Fitlab Pittsburgh Feature
FitLabPGH is a podcast about movement and movement opportunities in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Once a week we also highlight a FitLabPGH mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity. The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability. Click FitLabPGH Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.
This Week: Cecile Elias
Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Born and raised! I’m the only one of my parents’ 5 children that have never lived out of state. I’ve gone back and forth, between Allegheny and Washington Counties but never lived on the other side of the bridges or tunnels. I’ve traveled quite a bit, but circumstances as a young adult just sucked me into staying, I suppose! I married a rebound guy at 21 and was divorced with a mortgage at 23. My Pilates practice kept growing and at some point I found myself in a position where I had it too good to leave! However, the adaptations that I’ve made during “stay at home” orders are proof that I can make it work anywhere. For the past 3 years or so, my husband and I have talked about moving to a warmer, dryer climate…
What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Hiking/running/walking- can that be one? I love to be outdoors, especially surrounded by nature! PILATES!!! Yoga
Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? I feel like there are best vacations for different categories! For movement, I workout during every vacation. Typically, I run or walk a lot while I’m away and make a point to find a Pilates studio or do my own mat. I also might do a body weight circuit or HIIT style workout and home or away I do a little bit of daily yoga. I’ve loved my European trips and nothing beats a week on the beach. Last August, my husband and I visited Yellowstone for the first time with my bother, sister and brother in law . The whole week was centered around hiking. We’ve done a couple shorter trips to Colorado like that. This might be my favorite type of trip!
What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? I’d rather eat after and I don’t “snack”, so it’s just a whole meal! Properly raised protein, please! Salmon, steak, bone broth, pasture raised eggs, homemade jerky if I’m on the go, etc.
What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Steak or I love a whole roasted fish!
Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? Last year, I went white water rafting for the first time at Ohiopyle. I would love to do it again!!! Otherwise, maybe jiu jitsu?
What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? People have a hard time prioritizing it in their schedules. Everyone has time to do 10 push ups in a day. They have to prioritize it. There’s time…
What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Probably the white water rafting! I went with my dad and two uncles, who had all done it before and were on the swim team in college. I was the only one that didn’t fall out at some point! (I used my inner thighs like crazy to hang on!)
What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Do I have to pick just one? Sauna but followed closely by meditation, foam rolling and dry brushing
What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) As far as restaurants, my favorite thing is to go to different ones each time. I do very little repeats! On the outskirts of Pittsburgh, I really love Ohiopyle. (The folks out there are still Steelers Fans, so it counts!) My parents recently moved there and every time I visit them, it feels like vacation. That said, my favorite spots in the actual city of Pittsburgh are the parks!
