MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – REBECCA BALITSARIS

Story by Meredith Nelson / August 5, 2016

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – Rebecca Balitsaris

Rebecca Balitsaris came into the PrimeTime world about seven years ago.  Working for the American Lung Association, Rebecca and a colleague approached Meredith about getting involved in the Fight For Air stairclimb, a fundraising fitness event where participants climb up and down the steps of the North Charleston Coliseum.  Rebecca states, “PrimeTime has continued to work to support our mission of saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through the Climb.”

Rebecca tries hard to block off time every Tuesday evening to attend PrimeTime Pedal workouts.  Her husband Marcus is supportive and stays home to take care of one-year-old Simon so that she can get to the gym, as he knows how much better Rebecca feels when she is active.  Although she started taking indoor cycling classes at PrimeTime a few years ago, she had a baby last August and claims that the workouts have really helped her get back to herself…physically and emotionally.  “The postpartum period can be tough, but you have to make sure you make time for yourself (easier said than done!).”

There are many things Rebecca enjoys about PrimeTime Fitness.  She says, “I LOVE the people at PrimeTime!  Everyone is always so nice and takes time to make sure you are getting what you would like out of the classes/gym. As a germophobe, I really appreciate how clean PrimeTime is.  You always read about how much bacteria (and viruses) live on gym equipment.  This is not the case at PrimeTime.”  Living in the Old Village, Rebecca also loves PrimeTime’s new location!

In addition to the indoor cycling classes, Rebecca enjoys running and walking with her pup Pax. She also practices yoga, and especially enjoys the meditation aspect of it.  She played soccer her entire youth, and claims the interval based activity kept things exciting and interesting.

When she’s not busy being active or working for the ALA, Rebecca can be found with her husband and Simon, cheering on the University of Tennessee Volunteers – Marcus and Rebecca first met at UT!  As there is never a shortage of good food in town, they also enjoy eating out with friends and family and experiencing the fine restaurants Charleston has to offer.  Rebecca loves the outdoors and is a self-proclaimed environmentalist – when she has the time!

Rebecca has some words of wisdom for us all concerning our sleeping habits.  Especially as a “new” mom, she knows first-hand how important it is to get enough sleep, and she tries to get at least seven hours of sleep every night.

Thanks for everything, Rebecca.  Keep up the great work – at PrimeTime, at home, and also within the community through the American Lung Association!