Hottest Trainer Contestant #6: Arielle Rabier

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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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• Photos by Arlene Watson

Photos by Arlene Watson

Arielle Rabier is a yogi, a dancer (hula-hoop dancing, included), an aerialist, and a performer. Her ballet background gave way to honing her aerial and yoga skills, and she now teaches both at Poletential for the former and Nandi Yoga for the latter. She's one strong and flexible babe whose mission as a trainer is to inspire her students to explore their bodies beyond their perceived limitations. She says "it's that'ah-ha' orgasmic feeling"—the excitement from conquering a new skill— that keeps people coming back to learn more. Want to experience those feelings yourself? Arielle packs a full schedule so you can start sweating and stretching with her pronto.

In one line, tell us about yourself.

Hula hoop dancing was my first love; I practiced obsessively through the summer of 2008 and began teaching lessons and performing shortly after.

Why did you become a trainer?

Life is too short to not do what you love. Initially, I just wanted to play all day—climbing silks, practicing handstands and hula hooping in parks sounded like an awesome way to spend my days and make a living. Then I realized the value of working toward a goal of mastering a trick instead of focusing on an ideal dress size or getting a six-pack. Of course, those physical attributes will come, but so will the patience and determination in working toward climbing the silks to the top, and the courage in trusting yourself to do a drop. I watch my students achieve beyond their perceived limitations, build confidence, and feel accomplished, and that's what keeps me going.

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

Have fun! Do what you can, and I'll offer modifications for what you can't. Don't take yourself too seriously, just do what feels good.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself.

I can hula hoop and chug a beer at the same time.

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

Probably a massage therapist or chiropractor, I've got strong hands!
· Poletential [Official Site]
· Nandi Yoga [Official Site]
· All Hottest Trainer 2014 posts [Racked SF]