We’re excited to introduce you to Alex Higa, Tempo’s newest coach! Alex joins the Tempo family from the Pacific Northwest — but no rain clouds here! Her laid-back vibe and fun-loving spirit feel right at home at our studios in Cali and carry through each of her classes.
Along with her years of experience as a personal trainer, Alex’s approach to fitness and instruction is enriched by her time as a dancer and as a pilates instructor (we hear pilates classes may be making a debut this spring!).
With Alex already being added to our live class schedule and her first program available, we sat down with Alex to get to know her a bit better.
Answers may have been edited for length and clarity.
_________________
_________________
Q: Hi Alex! Please tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into fitness.
My name is Alex Higa and I am a 4th generation Japanese American from Seattle, WA. Movement has always been a huge part of my life. At the age of 3 I started dance classes (ballet, tap, and jazz) and then began training at Pacific Northwest Ballet School in Seattle. Once I reached middle school, I figured out I had a passion for basketball and left ballet to focus on that throughout high school.
Growing up, I witnessed several close family members whose lives were deeply affected by diabetes. This is the reason I studied health and fitness and it has become my passion to help others. My mission is to encourage everyone, of all fitness levels, to move your body every day and to live what you love.
Q: Can you tell us more about your fitness background?
Besides growing up as a dancer and athlete, I attended Western Washington University (WWU) and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a focus on health and fitness and a minor in dance. Throughout college, I began my group fitness career, teaching for both the student recreation center and the PE department at WWU. I was also on the Hip Hop Team, participated in many intramural sports, and took part in various dance department performances. After graduation, I began personal training at 24 Hour Fitness. In 2012, I moved to Hawaii and trained at a smaller functional training studio called Fitness Ranes where I fell in love with weight lifting and how it applies to athletic performance. In 2014, I moved back to Seattle and became a trainer at Ford Sports Performance where I worked with athletes from middle school to professionals. I began to incorporate Pilates in my training because I saw how it could help all athletes improve their flexibility, strength, and overall athletic performance. In 2017, I started my own training business, Higafit LLC, and was lucky to work with a range of clients. From professional athletes to women pre/post-partum to dancers to people who were retired …they all had a common goal and that was to move well.
Q: How would you describe your coaching style?
Fun, descriptive, thorough, technical, connected, an experience.
Q: What would you say makes an Alex class an Alex class?
My classes are intense but laid-back at the same time. I think because I get you to really connect your mind with your movement, you forget about the actual work that goes into them. I love being your personal hype-woman and it will be nothing but positive vibes the entire class.
Q: What will our members get out of training with you?
You will always leave class sweating with a big smile on your face. Each class will not only be a session for you to move your body, but I hope you will learn something new about yourself in each class. I want to help you connect with your body and feel each movement.
Q: What would be your advice to members who may be struggling with fitness or are new to fitness and strength training?
Start slow, be consistent, and listen to your body. Find something that feels good and gets you excited. I’ll be honest, fitness and working out isn’t always fun and it can be very discouraging, but once you find your niche, stick with it and it will be magical. Also, be open minded to change; whether that be change with your body or change in new classes or instructors, always give yourself a chance to try something new. But most importantly… KEEP GOING!
Q: Why did you decide to join the Tempo team?
Once the pandemic hit and Zoom-virtual training became my resource for clients, I realized that I was not only reaching my usual clients from Seattle, but I had people from all over the country. I was itching for growth and something new and was even thinking of opening a studio, but the pandemic made it a risky move. Once I heard about the potential opportunity with Tempo, I knew it was something I wanted to learn more about and honestly, my heart was set on it before I even applied. I joined the Tempo team because it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. I see this as a chance to help thousands and thousands of people move well and feel good.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most? What do you want to accomplish here at Tempo?
I am looking forward to helping people enjoy movement and creating that mind/body connection with each exercise. Movement doesn't stop on that mat, so understanding the ‘why’ and how it can translate to your everyday life is important. I also want to help members find their passions, self love, and encourage them to ‘live what you love’. I am so excited to meet all of you!
Q: What’s the best way for the Tempo community to connect with you?
Q: What’s the best way for the Tempo community to connect with you?
Q: Any fun facts that you would want to share?
In my free time, I love spending time with my family, traveling, attending concerts and sporting events, wine tasting, and trying out new restaurants. I LOVE animals and sometimes wish I lived on a farm. My favorite color is orange and I love the beach. I would make Oreo tasting videos with my Grandma to try all the new flavors.
