TrillYoga has long been my movement to show yoga is for everyone; the same way I think wellness should be. It also is built on a community of people who handle wellness in their own way, as we are all trying to be the best versions of ourselves. #WellnessWednesdays is my way of sharing other personalities and stories so we can all see how wellness comes in many different styles. 

I love when I find other wonderful women in the fitness and training industry who are committed to spreading knowledge and information about how to be fit and healthy, inside and out. Super invaluable in a space where it's easy to get confused. I'm a huge fan of Massi and her work, and y'all should be, too! Read on to hear about her story and what wellness means to her. 

TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU DO:

I'm an Afto-Latina personal trainer, Zumba© Instructor and fitness educator in the Bronx, NY. I help hundreds of women online and offline burn fat, get snatched and build muscle in all the right places.

WHAT DOES WELLNESS MEAN TO YOU/HOW DO YOU DEFINE WELLNESS?

Wellness is about prioritizing quality of life. Wellness means being as healthy in the mind as you are in the body. What we eat, the music we listen to, the books we read, what we believe and the company we keep-- it’s all connected.

FAVORITE WAY TO WELLNESS (WORKOUT, MEAL, ACTIVITY, ETC.)

I can’t pick just one, so I’ll talk about my top 3. Zumba© is #1 because music and dance is an integral part of my heritage and culture. As a daughter of Dominican Immigrants, introducing fitness through Latin music helps me connect to my roots. When I’m teaching, it feels like I’m back in my parent’s motherland; on my abuela’s balcony in D.R, hearing the echoes of the güira and tambora in el barrio. Zumba© is so much more than dancing - it's about connecting with others, building community and putting the fun back into fitness. #2 Lifting heavy shit makes me feel strong, empowered and has been directly correlated to raising my level of confidence. This type of training takes mental toughness to a whole new level. It pushes me to fail often, exposes my weaknesses and forces me to confront them head on. #3 I love experimenting in the kitchen and making my favorite cultural foods - with a healthy twist. 90% of my Instagram stories are about food, recipes and healthy eating hacks. Healthy food CAN taste good if you know how to prepare it correctly.

WHEN DO YOU FEEL THE BEST AND WHAT IS THE BEST YOU?

When I’m teaching Zumba©, I transform into what I like to call "Massi fierce” (because of course, I’m a part of the beyhive) LOL! I feel the best when I’m dancing because I can be my uninhibited, silly and imperfect self. The best me = the one who wakes up at 5:30AM. I enjoy getting up early to get shit done. I get my own workout in, listen to podcasts, read, study and think about how I’m going to help my community learn or grow. My mornings are all about getting my mind right because when you strengthen your mind, your body will follow.

MOST IMPORTANT WELLNESS ADVICE OTHERS CAN TAKE AWAY?

Do. YOU. Boo!

We hear so much (confusing and conflicting) health + fitness advice but here’s the thing: what YOU decide to do in your fitness journey is individual and deeply personal. Trust your gut. If the diet seems crazy AF - it probably is. If you’re not digging a particular training modality - focus on finding something you enjoy. When you’re doing something new in the fitness realm ask yourself, “Do I enjoy this?” “Is it adding value to my life?” and "Is it sustainable?" The more you enjoy what you do, the more likely that habit will develop into a lifestyle. We’re capable of so much, yet we’re often too afraid to try. DO IT AFRAID!

QUICKFIRE

NAME   //  Masiel Encarnacion aka Massi

BIRTHDAY   // May 23

BREAKFAST   // Acai Bowl with extra granola

SEASON   // Fall

ADDICTION   // Learning

CITY   // NYC

MUSIC   //  Salsa

BAD HABIT   // Pizza and Margaritas

GOOD HABIT   // Pizza and Margaritas :)

PET PEEVE   // Rudeness

BODY PART   // Smile

FEAR   // Creatures

MANTRA   // The comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there

SOCIAL HANDLES   // instagram + twitter