Ambassador Highlight: Leia Nardacci

  Hey friends! My name is Leia Nardacci and I am a first grade teacher and personal trainer here in the Capital Region. This is my 14th year teaching elementary school and my 3rd year as a personal trainer at HiiT It with Britt. I absolutely LOVE what I do! I have been an athlete ever since I was in grade school. I played basketball, softball, ran cross country, and was a cheerleader. I also took dance classes since I was 3, dancing for over 20 years. In college I was on a dance team for a professional lacrosse team, the Albany Attack. I love moving and pushing myself further than I ever thought I could.     

How did you get into teaching fitness classes?

   In April of 2016, my friend Abbie and I were looking to switch up our workout routine. She found this gym called HiiT It with Britt on Facebook. We thought we’d give it a try and you could say “the rest is history.” Britt and the gym became my second family. I helped Britt transition into her new facility that summer on Vatrano Road in Albany. She asked me to be a part of her team and I started training that September. I received my personal training certification through AFAA in August 2017. I absolutely love my HIWB family and am so grateful and blessed that I get to do what I do! The gym is my happy place!      

   What have you gained from being an instructor? 

  Not only have I gained knowledge of the mechanics of the body and exercises that target/work certain muscle groups, I have a gained a family. HIWB is much more than just a gym. Yes, we sweat together and push each other hard every day, but we are also a tight-knit community who support and hold each other up. I am so thankful for all of the trainers and hiiters I get to work with each and every day. 

    

   How do you maintain your workout routine during your busy day to day schedule? 

   I workout every weekday morning at 5AM - yes...5 in the morning. Honestly, it’s not hard getting up and working out at that time. I’ve been doing it for over 3 years and it’s become more second nature to me. On Saturdays you can see me sweating at a 7 or 8:15 am class. On Sundays I like to move - go for a run or do hot yoga at some of my favorite places such as Anatomie and Studio 4. 

  

   What are your favorite pre-workout/post-workout snacks to have?

  I workout early in the morning so I don’t really have time to eat anything beforehand, but after a workout my go to is always something including peanut butter. I LOVE peanut butter. I always have. 

    I love every piece of GTS clothing. I know that’s probably a very vague statement but it’s true. The barely there leggings and infinity crop tops are my go to pieces. I’m pretty sure I own every product and each is just as comfortable and breathable as the next. 

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