This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
Selena Watkins: A Fitness Trainer with a Passion for Dance ¶
At 28 years old, Selena Watkins has already made a name for herself in the fitness industry. A native New Yorker, she has been teaching dance and fitness classes for over a decade.
Watkins' journey into fitness began when a friend asked her to sub as an instructor for a hip-hop aerobics class. She realized she was already there, combining her passion for dance with her knowledge of fitness. 'Dance and fitness use so many of the same tools, it seemed like a disservice not to combine them,' she says.
With 15 years of dancing under her belt, Watkins pursued as many certifications as she could get her hands on, expanding her fitness knowledge while performing. She even had a three-year gig with the Brooklyn Nets dance team.
For the past eight years, Watkins has been teaching small group and private classes in everything from TRX to Body Pump to boot camp. She also runs a traveling workshop based on her own Caribbean-style dance workout called Socanomics.
Watkins' approach to fitness is all about creating an experience. 'I like to draw emotions, not just sweat, from my students,' she says. 'So I choose music for its BPM and its lyrics, because powerful words can help you work through whatever's holding you back in class.'
She believes that feeling comfortable in your skin is a better goal than just looking good. 'Many of us are motivated by looks. But a better goal is feeling comfortable in your skin. I believe that if we don't move our bodies enough, we get out of touch with them. And it's being in tune with your body—not a six-pack—that gives you confidence.'
Watkins is a finalist in Women's Health's fourth search for America's top personal trainer. You can vote for her at TheNextFitnessStar.com.
