Meet Stacey Zielinski | General Manager & Fitness Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacey Zielinski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacey, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been on the move from a young age and have not really slowed down since! Being a part of an artistic and creative career field has been exciting, enlightening, creative and an experience that I will never take for granted. I grew up dancing and I feel as though dance has taught me a great deal about discipline, building relationships and getting outside of the box. These traits have been mirrored in my current career as it is a position with lots of movement, creative thinking, relationship building and energy. I feel at home when I am able to move in space, create deep relationships with others, help individuals through movement and be expressive in both the fitness studio and within a management position.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Your job can’t feel like work and everyday when I come into work, it never feels like another job. I take my role very seriously but enjoy the variety in the day to day schedule. I began with AKT as a trainer which led me to teaching at multiple locations, taking on a lead trainer roll and a spot on the virtual platform, Xponential Plus. One of my mentors and managers inspired me to become a general manager at one of the Los Angeles locations in California. When the opportunity presented itself to be a part of the opening process, I jumped in.

None of it is easy but then again I don’t think anything worth having in life comes easy. I worked closely with the studio owner and colleagues to create a strong community and opened the doors in November 2021. Special thank you to my amazing team, the studio has become home to myself and many members.

AKT isn’t your normal “gym.” AKT is a community of positive, motivating, diverse and badass people. One of the biggest misconceptions about boutique fitness is how judgemental people are going to be towards you, that you have to be “in shape” before you even begin going and that you have to be between ages 20-35. This couldn’t be further from the truth at AKT. We welcome everyone in! It doesn’t matter your age, where you are at in your fitness journey, if you have worked out before or not…there is something here for everyone!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hit up coffee shops in the morning for a nice stroll on The Strand down in Manhattan Beach: GoodBoyBob, Verve or HiFi

Followed by a beach day in The South Bay – Manhattan, Hermosa or Redondo Beach

Some key places to visit when you’re a first timer in LA: Griffith Park to hike the Hollywood sign, The Grove, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, Venice, Newport Beach and Balboa Island.

Some local favorites: Malibu Farms in Malibu, Sugarfish, Alfreds Coffee, Esperanza in Manhattan Beach, Javiers in Irvine

Heading up to Big Bear or Mammoth is always fun too!

I’ve lived in LA for 4 years and still feel like I haven’t done much!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has always been #1. From my first baby steps to Barney to attending every dance recital and receiving support through college and my professional career, they are always my biggest cheerleaders.

All of my mentors play a huge role in my success as well. Most of these mentors have been dance teachers, professors, senior trainers and co-workers.

Website: https://www.theakt.com/location/west-la

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaktwestlosangeles/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaktwestla/