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Story by Meredith Nelson / August 5, 2016
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – Rebecca Balitsaris
Rebecca Balitsaris came into the PrimeTime world about seven years ago. Working for the American Lung Association, Rebecca and a colleague approached Meredith about getting involved in the Fight For Air stairclimb, a fundraising fitness event where participants climb up and down the steps of the North Charleston Coliseum. Rebecca states, “PrimeTime has continued to work to support our mission of saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through the Climb.”
Rebecca tries hard to block off time every Tuesday evening to attend PrimeTime Pedal workouts. Her husband Marcus is supportive and stays home to take care of one-year-old Simon so that she can get to the gym, as he knows how much better Rebecca feels when she is active. Although she started taking indoor cycling classes at PrimeTime a few years ago, she had a baby last August and claims that the workouts have really helped her get back to herself…physically and emotionally. “The postpartum period can be tough, but you have to make sure you make time for yourself (easier said than done!).”
There are many things Rebecca enjoys about PrimeTime Fitness. She says, “I LOVE the people at PrimeTime! Everyone is always so nice and takes time to make sure you are getting what you would like out of the classes/gym. As a germophobe, I really appreciate how clean PrimeTime is. You always read about how much bacteria (and viruses) live on gym equipment. This is not the case at PrimeTime.” Living in the Old Village, Rebecca also loves PrimeTime’s new location!
In addition to the indoor cycling classes, Rebecca enjoys running and walking with her pup Pax. She also practices yoga, and especially enjoys the meditation aspect of it. She played soccer her entire youth, and claims the interval based activity kept things exciting and interesting.
When she’s not busy being active or working for the ALA, Rebecca can be found with her husband and Simon, cheering on the University of Tennessee Volunteers – Marcus and Rebecca first met at UT! As there is never a shortage of good food in town, they also enjoy eating out with friends and family and experiencing the fine restaurants Charleston has to offer. Rebecca loves the outdoors and is a self-proclaimed environmentalist – when she has the time!
Rebecca has some words of wisdom for us all concerning our sleeping habits. Especially as a “new” mom, she knows first-hand how important it is to get enough sleep, and she tries to get at least seven hours of sleep every night.
Thanks for everything, Rebecca. Keep up the great work – at PrimeTime, at home, and also within the community through the American Lung Association!
I worked out with Meredith for years before she (sadly) moved away. She is creative, fun, and great at correcting your form. She can adapt to injuries you might have. She will incorporate things you like (yoga) and can work with all types of exercise equipment from machines to bands to TRX to free weights to your body weight. No two workouts are the same, which means you do not get bored and you want to keep coming back!
Meredith first sought to truly understand my fitness goals and then observed my current weight-training routine. She then helped me organize a workout plan that gave me better results, in the same amount of time. Now I have a more balanced routine that is producing better results, in the same amount of time, with the same amount of effort. She always had my work within my comfort level and has helped me develop a more balanced program that maximizes the results.
I found my happy place at home with Meredith and Primetime Fitness. I started virtual training with Meredith at the beginning of Covid and now virtual training is part of my weekly routine. What a joy to get a great workout and not have to leave the house! Thanks, Meredith!
I’ve been taking Meredith’s classes for a few short months and also doing some training sessions with her, and it has already made me stronger. I love that she offers lower-impact options (for this 58-year-old) and also motivates all of us during class!
I was recently diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic. I had worked out with Meredith once before, but at the time, I just wasn’t dedicated to a routine. As soon as I was diagnosed, I shot her a quick email, and she immediately responded. We met and discussed diet and exercise; she was a wealth of information. I started working out with her and figuring out what routine spoke best to me. She helped me set up a Peloton bike and monitored my form. Hey, if this 65-year-old woman can get in shape, anyone can. I’m 15 pounds down and on the right track. Thanks, Meredith!