New York City is known for a long list of things — and very high on that list is its people: the sheer number of them, their energy, their diversity, and their larger-than-life mentality.
NYC and Life Time have this in common. Life Time prides itself on having the best team members in its athletic country clubs to provide the best experiences for its members — and the team at the newest NYC club, One Wall Street, is no exception.
In part one of this two-part series, we talk to four of the top performers at Life Time One Wall Street to get to know more about their passions, philosophies, and what makes them unique.
And if you’re in the city, Life Time One Wall Street is hosting a couple of welcome events to introduce their incredible team members and bring the community together — you could even meet some of the individuals we talk to here (look below for more details!).
MEET: Alora-Rose Morgan (@alorarose)
Alora-Rose Morgan moved to New York City as an aspiring dancer when she was 18. Since then, she’s danced as a Radio City Rockette and with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, performed in fashion weeks and global fashion campaigns, and toured the world dancing with the Ultra Angels. “My passion for teaching fitness has only made my love for dancing even stronger — and absolutely vice versa.”
Morgan teaches Gluteus Maxout, SHRED, Barre Fusion, Strictly Strength, and H.I.I.T. at Life Time.
Life Time Editorial | What led you to a career in health and wellness — and how did you get into teaching classes?
Alora-Rose Morgan | Many years ago, I needed a second source of income, so I took up a front-desk position at a popular fitness studio. This space allowed me to take classes and I instantly became hooked! Was it the pulsing energy of the New York City fitness scene or was it me finding my calling? Considering this launched me into getting my Barre certification and teaching full-time, I’ll say it’s the latter.
Since then, my focus on health has adapted to include so much more than just movement; it touches on all layers of wellness. Teaching gives me that outlet to be able to share the healing modalities I love most.
LTE | What motivates you — and how do you motivate others?
ARM | Motivation comes and goes, which is why I like to remind myself of the goals and intentions that I have set for myself. I am a firm believer that when the going gets tough — from life’s challenges to the burn you’re feeling in a class — you have to always come back to your why: why you showed up and why you keep going. I promise this will help you find your grit and keep going!
LTE | What’s your favorite format to teach?
ARM | It truly is a toss-up between my tried-and true-original format of Barre or SHRED, one of Life Time’s formats. Both are so unique in their own ways and when I teach one or the other, I really feel myself light up from the inside out.
LTE | How would others describe your personality?
ARM | Sweet and spicy! Due to my nature of being kind and welcoming mixed in with my discipline and drive, I think you get the best of both worlds.
LTE | Do you have a go-to hype song? What is it and why?
ARM | Thunderstruck by AC/DC. When I danced with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, this was our pre-game performance. Talk about a hype up! This song is strong and powerful with an invigorating underlying beat that really gets the blood pumping. I mean, it’s AC/DC after all.
LTE | If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
ARM | “Disco Techno, Let’s Go!” I have a huge love for some disco groovy beats, and I like to pair that with a little bit of techno, especially for my strength and HIIT-style classes.
LTE | What’s your go-to healthy meal? And your go-to indulgence?
ARM | The other week I made a tasty ratatouille with veggies from my sister’s garden and my tastebuds were locked in on those flavors. Since then, I have probably already made the recipe five-plus times. I love finding a recipe online or on Pinterest — anywhere that offers new cooking ideas. Initially I like making it by following the instructions to a T and then each time after adding my own little flare and spice to see how I can improve the outcome each go around.
When I reach for an indulgence, my hands down go-to is Van Leeuwen Ice Cream — their vegan flavors are to die for. If I could fill my fridge with their Cookie Crumble Strawberry Jam, I would!
LTE | What’s your favorite workout movement? And your least favorite?
ARM | Being a dancer my body really loves yoga, barre, and stretch-style formats. Long extensions and hip openers make my body feel happy.
My least favorite workout movement would have to be running. Typically, I can get along with a nice light jog for warmups, but you’ll rarely see me on a treadmill whipping up some sprints.
LTE | What excites you about Life Time’s growth in New York City?
ARM | I love seeing Life Time pop up around New York City because I think it is the missing puzzle piece. Life Time is so much more than a weight floor and group fitness classes: It is a space that is able to hit all elements of wellness from mindfulness to physical movement to nutrition, and everything in between. That is just so unique and special. Life Time truly has a place for everyone and I think that is what wellness spaces are all about.
LTE | What’s your personal health and fitness motto?
ARM | Trust in your ability to do hard things. Only you know how your body feels. No instructor, no trainer, no one except you knows how your body feels. I want to empower everyone out there to be so in tune with their bodies that when they walk into a workout, the level of confidence that comes with it feels so empowering.
LTE | Any other fun facts about yourself that you want to share?
ARM | I have a huge love for animals and can never make up my mind when people ask, “cats or dogs?” I can’t wait to have my own little fur family one day. Until then, I will 100 percent walk your dog or cat sit for you!
Also, I wasn’t always a city girl — I grew up all around Connecticut, Hawaii, and Georgia. I really feel like I had an earthy childhood. I dream that one day I will have a little farm out in the mountains with my sister and her family, where we’ll grow our own fresh foods.
MEET: Casey Cohen (@caseylcohen)
Casey Cohen is recognized for her work as a trainer, performer, fitness influencer, and athlete. She holds several certifications in addition to her NASM personal-training credential, devoting time to studying and her goal of becoming better for not only herself, but for others too. “I’m extremely passionate about fitness and education and bringing out the best in people.”
Cohen teaches AMP Cycle, Studio Cycle, and H.I.I.T. at Life Time.
Life Time Editorial | What led you to a career in health and wellness — and how did you get into teaching classes?
Casey Cohen | I have my Master’s in Art and Education from New York University; it really was just a matter of time before I made the switch to teach the subject matter, I’m most passionate about.
I’ve been an athlete my whole life, playing all sorts of sports, including softball, basketball, and tennis. When I was at NYU and working in the hospitality industry, I started taking fitness classes for “me” time. I was constantly going, going, going and didn’t otherwise have 45 minutes to myself. It was an instant way to shut off and turn inward. Now, I’m known for taking two, four, or sometimes even six classes a day.
Realizing the power of the mind-body connection, I became obsessed with mastering cycling. I discovered that as I got stronger in the room that would translate to my everyday life.
LTE | What’s your favorite format to teach?
CC | Cycling is my passion. I’ve been cycling for over a decade and have taken thousands of cycling classes. I love riding to the rhythm, the music, and the intensity, and how I’m able to just be with me for the duration of the class. I’m able to coach in those classes in a positive and challenging way, pushing you to your absolute limit.
LTE | How would others describe your personality?
CC | I’m driven and super intense. I love taking things to the extreme. I’m also one of the most loyal people you’ll ever meet.
LTE | What’s your go-to healthy meal? And your go-to indulgence?
CC | I try not to eat any processed foods and look to make smart choices around fueling my individual body, since everyone’s body is different. My go-to healthy meal is a mixed salad with lots of color from ingredients including chickpeas, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes, red cabbage, and avocado.
My go-to indulgence — in moderation, of course — is frozen dark chocolate.
LTE | What’s your personal health and fitness motto?
CC | “Be the change.” If you want to make a change, you have to be willing to change.
LTE | What excites you about Life Time’s growth in New York City?
CC | I’m thrilled to be part of the team and grow with Life Time. The energy is contagious, and the community strives to push each other to the next level.
Fitness has given me a positive outlet to be myself. Being able to help members push themselves and positively impact their lives is what drives me to be the fitness professional that I am today and will continue to be.
MEET: Ben Lauder-Dykes (@benlauderdykes)
Ben Lauder-Dykes moved to New York City six years ago and has more than 15 years of experience as a trainer. His passion for fitness is contagious — when taking his class, you can expect a fun environment where you’ll work hard and learn new things to help set you up for success and keep you coming back stronger every time.
