SPENGA Crew Spotlight : Ryan H.
How long have you been at SPENGA or instructing at SPENGA?
I started in August of 2018 as a front desk employee. After taking many sessions, I was inspired by other instructors to do instructor training in 2019.
Why do you love WERKING at SPENGA? 
I started working at SPENGA during a really hard time in my life. Going to work and taking sessions is a big reason why I was able to get through it. Everyone I work with or have worked with here have made such a big impact in my life. They have shown me so much love and compassion that I am so grateful for. Being the youngest worker for a while I looked up to all these amazing women and learned so much from them. I love the atmosphere, the members, the energy when I’m taking a class or teaching one. I also love how much I learned from a business side as well. I came into this job with very little social skills and no prior knowledge in sales. After teaching sessions and getting out of my comfort zone, I feel so much more confident communicating with members and just being myself in the studio. SPENGA has given me the opportunity the thrive and now being the Assistant General Manager, I’m constantly learning new skills and operations. What I love most about working at SPENGA is being able to work with my sisters. I started working my older sister Riley. I had no idea what SPENGA was until she told me to apply. Now my younger sister Kaysie works at SPENGA and it’s just nice having her here. We always help each other out if we need anything and it really helped us get even closer working together. I’m so grateful for all the fun and funny memories I have made with them here.
What is your favorite format to teach?
My favorite format to teach is definitely turbulence. I love the fast pace and multiple exercises in it.
What is your favorite memory WERKING at SPENGA?
I can’t think of a specific memory because there are so many….but my favorite memories at SPENGA include hanging out after a session. When I’m talking, laughing, or having a heart to heart with members and other staff. I love hearing everyone’s stories and how they have been doing. More favorite memories include taking or teaching a session that has so much energy in the room. Whether it’s the instructor bringing it out of me or the members working so hard, it’s such a specific feeling and it’s so inspiring.
What made you get involved in fitness or instructing?
I’ve been active my whole life starting with gymnastics at a young age and cheering in high school. My senior year of high school I took a human performance gym class which is weightlifting. That is what really sparked my passion for fitness. I learned a lot from there and starting doing my own research on working out. When I got this job as a front desk staff, I didn’t even think about teaching but the other instructors helped me a lot. Every time I took a session I would just try to absorb as much as I can from them. Listening to their cues, their tone of voice, and the energy they bring to class were things I paid attention to that helped me become the instructor I am today.
Where can we see you out when you are not at SPENGA?
I’m usually at SPENGA but…when I’m not you can catch me at Jameson’s Pub in Frankfort or hanging out with my family at home.
What is your favorite restaurant in Mokena, IL?
I love Legends in Mokena on 191st street…They have the best wraps!
What is your fav go to snack/meal after a SPENGA workout and where can we find it?
I love a post workout shake from Nutrition Hub Mokena. They have so many flavors and they’re all so good!
