Get to Know Our Instructors: Heather Basic

Heather Basic is a Studio Instructor for HCI Sports & Fitness. One of the newer members of our Studio team, Basic teaches a variety of fun and challenging group fitness classes to help anyone hit their personal fitness goals. We asked her a few questions about her experience teaching classes, her own personal fitness, and how she got her start at HCI. Read below to get to know if you’d like to take one of Heather’s classes in the Studio!

1. When and how did you get your start in fitness? What drew you to working in fitness?

I swam for 10 years in high school and college and then started running when I had to stop swimming because of a hurt shoulder. When I hurt my knee from running, I was looking at new ways to strengthen and build muscle without breaking down my body in the process, and I found Barre and Pilates. I loved these classes and after being a student for so long, I realized I wanted to become an instructor and help others strengthen their bodies as well.

2. What drew you to HCI? What were you doing before teaching at HCI?

I love that not only is this a gym, but that we can bring our kids and there is stuff for them to do as well. It’s a gym for the whole family. This is completely opposite of the gyms I went to in California where kids were not really allowed anywhere in the facility. My family and I moved to this area from Southern California last year and we love it! I was a Barre and Pilates instructor out there as well.

3. What was the first class you taught? What do you teach now?

My first class was Barre. I teach Barre, Mat Pilates, and Reformer Pilates

4. How would you define your instructor style?

I would say my Barre classes lean towards classic but my Pilates classes are more athletic fusion with some classical methods.

5. Have you learned any important lessons as an instructor?

When teaching, you have to provide modifications as ways to kick up the exercise notch for those who want extra. There are so many different levels that come to class and you can’t just cater towards one level over the other. You have to provide variety so students don’t get bored!

6. What can members expect when taking your class?

A challenging, upbeat class that flies by! You will definitely see changes in your body if you come on a regular basis.

7. What is a health/wellness benefit that a class you teach can offer?

Your body will become toned and sculpted at Barre and Pilates classes.

8. Any memorable moments in one of your classes?

One of my first classes, a guy walked in and picked 10lb weights for his arms (and was upset that it was the heaviest we had in the classroom). But about a third of the way through our arm sequences with the weights I could tell he was dying, but he refused to drop the weights or walk to the front to get smaller weights. I discreetly brought 3lb weights over while conducting class…. He tried for one more minute with the 10lb weights, but finally dropped them and grabbed the 3lbs!

9. What is your typical weekly fitness routine?

I like to go to several Barre or Pilates classes a week. I also like to walk on the treadmill.

10. What are your fitness goals at the moment?

Have a healthy body.

11. What are your fitness goals for the future?

Same as number 10.

12. What hobbies or other jobs do you have outside of teaching?

Stay at home mom to 2 boys.

13. What is something that motivates you personally?

If I see change In my body while working out, that will motivate me even more to keep going.