Ben Lauder-Dykes teaches GTX, Alpha Conditioning and Strength, and Ultra Fit.
Life Time Editorial | What led you to a career in health and wellness — and how did you get into teaching classes?
Ben Lauder-Dykes | At the start of my career, I was playing soccer, and when that ended, I knew I liked going to the gym, so I decided to get a job at a gym. I started teaching classes in addition to personal training as a way to meet more people in the fitness space. Over the years, I’ve slowly transitioned to doing less one-on-one training and teaching more classes.
LTE | What motivates you — and how do you motivate others?
BLD | I love superheroes, and fitness makes me feel like a superhero. I motivate others by celebrating all their small steps and wins and help them feel rewarded for all their hard work and effort while they work and progress toward their goals. Getting results takes time, and small wins help you enjoy the journey and stay consistent.
LTE | Do you have a go-to hype song?
BLD | I have a few: Turn Down for What by Lil Jon, Get It On The Floor by DMX, and Pop That by French Montana.
LTE | What’s your favorite workout movement? And your least favorite?
BLD | My favorite is sprints. My least favorite is the Turkish get-up.
LTE | What’s your go-to healthy meal?
BLD | My go-to healthy meal is the Crispy Rice Bowl from sweetgreen. It’s something I really enjoy and it fits my goals.
LTE | What’s your personal health and fitness motto?
BLD | Celebrate all victories! Success is not about intensity; it’s achieved through consistency and the accumulation of many small wins, so it’s important to celebrate them along the way to help keep people motivated and knowing that their time and effort is leading them toward success.
MEET: Kailey McCrudden (@kaycrudden)
Kailey McCrudden is a NASM-certified personal trainer and a lifelong dancer who is thrilled to join the team at Life Time One Wall Street. After moving to New York City to pursue a professional career in dance, she fell in love with fitness and empowering people to find their strength. As a pre- and post-natal specialist, she enjoys working with and supporting those who have had children.
McCrudden coaches GTX and Alpha at Life Time.
Life Time Editorial | What led you to a career in health and wellness — and how did you get into teaching classes?
Kailey McCrudden | Growing up, I was a dancer and athlete and went on to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance. I then moved to New York City to dance professionally. To pay the bills, I took a job teaching dance fitness at a studio. I immediately fell in love with empowering others to connect with their bodies and feel strong.
LTE | How would others describe your personality?
KM | Our studio leader at Life Time One Wall Street was recently asked to describe me and I think he said it best when he called me “a human firecracker.”
LTE | What’s your favorite workout movement? And your least favorite?
KM | It’s too hard for me to pick just one favorite so I’ll give you three: hip thrusts, Bulgarian split squats, and pull-ups. My least favorite movements are any that involve jumping.
LTE | Do you have a go-to hype song?
KM | My go-to hype song is always changing but currently it’s Booty by Saucy Santana featuring Latto.
LTE | If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
KM | “Drop it Low.” Dance moves always make an appearance during my classes.
LTE | What’s your personal health and fitness motto?
KM | I believe that working out should complement your life, not be your life. What works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you. What works for you today might not work for you two years from now. Stay open and curious. Find something that excites you. And always practice positive self-talk!
Life Time One Wall Street Welcome Events
All Life Time members and non-members are welcome to RSVP.
Welcome to Life Time Showcase
Life Time’s top NYC instructors and coaches — including the performers featured here — will be teaching a variety of boutique classes in all seven studios at One Wall Street. Join for a fun workout and stay to meet the entire One Wall team and enjoy healthy refreshments.
Kids and Parents Open House
Join for coffee and refreshments while you get to know the Life Time Kids team and everything available for families. Plus, get a workout in while your kids have fun in the 10,000-square-foot Kids Academy.
- Saturday, September 24 from 9 to 11 a.m.
