Instructor Spotlight: Kristy Boyle

You may recognize Kristy Boyle from a Pilates or barre fitness open division class at PBT Studios. What you may not know is that she is PBT School’s dance and fitness programs manager. She puts in the work during class and behind the scenes every day managing dance and fitness programs for the hundreds of Community Division members who walk through PBT’s doors weekly. Get to know Kristy here, and check out the class schedule on MindBody.com to meet her in person! 

FUN FACTS 

Hometown: Pittsburgh 

Family: I have one sister and an extremely large extended family. I am one of 21 cousins on my dad’s side alone!

Hobbies: Swimming, paddle boarding and hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter. I am not much of a cook, but I do love to try new local restaurants. In my down time I like to read and catch up on sleep. 

Favorite food: Shrimp tacos

Favorite musician/song: Anything Justin Timberlake 

Favorite form of exercise to teach: It’s a tie between Barre Fitness and TRX 

Favorite form of exercise to do: Strength training

Favorite Pilates stretch/position: I love the side leg series!

Q&A

How long have you been instructing dance and fitness classes? 

I started teaching in college at Slippery Rock University. 

Describe your career “epiphany” – the moment you knew this was what you wanted to do professionally. 

I always knew that I wanted to help people and to teach in some capacity. Dance has been a constant in my life since I was 3 years old, so it only seemed natural to combine my love of dance with teaching and helping people to meet their health and wellness goals. 

What are some of your goals as Manager of Dance & Fitness Programs? 

My goal when I took on the position was to expand on the current class schedule, offer a wider variety of classes that complemented our already popular ballet classes, and to give Pittsburgh the opportunity to train like a dancer. The Community Division continues to multiply in attendance every year, and I want to continue to expand our teaching staff and to bring in a wider range of clientele. 

What’s the most fulfilling thing about being a fitness and dancer instructor?

I had a dance professor in college who said, “If you can walk, you can dance.” That quote has stuck with me ever since and is perfectly applicable for my role with PBT in the way that we open our doors to everyone to dance and move! I also feel most fulfilled in experiencing the positive results of my students and clients. Whether it be an adult client who is reaching their fitness goals and feels happier and stronger or my Pre-professional students who are working to improve their technique and keep their bodies injury free through cross-training, I get to see the positive outcomes of so many different people here. 

What advice would you give someone who wants to be a fitness and dance instructor?

Educate yourself. Take the time to receive the correct training and certifications. Always continue to grow as an instructor by attempting to read everything that you can about the ever changing industry. 

What are the advantages of group classes? How about private personal training sessions?

Group classes give you a welcoming community atmosphere to keep you motivated to exercise while you are being led by a top notch instructor. If you have a personal training session scheduled, you know that your trainer is going to hold you accountable for showing up and making the most of your workout time. The exercises will be catered around your goals and will give you exactly what you need to improve. 

What makes PBT a great place to sweat? 

The Community Division gives you so many options! And you do not have to be a dancer! PBT has high quality, dedicated staff who will provide quality instruction. Bonus: you get to take class in the same beautiful studios that our professional company rehearses in!