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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
Yoga instructor Katharine Lucic first fell in love with the practice ten years ago, and she's been motivating students to perfect their crow poses ever since—most recently at SYNCStudio in Williamsburg, and YogaWorks' Brooklyn Heights and Union Square outposts.
The classically trained actor and singer believes that "every moment on the mat is an opportunity to find more open channels for breath to enliven the whole person." And Katharine definitely seems enlivened, in the "how does one person have so much energy?" kind of way: in addition to juggling gigs at three studios, she co-founded a wellness brand, Ohm K, and still finds time to teach yoga at women's nonprofit Exhale to Inhale.
Read about Katharine's favorite Instagram yogi, her go-to smoothie in Williamsburg, and her thoughts on gym selfies, this way!
What's one song that always gets you pumped up?
I can always listen to Laura Mvula's "Sing to the Moon" or Xavier Rudd's "Follow the Sun."
Fitness advice you swear by, in five words or less.
Every Chaturanga counts!
What's the biggest misconception about your sport?
I usually hear, "I'm not flexible," or "I'll be embarrassed, I'm a beginner." It takes a lot of bravery to try something new, especially a physical practice that can also lead to shifts in mental perspective and emotions. Yoga can truly be for everyone. Just say yes and fall fearlessly forward into it.
What's one gym class memory you'll never forget?
I'll never forget the first class I took with my teacher and mentor Julie Marx. I was trying to do a headstand for the first time, couldn't, starting crying softly to myself, and knew I had met my match.
Who is your athlete role model?
If I tried to tell you all of my yogi role models the list would be 50 people long, so let's just say Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Can we just all agree he's basically Hercules?
Gym selfies: yay or nay?
Yay! Capturing photos of yoga poses and sharing them can be brilliantly inspiring. I am moved to practice new asanas all the time by other yogis I follow on Instagram and Facebook. I also love posting images of asanas I practice that inspire me, and asanas I'm still learning and struggling with. Humility and sharing with others that you're always growing is, I believe, hugely important.
Favorite post-workout snack?
A green smoothie from Summers in Williamsburg.
Favorite celebrity body.
Instagram goddess @laurasykora. Strength and dedication is sexy. Period.
If you weren't a trainer, you'd be a...
I already have my other dream career! I'm a co-owner and co-founder of a new women's wellness clothing brand, Ohm K!
What's always in your gym bag?
My yoga mat. An old school, no brand, beat up awesome mat my husband gave me.
Biggest gym pet peeve.
When the room is too cold! Turn off the AC and give me a hot, sweaty and humid room any day.
Food you'd do 50 burpees for.
I don't believe in feeling guilty over food. I'll just take the 50 burpees and then eat whatever I want.
What has been your favorite client transformation/breakthrough story/moment?
I teach with an organization called Exhale to Inhale and guide women who have suffered domestic violence through yoga practice. Every time I teach there are powerful and transformative moments shared by the incredible women I work with. I do remember a class when one woman had a particularly inspiring realization. After savasana, she said that she realized her time at the shelter she was currently living in was only temporary, just one page in the story of her and her son's lives. Hearing her powerful discovery shook us all and was so appropriate to the practice and understanding of yoga.
· YogaWorks [Official Site]
· SYNCStudio [Official Site]
· All Hottest Trainer 2014 Contestants [Racked NY]