PLYOGA Fitness : Alyette Keldie & GXPros: On a Mission to Empower the "Group Exercise Professional"

Alyette Keldie
Founder www.GXPros.org

ALYETTE KELDIE & GXPROS
On a Mission to Empower the "Group Exercise Professional"
-interview by PLYOGA COO Thomas Ascough

We are absolutely thrilled to be talking to Alyette Keldie and delivering this interview to our fitness community. Alyette grew up in the Group Exercise environment, as her mother taught classes, and she has turned that into her calling. Over the past 20+ years Alyette has been an instructor, manager and master trainer in the industry. As the President of the Association of Group Exercise Professionals, Alyette hopes to unite and “Raise the Dumbbell” on professionalism within the GX industry.

PFit: Alyette! You have been involved in fitness in many ways leading up to this moment. Tell us some of your favorite fitness experiences that have led you to where you are now!

AK: Being an Area GX Manager for 24 Hour Fitness (Miami to Manhattan) taught me so much. I had an amazing boss and mentor. Working in the NY market I saw so much talent. Now most recently being a National Trainer for SilverSneakers and President of GXPros, I am able to connect with the industry from a different perspective. There is now less chasing the business need, and more of developing talent, connecting, and uniting the GX industry.

PFit: Your big project right now is GXPros. Tell us about GXPros and why it is so special to you?

AK: Having auditioned thousands of instructors, visited hundreds of GX programs across the country and after many conversations with GX Instructors, Managers, Directors and Executive friends, the common theme was that there are many areas of opportunity for the GX industry to synergize and leverage its inherent value as a viral lead generator and ultimate retention tool for the facilities that our tireless instructors serve. Thus, the Association of Group Exercise Professionals (GXPros) was born!

PFit: What is your favorite feature that GXPros offers to the Professional who joins?

AK: Our GX Directory! It is like the Who’s Who of the GX Industry. Members are able to personalize their listing with photos, videos, social media links, their schedule, formats taught, certifications they hold and they may even receive recommendations. We are getting great feedback from GX Managers that are looking for talent, as they are able to search the directory by zip code and format. It is a very convenient way to find the specific talent you are looking for.

PFit: What is the philosophy you follow daily that creates an impact for how you run your business?

AK: I like to take the approach of, “what is in it for the other person?” Everything is a partnership… it all should be win-win or it just won’t work long term.

PFit: I have been hearing a lot of excitement from people about GXPros. I am curious. As people really get behind this empowerment movement with you and give you that platform to grow, what makes you the most excited to offer the people?

AK: We are a place of support for your career specific to Group Exercise. Many instructors have no idea of all the opportunities available to them… from becoming an “in demand” instructor to management, presenting, even business ownership. Our goal is to unite the industry and not only help GXPros to achieve the career of their dreams, but make these professionals available to the business leaders who are in search of their expertise!

PFit: Is what you’re doing now what you always wanted to do growing up?

AK: Hard to say… I’ve really just lived life on my terms and seized opportunities as they have arisen. I can see a lot of value in planning to be “_____” when you grow up… but I also see a lot of value in going where the wind blows your kite. Just keeping the bigger picture (5, 10, 15 years from now) in mind, is key also.

PFit: I think it takes a person who is generally inspired in order to live that way. What makes you personally happy each day? What is the main thing you do to keep a positive outlook in general?

AK: Honestly, exercise is my saving grace. Somedays it’s walking, maybe a hot yoga class or teaching a sculpt, kickbox, or Pilates class of my own. Bodies in motion stay in motion… not to mention those endorphins!!!

PFit: As an industry entrepreneur, I always like to ask, what is your favorite way to start the day? Is it a class, an experience?

AK: A sunrise walk on the beach and coffee for sure!

PFit: That’s right! Warm walks on the Florida Beaches... LUCKY YOU! We all want to be you in the winter. What is the one thing you never leave your Florida house without, besides your cell phone?

AK: A ponytail holder… because you just never know when you might want to have a spontaneous workout! I’m serious!!!

PFit: What is your favorite thing to spend money on, besides ponytail holders?

AK: Travel and experiences!

PFit: Smart! Do you have kids? Tell us about them. How have they inspired you in what you do?

AK: Calyx is my darling 8-month-old girl. I am inspired by her daily to be a small example of the woman I know she will become.

PFit: Calyx! Beautiful name. Any quotes you live by?

AK: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

PFit: I guess that goes back to creating value for others like GXPros! In that realm of giving, have you discovered any indulgent recipes that are pretty good for you, that people could benefit from knowing?

AK: My friend told me how she mixes up almond flour, coco powder, water, stevia and coconut oil in a mug and then zaps it in the microwave. I just love this quick fix for something chocolatey, vegan and sweet!

PFit: Sounds fun! As simple as Protein Balls it seems.

Ok! Fun Time! You have a time machine, and you can go anywhere in the past or the future and return without implications to life as it is. Where would you go and why?

AK: I really live in the present, so this one is tough for me… but I’d say a class with Richard Simmons and/or Jane Fonda would be killer!

PFit: WOW! Awesome idea. It is not too late to chase them down! Alyette… it has been awesome having this conversation and learning more about you and GXPros. We are ecstatic to be part of the mission with you and offer the GXPros community a chance to win a PLYOGA Certification Scholarship.