My *honest* opinions as a personal trainer in nyc.

[@sammy_oooo]

Great video as always, Justina! Yes to a "Training my Husband" video 👌🏻💪🏻💜

[@JustinaErcole]

Coming soon!

[@avany6552]

YES, from Justina's reaction to the question it's going to be such a fun video.

[@MeeksLp]

I really enjoyed listening to this, I really appreciate your honesty and your videos are just real, so different from your usual fitness influencers. You are a Fitness professional sharing your knowledge and passion.

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you so much!

[@marieleyva2324]

I remember finding your videos on 2021, and how they felt like a huge breath of fresh air and so informative to the average person who is just starting working out, I've learned so much from you Justina, I love your videos because they are entertaining but also educational, the 2 seasons of "vlogmas" being a highlight for me

[@JustinaErcole]

Oh wow I’m so happy to have you here! ❤️

[@jayohjayoh]

I love the fact that you have four bedrooms and no guest room. Inspiring me to make our guest room something else for us to use. 😂

[@JustinaErcole]

Hahahaha to be fair, we moved here during the pandemic so people weren’t really visiting

[@brightknight1965]

Totally agree about the icky feeling from CrossFit. I have always had the impression that as a brand they want to be seen as the workout already fit people do when they want to get “to the next level”. It comes across as: we’re better than you. More disciplined, more willing to sacrifice, etc. and honestly I just don’t need fitness to make me feel bad about myself

[@JustinaErcole]

100%!

[@lisagoeke9084]

Thank you for the mention of Tina Tang for all of us perimenopause and menopause ladies! As always, I appreciate your content, transparency, and honesty. Thank you so much!!!

[@JustinaErcole]

You're so welcome! Always happy to plug other coaches who are more knowledgable in a certain space :)

[@suchsappho]

I know you said this video was super long, but it went by super quickly, and I was sad when it was over lol 😂 Thank you for answering these questions! I’m super excited for some of the year’s new programs!

[@JustinaErcole]

oh yay I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@joyyboyy1]

My question got answered! Woohoo! Love Q&A videos and your perspective is so consistent and concise. ❤

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you so much for submitting a question!

[@spanditanandi8560]

Omg my question got pickeddddd!!!! Thank you Justina! And slaying the wavy hair as usual 😍😍

[@JustinaErcole]

thank you for the compliment and the question!

[@emm8357]

On the ab exercises - I used to do a session specifically focused on this area but have found that I don’t really need to now. I joined a functional strength training class (thanks to this channel!) and have found that my core and/or abs are getting a workout while we’re concentrating on other movement patterns. This week I lifted heavier and as well as feeling it in my arms a day or so after, my lower abs were also sore, even though I hadn’t been specifically targeting that area.

[@JustinaErcole]

I love that! That’s what I always say that every exercise is a core exercise 😊 I was just trying to figure out if this person wanted visible growth, because they would definitely want to move through a full ROM than just incorporate isometric contractions to target the abs.

[@dotsamantha]

I love our neighborhood so much. I grew up in a nearby borough (trying not to doxx myself lol) but I've been in this one for a while now and I can see staying here for decades to come. I was out of NY for a decade and change, and I much prefer walkability and robust public transportation. This was a low key very inspiring vid, Justina, love your candor. ❤

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@violetash9597]

I agree with the Training Kevin video! I also would love to do your group training or workshop (like the fitcation thing) if you ever decide to do it in the future. Great video!

[@JustinaErcole]

Noted! We’re filming the training video this weekend :)

[@SLocky82]

Yes we absolutely want to see you train Kevin! 😁

[@JustinaErcole]

I think we just picked a date 🥳

[@loenietune]

This was such a fun video to watch. Thank you for answering my question about which skills you are learning! Are you planning an releasing any content about sprinting (how to start as a complete beginner, how not to look insane sprinting in a commercial gym)?

[@JustinaErcole]

Honestly I’m not super knowledgeable about sprint mechanics, but I did a video with a run coach about 3 years ago!

