The CORE of Fitness

We sat down with Denise Chakoian, owner of CORE Pilates Mind/Body and CORE Cycling + Fitness, to talk realistic fitness goals and realistic life/workout balance.

You’re an advocate for “lifestyle resolutions” rather than New Year’s Resolutions. Tell us more.
My philosophy is simple: try not to make unrealistic expectations. Many people say they want to do grand things for the new year, but typically they start very strong and slowly diminish because the goal is so unrealistic for the time frame they want it. My trainers and I make lifestyle goals for the year, and we work on those all year until people achieve what they are looking for. These lifestyle goals may be met sooner than a full year, but we work on an overall life/work/family balance and we have found this works.

What’s your advice on adopting a healthier lifestyle, when everyone is so busy?
I would say make time every day for yourself, like working out is a personal appointment. Twenty minutes per day is all you need if you are efficient with your workout. It could be as simple as a power walk or as hard as a “Tabata” workout. For me, sometimes I cannot workout for myself if things get busy with both studios, but for the most part, I get up very early in the morning and take time out to do a workout for myself before starting my day. I find for myself that getting my day going with a workout energizes me for the day ahead.

Tell us about CORE’s fitness philosophy.
We want to make fitness fun, but also help those who have those specific goals and needs at the same time. Our philosophy is based on creating a comfortable environment with professional staff that can lead clients to a better overall fitness level. We listen to what our clients want and need, instead of pushing them to do something that they do not want to do, nor will enjoy.

You’re a big fan of being strong, staying fit but also enjoying life. How do you achieve that balance personally?
Everyone who knows me can tell you I am a lover of great food. It took me years to figure out how to get balance, to be honest, and once you do, your entire life changes. I believe that you can enjoy all things in your life in moderation and at the same time kick some butt in your fitness sessions!

You specialize in personal training as well as fitness classes. Tell us about how you personalize a workout.
We do an evaluation on everyone that begins a personal training program. We do an FMS (Functional Movement Screening) on the client to see range of motion, any spinal imbalances and overall strength. This allows us to begin a strategy for their program.

What happens at small group training?
Small group training sessions have no more than five people. This allows people who would like to do personal training but cannot afford to, an opportunity to lessen the cost but still get individualized attention.

Tell us about the differences between CORE Cycling + Fitness, and CORE Pilates Mind/Body.
CORE Cycling + Fitness is primarily based on group fitness classes. One side is our state of the art Stadium Style Cycling Studio, and the other side is our Group Fitness Room where we do all of our Total Body Classes, Barre, Pilates Mat, Yoga, etc. In the same plaza, we have the CORE Personal Training Studio where we have a “Jungle Gym” type training studio with lots of toys and functional equipment to give our clients or small groups a great workout while in a private setting. Our Governor Street location is all of our small-group Pilates Reformer Classes and Pilates private training. We feel that that studio provides a serene and zen-like atmosphere, which is a nice balance from the other studios.

How can we get a taste of CORE without committing to a costly regimen?
Your first group fitness class is free on us at the Cycling + Fitness Studio. At the Pilates Mind/Body Studio there is a discounted small group class coupon that is also offered online. The difference in our classes is the knowledge and the feel of what we offer. We are very focused on form, technique and growth. We care about each individual in our classes as well as our personal clients. Our classes “feel” different based on experience and knowledge.

CORE Pilates Mind/Body
208 Governor Street, Providence
401-273-2673

CORE Cycling + Fitness
727 East Avenue, Pawtucket
401-273-2673