Dori Bathgate

I began teaching fitness classes at Providence College in 2006. In 2009, I graduated with a degree in Spanish and Secondary Education and have been a Spanish teacher since then. My true passion, however, is exercise. In the 7 years since I first started teaching group fitness classes, I have become certified in cardio kickboxing, Spinning, and personal training. I currently teach and train at Luxe Fitness Clubs in Wakefield, RI and Westerly, RI. In addition, I am available to train at my clients' homes, my home, and outdoors. Although I love the gym atmosphere, I believe that a gym membership is not required to exercise. Many people have difficulty fitting exercise into their lives, so I strive to show them ways in which they can exercise on their own time and in their own space. My preferred way to train is at clients' homes. I find a great sense of achievement in showing clients ways that they can exercise in their own homes with inexpensive equipment or no equipment at all. Once a client knows proper technique and form for performing various exercises, it becomes easier for them to fit in exercise on their own time. I also enjoy training in a gym because of the variety of equipment available. Many people are not familiar with weight-stack machines, cable machines, bosu balls, resistance bands, free weights, kettlebells, etc. Because of the array of unfamiliar options, it can be very intimidating to walk into a gym for the first time. Personal training allows clients break through that nervous barrier by introducing them to equipment, machines, and exercises in order to help them gain strength as well as confidence.

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I enjoy many aspects of both one-on-one training and group classes. A main aspect of my programs is the importance of varying exercise routines. As a professional, I take classes offered by other instructors, including yoga and Pilates, in addition to running, swimming, paddle boarding and biking on my own time so that I have a varied background to teach well-rounded classes. I take continuing education courses and read fitness journals and magazines to continue my learning and stay abreast of current trends in exercise. I also strive to stay familiar with up-and-coming class styles and equipment. In January 2014 I took a barre training course led by a master instructor from BarWorks. Barre is a combination of yoga, pilates, and ballet that uses micromovenets with low resistance and high repititions to fatigue the muscle. 

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In 2011, as part of my goal to motivate others and vary  my own routine, I stayed at Dreams Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic where I worked as a group fitness instructor for a week. It was empowering to see vacationers join in on my classes as the week progressed. Getting people to workout during an all-inclusive vacation is a challenge! They were able to see how exercising on vacation is not only possible, but fun too! I have also offered classes to staff at the school that I used to work at. Many people have trouble motivating themselves to exercise once they get home, so this allowed teachers to fit in an exercise class before they even left the building after work. Sound like something you are interested in at your workplace? Let me know! 

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I truly believe that making exercise a part of my clients' lifestyles will give them energy, motivation, confidence, and strength; both physical and emotional. Although looking good is a common and understandable reason to want to begin an exercise program, exercise is about more than looks. Not only will you look good, you will also feel good. The better your body functions the less strain there will be on your heart, lungs, joints, etc. Blood pressure, cholesterol, stress levels, and body fat percentage will decrease, and aerobic capacity, bone density, joint mobility and muscle mass will increase. Furthermore, your mood will improve, you will be able to think more clearly, and you will sleep better. Who wouldn't want to reap those benefits?

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Everyone deserves to feel the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of regular exercise, but not everyone has the knowledge or motivation to begin. It is for that reason that I strive to bring a love of exercise to others. Now is your chance to get started! Let me motivate you and train you to be your best!