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iFIT Trainer Highlight: Casey Sines

As a lifelong athlete, iFIT Trainer Casey Sines knows a thing or two about fitness. After her Division 1 volleyball career at both the University of Memphis and Butler University, she fell in love with group fitness. In hopes of helping others on their fitness journey, Casey became a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer with certification in TRX and group fitness. From running to weightlifting, she loves mixing up her training style to keep things exciting. When she’s not training, you can find Casey acting, traveling, or hanging out with other iFIT Trainers!

We caught up with Casey after the Boston 3K, and she chatted with us about her career as an iFIT Trainer, personal wins in 2021, and her plans for Thanksgiving!

You played D1 volleyball throughout your collegiate career. How did you make the transition from team athlete to personal trainer?

Sports have always been a part of my life. I joke that as soon as I was born, my parents put a ball into my hand. After my collegiate career ended, I felt a complete loss of identity; I didn’t know who I was without a sport. Group fitness classes became some of the first places where I felt comfortable because I was a part of a team again.

When I left my corporate job in investments, I got certified as a personal trainer. I had no idea what I wanted to do next, but it felt like a good place to start. Shortly after being certified, I began working at a treadmill studio as an instructor, and the rest is history. Personal training was the first thing I was certified in, but group fitness and the team environment have always felt like home.

When thinking about women in the fitness space, what misconceptions do you see and work to dispel?

I try to stay true to being me. Sometimes, there’s a push to fit into a box, be a specific type of person, or look a certain way. I try to focus on having confidence in myself and what I’m doing. One of our awesome trainers, Jeni DelPozo, gave me some great advice that I stick by: “You can be the greatest peach in the world, but there will always be people that just don’t like peaches.”

Do you have a favorite iFIT memory?

This is so tough because there have been so many favorites! One event that I’ll never forget is the Boston 3K. It was incredible to do the last part of the Boston Marathon course the day before the race.

During the 3K, we had this beautiful “stars aligning” moment with the finish. We didn’t think we would get to cross the actual finish line because it had been closed off. Then, as we were approaching the end of the Live Event, we got clearance to cross the finish line. It was really wonderful to experience that moment with everyone!

What’s something you’re proud of from this past year?

I’ve grown a lot in my relationship with my body and how I listen to it. I have a long history of injuries and quite a few that could’ve been prevented or minimized if I had given my body a break instead of pushing harder. I’ve taken rest and recovery this year and spent more time and energy on making sure I give my body the space to rebuild. It’s challenging, and I still have a long way to go, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.

Think back to your early days when you were just getting into the sports and fitness world. If you could go back in time, what would you tell that version of yourself?

Be you. Embrace all your quirks and let go. There will be opportunities that won’t work, but the path you’re on is beautiful. One day, it’ll make more sense.

It looks like you have a ton of fun with other trainers at iFIT! What are some things you like to do together?

Our iFIT family is SPECTACULAR! I have yet to meet someone who is anything less than remarkable! We’ll train together, go on mini-trips on the weekend, head out to find the best brunch foods, and hang out by the pool. It’s a lot of fun! I think most importantly, each one of them has motivated or inspired me in some way to be a better trainer and person. I can’t thank this family enough!

You’re sitting at your family’s Thanksgiving table. What must-have dishes do you put on your plate?

Mashed potatoes and gravy, as well as my mom’s devil’s casserole (asparagus, mushrooms, eggs, and a type of cheese sauce). Now I’m hungry just thinking about it!

Ready to train with Casey? Build your endurance in her Studio Classes. See what her training style is all about in these fun and challenging walking and running workout series!

Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

Opinions of iFIT Trainers are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.

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People Need People: The Positive Effects of Socializing

As human beings, we are social creatures by nature. Instinctively, we don’t like feeling alone, and our bodies and brains actually function better when we are surrounded by others. We are basically wired to be social. If you were to google “why humans need humans” or anything along those lines, you’ll find a plethora of articles explaining why social connections and friendships are vital to our health and well-being. Outside of our family units, when we have friends we can lean on, laugh with, cry with, and talk to, we are nourishing ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. We need that connectivity not only to survive, like this article suggests, but to thrive. Whether you’re someone who prefers to have just a few really close pals, or you’re a social butterfly with a lot of friends, at the end of the day, we need those relationships. Here are the top three reasons we need friendships in our lives! Friendships improve our health Research has shown that having strong social connections is vital to our health. For starters, it can reduce stress levels, ward off depression and suicide, lower the risk of dementia, heart disease, and cancer, as well as boost our immune system...and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s also easier to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle when you have the support of friends and family. Friends extend our life expectancy Aside from improving our overall health, maintaining friendships can also add years to our lives—just like regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and not smoking. Multiple studies have found that people who have positive relationships with their family, friends, and community are happier and tend to live longer. Some studies have even gone as far to conclude that social belongingness is just as important as physical survival needs, such as food and shelter. Friends make life more fun This might not be a mind-blowing revelation, but friends bring an abundant amount of happiness to our lives. While I’m sure you can find enjoyment doing certain things solo, I’d argue that most things are more fun when you do it with someone else. There’s an unexplainable joy that comes from sharing experiences with people we care about. Studies have shown, including this one conducted back in 2011, that having meaningful social relationships affects our neurobiological endogenous opioid system (think endorphins), triggering the part of the brain that makes us feel good. Simply put, connecting and interacting with our friends gives us happy feelings. Ever caught up with an old friend, then felt really good afterwards? Those are your endorphins kicking in, telling you that what you just did is healthy for your emotional and physical health! So, no matter what stage of life you’re in, make it a priority to get out and do things with your friends. Whether it’s a quick phone call or grabbing lunch, keep your friends close and remember to have fun!