Kalumi Chats With Megan Roup
Professional Dancer, Fitness Model and Celebrity Trainer.
After teaching one of her highly sort after fitness classes, Kalumi stops by the studio to learn more about Megan's busy but impressive life as a trainer, fitness model and dancer in NYC. Megan shares some great advice for those wanting to improve their bodies in the New Year and how to stay healthy on the go!
Where do you call home?
I'm originally from Santa Barbara, California.
What inspired you to start your career in the fitness industry?
My journey into the fitness industry started through dance. I moved to New York to attend The Tisch dance program at NYU. I quickly discovered that having a healthy, strong body and positive body image was a necessity when dancing professionally. Consequently, I began incorporating fitness into my routine outside of my daily dance classes.
What kind of modeling do you do?
I’ve managed to combine my love for fitness with modeling which has brought me a lot of fitness editorials and work with many of my favorite athletic companies.
What does a typical day in NYC look like for you?
An average day typically begins with teaching a class and or training a private client. After the workout, my day is filled with modeling jobs booked with various designers throughout the city. Depending on the day, I'll have a model casting to attend before or after my booked work. If it's a busy week, I will go back to the studio to teach another class.
How do you manage to stay healthy while constantly on-the-go?
That’s my biggest challenge. For me, planning is key. I usually make my own breakfast and dinner so lunch can be tricky when you're on the go. Luckily, New York is filled with healthy restaurant options. Some of my favorite go-to lunch spots are Organic Avenue, by Chloe or Juice Generation. Ideally, I bring my own lunch. It’s the best way to stay on track.
What is the biggest misunderstanding women have when it comes to working out?
Most women believe that all they need to do is cardio in order to achieve their fitness goals or that they'll bulk if they lift weights. However, incorporating some kind of muscular work into their routine at least 3 times a week, along with cardio, will provide much more of a transformation than just cardio alone.
It’s January, any advice for those seeking a healthier and fitter body for their New Years resolutions?
It's so important to enjoy your workouts. Find something you truly enjoy and become a part of the community. When you have a fitness tribe, you're so much more likely to show up and make fitness a lifestyle. These communities/studios make fitness social and fun instead of a sacrifice. Some of my best friends I met at my studio. I see them more than I see my family!
What has been the biggest mile stone in your career thus far?
My most exciting accomplishment as a dancer was working with the NBA's Brooklyn NETS. I was a part of the first 2 seasons in Brooklyn at the Barclay Center. Despite an extremely hectic rehearsal and performance schedule, I was still able to maintain my busy modeling career and teach fitness classes. It was a proud moment, simultaneously achieving 3 goals I had worked so hard for.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty to me means being comfortable in my own skin.
Your advice for success?
Persistence is the key. It’s easy to look at someone’s career and see only the wins. What’s more important, however, is to not ignore all the failures that they incurred along the way. The amount of times I re-auditioned for various jobs is more than I’d like to admit. My mistakes allowed me to get stronger, re-evaluate and train harder. Stay focused and the success will follow.
Thanks for the great advice Megan, we’re ready to kick 2017’s butt! Girls, for fitness tips and motivation, follow Megan on instagram: @meganroup
xo, Kalumi
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