#FFB: Ashley Yeater
Ashley is full of the kind of energy that you just want more of! She has a bubbly way about her that's attractive and inspiring. Her appeal as a fitness trainer and a Broadway performer is apparent through her cool confidence complimented by a lighthearted goofiness that is so captivating. Her dedication to fitness and performing keeps her at the top of her game making Ashley Fit for Broadway!
BIOGRAPHY: Hi I'm Ashley Yeater and I am thrilled to be a part of the Fit For Broadway Blog. I have been passionate about dance and fitness for as long as I can remember. I have performed all over the globe and Broadway in shows such as Pippin, Big Fish, Follies, and The Producers just to name a few. Next up you will find me in the cast of Gigi which will be playing at the Kennedy Center in January. I'm a passionate personal trainer and instructor at Physique 57 in NYC. Turning my love of fitness into a career has been an Epic dream come true.
INTERVIEW:
Q: Can you tell me about your fitness and Broadway career and how they have intertwined throughout your journey?
A: I began my fitness career 5 years ago at Physique 57. I have always had a love for fitness. The gym became my mental getaway at the very young age of 15. I'm from a small town in West Virginia. I did my dance training about an hour and a half from my house so when I couldn't be at the studio, I went to my local gym and danced there and did cardio work on the bike to help me get through strenuous routines. I guess you could say I was a "gym rat" :)
After years of touring and probably working out at every hotel gym across America I was getting bored with my routine. A friend introduced me to Physique 57 and I became hooked!!! The class was always different and it targeted muscles I had no clue existed. I took two classes and asked how do I become an instructor. The rest is history. Physique 57 has been a huge part of my life for 5 years now. Through ups and downs of life Physique has always been there for me. They have allowed me to leave to do shows and they work around my Broadway schedule when I'm lucky to be performing in the city. Lots of times people ask why on earth I continue to teach when I am doing a show. I always say "why not?" :) I love teaching and I'm inspired by my clients every day. Not only am I getting a killer workout but I'm training with some of the most remarkable people in NYC! I've met some of the most inspiring clients. They make me want to be a healthier and happier person. Inspire to aspire!
I booked my first national tour at the age of 19. I played Ariel in Footloose. I was attending the University at Buffalo at the time. I was taking the Greyhound bus from Buffalo to NYC about every week. When I was supposed to be in class I was traveling to NYC to hit any audition I could. My dream was always to be on Broadway and I was well determined to make it happen. My parents have always been my #1 supporters. They weren't so keen on the missed classes at school but they still supported my decision.
I've had the pleasure of touring all over the world with Footloose, Cats, The Producers, Chicago, and A Chorus Line. I made my Broadway debut with "The Producers". I got my equity card when I started out as a swing on the Leo Tour. I worked really hard and convinced them to put me into the show full time as the usherette by the second year and then after jumping through some more hoops when we got back from touring the show in Japan I landed in the Broadway company. Some sweat and tears got me to the great white way. My parents and best friend, Gabe, were there for my big debut. It was an epic day for me indeed.
When I started training at Physique 57 I booked the national tour of A Chorus Line. While touring I had the entire cast doing Physique. It was a blast! Basically ever since Physique came into my life I teach cast mates the method. It’s always a fun pre-show warm-up. Also, its fun when I'm in the city with shows to have the cast come take at the studio. It’s fun for my clients to meet cast members too. My clients have been huge supporters of my musical theater career too. They have seen me on the great white way in Follies, Big Fish, and Pippin. Some have brought in their playbills from The Producers to say "see I saw you in this too!". I get requests to teach Broadway themed classes all the time:) My clients love to throw a jazz hand and a shoulder roll. :)
Q: Can you tell me about your dance background and if that influences your fitness and health?
A: I grew up in Moundsville, West Virginia and did most of my dance training in Uniontown, PA, which was an hour and a half drive for my mom 4 times a week. Since the commute was tough, I discovered I could use the Aerobics room at our local gym for extra practice. This discovery led me to an entire world of fitness at the young age of 11. Running, biking, and light weights at a young age helped with my stamina to get through multiple routines.
Throughout travel and inspiration from friends I keep myself busy trying new workouts and making it a priority for my everyday lifestyle.
Q: You seem like you have such a healthy body confidence and positive relationship to fitness…What’s your advice for people who are struggling with working out and a negative body image?
A: I have met and work with some of the most inspiring clients at Physique 57. I tell them everyday... The battle to working out is just simply showing up. Once you are there in the room there is no turning back. The reward is how amazing you feel afterwards. My clients confess their bad days to me and say when they show up for a 57 minute workout it makes it all better. It makes me feel better as an instructor that I can get them out of a funk. Working out should be fun, challenging, and inspiring. If you don't make it a chore, it won't be.
