Why we love Steve.
What’s not to love about this man who loves the method so much! In fact, his transitions are so slick that he’ll probably be in the next move before you can blink. Steve is one of the hardest working people in class, in both xBURN and xCLIMB. He’s truly dedicate to whatever craft he chooses, and when he commits, he commits. We’ve especially loved growing stronger with him during our quarantine days as we sweat together online - he’s deserving of the prize for most calories burned! He’s also one of the most endearing, supportive and smartest people we know. Thank you, Steve, for being so damn AWESOME.
If you only have time for xClimb or xBurn, how are you sweating?
It depends on how I'm feeling! But usually xBurn
I have absolutely loved going to xClimb classes and improving my cardiovascular health (and trust me, it really needed improvement)! But even with X˙CORE classes, my heart rate can get pretty high so I feel like I'm getting a really unparalleled all-around workout.
What's something you're hoping to do in 2022?
SO MUCH! I want to do a lot more snowboarding than I did last year, and I'd love to get some backcountry trips in too. And if I can swing the vacation time, I'm looking to do plenty of high-altitude backpacking too (that cardio from xClimb & lunge strength from X˙CORE will come in v handy!)
After a long week of work, what's your go-to for relaxing?
FEARLESS FRIDAYS! But then: some cannabis and Netflix.
How did you find X˙CORE?
Many years ago I was a regular at some very challenging vinyasa flow yoga classes. After one class, I exclaimed "what a tough workout!" to one of the participants I'd befriended. She was like "yeah but it's nothing compared to lagree!" After some resistance, I finally broke down and went to a beginner class at Core40 (the first class was free just like drug dealers). It completely wrecked me! I couldn't believe how weak I was . As an Oakland native, I was on the lookout for east bay Lagree or Lagree-style pilates. Luckily the community is really well-connected so I was one of the first members of X˙CORE after it opened and I've been lunging, mermaiding and serving the platter ever since!
Favorite place to eat in the East Bay?
There are a ton of great options. Right now my favorite is FOWL & FARE (located in The Lodge on Piedmont Ave)!! But also an OG favorite is House of Curries in Berkeley. Or Mixt for healthy stuff.
You suddenly have a totally free day, no plans. How do you spend it?
Take my dogs for a long walk in the East Bay Regional Parks; do some gardening or housework. Read a book!
Any facts about you our community might not know?
I'm completely deaf on my left side (in fact the nerves that connected my left ear to my brain stem were completely severed) as a result of brain surgery back in 2014 (read more here). This also affected my balance (since your inner ear is what your body primarily uses for balance input), so balance-y moves are an extra challenge (and great balance training) for me
