:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61182689/3.0.0.1438618431.0.jpg)
Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Welcome to Racked New York's search for New York City's hottest trainer. Over the coming weeks, we'll profile sixteen smoking locals—fitness experts who not only look hot in spandex, but can make you look amazing too. Once you've gotten to know everyone, we'll host a March Madness-style showdown in which readers vote for their favorites. Let the games begin!
Photos by Sean Gomes for Racked
Kira Alvarado is a quadruple-threat: an actress, a singer, a model, and a badass fitness instructor at Exhale Spa & Fitness. When she's not making students break a sweat with the tiniest of leg lifts in classes like Core Fusion Barre, she's off on auditions or posing for the likes of Nicole Miller, Custo Barcelona, and Erin Fetherston.
But the Cincinnati native's first love is dancing—Alvarado studied ballet and modern dance at Miami's New World School of the Arts College, where she paid her own way by picking up modeling gigs. After the jump, find out what the Long Island City resident likes to eat on the go, what's in her gym bag, and where you'll find her when she takes a well-deserved break from work.
What's in your gym bag?
Water (of course), homemade dehydrated fruit and power bars for snacking, my Acuball (this has saved me when I've had cricks in my neck many a time!!), and Exhale Core Fusion grippy socks for teaching!
Where do you grab a healthy bite in the city?
Shout out to One Lucky Duck! It's a raw food spot that has been in NYC for quite some time now. Between classes—especially on my busy Sundays—I stop at One Lucky Duck's newer location in Chelsea Market because it is so conveniently placed right by Exhale Meatpacking.
What about when you're at home?
I like a smoothie with kale, bananas, and coconut water; or one with almond milk, almond butter, cocoa nib, banana, cinnamon, and dates—protein deliciousness!
In your down time, you're...
Gaining creative inspiration via music, attending a performance, or going to an art gallery or fair. But my favorite activity is enjoying good food and health in the company of amazing friends and family.
Words to live by?
"What you spend your time on is what you become, be who you are."
· Kira Alvarado [Facebook]
· @kiwiavacado [Instagram]
· Exhale Spa & Fitness [Official Site]
· All Hottest Trainer 2014 Contestants [Racked NY]