Is the gym just not enough for you? Are you in need of something or someone to jazz up your grueling workouts? If the answer is yes, then Ms. Toya Monger, instructor of Mixxed Fit workout is the perfect fit for you. This class fuses your basic workout with upbeat dances and choreography that’ll have you busting a sweat and a move. Ms. Monger, a senior Biology major from Jackson Mississippi, devotes her time to Zumba every Monday & Wednesday at 5:30 pm in the Student Center Aerobics Room. Her class is an infusion of Latin and African influence, guaranteed to bring out your inner dancer.
HC: What inspired you to become a physical trainer?
TM: I’ve always been physically active. Coming from the military, I was really down, so I found these Zumba classes that were really fun and caught my attention. I would spend 3 hours in the gym non-stop. I knew I wanted to stay connected with the fitness world so in March of 2014 I began teaching my own classes at Hampton University. I started growing as a trainer, and even learned new dance techniques such as Mixxed Fit.
HC: What kind of dances do you incorporate into your workouts?
TM: Zumba is Latin inspired but I like to incorporate Soca, Reggae music or Hip-hop. Zumba is 70/30, so you have to do 70% Latin inspired and then 30% is me; I put my own flavor into it. Mixxed fit is people-inspired, it’s whatever my class wants to hear and are feeling at the moment.
HC: Where do you see yourself after you graduate?
TM: I see myself traveling around the world doing master classes and hosting workshops.
HC: What does fitness mean to you?
TM: Fitness is my antidepressant. From the military I gained a lot of pain in my body, but when I’m dancing it takes me away from everything, regardless of what may be going on. The smiles that I get when I teach my classes make a huge impact.
HC: When did you discover your passion for fitness?
TM: I hated fitness at first, I’m not going to lie because running and getting on the treadmill sucks in the military. But, I remember they had a Zumba class one day and from then on I loved it.
HC: What would you say to young women who want to start their fitness journey?
TM: Go ahead, what are you waiting on?! This is the only place where I feel like you can be yourself. You can’t just let go at your job or at school, so working out is your opportunity to.
HC: Aside from working out, what’s your favorite hobby/pastime activity?
TM: I love to eat, that’s why I have to stay active. I also enjoy reading during my free time.
HC: What keeps you motivated?
TM: My students, I just love them. I really would pick them up and take them to all of my other classes if I had the chance.
HC: What’s your favorite motivational quote?
TM: You’re only as good as the people you have around you.
HC: What’s your go-to meal?
TM: A Philly cheese steak, extra-large with hot peppers.
Make sure you check out her class, every Monday & Wednesday at 5:30 pm in the Student Center Aerobics Room!