Racked SF Hottest Trainer #6: Ashley Pelton

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Welcome to Racked SF's search for San Francisco's hottest trainer. Over the coming weeks, we'll profile a dozen-plus smoking candidates who work at local gyms and studios. (Not only do they look hot in spandex, but if you take their classes, you might someday look nearly as good.) Then, once you've gotten to know everyone, we'll host a March Madness-style showdown in which you get to vote for your favorite. Let the games begin!

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Photos by Aubrie Pick
If Pilates isn't quite exciting enough for you, "Pilates on steroids" might be your cup of tea. And Ashley Pelton is just the trainer to serve it up. She teaches a class called Bodyrok Sculpt at Bodyrok in the Marina, which incorporates a Pilates reformer and kicks it up a notch with cardio and booming music. Not feeling motivated? We're pretty sure those beautiful baby blues will convince you to power through those last few minutes.

How long have you been training?
"I have been teaching for about 4 years now and I'm still completely in love with what I get to do EVERY DAY!"

What prompted you to become one—did you have a different career path in mind prior?
"I came across the workout a few years ago, and after my first class I just KNEW that this particular style of Pilates was going to be a part of my life. Never had I ever enjoyed working out before and never had a workout actually changed my body the way this did. I then became a studio manager and trainer and was able to make this my everyday world. It makes me so happy to be able to share my favorite workout with people and help them make the changes they have been working so hard towards!"

What classes do you teach, and which is your favorite/why?
"I teach Bodyrok Sculpt classes (think Pilates on steroids) —the music is loud, the energy is high, you get a full body workout with every class, the routines are always different and the 40 minutes fly by quick! I also teach Cycle classes which I just started doing about 2 years ago—those classes are also 40 minutes (who needs recovery time anyways?!) and they are high intensity and so much fun. We incorporate upper body using weights and push ups—crunches are in the mix too! I never liked spin very much before—my sit bones were sore and I would get so bored, so I strive to make my classes fun and effective!"

Describe your training style: Are you drill sergeant? More laid back?
"I would say I am encouraging and motivating but not a drill sergeant. I still find both workouts really challenging for me personally, so I am understanding and try to keep everyone pumped up because I literally feel their pain! I want it to be challenging but still fun, time is precious and I want my classes to be a great 40 minutes of your day."

What's one piece of advice everyone should hear before beginning a new workout?
"Listen to your body! There is a difference between a muscle burn that you are trying to push through vs a pain in your low back, knee or shoulder that could lead to injury if you don't listen to your body. If it doesn't feel right, ask us and we will adjust or give you another exercise!"

Tell us a fun fact about you—the weirder and wackier, the better.
"I'm completely obsessed with my Golden Retriever, Mason. I take him everywhere even though he is 85lbs—he even comes to Bodyrok with me while I teach!"
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