[@bre5744]

Loved this Q&A, I hope you are able to pursue your CSCS. You have really strong certs that will be great building blocks for that test ☺️

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you!! My goal is to at least get the textbook this year :)

[@cjsfunbun]

I love your videos and when you talk about yourself and your goals or about how you work because its clear you think about things from all angles and who it will affect and how. And how things can change! Also love how far ahead you plan programs in your year

[@SilvestriMelissa]

I really enjoyed this video! And for your Astoria talk at the end, I lived there for 16 years, and now live in Jersey City. And while Astoria will always feel like home in my heart, I do like that my neighborhood is walkable, easy commute to NYC, and has small green grocers, Middle Eastern food, and is a short subway stop away from the downtown part that is more like 30th Ave/Broadway Astoria. I'm happy you love Astoria, and scored such an amazing apartment!

[@JustinaErcole]

Astoria is such an amazing neighborhood!

[@jenmessier2195]

Love this style of video Justina!😊

[@JustinaErcole]

so glad you enjoyed!

[@jennterry6977]

I think a meet up would be so much fun! I hope you reconsider in the future.

[@JustinaErcole]

noted!

[@cheyyrc]

The 4-week Broadway Lover program!! SO pumped for that!!

[@avany6552]

You're 100% correct about living in a walkable city, I do live in one aswell and it's so good not just for phisical health but mental health aswell.

[@JustinaErcole]

100%! About to go on my midday walk now :)

[@allisonsteele8702]

I would totally listen to an hour long video from you!! I just prop you up as I'm folding laundry or cleaning. Just my own two cents!

[@JustinaErcole]

Awww thank you!

[@angelwings6186]

I have SLE Lupus, Ehlors Danlos, and mixed connective tissue disease. Diagnosed 8 years now. What helped me the most was changing my diet. I started out with very gentle motions, in bed, to learn my body and limits before I ever stepped in the gym. You have to have patience and be realistic to your chronic illness. You may not be able to be a muscle mami, but you can stretch and maintain the motion you already have. Stretching can also relieve pain when you are inflamed. The biggest thing is to remember not to push too hard. Idc who is around me in the gym. If I go to lift and I get that feeling that something isn't right, I immediately stop and find an alternative. It's frustrating, but an injury can take months for me to heal. Build up slowly and listen to your body. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk lol

[@JustinaErcole]

thank you for sharing your experience!

[@TheMichelleDiaries]

My questions got answered! Thank you Justina! 💖 I really enjoyed this video! Ps: Your hair looks beautiful! 💕

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you!

[@PlanwithLaken]

Chicago has lots of comedy and walkability! 😉😉😉

[@JustinaErcole]

lol I wouldn't be opposed!

[@rachaelerin1]

Watching from Delco! Love your vids ❤

[@JustinaErcole]

ahh hey fellow delco girlie!

[@regineyaites2041]

Hi Justina! How do you feel about F45? Do you think it is a good representation of functional fitness? Ever since I started watching your videos, I am working to be more intentional about my workouts.

[@JustinaErcole]

Hey! I haven't been to an F45 class since before the pandemic so I'm not sure how their programming is now. But I remember it being some of the better group fitness programming out there in terms of big franchises. It's definitely more endurance focused (even on the strength days) than a true strength workout from what I remember.

[@__Tiziana__]

Loved the video and I would definitely be very happy to see another one like this in the future! ❤ Now I'm going to impatiently waiting for your husband's workout, and THEN I'm going to specifically request a training session video with Zooey. She will do all the teaching, of course.

[@JustinaErcole]

hahahahaha I can't promise anything with Zooey :) but Kevin and I are planning a video soon!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hi Justina! Still watching this video but wanted to say I have always agreed with your thoughts on fasted workouts. And I’ve felt that way about the Intermittent fasting craze too. BUT then I started having serious perimenopause symptoms and tried IF that is supposed to work with your cycle (Fast Like a Girl to deal with perimenopause symptoms) I found I wasn’t eating as varied and natural foods as usual bc I was often very hungry when I finally ate and would eat whatever was in front of me lol. It’s also very hard to do with a busy, ever-changing schedule. However, some of my symptoms disappeared. Like I’d developed a restless leg at night and that goes away when fasting part of the month. This really surprised me. Thought I’d share.

