For anyone navigating the bustling fitness scene in New York City, Denita Banks has become a force of nature. A fitness professional who currently is a Master Instructor and teaches group Megaformer classes at SLT while also working as a personal trainer for private clients, Denita has built an enviable career in fitness and wellness. But her journey wasn’t always so clear-cut. Her story of transformation, community, and unwavering dedication is something anyone striving for personal growth can relate to.

Zone 2 is a metaphor for life, babes. Sometimes, the hustle culture tells us that we need to go harder, do more, and never slow down. But the truth is, sometimes doing less—being intentional, strategic, and steady—is the real power move. Whether it’s in your workouts or your career, don’t be afraid to take a step back, reassess, and find that sweet spot where you’re working smart, not just hard.

We’ve all been guilty of skipping the stretch because life is busy, and who has time, right? But here’s where I think group fitness classes need to step it up. Offering a structured stretch session at the end of class isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.

Boutique fitness. Remember when it burst onto the scene around 2016, dazzling us with promises of transformational sweat sessions and communities that would make you feel like you were part of an elite tribe?

Millennials are known for their passion for boutique fitness classes—whether it’s spin, pilates, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), this generation has embraced every trend. But as the boutique fitness boom has taken hold, there’s a growing concern that the drive for the perfect workout is leading to over-exercise and its subsequent physical repercussions.