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Chicago star trainer Alena Scarver on why fitness should stay fun
This post is part of a series of Queerty interviews with models, trainers, dancers, and, well, people who inspire us to stay in shape–0r just sit on the couch ogling them instead.
Name: Alena Scarver, 35
City: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Full-time trainer. No other job.
Favorite Gym: My favorite gym is CrossFit Severance at 2545 W. Diversey. My favorite exercises are power snatches and Turkish Get Ups.
Favorite Work Out Outfit: My best outfits are anything neon colored and spandex shorts.
Favorite Work Out Playlist: 90s music mainly, all 90s R&B and hip-hop.
Related: Los Angeles trainer Kenta Seki is motivation for your New Year’s resolutions
Basic Workout Tip: A basic tip I can offer others is to find what works for you. Don’t fixate on numbers and what others are doing. Find what you like to do and keep at it. If it makes you feel good inside then it won’t feel like fitness. Fitness should never feel like a second job that you hate showing up for.
How do you balance staying in shape and having fun?
It’s easy for me to balance fitness and fun. Most of my fun activities are fitness based. I’m a Division Two rugby player for the Chicago Sirens and I’m a 2nd-degree black belt in Tang So Do. And I love long bike rides and nature walks.
What do you keep on your nightstand?
The only things I keep on my nightstand are books I read. Currently, I’m reading, Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down America’s Most Powerful Mobster.
P.S. I’m a nerd.
Bonus Pics:
View this post on InstagramMy attempt last week doing 19.3 for the Crossfit Open. That was brutal. But I got it done. Doing this has been so inspiring and has given me new goals to reach. Fitter. Stronger. Better. #personaltrainer #rugbyandfitness #occupationaltherapist #crossfitter #blackgirlscrossfit #CrossfitOpen #competition #striveforgreatness #boxstepups #overheadlunges #dumbbellworkout #functionalmovement #rightfitpt #rightfitpersonaltraining @rightfitpersonaltraining
A post shared by Alena Scarver (@trainwithalena) on
View this post on InstagramWarmup set on sumo deadlifts. Starting at 115. Baby in blue. Making these legs respectable @action_figga. Training hard. #personaltrainer #blackwomeninfitness #strongblackwoman #strengthandconditioning #melaninfitness #trainwithpurpose #legwork #sumodeadlift #barbelltraining #babyblue #melaninfitness #ebonyfitness #lgbt
A post shared by Alena Scarver (@trainwithalena) on
View this post on InstagramIf you know me then you know I love pushups. But I don’t do enough TRX pushups. You can totally tell. Just something to keep working on. Progression is always the goal. Keep working! #personaltrainer #gettingstronger #strivingforbetter #gettinginshape #corestrength #TRX #pushupsallday #makingmuscles #blackfitness #fitfortheculture #ebonyfitfreak #lgbtqtrainer @werk_out
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View this post on InstagramMy favorite cardio other than #cycling is #swimming. In the water, I feel relaxed and at peace. Even though I’m working hard to death, it feels effortless. It is a true mind, body and soul connection. #personaltrainer #blackgirlsswim #aquatics #loclivin #swimmingislife #waterfitness #ilovetoswim #mindbodysoul #blackswimmers #gettinginshape #livefitbefitstayfit #chillingatthepool @afroswimmers
A post shared by Alena Scarver (@trainwithalena) on
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