The beginning of December brought an exciting new partnership to the Steel City when Pittsburgh Penguins Strength and Conditioning Coach, Mike Kadar introduced his new piece of workout equipment, Core Stix to Black n Gold Girls co- founder Cassandra Buncie who immediately wanted to build a challenge incorporating members of her now 55,000 female fan network to this unique, full body workout. Together Mike and Cassandra identified local certified personal trainer Jennifer Hoffman as the person to develop and oversee the 12 week endeavor, all that was missing was the ideal location to host the 8 member challenge.
In a chance meeting, Cassandra met beloved Pittsburgh Anchorwoman Darieth Chisolm who also is the owner/ operator of Fullbody Fitness Club located in Brentwood. Darieth has a passion for total body workouts utilizing nontraditional equipment. Fullbody Fitness Club is currently the ONLY place in the City to offer Aerial Yoga, and Jukari Fit to Fly and Fit to Flex systems and now Fullbody Fitness Club is the EXCLUSIVE studio for Core Stix.
“Meeting Darieth was truly a God-send. Her philosophy on health and wellness and willingness to offer a space for the challenge was amazing,” says Cassandra Buncie. “I was floored when she not only offered her space, but said that she wanted to participate in the challenge itself.”
The 12 Week Challenge began on Monday, December 6th and will continue with 8 members of the Black n Gold Girls through March. Participants such as Carrie Krosse said upon seeing Core Stix for the first time, “I was slightly intimidated. Lots of big equipment, sticks, wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it.” But after only one workout she praised Core Stix, “I thought all that equipment would take at least a week to get used to, and probably came with a 20 page manual. But to my surprise, 10 minutes in I was feeling very confident and was amazed at how easy it was.”
Long time fitness instructor and workout veteran, Heather Rosemeier decided to participate in the Challenge on a whim. “My initial impression was that it looked interesting, but I will probably get bored quickly. I liked the idea of resistance training and using the entire body for a workout. I also thought the Stix may be a nuisance to change around.” A few weeks into the Challenge however, Heather is a believer, “Core Stix helps me to have more accurate form. This provides me with a very effective workout. I also love working the entire body every day and feeling very energized right after and throughout the week. Plus, the equipment is easier to use the more often I work with it.”
Two men, both former dancers, are participating in the challenge. Matt Alessi and Brian O’Malley were both looking for something to get them re-motivated to achieve some healthier goals. And both are happy to have found Core Stix. Brian reflects “initially was blown away by the intensity of the workout! I love that I get a full body workout without having to travel around a gym finding ten different machines to use! The only thing to do is move the Stix which is great, don’t have to break my back moving heavy equipment around!”
“Core Stix is like combining several machines and modalities, easily and comfortably. It’s challenging and fun and never gets boring. You can get more done, burn more calories and challenge more body parts than using traditional gym equipment, “observes Darieth Chisolm. She continues, “ Core Stix are very easy to use and very versatile No matter your height, weight, abilities or skill set, Core Stix can work for anybody and any body!” Darieth says it best, “It’s important to change up your workout, which is why at my studio Fullbody Fitness Club, we offer so many unique, challenging and fun fitness workouts. Core Stix is right at home at Fullbody offering people yet another amazing way to “Transform their workout and awaken their spirit!”
