Introducing Rachel Aranson!

Starting this weekend, you will see a new fabulous Tone & Trim instructor on the Rêve schedule. Meet Rachel Aranson! Rachel is a Portland native who recently returned home after spending the last several years in Washington, DC, Boston, and San Francisco. She spoke to us about how she found Tone & Trim, what we might expect from her classes, and her love for 90s music. Check it out!

I started coming to Tone & Trim because...

I was a 3 sport athlete in high school and played intramural and club in College. While in college, I discovered the wonder of running (and then racing) to clear my mind, body, and soul. Unfortunately, running has taken quite a toll on my body, so I am always trying to find alternative ways to stay fit and strong. I had been spinning at Rêve and I realized my body could use a tune up. I have always incorporated strengthening exercises to complement my cardio routine. It's not a secret that I fell in love with the class. Erin and Susan have done such a great job with it since inception!

Teaching’s a big job! What are you most excited for?

That it is! I don't think those who take classes realize how much preparation goes into those 50-60 mins. Each week, I will focus the class around a particular muscle group, drawing everyone’s attention to how that specific area moves and feels throughout the class. I am most excited to try out new movement/music combinations each week and get feedback from the Rêve crew.

My favorite moment in a Tone & Trim class is when…

Your body feels like you can't go on any longer, but you know you just have to push through until the end of the song. You always know there is an end in sight and with that in mind, you can hold that squat a few seconds or minutes longer to feel the most accomplished as you walk out the door. When I take others' classes, the music is just so great that sometimes if you just sing along in your head until it's over, you forget you're on your 5th set of pushups.

The most challenging part about becoming an instructor has been…

Choosing music! I really love all music—as evidenced by my Spotify “most played,” which are all over the place, from throwbacks that set the tone for a good day to newer songs that have a strong downbeat. I'm a 90s kid who still likes to live in the 90s boybands, teen angst, and pump up jams! Nailing down the right music to align with each segment of class is tough. For example, there are three stretching songs and those always seems to be the most difficult; I want to make sure they are slow enough to move fluidly and on your own, but up tempo enough so you are ready to move right into the next segment!

When I’m not at the studio, you can find me…

Volunteering at Maine Medical Center, working as a Medical Scribe at InterMed, and taking Pre-Med classes. I will be applying to PA school in June, wish me luck!

Rachel will be subbing for Erin for the 9:30 am Tone & Trim this Saturday!