Meet Rebecca Butkivich | Master Trainer, AKT & Performer

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

Hi Rebecca, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking for me has been a regular part of my life since I was a little girl. Growing up in dance and theater, I was always taking risks in auditions and on stage. Putting myself out there in front of an audience, or judging panel, while finding ways to stand out to get recognized. As I became older and began discovering ways to do what I love AND make a living, risk taking took the shape of simply standing up for myself and fighting for the things I want and deserve.

This began by, first, having the confidence in myself to know that I have a lot to offer the world in many ways. The more I stood up for myself by turning down things that didn’t serve me (by this I mean, not contributing to my life the way I needed them to financially, emotionally and professionally) the more room there was for greater opportunities and the quicker I was able to find them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a performer to the core. I love an audience. I love taking people out of their own reality. I love making people feel something! What makes me most proud as a Personal Trainer, is when someone walks out of my class and says… “I had a bad day. I needed that” or “I had no idea I could do that!” or “That was so fun!”

Before AKT, I was looking for a place that combined my work ethic and leadership skills while also being able to perform and make a difference in people’s lives. Group fitness was the perfect outlet for this. But not just any group fitness. I needed it ALL. I needed drama, dance, sparkle, FUN and a badass community. I started at AKT as a Trainer for the very first franchised location. Covid hit and I was one of two trainers/staff that returned. It was just me and her figuring out how to rebuild a gym which we had never done before and knew nothing about. We did know, however, that we loved AKT and we loved our community. So, I kept my eyes open for opportunities within this re-opening and just said yes to helping the studio in any way I could. This led me to help open additional AKT’s in the area, then becoming a Lead Trainer, then Assistant General Manager and now Master Trainer. To get there, I had to do a good job at what I was doing but to also ask for MORE! The more I asked and performed well, the more I was given.

I have taught many different fitness types and at a variety of studios/brands. AKT is very unique and has a lot to offer. It basically combines every group fitness class in one place. A challenge for us has been brand recognition and educating interested members in all we have to offer without it seeming overwhelming or intimidating. We live in a time where we have a better understanding that exercising is vital to our health. We are also more aware that we need BOTH cardio and strength training. So our bodies don’t plateau, we must change up our routine frequently (which also helps to avoid getting bored and keep a routine for longer). In order to better communicate all what AKT is, I have had to really LISTEN and understand someone’s fitness experience and knowledge. Beyond that, understanding their fitness goals and what they are looking to achieve with adding us into their routine.

The world we live in is filled with unsolicited judgment and constant comparison of others. We are trying to build a life for ourselves while hearing what we are doing is wrong or not enough. Constantly looking at what others are doing, thinking we are behind in life, we don’t look the way we want… AKT has been a space where I can grow at my own pace, never be judged for being who I am, but more importantly, be celebrated for no matter what I bring to the table. It doesn’t matter who you are at AKT or what your fitness goals and experience might be. All you have to do is show up and try!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The vibe would be relaxation, good food and fun! For food (which the week would be focused around because that is all I think about) I would definitely want to take them to a few of my favorite breakfast places in Orange (Urth Cafe, Tru Bru, Bluestone Lane, Blk Dot) and Dinner at Kaizen (best Shabu in Santa Ana), Burritos La Palma’ and Burger’s Never Say Die in Silverlake. We would probably have a couple days of hanging by the pool, a day at Disneyland (or just Downtown Disney to get Salt & Straw Ice Cream) and I would most definitely force them to take one or two of my classes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I always make it a point to reflect on my past jobs and experiences to find something I can learn from each of them. A few years ago, I got to a place where I knew exactly what I wanted in my life and was determined to find it. Enter AKT. AKT has given me a place to be myself, change peoples lives, GROW and be celebrated for my growth! (WHAT A CONCEPT!) I have finally found a place that doesn’t feel like work!

Website: https://www.theakt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rbutkivich/?hl=en

Image Credits
Roxy Rodriguez Joshua Guerro-Matrinez