Tanya Becker is the Co-Founder of Physique 57 and the Co-Author of health and fitness book, The Physique 57 Solution. Prior to creating the Physique 57 technique, which Tanya describes as the ultimate transformative physical fitness experience, Tanya trained and taught at The Lotte Berk Method in New York City where she helped update, refine and perfect the legendary fitness technique for nearly ten years. In addition to teaching and training at the Physique 57® studios, Tanya is the choreographer and lead instructor in Physique 57 DVDs. She has appeared on The Martha Stewart Show, Today Show and Dr. Oz. She has also been featured in Vogue, Shape, Redbook, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Magazine and People.
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ON Journey
Q: Please share with us the story of how your professional journey began and has brought you to where you are today.
A: My professional journey in the fitness industry began in 1993 when I answered an ad in the Village Voice that was looking for dancers to teach the Lotte Berk method. At the time it was the only studio in NYC, in fact the only one in the country, that was teaching ballet barre exercise classes. After taking my first class, I was hooked. I fell in love with teaching and the principles of the method (which were a perfect fit for my background as a professional dancer and choreographer). After teaching for more than a decade, I had a vision and teamed up with Jennifer Maanavi to design what would eventually be called Physique 57.
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ON Leadership
Q: What are 3 characteristics that you believe define great leadership?
A: Authenticity (letting people see who you really are); Passion (love what you do, and you will attract people who love it too), and Humility (never place yourself ahead of what needs to be accomplished).
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ON Branding
Q: What do you believe makes a great brand?
A: A great brand has life changing impact. Every week we receive client testimonials telling us about the transformational effects Physique 57 has had for them both physically and mentally.
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ON Mentoring
Q: If you had the opportunity to give advice to your younger self at say the age 13, what would you say?
A: Follow your heart and trust your intuition. Find out what you love to do and what your talents are, and let that lead you on your career path. Don’t be afraid to fail. Persevere no matter what. Try not to spend too much time worrying – it is energy wasted.
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ON Starting Out
Q: If you had a young sister or a daughter who was a senior in college, anxious about landing her first job or unsure of what she wanted to do, what would your advice be to her?
A: Every job is a stepping-stone and will lead you to the perfect job. Discover what you like and what you don’t. Eventually you will find the right fit.
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ON Happiness
Q: What are you most passionate about, and how do you incorporate it into your career or everyday life?
A: I am most passionate about being healthy – mind, body and spirit. I try to eat well (lots of green smoothies); laugh at least once a day and meditate/breathe deeply.
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ON Mistakes
Q: It is a common saying that we learn more from our mistakes than from our successes. Can you share a story about a time when you experienced a mistake, and how you eventually came out a winner because of the lesson it taught you?
A: Unfortunately, I have had more than my share of “mistakes” to single one out. I like to think every one I have made has helped bring me to a deeper level of understanding of others and myself. Each mistake presented me with an opportunity to learn and grow enabling me to experience life with more ease and grace.
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ON Letting go
Q: What do you do to unwind or disconnect?
A: Play with my French Bulldog, Cookie.
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ON Confidence
Q: Oprah has that great section in her magazine “What I know for sure”. What do you know for sure?
A: I used to spend a lot of time thinking about my past or wondering about what the future would bring; I was never present. I recently gave birth to twins, and they have taught me to be present. Every moment is a gift (pun intended!).
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ON Health
Q: What are the top 3 things that you do to stay healthy?
A: Physique 57, forgive and live a resentment free life, and spend time with family and friends.
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ON Relationships
Q: What do you believe is the secret to finding the right person and maintaining a long term, good relationship?
A: Be the person you want to attract. Be authentic, honest and communicate in a loving way.
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ON Cooking & Food
Q: If you love to cook, can you share a favorite recipe(s)?
A: I love the recipes in our book The Physique 57 Solution. Our BBQ chicken recipe is one of my favorites.
How has this interview inspired you?