INSPIRE FITNESS STUDIOS TRAINER: Sue Arevalo
Sue has always held an interest in health and fitness. She specifically loved learning about how the body moved and how to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Sue applied her love for health and fitness by earning a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a number of fitness certifications. Because Sue has a passion for helping others she began working with the Bariatric Care Center at St. Joseph Hospital where she was actively involved with post-op patients, she also became a Clinic Director for a sports conditioning and rehabilitation facility where she was able to help many individuals who were facing physical challenges affecting their daily life. Today, Sue continues to be involved in helping others reach their fitness goals by teaching group fitness classes at her own studio PurSue Fitness, LLC, and by teaching live and on-demand cycle and strider classes for the Inspire Fitness App. With a beaming personality and vast experience in the industry, her classes and give you the best sweat every time!
What name do you like to go by?
SUE
Siham – is my Lebanese/Egyptian first name My Fitness name is Sue and I’m well known in the fitness industry under my Business Name “PurSue Fitness”.
How did you get into fitness?
Long story – Started teaching traditional aerobics high and low impact classes back in Jane Fonda’s days in the 80s. I was attending Cal State Fullerton at the time and a small studio opened in Placentia known as California Girl (This was way before 24 Hour and LA Fitness centers were open). I love music and I had so much energy – I still have a passion for teaching and inspiring group exercise classes.
At the time, I loved fitness and exercise so much that I changed my major in college from Math to Kinesiology. Today, I focus on exercise physiology, weight loss surgery programs, cardiac rehabilitation, personal training and I’m a certified nutritionist.
What do you like to do on the weekends?
I always start my weekend with a good workout. If I’m not teaching, I’m probably out on a run. In the afternoon, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family/ friends. I live in Newport Coast, so somewhere in Laguna Beach or on a boat or at a cool restaurant in Newport Beach. Sundays are Sushi Days. I have my favorite Sushi Spot – Sushi Town in Costa Mesa (a hole in the wall – but, oh so good!)
What inspires you?
I’m always inspired by my class participants/clients, they are in their 40s to 80s years of age. They are amazing! Full of life, in great shape, they make healthy choices, they look great, and they are happy.
What’s your pre-workout routine or ritual?
I always review my playlist and what I am going to do in my class, depending on the format!
What has motivated you to become a trainer?
Really it’s simple, my love and passion for fitness and health. I remember taking my first aerobics class when I was 17 years old. The instructor was amazing and full of life and energy – and was so motivating. I just knew that I wanted to do the same for others.
How do you motivate others?
Most of my personal clients and my regular class participants will tell you that they are motivated by my knowledge, attitude, passion, and my sense of humor (Got to make it fun and enjoyable as well!)
What are your 5 favorite songs from your workout playlist?
It changes from month to month, for now, it’s:
Havana by Camila Cabello
Porto by Workals
Silence by Delerium
The Champion by Carrie Underwood
Sucker by Jonas Brothers
What “healthy” food do you hate?
I’m not crazy about Protein shakes. Would much rather eat grilled chicken with Vegetable, or have a Salmon Salad. Absolutely no red meat for me either.
What are you most proud of?
If that question is personal – then I guess I’m proud of the fact that I have been teaching Group Exercise Classes for over 32 years. I’m also an Exercise Physiologist (with medicine) – to help with Auto-Immune Diseases, Cardiac Rehab, Physical Therapy, and Surgical Weight Loss Programs, and of course Personal Training. The appreciation and the thanks I get from my clients and my class participants are what I am most proud of.
Where can everyone find you?
I have my own full-time business with my own Cycle Studio Classes – it’s in the Orange/Villa Park area – at Anytime Fitness under PurSue Fitness. I’m there quite a bit during the week. Also, I’m on Facebook under my personal name “Sue Arevalo”, and under my business name “PurSue Fitness”. Linkedin as well.
What are some of your goals?
Being 54 years of age! Also, staying healthy, continuing to lead a healthy lifestyle (disease prevention), and inspiring others to do the same. Oh! And more traveling around the world.
