VIDA Instructor Profile: Gitanjali Borkar
Gitanjali Borkar describes her teaching style as focused, direct, tough and fun. The University of California, Berkeley graduate began teaching group fitness classes after trying out a cardio kickboxing class in college and falling in love immediately.
“I had this beautiful, charismatic instructor and I just decided I wanted to be like her,” says Gitanjali. “I started teaching cardio kickboxing at different gyms in California and just started at VIDA in April!”
Gitanjali moved to DC in 2012 to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy at Georgetown and for a job at the Department of Transportation. Even with a hectic school and work schedule, she manages to find time to teach VIDA Knockout, VIDA Circuit, VIDA RX and KillerCore several times a week at our Verizon, City Vista and Yards locations.
After teaching classes at several different gyms, Gitanjali says that being a VIDA instructor has been the most rewarding thus far.
“I never feel like just a random instructor here. They allow me to use my own format and skill set for classes to deliver the best workouts I can that are still tailored to my style. Being able to create your own class is very empowering,” she says.
She feels that the effort VIDA makes to respond to member requests and find quality instructors is what sets VIDA apart.
“Instructors that love what they do really transmit their energy to their members. When I know people are enjoying my workouts it makes me want to be even better for them,” she says.
Gitanjali explains that as a fitness leader she likes to push people past their perceived limitations in an environment that’s welcoming and easy for people to get into and have fun.
“I do emphasize form and technique very heavily, but I’m also not that instructor that’s just barking orders. I don’t want people to be intimidated,” she says.
Something that she emphasizes and tries to incorporate into her classes is that working out should be fun! She’s a strong believer in eating and working out to feel good and not denying yourself small pleasures by following crazy fad diets and cleanses. As a food and wine lover, Gitanjali says balance is key when living a healthy lifestyle.
“I love food – so I’ve always tried to stay active to regulate that. My favorites are dark chocolate, cheese, wine, Mexican, and I love trying new restaurants. Everything in moderation!” she says.
When Gitanjali isn’t teaching, working or going to school, she loves to spend quality time at home with friends and a bottle of wine, or watching March Madness! She’s also a big hip-hop fan (something you’ll learn quickly by taking her classes) and loves to lift heavy while blasting hip-hop.
When asked what she thinks makes VIDA unique, she says the member involvement here and sense of family is something you can’t find at most gyms.
“I love that the members here aren’t just get-in, get-out. They tweet about classes, share pictures, and are just more invested in the lifestyle,” she says. “And with the variety of classes there’s something for everyone. Variety is the spice of life – you’ve got to keep trying new things!”
You can follow Gitanjali on Twitter & Instagram at @ItsGitanjali, and be sure to check the schedule to join her for class!
