Hottest Trainer Contestant #1: Erica Stenz

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Welcome to Racked SF's search for San Francisco's hottest trainer. Over the coming weeks, we'll profile sixteen smoking hot candidates who work at local gyms and studios. 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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• Erica Stenz from Barry's Bootcamp. Photos by Jeff Tse.

Photos by Jeff Tse

Barry's Bootcamp aficionados are probably familiar with this 5'2" bundle of energy. And if you aren't, we're sure that after reading this profile, you'll want this blonde babe making you work for it pronto. Erica Stenz started teaching fitness and nutrition while studying at UC Santa Barbara in 2007. (This beauty has brains, too, with a B.A. in Communications and a double minor in Exercise and Health Science and Fitness Instruction.) Her passion for fitness and her studio is reflected through her dual career as a trainer and a VP of Marketing & Fitness Development at Barry's SF. Erica's endless energy, upbeat music, and megawatt smile are surefire motivators to get you to exceed your fitness and wellness goals. And if you think talk is cheap, she's teaching all week: Go give her class a try.

In one line, tell us about yourself.

I'm known as San Francisco's "little firecracker" and the creator of the hashtag #inspiretosweat.

Why did you become a trainer?

I started teaching spin classes at UC Santa Barbara because I loved the social aspect of group fitness. My classes made me feel connected with the community. To this day, that's my favorite part about teaching. My students in class become like family to me. I love waking up for them and I think there's no better "happy hour" then evening workouts with my classes (friends).

What advice would you offer to someone who is just starting in your class?

I tell them, "Remember, just one breath at a time."

Tell us one fun fact about yourself.

Nutrition is really important to me. Right now, I'm leading a 30-day "no sugar and no white flour" challenge with over 200 people in the community—there are even people overseas who are involved! I've also given up alcohol for the past few months, but that's not required to participate in the challenge.

If you weren't a trainer, what would you be?

I'd most likely pursue a full-time marketing position for a fitness or health company, like I did at Club One Fitness before I changed careers to working full-time at Barry's Bootcamp. Either that, or I'd become the next Dr. Oz!

Update: Erica Stenz won the women's poll!
· Barry's Bootcamp [Official Site]
· All Hottest Trainer 2014 posts [Racked SF]