Your body is capable of so much. You must respect yourself and not set outrageous fitness goals when you first start working out. Wiping away negative thoughts about yourself first will make your workout that much better. I find when I get into a workout funk I try something brand new or workout with a friend. A coffee date after a hard workout always helps the burn.
Q: Do you follow a specific diet?
A: My diet is just normal. I don't deprive myself. I workout to eat what I want. Growing up I had a bad mind set about food. I think that just comes with the dancer territory. Now I believe in healthy moderation. I love Mexican food so I may hit the gym a little harder the next day to balance out the guacamole. Also, my man introduced me to Indian food... Love It!!!! It’s our Sunday ritual. If you are looking for an amazing dirty curry... Benares on 56th between Broadway and 8th is where it's at!!
I'm a firm believer in eating what you REALLY REALLY love in moderation. Don't feel guilty for eating a slice of pizza... hold yourself accountable for it and workout the next day maybe an extra 10 minutes. You have to live your life. I tried all the fad diets and they did nothing for me but put a giant hole in my wallet. Make healthy and yummie choices. You will be much happier.
Q: What is your favorite energy-boosting snack/meal?
A: I have personal training clients starting at 6am three times a week. I need a massive energy boost in the early morning hours. My favorite morning pick me up is peanut butter and a banana. YUM!!!! Also, peanut butter and jelly on a 100 calorie english muffin is delicious in the morning too. I always have my coffee. No one wants to meet me without it. I find myself snacking on fruit throughout the day. Meals in the evenings are always high in protein and fiber. My boyfriend and I are trying to cook more during the work week. NYC has so many great restaurants that we hold off until the weekend to treat ourselves. Moderation is key!!
Q: Why is fitness so important to you both personally and for your work as a Broadway performer?
A: I have been so lucky to make a career out of both and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have people ask me all the time why would you continue to teach/train in fitness when you are doing a Broadway show and I say because I love it. I am inspired by my clients everyday. It makes me feel wonderful to know I helped someone hit their goal weight, put them back into their skinny jeans, or they had to take in their wedding dress for the big day. My personal training clients and Physique 57 clients are the most supportive people of my Broadway career. They love coming to see me perform and the absolutely love a backstage tour... who doesn't?!? My clients motivate me to be a better person and I hope I do the same.
Q: And what has been your biggest challenge(s)?
A: My biggest challenge is keeping my schedule balanced. If I could do it all, I would. I wouldn't change anything except try to add a few extra hours in the day. Life has its ups, downs, and curve balls. I have taken my fair share and I wouldn't change any of the negative because it has made me who I am now... Positive, happy, loved, inspired, and true.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My clients in the fitness world inspire me every day and I am grateful for that. My boyfriend is my rock and I thank my lucky stars I have him in my life. My parents are my backbone... Through thick and thin they have been my biggest cheerleaders and I am thankful they continue to cheer me on. And my little pups Emmit and Lord Baxter have been there through the good and bad with a cuddle.
Ashley invited me to her 8am Saturday morning workout at Physique 57 this past weekend. Sometimes boutique fitness studios can feel intimidating but Physique 57 could not have been more friendly and eager to make my workout experience comfortable and fun. From the minute I walked in, Ashley made me feel so at ease by introducing me to all the regulars and helping me get situated with the equipment and structure of the class. A combination of barre work plus stretching and strengthening has muscles of my body still sore today! (primarily my inner thighs...can I get a Heck Yes?!) The workout targeted all of the hard to reach muscles that everyone spends hours in the gym trying to tone. I genuinely felt like the workout was targeting a completely different set of muscles which means they have discovered the secrets to tone the hard to reach areas! #Awesome
Ashley's energy was totally the highlight as waking up for an 8am class on the weekend is anything but ideal EXCEPT when you have someone's smile beaming at you with encouragement and lightening the class by humor and enthusiasm. She made the experience so fun and accessible for all the varying levels in the class, which I think it fantastic! Everyone's body is different and reacts in a new way each day to all we demand and that theme was constantly revisited throughout the class. She encouraged us to listen to our bodies and challenge ourselves to our own degree. There was so much positive energy flying around the studio leaving me feeling energized and my body completely challenged! Too often I do a workout and don't feel enough after-burn which was certainly not the case here. Physique 57 gave all the after-burn you would ever want and need to get Fit for Broadway!
I give Physique 57 5 stars. It is absolutely one of my favorite and most effective workout boutique studios for toning in New York and I highly recommend it! I will certainly be going back!
Find out more information and sign up for your first class here! There are also DVDs! Fantastic news for anyone not in the major cities with Physique 57 studios. (And how great for travel!) :)
