Tricia Chan fell in love with Barre many years ago. Through her classes, she encourages people to believe in themselves and make positive changes in their lives, all while prioritizing their health. Continue reading to learn more about her story.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Tricia and I will not tell you my age but I am almost a ½ century old!! I am married to a wonderful guy name Peter and we have the most amazing kid in the world: Noah! I was born and raised in Brazil and fluently speak Portuguese, English and Spanish.
When I was 17 years old I had the opportunity to move to the USA as Exchange Student for my Senior Year. After graduating High School I went back to Brazil and started my college life! I graduated in 4 years with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Communication – Journalism. I had a goal to get my Masters in Social Communications in the US., but it never happened.
It was in the Big Easy that I met Peter, my husband. We dated for 2 years and got married. A year later Noah was born, in 2006, still in the craziness of Hurricane Katrina. A few months later we decided to move away from Louisiana due to the storm, so we headed to Brazil! That experience was also short, for a little over a year – just enough time for Noah to learn Portuguese.
From Brazil we moved to Voorhees, NJ, where we have actually settled for the past 11 years.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
I love making connections with the members, getting to know them, their needs and goals. Another aspect I really enjoy is pointing out the members' successes and improvements. Regular activity is an improvement to your quality of life and has immediate and long term health benefits. It brings me joy every time someone tells me they feel the benefits of working out.
What are 3 words to describe Echelon/Thrive?
Family, Respect and Community
What would you say to someone who may feel too intimidated to begin exercising?
My regular speech about starting a new activity at the gym is to tell them to stop the comparison immediately. Don’t ever try to compare your body and its abilities to move to anyone else, especially in the group fitness classes. I speak by experience, as I used to let myself down all the time for not being able to perform as others did. I finally understood that I am unique, my body responds in certain ways to different moves for certain reasons and I should totally respect that. Slowly and consistently is also the key to achieving success in physical activities. One day at a time, one move at a time.
What do you like to do on your days off?
Days off is time to work out (LOL JK). My husband and I love going out to eat, trying new places. He is a Chef and loves to evaluate other chef’s dishes. We also never miss our son Noah’s soccer games on the weekends. He has been playing travel soccer since he was 5 and we love it.
How do you define success?
Success comes with consistent hard work and dedication. It all depends on the goals you set for yourself and how and what you do to achieve them. Success doesn’t really mean having huge accomplishments in life, but small and meaningful ones.
There is another piece of success that I find very important to me! That’s when you achieve something without making others feel less or stepping on anyone to be ahead of the game. Character, honesty, and dignity are the keys for real success.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won't change you.”
How do you feel about the MemberPERX program?
Great program. I have literally saved hundreds of dollars since I have been a member with Echelon.
What is your favorite class to teach?
I love teaching barre and I do not have a dance background. As a matter of fact, Capoeira is my background (if you know what that is!). However, I fell in love with barre a long time ago. The classes will improve your balance, build strength, make you more flexible, burn calories, tone your muscles and improve stability through a stronger core! It’s a perfect package and because it's in a studio. I make great connections with the members, which I love!
What would you say to someone just getting started?
Always believe in yourself. You can't change the past or how things happen in your life but you can stand up for yourself and change the course. Don’t be afraid of changes! When you find yourself in a place or position that doesn’t suit you and doesn’t make you happy, get up and move. Fight for your right to be happy and don’t ever let anyone ever tell you that you can't. You are the only one that should decide what you can or cannot do in this life, even if you make mistakes. Don’t look back, keep going and good luck in your journey.