Employee Spotlight: Crystal Martin

Group fitness classes are a great way to become stronger and feel motivated throughout your fitness journey.

Crystal Martin is an energetic and inspiring instructor who teaches BodyPump, Spin and Queen Ax Boot Camp here at Echelon.

Read below as she shares her thoughts on how to make the most out of your group fitness class, what it’s like to be an instructor, and two new Les Mills classes coming to the gym.

To sign up for a class with Crystal, or learn about other classes we have available, visit our group fitness page. You can also sign up through your Echelon app.

What do you enjoy about teaching BodyPump?

What I love most about BodyPump is receiving results!!! But I also enjoy BodyPump for the connection with the members in how we work together to create a Body Pump experience, both through being authentic and the tempo of the music.  The awesome part about Body Pump is that as the Instructor, Icomplete every exercise with them throughout the duration of the class.  Therefore, they don’t have to guess on the next exercise, or how to execute the next move with proper form.  In Body Pump, we are trained to lead you in the right direction because we are “One Tribe”.

BodyPump works the whole body with powerful and energetic songs/tracks, which focuses on a different exercise and body part.  This includes: squats which will work focus on your hamstrings and glutes, as well as the chest, back, triceps, bicep, lunges (legs), shoulder and then core.

Body Pump has a variety of music in it, so the classes fit everyone.  Plus, every three months the instructors receive a new release of music and different choreography, so we keep the music fresh!!! Oh yes and how could I forget, the coolest part is the equipment which uses the smart bar and plates. I still remember seeing Body Pump for the first time at Echelon two years ago, and saying, “What is that and how can I teach it.” I am so blessed and thankful to teach Body Pump and to meet people, so we can be a part of the journey together.

What are your thoughts on the two new Les Mills classes coming to Echelon (BodyCombat and BodyFlow)?

I am truly excited for these two new formats coming to Echelon. Body Combat, will kick your butt with the kickboxing style, plus you will burn massive calories. Also, I am so excited to take Body Flow as a participant, and I cannot wait until it starts because stretching combined with core work is such an important part of overall health.

Echelon has so many styles of classes, and I believe these two formats will just add the icing to the cake by making it even more remarkable.

What are 3 words to describe Echelon Health & Fitness?

Love, Family and Accountability!!!

How do you choose the music to play in class?

I like to choose a variety of music to reach all different cultures, ages, and gender.  However, I really choose the music based on their words, and I also choose music that is uplifting. I believe words are powerful and should reach your heart and soul. My mom always told me to be careful what you say, and that words speaks life.

It is so easy to be negative in this world but when a member comes to class. I truly want them to be encouraged, feel welcomed, and let the music take them through a journey where they can only focus on themselves for the duration of the class and feel inspired and challenged.

Why do you think that group fitness classes are such a popular way to stay active?

Group Fitness classes are popular because you are not alone, having someone beside you can also motivate you to do better.Also, group fitness classes are also cost effective and fun, as there are partner exercises that will challenge you. I always think, if she or he can do it, then so CAN I.

Also, as I teach three group fitness classes per week at Echelon, I feel as though we have become a family. Mainly, because we keep each other accountable to stay active.

What would you say to someone who may feel too intimidated to come to class?

Don’t compare yourself to anyone else in the class. You are there to be a healthier you.  Fear is a liar, so all the negative things you may have in your head of why you cannot come to the class is just a deterrence. Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened. Get up, come and find classes that motivate and challenge you, because there are different styles for everyone.  

Sometimes people will say, I will come to class when I get in better shape. No! Come now!!! This is the purpose of coming to class, so Echelon can help you reach that goal.  Besides, you can be around a community of people to show you that it is possible. You are not alone, and I am here to help you cross that finish line with a group of members just like you.

How did you first begin teaching classes?

After graduating college, I’ve always belonged to a gym since I wanted to remain healthy.  Nine years ago, I married my husband and we currently have three children: ages 8, 6, and 4 years old. I remember always telling myself that after each child, I would remain healthy by keeping fitness a part of my life. Throughout the years I’ve found balance by being a mom, while gravitating towards high energy group fitness classes. However, I never thought I would be an actual instructor.

I can still recall a few years ago upon having a conversation with a friend.  We had talked about how I needed extra income to offset the cost of my daughter’s health care cost, since she was diagnosed with autism.  And I brought up how I would work the front desk of a gym, which she said, “umm, look at you, you need to be the instructor.” The crazy part is that I still didn’t think being an instructor was possible because I had a career as Social Worker. Shortly afterwards, I read a Facebook post from an acquaintance, stating that a gym was hiring for cycling. At first, I was incredibly nervous, but my husband said, “Go for it!!!  You are always at the gym, so you might as well get paid for it.  You have nothing to be afraid of.”

Well that was approximately three years ago, and now I’ve obtained my Spinning, Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) group fitness, Queenax boot camp, and Les Mills BodyPump certifications in addition to TRX training.

Anything else you would like to include?

I am truly thankful to God for this tremendous amount of growth in the fitness world, and for having God as a mentor when I didn’t know which way to turn. I never thought I would be in front of people instructing classes, but I pushed my fear aside and with the help of my wonderful husband, friends, and family we made it work! I am thankful for the Echelon owners and team whom make it such a pleasure to work at Echelon and accept my family as family. I am excited for the holiday and for the New Year approaching.  Let’s go 2019!!