The Wellness Files // a wellness-focused interview series featuring the badass ladies that inspire me.
Lauren Chiarello is one of those fitness instructors that inspires me. Like, a lot. When I’ve taken her class I’m in total awe of her seemingly endless energy and passion for what she does. She’s the real deal.
Adding to that is the fact that she’s kicked cancers ass, twice, and has used her own experience to both educate and fundraise for others. I’m so excited to feature Lauren here today and hope you’ll be as inspired by her as I am.
I am a 2x cancer thriver + lover of life! I am the founder of Chi Chi Life which melds my three passions: fitness, fundraising / events + cancer advocacy. My passions are my profession. I balance my time between teaching fitness (in the studio, corporate wellness, private training), planning + executing events + speaking / volunteering at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).
▶︎ I know you didn’t always work in fitness and now you’re working at two majorly awesome studios (Flex Studios and Exhale) in NYC. What made you decide to take the plunge and become a fitness instructor?
Fitness was an integral part of my recovery from my battle with cancer. My work with fundraising + event planning helped others but I knew teaching fitness would allow me to impact people in a more direct way. In the studio + in life, I strive to lead by example + provide support + motivation to everyone.
▶︎ What was the journey like to becoming a fitness instructor?
I was still working full-time when I signed up for exhale’s 40-hour barre teacher training. Going into the training, I didn’t know if I would actually teach — I had no idea if I would like it or be good at it! But I wanted to try.
After my 40-hour training was completed, I auditioned + was accepted into exhale’s 200-hour teacher training program. When that opportunity presented itself, I decided to leave my full-time job to transition into freelance event work + dive into the fitness world. Chi Chi Life was born!
Since then, I’ve trained + earned certifications in Pilates Mat, TRX Suspension Training and Pink Ribbon Pilates for Breast Cancer Survivors. I love teaching small classes so I’ve delved into the corporate wellness space. It’s been a privilege to lead amazing groups of colleagues in the workplace.
▶︎ What advice do you have for someone looking to launch their career in health and fitness?
Find what excites you! What brands / companies light your soul on fire? Find those + look for jobs there. If there aren’t any – no biggie. Find a way to connect for an informational coffee chat. Don’t be discourage if there isn’t an opportunity immediately, you can use the time to build relationships which could develop into future possibilities.
▶︎ Having taken your class at Exhale, your passion for teaching fitness is so clear. How do you find that energy to inspire others even if you’re having a meh day?
My students inspire me. They show up to work. They show up because they know they will walk out feeling better than when they walked in. We trudge through the challenges together as a team. When I walk into the studio, I have the beautiful opportunity to hold space for people. Even if I am having a rough day, I dig deep + lay everything out on the line.
▶︎ My father is a Lymphoma survivor as well. For him that experience encouraged him to go after his dreams of becoming a race car driver and he went on to use racing as way to raise money and awareness for the cause. How has being a cancer survivor positively influenced your life?
Cheers to your dad for thriving! Each day on this earth is truly a gift. I have channeled my energy into leading the most healthy + positive lifestyle I can. Also, I give back in every way possible to the cancer community – donating my time by speaking at events, connecting with patients + their families and raising $75,000+ for various cancer charities.
When fitness, fundraising + events all roll into one, I am the most happy!
Over the past 8 years, I ran the Disney Half Marathon with the Leukemia + Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, Rock N Roll Nashville Half Marathon with First Descents, NYC Marathon with MSKCC’s Fred’s Team, led a 16-person / 4-bike team for MSKCC’s Cycle for Survival, taught Barre for A Cause classes supporting my friend’s fundraising efforts + held a #ChiChiSweatSesh class in Central Park benefiting the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
It’s a true joy to move our bodies while raising funds + awareness for various causes.
▶︎ Where does your motivation to lead a healthy life come from?
I move for those who can’t. I fully understand how fortunate I am to be alive. I never take that for granted. I fuel my body + mind with good things – positive people, consistent exercise + clean eating.
▶︎ What’s your go-to spot for a healthy meal or snack in NYC?
We are so fortunate to have loads of options here in NYC! I’m in the Flatiron area almost every day so I often swing by Liquiteria for their energy balls or coffee and cacao smoothie. I also love By Chloe – the most dreamy, delicious vegan food you’ll ever encounter: burgers, salads, juices / smoothies, baked goods galore!
▶︎ What’s your proudest fitness moment?
I adore traveling so combining fitness with travel adventures is something I am super energized by! This year I’m leading a retreat called “Heart, Soul + Barre” in Bali, Indonesia at Sharing Bali in July. Spots are starting to fill up + I’d love to have your beautiful soul join us! You can learn more here.
▶︎ What work out, if any, are you currently obsessed with?
I am a firm believer in balancing my exercise with strength + cardio. You can find me at the barre at exhale, TRX or Pilates at FLEX Studios, a class at Uplift Studios or Fhitting Room or spin at SoulCycle. I like to add in yoga, too.
▶︎ When you’re tight on time but want a healthy, homemade dinner, what do you make?
We’ll usually whip up a veggie stir fry with brown rice!
▶︎ What’s the last great book you read?
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It’s essentially all about “Resistance”, turning pro + getting out of your own way. It’s a super easy read + if you’re in the creative / entrepreneurial space, it’s a must-read + will help you solidify your work’s purpose.
▶︎ What beauty products do you swear by?
I love waterproof blinc mascara, beautycounter dew skin tinted moisturizer + AHAVA night cream.
▶︎ What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My father always told me: “The squeaky wheel gets greased”. I am known for my proactive spirit. If I want something, I go after it. All magical things take time + patience. With consistent energy toward your goal, I deeply believe anything is possible.
▶︎ What’s one piece of advice you would give someone new to fitness + wellness?
Try a bunch of new things – see what excites + resonates with your mind + body. Even if your friends might love a certain type of exercise, it may not be a good fit for you. So, I encourage you to check out different styles, classes, teachers + select a few that get you jazzed to move your body!
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Barre or Yoga? Depends on what my body is telling me but usually barre.
Spin class or run? These days, I’d choose spin.
AM or PM workout? Mid-day, usually, whenever I can fit it in!
Smoothie or juice? Smoothie.
Group fitness or solo workout? Group Fitness. Nothing beats community!
▶︎ Where I can find you on social media, blog, teaching fitness, etc.
Newsletter // Sign up for my monthly newsletter – Chi Chi Pulse {Fitness. Events. Food. Tunes. People. Books} here.
Instagram // ChiChiLifeNYC
Facebook // ChiChiLifeNYC.
My weekly schedule is below + I often teach + host free classes / special events, which I announce on social media + my newsletter:
MON: 6:30p & 7:40p Core Fusion Barre exhale Gramercy (29th / Park Ave South)
TU: 4:15p & 5:20p Core Fusion Barre exhale Gramercy
WED: 7:30a TRX FLEX Studios USQ (14th between 5th + 6th Ave)
THU: 5:30p TRX FLEX Studios USQ
SUN: 12p TRX FLEX Studios USQ
Upcoming Event:
SUN 2/26 – #BarreForSurvival at exhale CPS benefiting Cycle for Survival at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Join me on Sunday, February 26th from 2:30pm – 3:30pm for a basic level Core Fusion Barre class — with 100% of funds supporting rare cancer research. We will raffle off a 5-pack of classes to exhale + a 3-day cleanse from Pressed Juicery. Also included: goodies from Organic Bath Co. + Sweaty Betty. Reservation required — sign up today! Class donation: $40. Can’t make it? You can donate to Team Chi Chi Life here.
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