Introducing a new series to this bloggity: Career Champion! One thing I love about the blogging community is meeting incredible, strong, beautiful, courageous and wildly talented, smart, innovative, entrepreneurial boss babes, chief chicas, inspiring women. Every month, I'm going to spotlight one of these incredible role models and share a little bit about what makes them amazing. 

I am so excited for this month's champion: Sally Burke! Sally and I actually went to high school together but didn't become friends until we both moved to Chicago after college. Now I see her almost every week and I'm so lucky to have a friend like her. Not only is she an amazing friend, but she's a kick ass fitness instructor in Chicago. If you work out, you'll probably see her either teaching or taking that class, and her drive to live her best life on her own terms inspires the heck out of me. Read on for more about Sally!

1) As a fitness instructor, can you share a little more about what you do? 

Basically I make class plans and playlists according to whatever class style I’m teaching. Then I show up for my classes early to chat with people and then teach! It’s lots of prep work but it’s very fun and laid back for the most part. (P.S. You can catch Sally at Mazi DanceFitness and FlyWheel!) 

2) How did you get into fitness? Can you share more about your journey? Did you always want to be in fitness? 

I was dancing professionally for a few years while finishing my degree and I had a ton of anxiety over finishing school and from the pressures of dance, so I was really looking for a release from that. I had always exercised to keep in shape for dance but it wasn’t until I discovered group fitness that I realized it went beyond changing a number on the scale— There’s a whole community involved, there’s an energy about being in a group setting, and whatever workout you choose is a chance to get off your phone and forget about day-to-day stress for awhile. It made me feel amazing to connect with my favorite instructors at different studios and I wanted to emulate that in my career which is what inspired me to start teaching.

3) You started as a ballet major in college? What was that career swift like? 

The career change was surprisingly smooth for me. I wasn’t in the best place with dance and with my body image when I stopped dancing full time, and transitioning from dance to fitness gave me the self- confidence I needed to start dancing again for fun.

4) What's you favorite part of your job? 

Definitely the people I’ve met. From hearing about how other instructors got into the field to witnessing client’s journeys towards their fitness goals, I’m surrounded by inspiring people all day which is dope!

5) What's your other advice to women wanting to get into fitness, but don't know where to start?

Don’t be afraid to just try that class you have been wanting to take, and beyond that, reach out to people when you get there!!! One huge mistake I made when I was first getting into fitness was being too intimidated to talk with instructors and front desk staff, but we LOVE hearing about your goals and your life outside of the studio!

6) Where do you see your career going in the future? 

I hope to stay in this career full time for awhile. I’ve never been one to sit in one place for too long so I love being in different workplaces throughout my day and meeting different sets of people everywhere I go.

7) Go back to your time at college graduation: what would you tell yourself now?

Don’t be afraid to take chances and don’t let money (or lack of it) be an excuse not to take a leap into a career you want.

8) How do you find inspiration?

To find fitness inspiration I take class with my coworkers as often as possible! For general life inspiration, I love being outside and listening to new music. 

9) Who is your role model?

Definitely my parents. They’re awesome.

Rapid Fire: 

Favorite food? Vegan nachos from Chicago Diner

Favorite healthy snack? Anything with hummus!

Favorite workout? Besides Flywheel, Lagree and MaZi, I love a good HIIT workout like Barry’s Bootcamp!

Favorite phone app? Twitter

Favorite song? Oh man there are too many to choose from just follow me on Spotify if you want to know!

Favorite place to shop? Belmont Army- you can find everything you need there and there’s a really cool vintage section

Best way to spend a Saturday night? drinking margaritas on a patio!

One last thing: Tell us about your dog!

Atlas is a badass. He has three legs but still enjoys running on the lakefront, and he is the best nap partner.