[@JustinaErcole]

Hey! I actually didn’t share any thoughts, simply the very small amount of research on the subject. My opinion is if it helps you get to your goals, go for it :)

[@marshmelly]

Woo Delco girl here too (Havertown!) Also went to TU :)

[@JustinaErcole]

omg small world!

[@ivymoncada1805]

Would love to here about your career path choices! I love you’re videos and feel like I can relate so much because I love dancing and thought that would be my career until I found kinesiology and physical therapy. I have my BS in KIN and I am going to start personal training and teach group ex and I want to possibly pursue PTA just because I feel DPT is a little too daunting but I love hearing others stories about why they chose the path they are on. Thank you for your videos!

[@JustinaErcole]

Noted! I feel like when I hit 100k I’ll make a big video about how I got here :)

[@ivymoncada1805]

😁 would love that thank you!

[@icegirl1691]

FYI Mercari is another great resell site! I will find a brand and size I want and buy it off there. I also need a full video of you training Kevin and talking about the transfer from theater. And super excited for these more programs!!!

[@JustinaErcole]

Ooh thank you for the tip! And the video with Kevin is now being planned due to high interest :)

[@SarahLloyd-lk4hb]

I NEED to see you train Kevin. My life would be made😂❤. This video is great btw! You are so knowledgeable 😊.

[@JustinaErcole]

We’re filming this weekend!

[@nuesm]

Pleasee please make a review about BodyPump and BodyCombat!! I love doing them and I love to hear what you think of them.

[@anneliesnuiten5389]

Thank you for answering my question! To answer your question, you were spot on😊. I want more muscle definition, but more important just get stronger to carry my groceries without back problems and lift my kids to bed when they fall asleep in the car. My oldest turned 13 today, so I need to excersise with more heavy weights😂

[@JustinaErcole]

You're so welcome!

[@mayalarson8265]

Just visited Astoria and LOVED it!!

[@JustinaErcole]

It’s the best!

[@dorothyweber3034]

Thank you for taking the time and answering fitness questions, would you be able to do a video on gym equipment as to if some of the machines are useful? I personally use free weights and cables , but I do use the seated leg press and assisted pull up machine would love your opinion on the gym machines . Thank you

[@JustinaErcole]

Great idea! I made a video about machines vs free weights ~2 years ago but it may need an upgrade :)

[@freethetomatoes]

Good morning! ☀

[@JustinaErcole]

Morning!

[@420kerbster]

❤new sub love this woman😂she keeps it too real

[@JustinaErcole]

thank you for being here!

[@belchuri]

To the person asking about exercises with chronic illness: small but consistent sessions are genuinely the best from my personal experience with fibro and CFS/ME. I do two sessions of light weight and full body yoga twice a day, it's AMAZING for mobility and pain. Just find out what the bare minimum is that you can do consistently in a day and do that until you feel you can do more. Not an expert, but a spoonie buddy ❤

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you for sharing!

[@alexandrapereira6637]

Omg yesss!!! I wanna see you train Kevin! 😁

[@JustinaErcole]

It’s planned and in the books!

[@jessicavoigt4768]

AGREED kipping pullups are stupid and need to go!!

[@JustinaErcole]

Definitely wouldn't recommend for most people haha

[@JustSheilz]

Ive always thought something was off with CrossFit.

[@JustinaErcole]

Same haha

[@abbeyz9272]

Don’t forget about Occupational Therapy as a profession to recommend for your question with someone with chronic pain :)

[@JustinaErcole]

Great suggestion!

