What Trainer Adriane Loves About Teaching at Mantra Fitness

Meet Trainer Adriane!

Behind every great fitness class is an instructor with a passion for teaching. Today, we’re thrilled to share insights from Adriane Stevens, one of our dedicated instructors at Mantra Lakewood Ranch. Discover what drives her love for teaching the Mantra Method and how it impacts her students.


What sparked your passion for teaching at Mantra Fitness?

“I used to teach dance prior to teaching at Mantra. I always loved teaching dance, but I danced my whole life so I was ready to try something different. When I made the transition to teaching at Mantra, it was an exciting new challenge and gave me the ability to learn something new!” 

What is your favorite part of teaching the Mantra workout?

“My favorite part of teaching at Mantra is to be able to see my clients disconnect from their stressful lives for 50 minutes and dedicate time to work on themselves. I know when I take class, I leave my personal life at the door. I don’t have the ability to think about whatever drama is happening in the real world while I’m thinking about my form, moving slow, and my shaking legs. It’s cool to see this on the flip side as an instructor. There is a noticeable personality shift from when they walk in the door to after class just from them to be able disconnect and clear their minds. And I can also tell they are always super proud of themselves when they finish a class with a smile on their face!” 

How do you stay motivated as an instructor?

“I try to keep things funky fresh by creating new, upbeat playlists every week, trying out new variations and challenges in moves, and asking clients if they have specific moves that they love and incorporating them into that class’s routine. I know when my clients are having a good time, so am I!” 

Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while teaching?

“One memorable experience I’ve had while teaching was when I was walking between machines, I tripped on someone’s red cable and fell on my booty – right in front of the whole class! It was hilarious! I think this is a great reminder to all clients that even the instructors can lose their balance in class — shoot, I wasn’t even on the machine and I fell! Whether it’s your 1st class or 100th class, we all know that feeling when you almost faceplant into the well during ‘sexy back.’ It’s okay to laugh at ourselves during class when we mess up because we are human and it’s going to happen sometimes. Mostly everyone is too worried about themselves to be thinking about someone else anyway.” 

How do you create a positive and engaging environment in your classes?

“I think it is super important to create a positive and engaging environment in class. Nobody wants to leave class feeling unwelcome! During class, I do this by letting clients know I’m always available to help during class if they are confused or have a question on how to accurately execute the move. I try to let my clients know they are doing a great job by calling them out by name. Before and after class, I love to talk with clients to hear about their personal lives and connect with them. I want them to know they have a friend in me, I’m more than just their fitness instructor.” 

What do you hope your students take away from your classes?

“I hope my students leave feeling proud of themselves. Yes, there’s a bit of a learning curve to the method. Yes, it’s a challenging workout. But you stuck with it for 50 minutes and didn’t give up! That mental strength to push through is something to be proud of and a sentiment you can take into everyday life. Life won’t always be easy, but you are strong enough to push through!” 

How has teaching at Mantra influenced your approach to fitness?

“Teaching at Mantra Lakewood Ranch has influenced my approach to fitness by realizing it isn’t a “one size fits all” approach. Moving your body is crucial for your health and it doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth to get a workout in. Before I found Mantra, I felt like I was always dreading going to the gym, but now I look forward to taking and teaching class! Whether it’s through weightlifting, running, yoga, HIIT, Mantra, or even something else. There is something out there you will connect with and love. If you haven’t found it yet, keep searching – and be sure to give Mantra a try!” 


Conclusion

It’s clear that Adriane brings passion and dedication to every class she teaches. Her love for Mantra workouts shines through, creating an inspiring and effective workout experience. Join us at Mantra Fitness and see firsthand why our instructors love what they do!

Why Spring Tension Reigns Supreme Over Free Weights

Why Spring Tension Reigns Supreme Over Free Weights

When it comes to strength training, the debate between spring tension and free weights is ongoing. Both have their merits, but for many, spring tension offers unique benefits that free weights simply can’t match. Let’s dive into why spring tension might be the better choice for your fitness routine.

  • Joint-Friendly Resistance

One of the primary advantages of spring tension is its joint-friendly nature. Unlike free weights, which can place significant stress on your joints, spring resistance provides a smoother, more controlled movement. This is particularly beneficial for those with joint issues or those recovering from injuries. The continuous tension offered by springs ensures that your muscles are engaged throughout the entire range of motion without the jarring impact that can come with free weights.

  • Variable Resistance

Spring tension offers variable resistance, meaning the resistance increases as the spring stretches. This mimics the natural strength curve of your muscles, which are typically stronger at the end of a movement. Free weights, on the other hand, provide constant resistance, which doesn’t always align with your muscle’s strength capabilities. Variable resistance can lead to more effective workouts, as it maximizes muscle engagement and efficiency.

  • Enhanced Core Activation

Using spring tension equipment often requires more core stability and balance compared to free weights. This increased demand on your core muscles helps improve overall stability and strength. Core activation is essential not only for a toned midsection but also for better posture, balance, and functional movement in daily life.

  • Safety and Control

Spring tension equipment is generally safer and easier to control than free weights. With free weights, there’s always a risk of dropping the weight or using improper form, which can lead to injuries. Spring tension systems typically have built-in safety mechanisms and guides that help ensure you’re using proper form, reducing the risk of injury.

  • Versatility and Adaptability

Spring tension equipment is incredibly versatile and adaptable. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced athlete, you can adjust the resistance to suit your fitness level and goals. This adaptability makes it easy to progress and challenge yourself over time. Additionally, spring tension systems can be used to target virtually every muscle group, offering a comprehensive workout.

  • Functional Movement Training

Functional movement training, which focuses on exercises that mimic real-life movements, is another area where spring tension excels. The resistance provided by springs closely resembles the resistance encountered in everyday activities, making it an excellent tool for functional training. This can help improve your performance in daily tasks, sports, and other physical activities.

  • Mind-Body Connection

Exercises involving spring tension often require a greater focus on the mind-body connection. This mindfulness can enhance the quality of your workouts, helping you become more aware of your body’s movements and alignment. This increased awareness can lead to better form, reduced injury risk, and improved overall performance.

  • Longevity in Your Fitness Routine

Spring-resistant workouts provide a sustainable approach to fitness that you can maintain for the long term. The versatility of resistance allows you to adjust intensity easily, accommodating changes in fitness levels and goals as you progress. This adaptability makes it possible to incorporate these exercises into your routine indefinitely, ensuring you can enjoy the benefits of improved strength, flexibility, and overall fitness throughout your life. By integrating spring resistance into your workouts, you not only enhance your physical health but also cultivate a sustainable fitness habit that supports longevity in your wellness journey.

 

Conclusion

While free weights have their place in strength training, spring tension offers unique benefits that can enhance your fitness journey. From joint-friendly resistance and variable resistance to enhanced core activation and safety, spring tension provides a well-rounded, effective workout. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting your journey, incorporating spring tension into your routine can lead to better results and a healthier, more balanced body.

Ready to experience the benefits of spring tension for yourself? Join us at Mantra Fitness and try one of our classes and experience the ultimate Pilates on our innovative machines! Our expert instructors will guide you through the exercises, ensuring you get the most out of every movement. Book a class today and discover why spring tension might be the missing piece in your fitness routine!