of settings: college programs, high school conservatories, big gyms, boutique studios, workshops in different states and different countries. Now I am able to combine all of that experience into this concept, Sustained Body. I am grateful that all of that experience led to this moment and made me the teacher/trainer I am today. 12 years feels like a long time but I also know it is just the beginning. I hope to be able to continue to make an impact and help people feel amazing in their bodies for many more years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sustainedbody.com/
• Instagram: @alexandraeady
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-eady

Image Credits

Laichee Yang
Liz Hauck
Isabel Fajardo