Fast Track Racing Team
From the time I was young, my incredible competitive nature derived from being the 5th of 7 kids. From one season to the next, after school everyday, the neighborhood parks were our "stadiums" for baseball, football and basketball. I believed winning scores and the reputation as the best player of each and every game meant success. As incorrect as that belief is, it was those games that drove my competitive side to be the best I could be with my ability. Past childhood, I continued to search for my athletic passion through team competition in football, wrestling and baseball teams, I never did find any peace of mind within any of those sports. That adversity and lack of accomplishment got the best of me and my physical well-being spiraled downward. With the inability to look in the... Read the profile >>
Core Power Oak Park / Hinsdale
Kate’s first real introduction to Yoga was in 1999 at Skidmore College when a good friend helped her calm her nerves before her senior music recital by leading her through a few rounds of nadi shodhana pranayama (channel cleaning breath). She was so relaxed after deep breathing and stretching, that she forgot to put her shoes on before walking onto the stage and performed the whole recital barefoot. Many years later, Kate came to Yoga with an open mind and the thought that a regular yoga practice might add diversity to her existing exercise routine, completely unaware that it would change the course of her life. Today, Kate is living her best life. Soaking up the joy of life, one day at a time has been the most important lesson Kate has learned from Yoga, to be happy, rather than search... Read the profile >>
Nick "The Patriot" Janowitz started wrestling and boxing at 11 years old. After winning over 100 varsity matches in high school, he joined the US Navy and was a member of the ALL NAVY Wrestling team. Among his many accomplishments Nick placed 3rd in Greco-Roman and 4th in Freestyle at the 2001 AAU Nationals. Nick is a California State Champion in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. In 2007 Nick turned Professional as a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter. He is currently undefeated with a professional MMA record of 4-0. He has trained with everyone from Olympic to UFC champions. Nick also holds numerous fitness certifications in personal training and group exercise. Nick is the founder and owner of Patriot Boxing & Fitness Systems and the Head Wrestling Coach at Immaculate Conception High... Read the profile >>
Fixe Self Center/ Dailey Method Elmhurst/ Elmhurst Yoga Shala
“I really believe that things happen for a reason, and truly believe that one of the reasons that I came to this country was to find myself through this beautiful path called yoga.” ~ Pavla. At age 27 after noticing that her tendencies of stress, irritation, and perfectionism were affecting her relationships and her ability to have fun and enjoy life, Pavla began a practice of inner-listening and started to experiment with yoga. Not knowing how much these practices would change her life, Pavla’s studies awakened her passion for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Listening to this call of her heart, Pavla eventually decided to seek Hatha yoga certification, and in 2008 her Hatha yoga teaching certification was granted by Soderworld Healing Arts Center and Spa. As her studies... Read the profile >>
Fast Track Racing Team/Saucony Hurricane
I’m not your typical athlete that was active since they were young. I did not race on a High School cross country team nor did I compete at the collegiate level. To be honest I didn’t even run leisurely on the weekends. That all changed when I had my daughter and took up running to live a healthier lifestyle. I never expected this sport to shape my life the way it has. I discovered a strong, confident side of myself I did not know existed. I was a 30-year wife, mother, and had my own real estate business...one would think I was successful and happy. Well, what I learned through running is that being financially successful doesn’t equal happiness. Like most young girls, I struggled with insecurities and wanted so badly not to pass this on to my daughter. Running has given... Read the profile >>
