Although Tori is one of our newer instructors at Studio B, it feels like she's been part of our tribe forever. If you've been to one of her SOAR classes you know that Tori is a very positive, motivating teacher who doesn't take herself too seriously which means you can always count on a few laughs throughout class! To learn more about this encouraging gal, read below!
How did you get introduced to SOAR?
My obsession with SOAR started with barre. I was going to barre almost every day and I loved it! Then when Megan was introducing SOAR to the studio, I became very interested in this cardio-based workout. I loved SOAR the minute I tried it. It was a fun, low impact cardio class that did not cause strain on my knee like most cardio workouts do (I have a previous knee injury). When Megan asked me to instruct the class, I did it because I wanted to challenge myself and go out of my comfort zone (talking in front of 15 people actually terrified me). So this is how it all started!
Why do you SOAR?
I SOAR because I love the way I feel during, but mostly after. I never leave the class feeling like my joints were strained and I never get knee pain from this class. This low impact class has helped me grow stronger cardiovascular wise as well as challenge myself with my coordination.
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
There are many people in my life who help keep me inspired. I’m going to get mushy and talk mostly about my boyfriend Cory. This man has a positive look on almost everything he does. I consistently see him working hard, trying new things and one of my favourite things about him is how open he is to every idea. This inspires me to become more open, positive and have a more relaxed look about life. He inspires me to try new foods, teach soar, switch jobs and just enjoy life.
Favourite part of class?
My favourite part of class is actually during stretch! This is because I feel like I can actually talk to all of the people in class, tell them perhaps a joke and just have the opportunity to get to know the SOAR family better.
What is the best “side effect” you’ve noticed from SOARing?
The best side effect I have experienced since SOARing is definitely my stamina. Doing SOAR has helped me train for half marathon runs as well as 10K races. It has helped my muscles grow stronger as well as push my cardiovascular system. In SOAR we practice increasing our heart rate as well as practice recovery for our sprints. Since SOARing, I have been able to run faster, and for longer periods of time.
What do you love about being a SOAR instructor?
What I love most about being a SOAR instructor is that I get to work with all the amazing Barre tenders and other flight crew members. These women are so inspiring! Being a SOAR instructor also allows me to meet new people, and since I am not from the City, it has really helped me make new friends!
What other exercise(s) and/or fitness routines do you participate in?
Besides SOAR and Barre, I enjoy going for runs outside, playing on a recreational Frisbee team, participating in November Project (running stairs Wednesday mornings are my favourite), and I also play on a women’s Volleyball team!
What is your occupation?
I work as a Registered Nurse in both the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department! I really enjoy my job and all the challenges it brings me.
What is your favourite guilty pleasure?
Peanut Butter… I eat it by the spoonful… everyday!
Favourite book?
The first book of the series “The Omens” by Kelly Armstrong
Favourite movie?
Any of the Avenger Movies!
Favourite place you’ve traveled to?
This is a tough question! I have two favourite places: both Iceland and Colombia. Both places have so much adventure and are the most beautiful countries I have ever been to!
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
Something most people don’t know about me is that I struggled with being bullied for many years of my life. I was bullied throughout kindergarten, which seems crazy to me that people get bullied at this young of an age. I spent my kindergarten year being pushed into a locker at school and because I was so shy I didn’t tell anyone and let it continue to happen. All through varying grades at school I was constantly criticized for the weirdest things… the way I talk, being shy, but mostly for the way I looked (my pig nose being a favourite target of the bullies). Looking back on it now it seems almost laughable, what child is able to control their voice or the way they look at that age?!? For myself, however, it has taken a long time to grow and be able to talk about these experiences and insecurities. I would like to say that I was able to forget about the way I was treated as soon as I left school but the truth is that these thoughts of being not good enough stayed with me for far longer than I care to admit. I know my feelings of inadequacy and being bullied are not unique however. I encourage everyone and anyone to have a chat with me, so this way we can laugh about all our shortcomings together. Starting SOAR and being a part of Studio B has really helped with my self-esteem and helped me realize that being “me” is the best thing I can be. I try not to focus so much about what others think, and I have found that making myself happy is the most important thing I can do.
