HBW Fitness Friday Instructor Spotlight

HBW Fitness Friday Instructor Spotlight

Lily Collins Agee

This Friday we shine the spotlight on an incredibly kind and sweet friend with an infectious smile, Lily Collins. I met Lily through my "first year experience class" at Randolph-Macon College in 2006 and here we are 10 years later teaching group ex classes together! Lily can be found teaching Pilates, Insanity, and CXWorkx.

Becoming an Instructor

What brought you to Richmond? After graduating from Randolph-Macon College in 2010, I was extremely fortunate to be hired as a 4th grade teacher for Hanover County Public Schools, which allowed me to stay in the Richmond area.

When did you join your gym/ studio and why? In 2010, during my first year teaching, I joined Gold’s Gym in hopes of finding a means to release stress through exercise.

Why do you exercise? In high school I was extremelypassionate about and driven by team sports. I played lacrosse, ran cross-country and track, and rowed on a community crew team. In college I chose not to take part in team sports, as I feared the larger commitment would interfere with my academics. It wasn’t until it was too late, that I became aware of the significant void in my life. Fortunately, during college I discovered group exercise classes which provided me with the sense of teamwork and motivation that I had been missing. This continues to be why I exercise today- not only do I feel healthy and energized during an exercise class, but I am constantly meeting new friends that motivate and support me both in and out of the gym!

What is your favorite format that you teach? The formats I teach have very different styles, all of which I love- but I’d have to say that Insanity is my favorite. Out of the three, Insanity requires the most motivation on my part- which is FORMAT FOR INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHTS what initially drew me to group exercise instructors. Insanity classes provide a strong sense of teamwork and a satisfying feeling of achievement!

10 Random Questions for Lily

1. What are the top three qualities that draw you to someone? Optimistic, positively passionate, and genuinely kind.

2. Type of music you like most? My husband has been in a number of bands since he was young, so we are usuallylistening to a wide variety of genres from good ole’ rock n’ roll to crunchy jam bands to serious funk…but I have to admit, I’ve been Taylor Swift’s biggest fan since I was 16 :)

3. What’s your favorite “healthy” food, store or restaurant to go to? I love to get dinner at Ellwood Thompson's- theyhave a wide variety of healthy and wholesome choices in their hot bar…AND if you go after 8:00pm they offer great flat rate deals!

4. What do you like to do on weekends? I always try to spend my weekends outdoors! I love finding new hikes onBlue Ridge to explore that can then be followed by trips to nearby breweries and wineries!

5. What/Who Inspires You? My Mom! She inspires me to work hard for a meaningful purpose, to fearlesslyspontaneity and adventure, and to find positivity in all I encounter.

1. In the morning you can’t live without… toothpaste!

2. Favorite place to go in Richmond? The James River! My husband and I love spending time on his fishing boat in summer!

3. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy? I would buy the necessary equipment to clonemy dog, Gryffindor :)

1. What is your go-to favorite exercise? My absolute favorite class to take is Body Attack because it is full of well-rounded and challenging exercises from tuck jumps to walking planks! Outside of the gym, I love taking Gryffindor

2. What is your favorite brand or favorite workout gear? Believe it or not, Old Navy and The Gap make incrediblydurable and affordable workout clothes!

(You can find Lily at Gold’s Gym at the Fan location on Tuesdays)