Meet Our FHITspiration: Erika

Say hello to Erika, our latest FHITspiration! Erika is one of Fhitting Room’s biggest champions, supporting our brand and mission since the beginning. She’s a school social worker by day, but you’ll often see her in class before or after. Strength is everything to her – working through multiple surgeries, supporting her aging loved ones, and managing her high stress, high impact job. You can find her working out alongside swolemate and husband El Capitán, singing along to her favorite songs in class, and cheering on fellow FHIXers and friends as they challenge themselves to live FHIT! We’re excited to share more about Erika – La Capitana if you will! – with our FHIT community.

Please tell us a little about your fitness journey?
I was an athletic kid and loved playing team sports through high school. My father coached me in Little League and never missed any of my games. I rediscovered fitness during graduate school when I began running. Following my first year of an adult job, I had been experiencing pain and challenges with my stomach. I had to have an emergency abdominal surgery with some complications and needed to stay in the hospital for a month. When I was finally discharged, I was frail, weak, and underweight. Watching the movie What’s Love Got To Do With It with Angela Bassett made me so interested in gaining muscle so I joined a gym, initially at the 92nd street Y and shortly after at New York Sports Club where I began taking classes and eventually met a young new trainer named Eric. From there I went to CrossFit and loved the barbell, the community, as well as the high intensity workouts. I felt strong and LOVED the community. Eric then introduced me to Fhitting Room and I loved it. I have had 3 knee surgeries and have found Fhitting Room to be the most impactful with modifications while maintaining strength and conditioning. As I get older and wiser, I am always adapting to stay in the game.

How did you fall in love with Fhitting Room?
Eric introduced me to Fhitting Room when it opened and I loved it. Over the years, I dropped into classes starting at the original studio on 80th and Lexington. Once Covid hit, Fhitting Room became my literal home (in the living room) and my love for kettlebells, the programming, and the FHIT family was heightened. At a time when so many were struggling with isolation and health fears, Fhitting Room kept people connected through fitness. Every year as the FHITpros grow more knowledgeable, we all benefit.

What does strength mean to you?
Strength means doing hard things. I’m a mind/body connection person. They are so intertwined. Strength has helped me overcome and adapt to many situations, both physically and emotionally. As a school social worker, I need to be strong to help my students and their families handle heavy challenges, mental health issues, and life circumstances. Strength means showing up and being present for others and yourself. Being present for my parents and helping them navigate this part of their lives makes me feel strong. As my friend Alex Clayton says, “strong in body, stronger in mind and heart.”

How does staying active keep you both physically and mentally prepared for everyday life? 
Fhitting Room can change my whole day. It’s an hour just for me. No phones, no distractions (other than me singing). It’s just me and the community. When I feel like I want to give up, I look around and gain strength from the rest of the class and the coaches. On a typical day at work as a school social worker, I am handling crises calmly and making decisions quickly while trying to promote health and joy. I crave Fhitting Room and the endorphins that are fired up in me when I am there. When I take the time for myself, I am available to help those I love and the kids and families at work. Fhitting Room is also the most fun workout. The community encourages one another and the FHITpros are magic! 

How do you find a balance between your day job and time for yourself in terms of fitness?
I make time for fitness. If that means getting up at 4:30AM to do my stretches and a workout, that’s what I do. I have never regretted getting up early for a workout. Luckily, my husband values fitness and health and encourages me to move my body after work when I am feeling like I don’t have it in me. He will often  program for me or suggest we go for a walk together. 

What keeps you motivated to show up for yourself with your fitness training? 
I know I am a better me when I take care of myself. My parents motivate me. As they are getting older and struggling with health issues, I am able to help them physically and mentally. That keeps me going. My mother has Parkinson’s and it has progressed a great deal. Watching her struggle to walk or do what used to be simple, independent daily tasks is heartbreaking. My father is the hero. The one who coached me through all my sports and life choices and is really there for my mother. Being able to lift my mother (physically and emotionally) and make things easier for my father is all the motivation I need.

Is El Capitán your go-to workout buddy? 
Absolutely! I love working out with Eric. We met 20 years ago through fitness. He is the best at programming and is such an incredible coach. Even when I don’t want to listen ;). We have always loved working out together, especially when we travel. He brings love, knowledge, dance moves, and fun to everything including our workouts. We continue to be active for the physical and mental benefits. At our age (51 for Eric and 50 for me), I don’t see that ever changing. 

Any funny stories from living with a Fhitting Room instructor? 
What once was a large living room is now a workout space. We have a bike, rower, ski erg, plyobox, pull-up bar, and several kettlebells that are part of the decor now.

Do you have a favorite fitness memory? 
After Eric’s mother died during Covid, he did a virtual beneFHIT class in her honor. The donations went to El Centro Hispano, an organization that I work closely with. The outpouring of love and support for Eric at that time brought him and me to tears. Close second is getting engaged at the FHIT BBQ. Surrounded by love in Kari’s beautiful home – Eric nailed it 💚.