Name: Abby Malkin
Job: Body Pump Instructor
Year: Junior
Major: Operations Management and a minor in Business Analytics
How did you start teaching Body Pump classes?
I used to go to Body Pump once or twice a week and I really liked it. I asked one of the instructors about getting certified and I took a chance and did it! I had to do a full weekend of training, then I had to submit a video of myself teaching an entire Body Pump class, and once that was approved, I was officially certified as a Body Pump Instructor.
What is your favorite part of being a Body Pump instructor?
My favorite part is definitely interacting with the people. It’s great having my Monday night classes where 40 people come and the room is full of energy and then coming to my early Thursday morning classes and seeing the same 10 faces every week without fail. I’m typically a quiet person, but being an instructor really lets me come out of my shell and it’s such a great feeling to motivate people.
What is your schedule like?
I teach four times a week. I teach on Monday night at 9:30 pm, Thursday morning at 7:15 am and Sunday evening at 7:05 pm in the ERC and Friday at 5:30 pm in Ritchie. The group fitness class schedule is on the CRS website.
Do you plan your classes? If so, what goes into that?
Before each class, I talk to the instructor who teaches the other half of class with me and we decide how we’re going to split the class. Once I know which half I’m teaching, I listen to each of the Body Pump songs and make sure I’ve memorized my choreography. The most important thing for each class is to have the timing and the moves really engrained so that you can focus on motivating the participants rather than remembering the choreography.
Who do you recommend to do Body Pump?
Anyone can do Body Pump! Because we use weights, you can always add more weight or just use body weight, depending on your level. It’s for guys and girls, young and old, and beginners and regulars. The best part is that no matter how long you do it, you can always improve and you can always make it more challenging!
Anything else I should know about Body Pump?
Body Pump is a really popular class and it’s never too late to try it! It’s great in combination with a cardio workout and really helps build and tone your body.
What else are you involved in on campus?
I am an athletic tutor, and I work for the Office of Special Events, and for the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life.