Meet Susan: Our Newest Tone & Trim Instructor!

We are so excited to introduce you to our newest instructor, Susan Hoffman, who will make her Rêve debut as Erin’s sub this weekend! If you are a Tone and Trim devotee, chances are you will already recognize Susan—and are probably a little bit envious of her perfect form and ability to outlast those Plank Roulettes. Also, she may seem a little extra familiar, not only because she is a yoga instructor who teaches around the Greater Portland area, but also because she is the mother of our very own Erin! Below we ask her some questions about how she came into a full time career as a fitness instructor and what are some of her favorite things to do around town, besides pliés and planks, of course.

Tell us about you! When did you start teaching yoga / fitness classes and why? Fitness classes have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Initially, I used them to cross train as a competitive runner, but the relationships I developed with others who were as enthusiastic about staying healthy as I was were what kept me coming back. I realized this was a world I wanted more of! With the support of my family, in 2003, I left my desk job and jumped in as a full-time fitness professional, teaching a variety of classes—from spin to Pilates, yoga to bootcamp—across multiple venues. No matter what type of class I’m teaching though, my first question is always the same: “Do you want to come out and play?"

What are you most looking forward to about teaching at Rêve? There’s such a great sense of community with the people at Rêve. I noticed it the second I walked through the door to take my daughter, Erin’s, Tone and Trim class. It’s palpable! I am equally honored and excited to join the team of instrcutors. It’s been awhile since the two of us have taught under the same roof, and it’s really a great joy to be able to do so again!

Where can we find you when you’re not at the studio? It’s so hard to pick just one activity, and is definitely seasonally dependent! Some favorites include: Snowshoeing in the yard with our four corgis. Walking the Back Cove. Biking on Peaks Island. Driving through the beautiful foliage. Planting, weeding or harvesting in my gardens. Cooking for family and friends. Volunteering at the Center for Grieving Children. Reading a good book.

What’s your favorite restaurant to go to after a Rêve workout?! Central Provisions in Portland. There’s a clear bias, as my son, Patrick, manages the bar, but if you haven’t been, move it to the top of your list! They always bring their A game. Plus, they have a killer brunch that serves as the perfect reward for completing any of Rêve's intense and invigorating weekend classes!

Anything else you’d like the Rêve community to know about you? It’s as much fun for me to learn about each of you as it is sharing bits and pieces about me. Looking forward to meeting you all!