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 two of this two-part series, we talk to three 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: Jeff Blue (@yafavoritecolor)
A native New Yorker and longtime athlete and fitness performer, Jeff Blue is ready for Life Time’s expansion in the Big Apple. “It’s so dope to be able to have a place to share this Empire-State energy with all the new and homegrown New Yorkers.”
Blue teaches GTX, Alpha, H.I.I.T., EDG cycle, UPPER Rx, Gluteus Maxout, and Kettlebell Kombine at Life Time.
Life Time Editorial | What led you to a career in health and wellness — and how did you get into teaching classes?
Jeff Blue | Since a young age, I’ve been involved in sports, so fitness and wellness have always been a part of my life in some form. I truly stumbled into teaching classes when a group fitness studio opened near my home — I applied purely out of intrigue and instantly fell in love. Coming from working with youth and being able to be as free and open with them to help them feel empowered, I quickly learned group fitness has similar values.
LTE | What motivates you — and how do you motivate others?
JB | My family and the kids that I work with motivate me daily. I’ve watched so many people in my family put their blood, sweat, and tears into their respective passions and goals and that naturally ignited a fire in me to do whatever is necessary to achieve mine.
As far as motivating others, I just meet them exactly where they are and try to help illuminate that next step in their journey, whether that’s mentally, physically, or emotionally.
LTE | What’s your favorite format to teach?
JB | H.I.I.T., Alpha Conditioning, and GTX — a mix of the three for different reasons, but mostly for the fun in motivating clients to push past their mental limits.
LTE | How would you describe your personality?
JB | My personality is one that changes based on my environment. However, overall, I am outgoing, sociable, caring, and loving. I’m the life of the party and extroverted introvert. All in all, I’m just me unapologetically.
LTE | Do you have a go-to hype song? What is it and why?
JB | I don’t, but anything with good bass and a good build up will always get me going. Music is a huge part of my life and my fitness journey and coaching so it’s all about the vibe!
LTE | If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
JB | “All Vibes, No Skips!”
LTE | What’s your go-to healthy meal? And your go-to indulgence?
JB | I love a good salad — you can never go wrong. And my indulgence? Pizza, ice cream, and honey buns!
LTE | What’s your favorite workout movement? And your least favorite?
JB | Anything core is my favorite. My least favorite is running, but I still get in those miles regardless.
LTE | What excites you about Life Time’s growth in New York City?
JB | What’s most exciting is being able to reach so many more people in the city as healthy lifestyles translate into so many other healthy areas in life. I also can’t wait to just be able to share my energy with the many faces of NYC.
LTE | What’s your personal health and fitness motto?
JB | Slow motion is better than no motion (on purpose, with purpose).
MEET: Austin Head (@austin_head)
Originally from Texas, Austin Head began his career in fitness in Chicago in 2015 and made his way to the Big Apple in July 2021. “I’ve always dreamed of living in New York City. I truly pinch myself daily as I’m so lucky to live here.”
Head teaches Alpha Strength and Conditioning, GTX, XTREME, EDG cycle, EDG Sculpt, UPPER Rx, Gluteus Maxout, and Kettlebell Kombine at Life Time.
Life Time Editorial | What led you to a career in health and wellness — and how did you get into teaching classes?
Austin Head | I’ve always had a desire to help people, even as a little kid. I have a mentally handicapped brother, and for my whole life, I’ve helped my mom with him. When I moved away, I realized that teaching classes gave me the same fulfillment. Long story short, I believe this is exactly what I’m meant to be doing with my life.
LTE | What motivates you — and how do you motivate others?
AH | Community motivates me. I love when I see members become friends and hang out outside of the club. I motivate others by helping them see their progress. Sometimes taking a step back to see how far we’ve come is so motivational.
LTE | How would others describe your personality?
AH | Energetic, inclusive, and uplifting!
LTE | Do you have a go-to hype song? What is it and why?
