For this week’s Fitness Focus Friday, NETA Ambassador and Certified Group Exercise Instructor Hayley Hapach shares the importance of dancers recognizing themselves as true athletes who deserve the same level of strength training and care as any other sport.
In this article, Hayley explains how a foundation in dance sparked her passion for fitness, and how she incorporates movement into a busy college schedule working as a NETA certified Group Exercise Instructor while successfully managing educational demands.
Finding Strength Beyond the Dance Studio
“As a sophomore dance major at the University of Tampa, movement has always been a part of my life. Growing up as a dancer, I spent countless hours in the studio training technique, learning choreography, and performing. However, it was not until I was about 15 years old that fitness truly became a passion of mine. That’s when I started to understand something that many dancers do not always get the opportunity to learn early on, which is the importance of strengthening the muscles that support our dancing. Dance requires strength, endurance, balance, and control. Yet in many dance studios, cross-training and strength work are not always emphasized as much as they should be. I learned that building a strong foundation outside the studio could completely change the way I moved inside it. Weight training, conditioning, and focused muscle work helped me feel stronger, more stable, and more confident in my dancing. That realization changed everything for me.
My personal philosophy when it comes to training is focused on building lean muscle rather than bulking up. As a dancer, I want strength that supports my movement while still allowing me to feel light, agile, and controlled. So that’s why personally, I often choose lighter weights with higher repetitions. Recognizing that cross-training is crucial to the success of any athlete, combined with my desire to make an impact on others’ fitness journeys, led me to earn my Group Exercise Certification through NETA. Becoming a certified instructor completely changed the game for me as a busy college student. I can now work a part-time schedule that aligns perfectly with my classes while getting my own physical activity in for the week. This allows me to do what I love, and get paid for it without sacrificing any of my academic goals.
Fitness, for me, is also about learning how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth does not happen when everything feels easy. Whether we are holding a challenging plank, pushing through the final reps of a strength exercise, or finishing a tough cardio interval, those moments where you want to quit are often the moments that make you stronger. I love leading people through these challenging moments and watching them push themselves out of their comfort zones. If you’ve ever taken one of my classes, you’ve probably heard me say: “Embrace the shakes.” When your muscles start shaking during an exercise, it usually means they’re being challenged in a new way. That burning sensation is your body working hard and building strength. Instead of avoiding that moment, I encourage my class to lean into it. That discomfort is often where real change begins.
Ultimately, movement is more than just a workout to me; it is truly oxygen. It is something I never take for granted. Being able to lace up my sneakers, walk into the gym, and move my body is a gift. There are days when I feel amazing and energized, and there are days when I’m tired, stressed, or even a little under the weather. With all of that, I have learned that movement itself can be powerful medicine. Even on days when my workout does not look perfect, I remind myself that showing up is what matters most. Consistency always wins over perfection, and I love sharing this mentality with others.
The workout videos I am sharing as part of this series reflect the way I train as both a dancer and a college student. They focus on building strength, improving endurance, and supporting the muscles that help dancers perform at their best. These workouts are designed to challenge you while also helping you feel connected to your body. My goal as a NETA Fitness Ambassador is to share my passion for movement with others, especially within the dance community. Dancers are athletes, and our bodies deserve the same level of strength training and care as any other sport. Through cross-training, we do not just become stronger. We become healthier, more resilient, and more capable performers. And sometimes, all it takes is embracing the shakes.”
