Ally Berlin
Courtesy of Ally Berlin.
Age || 28
Company Name || BODY
Job Title || Personal Trainer, group fitness instructor, and model
Years Living In New York || Whole Life
Social Handles || @allyberlin_
Company Website || BODY
What did you want to be while growing up?
I never even remotely thought I would work in fitness. I wanted to be a veterinarian! I was always an animal lover. With that being said, I love animals but I learned that I don’t love science!
What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting in fitness?
I honestly knew no one in this field when I was starting out. But as I met more and more people, a lot of advice I get is to say NO. This has been hard for me because I’m a people pleaser and want to do the most I can. But if saying no is in my best interest, then I’ve learned it’s best to say no.
How do you define success?
To me, success is when you genuinely do what makes you happy. Waking up in and being excited for your day—that’s amazing.
Courtesy of Ally Berlin.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned since starting out?
Definitely to put myself first. Honestly I’m still struggling with this. I’ve gotten very sick a few times because I’ve pushed myself too far. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t expect to take care of anyone else.
What is your go-to motivational quote?
Change begins at the end of your comfort zone.
What made you interested in health and fitness?
Having a stroke changed my life. Throughout my recovery I learned to appreciate my body in a way I never even thought of. Being a dancer when I was young for years, I’ve always loved movement. But I became especially interested in functional movement and the connection between the brain and body. It really is amazing. My doctors told me if I wasn’t healthy before my stroke, my condition would’ve been worse.
Which women inspire you?
All of them! I love surrounding myself with driven women. It’s motivational to say the least. I love to hear everyone’s stories and watch them succeed.
How do you overcome moments of self-doubt?
By being proud of what I do! Being proud of where I came from and how I got to where I am today. I’m constantly doubting myself and it’s honestly been a big issue of mine. It’s definitely held me back. I’ve recently gotten better with it and being proud of myself is what has helped.
How do you balance your insanely busy schedule and teaching all over the city?
That’s easy: an unlimited metro-card, snacks, and constantly checking my calendar! Kind of kidding—it’s not easy at all but these things get me through it.
Courtesy of Ally Berlin.
How do you handle situations where you feel overwhelmed?
This happens to me too often and I’m still working on it. I’ve definitely had some panic attacks. Sounds cliche but deep breaths are a lifesaver! And I remind myself why I got into this field—that grounds me.
What has been the most rewarding thing since starting BODY?
Most definitely hearing what my class has done for people! Making someone stronger both physically and mentally is so rewarding. I’ve had people tell me they were scared to use weights before taking my class and now they feel confident doing it! Also personally, I didn’t think I was capable to do this. After my stroke I’ve struggled with my coordination, memory, and multitasking- all things that are so important to teaching. I’m able to do this only because I put so much effort and practice into it. So for me, that is personally rewarding.
What advice would you give to other women trying to enter your field?
To make time for yourself! This is a selfless field to work in. Giving your energy to people is rewarding but it can consume you. You should ALWAYS come first.
What is your creative process like for coming up with the workouts?
Honestly I thought I would struggle with this! I was like there’s no way I could come up with new workouts all the time and remember choreography. But now I find that I have so many ideas when I’m creating a class that I have to save some for the following. I like to make my playlist first so I see how the music makes me feel and how I want to move to it—then I pick the exercises.
What are some of your goals moving forward?
I definitely want to incorporate traveling and host more events. I haven’t been able to travel much because of my workload in NYC. But I do plan on having big events collaborating with brands and people that I believe in. The more the merrier!
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.