AH | Honestly, I can’t pick just one. My music is the absolute best! I live DJ every single cycle class, and it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
LTE | If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
AH | “Fire Beat Drops.”
LTH | What’s your favorite format to teach?
AH | My favorite studio format is EDG cycle. My favorite signature group training format is Alpha Conditioning.
LTH | What’s your go-to healthy meal? And your go-to indulgence?
AH | I love chicken and avocado toast (I know, I’m basic!). My indulgence is Oreos — but only limited-edition flavors!
LTH | What’s your favorite workout movement? And your least favorite?
AH | I love compound exercises in my classes, so reverse lunge, curl to press. My least favorite is, of course, burpees.
LTH | What excites you about Life Time’s growth in New York City?
AH | I could talk about this for hours. I’ve been with Life Time for a little over a year and right now I truly feel we are taking over NYC. Life Time is so much different from any other fitness brand in the city and when people come in the club, they feel it.
Every gym has pretty much the same equipment, but what sets Life Time apart is the member experience. You can feel the love and the inclusiveness of Life Time, and that’s why I wanted to be a part of this company.
LTE | What’s your personal health and fitness motto?
AH | I don’t necessarily have a motto, but I do focus on three words when thinking of my community and what we are building with Life Time: inclusive, uplifting, and loving. These words guide me with all my decisions in my career.
MEET: Celine Perez (@ceci.marie1)
Celine Perez, known as Ceci, is from the “boogie down” Bronx, N.Y. She grew up as an athlete, playing softball, basketball, and soccer, and doing her favorite activity of all: boxing. “I love helping and connecting with others. To me, building a healthy community where you can empower individuals is so rewarding and fulfilling. And it’s a plus to be able to bring the Bronx energy and flavor to others.”
Life Time Editorial | What led you to a career in health and wellness — and how did you get into teaching classes?
Celine Perez | To be completely honest, I desperately needed a job, and so I applied for a front-desk position at a gym. I was able to get my own trainer there and became super intrigued by watching the trainers (including my own) train individuals on the gym floor, as well as with watching instructors teach classes.
I got certified and became a personal trainer myself — and I fell in love with fitness and helping people reach their goals. I later started teaching small group training, and then moved into group fitness. I started with boxing classes because I had background experience in that area, and then took additional courses around teaching weight lifting and high-intensity interval training to large groups to become more diverse in my craft.
LTE | What’s your favorite format to teach?
CP | Boxing or kickboxing. I’m an amateur kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter, so it’s been a passion area of mine since I was young. I find that a lot of individuals leave these classes feeling on top of the world. It’s a great way to let out whatever you need to.
LTE | What motivates you — and how do you motivate others?
CP | My mother is my biggest motivation. She doesn’t have the best health, but she pushes herself — mentally, physically, and spiritually — every single day.
I motivate others by simply connecting with them. I show them that I’m human just like them, and that I too struggle and go through challenges, but I push to overcome them.
LTE | If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
CP | It would probably be called, “Let’s get it.” I use that line a lot, but I also always feel as though I have something in mind that I want to go after and achieve.
LTE | What’s your favorite workout movement? And your least favorite?
CP | My favorite would be deadlifts. I love working my booty and my hamstrings.
My least favorite are burpees. I’m not a fan of bringing my body all the way down to the ground and bouncing it back up. However, I do still love doing things I don’t like if I know there’s a benefit or challenge to it.
LTE | What’s your personal health and fitness motto?
CP | There’s a quote from Eric Thomas that has always stuck with me: “Pain is temporary. It may last for a minute, or an hour or a day, or even a year. But eventually, it will subside, and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it will last forever.” From where I stand, there’s no quitting in life.
LTE | What excites you about Life Time’s growth in New York City?
CP | What excites me is that this isn’t your typical gym. It feels more like a community that is being spread out. This isn’t a place to go to for looks — it’s a place for you to grow, feel at home, be happy, and live a healthier life. I’m excited to bring the heat to Life Time and to build nothing but love and family there.
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.