[@Chantellabellaaa]

I just looove the FITT club!! It is slightly pricey for me (I live in South Africa, and the Rand/Dollar is really bad, lol) - it's absolutely worth it, though, and I'm really happy I joined it! I used to do Crossfit for about 2 years - I was lucky, I did it at a really great box, but I stopped because it got really pricey... I'm not sorry I did it though, because it made me fall in love with weightlifting 😍

[@JustinaErcole]

Ahhhhh I’m so grateful to have you in the club!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@JackieOstick]

We do have Crumbl here! The Levain competition!

[@JustinaErcole]

Omg I had no idea! But in solidarity, I will choose Levain 🫡

[@wendybanks7671]

Are you going to do PN level 2 ?

[@JustinaErcole]

Maybe one day!

[@AngelaCatsaros]

Okay I need to see you train Kevin!

[@JustinaErcole]

coming soon! :)

[@sherryg1838]

If you want walkability, don’t move to Phoenix, lol. I love living in the desert, but I definitely need my car!

[@JustinaErcole]

Noted!

[@KathehFIT]

What you were in Media? We were going to move there but we decided to move to south NJ instead. Also as pert who was born in NYC you are hella New Yorker hahahha

[@JustinaErcole]

Yep grew up there!

[@mx8357]

I’m sorry STRENGTH FOR SWIFTIES?? (Heavy on the reputation comment lol) Also broadway lover?? (My young jazz competition dancer heart is intrigued)… I am listening!!!👂🏻

[@JustinaErcole]

hahaha stay tuned!

[@wgcooke1]

Gush incoming- 1. I am an owl, class of ‘04. (Hardwick, 1940, 1300)🎉 2. I would absolutely come to a fitcation if you were involved maybe something with your fitdown chat friends or maybe other Philly coaches like cdorner or precision kettlebell- gush over.

[@JustinaErcole]

YES TEMPLE! And noted about the get together :)

[@deadliftsanddisney]

Ok. Twist my arm. Strength for Swifties program? Sign me up.

[@JustinaErcole]

Coming soon! 👀

[@MrVevlet]

As a fat woman who lifts weights… I wonder if that trainer at the end has tools to motivate her clients beyond fear & fat shaming? Fear & hope are the two main ways to motivate people. Hope can be harder to find & implement but it keeps people motivated longer than fear. Beyond that if you don’t have a dietician degree I’m actually not interested in your opinions on weight loss. Because unless you’re up to date with the latest nutrition science you’re actually not qualified to give advice. I recognise that fitness intersects with nutrition but there’s a world of difference between talking about the value of things like cardio vs. mentioning weight loss in every guided workout, saying cruel things about fat people and insisting your workout regime will automatically lead to weight loss. I do appreciate that you tend to cite things like food deserts, being time poor and other factors when discussing these issues. It makes your channel a place I can go to learn about fitness without worrying about I’ll hear insensitive comments about bodies like mine. I love weight lifting, it’s helped so much with my chronic pain and it’s something I’ve been doing for years now. But attitudes like that trainers are why I’m super careful about engaging with fitness spaces. I want to learn not be made to feel bad about myself. If being made to feel bad about myself was going to help I’d have a supermodel’s figure at this point. And I’m small fat so I can’t imagine how alienating it’d be people in bodies larger than mine who want to learn about fitness. Also if you ever feel like discussing body neutrality I’d be interested. It’s what I ended up resonating with. (Learnt about the term through an interview with Ashley Graham). Such a long comment, sorry. Just appreciated your honesty & sensitivity discussing the topic.

[@JustinaErcole]

no apology needed! thank you for sharing your insight :)

[@JackieOstick]

Delcoooooo!!!!!

[@JustinaErcole]

Woooo!

[@75JayLady]

Would love to meet your husband on the mat, so to speak!

[@JustinaErcole]

We’re filming this weekend!

[@75JayLady]

@@JustinaErcolesweet!

[@justamandabeth]

So stoked for Strength for Swifties!!

[@JustinaErcole]

omg me too. they've been a BLAST to film!