Atlanta's Best Bodies 2017

HANCOCK JAMES
GEORGIA REGIONAL FITNESS DIRECTOR, ORANGETHEORY FITNESS

Age: 28
Originally from: Atlanta
Lives in: Midtown
Education: University of Georgia
Relationship status: Single

Favorite gym/trainer: Alana June at Orangetheory Fitness Buckhead is one of my favorite coaches.

Favorite exercise: My body always responds best when I mix power movements, traditional strength-training and a few mid-distance runs.

Favorite body part: My upper back and arms are my pride right now.

Diet/exercise routine: I usually start my morning with a tall glass of water. It boosts collagen production and helps fight fatigue during the day. I am actually not a complete dunce in the kitchen, so I whip up some pretty tasty healthy meals. I do traditional weight-training three to four days a week and mix in burpees and plyometrics to spike my heart rate and give my metabolism a boost. I take two to three OTF classes a week.

Favorite local spots for healthy eating: I have a huge heart for True Food Kitchen’s vibe and menu. I also love Fresh To Order and Arden’s Garden.

Favorite local pampering spots: The spa is such a therapeutic experience. I like to sneak away to Château Élan if I need a complete retreat to refresh. Outside of that, Georgia Sports Chiropractic and Massage, and Massage Envy are always great.

Top hobbies: I love to exercise my creativity: Graphic design, cooking and grilling, music, dancing, acting, writing and painting are all passions.

Fun fact: I played James “Thunder” Early in a college production of Dreamgirls.

Words of wisdom: Creating a behavior change is not easy, so start with baby steps: parking the car farther away, increasing water intake, committing to two workouts a week or cutting nighttime sweets. Those small steps eventually add up to a longer journey of sustainable success. My biggest piece of advice is to never give up, and even when you fall off the wagon, know that it is OK to get back up, dust yourself off and try again. We have only lost the battle when we decide to stop fighting, so never stop chasing your best self. 

KATRINA BEEK
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER; INSTRUCTOR, DANCE 101

Age: 31
Originally from: Durham, N.C.
Lives in: Alpharetta
Education: University of North Carolina School of the Arts for ballet
Relationship status: In a relationship
Favorite gym/trainer: LA Fitness
Favorite exercise: Curtsy squats (usually on squat rack)
Favorite body part: My arms and legs

Diet/exercise routine: I workout four to five times a week, mainly focusing on HIIT to always shock my body so I never plateau. I love cycling and the StairMaster for some great cardio intervals too. Dancing definitely helps me stay lean with all the stretching I incorporate into my classes. I try to eat small portions throughout the day to keep my metabolism up so I never get too hungry. I mainly eat proteins, veggies and complex carbs. I definitely save a day a week for a cheat meal or two; I love doughnuts!

Favorite local spots for healthy eating: True Food Kitchen, South Main Kitchen and Whole Foods Market

Favorite local pampering spots: Melrose & McQueen, Bluegrass Nail Salon & Day Spa, and Avalon

Top hobbies: I love being outdoors, cycling, hiking, etc. I also love going to the movie theater.

Fun fact: I danced and performed for 10-plus years at Disney World and Universal Studios. I was a Beauxbaton at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Words of wisdom: Don’t give up on yourself. You have to stay consistent. If you put in the hard work, it will pay off in the long run. Fitness is for everyone; you just have to find what workout/routine works for you and stick to it! If the gym is not for you, there are so many other outlets out there—even your own living room. 

NICOLE MARINES
PROFESSIONAL STUNTWOMAN

Age: 29
Originally from: Jersey City, N.J.
Lives in: Virginia-Highland
Education: Valencia College
Relationship status: In a relationship

Favorite gym/trainer: I like TRX at Plae Hard, HIIT at Atmasphere Yoga and group fitness at Primed Performance Training. I rotate the three throughout the week.

Favorite exercise: Anything on a board, i.e. snowboarding, surfing, paddleboarding, etc.

Favorite body part: Collarbone and shoulders

Diet/exercise routine: I have zero control with food, so I try to incorporate veggies into every meal and workout a minimum of five days a week.

Favorite local spot for healthy eating: When I eat out, anything’s fair game, so healthy eating happens after grabbing groceries at Sprouts.

Favorite local pampering spot: Acupuncture at Urban Body Studios

Top hobbies: Traveling, snowboarding and anything I can do with my dog

Fun fact: I toured with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus before getting into stunts. I was supposed to be an attorney!

Words of wisdom: Ultimately a fit body is only complete with a fit mind. Eat what makes you happy and find ways of exercising that make you happier. When you find a workout you love, it becomes less like work and more of a lifestyle. 

MATT THOMAS
FOUNDER, BRAWL FOR A CAUSE

Age: 27
Originally from: Phoenixville, Pa.
Lives in: Midtown and Monteverde, Costa Rica
Education: University of Georgia
Relationship status: Single

Favorite gym/trainer: Delgado Boxing/Coach Ramone Hayes

Favorite exercise: Boxing-mitt work, riding my bike on the BeltLine or morning rooftop yoga

Favorite body part: My eyes—they change between blue and green

Diet/exercise routine: Natural protein and veggies with Muscle Milk and Defiance Fuel to supplement my diet, then cardio or yoga in the am, and boxing or bodyweight in the pm

Favorite local spots for healthy eating: True Food Kitchen, Arden’s Garden and Cafe Agora

Favorite local pampering spots: Lake Claire Sweat Lodge and JeJu Sauna

Top hobbies: Boxing, pingpong, chess, swing dancing, traveling and writing

Fun fact: I founded and manage a nonprofit called Brawl for a Cause, which empowers everyday people to literally fight for what they believe in. Brawlers fight in their first USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur boxing bout to raise funds and awareness for a cause close to their hearts. I also love sharing the fun and fitness of boxing through one-on-one mitt sessions with future champs like you.

Words of wisdom: The glory of God is man fully alive. We could use more people on this planet who fully embrace life. So set a goal and stick to it; stand up for what you believe in; and be the change you want to see in the world. If you’re able to read this, you pretty much hit the jackpot, so strive to be the best version of yourself and work hard toward realizing your potential. 

BOBBY BREEZE
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER; INFORMATION SECURITY CONSULTANT

Age: 35
Originally from: Greenville, S.C.
Lives in: Buckhead
Education: DeVry University
Relationship status: Single

Favorite gym/trainer: Every-Dai Sports

Favorite exercise: Squats

Favorite body part: Arms

Diet/exercise routine: My diet is pretty simple, with three eggs, ground turkey, and toast or an English muffin for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, I stay with sticky white rice, grilled asparagus or salad, and grilled salmon or chicken. I eat five times a day to maintain my weight, and I train three times a week for an hour each session.

Favorite local spots for healthy eating: Whole Foods Market and True Food Kitchen

Favorite local pampering spot: Treat Your Feet

Top hobbies: Traveling and spending time with family and friends

Fun fact: I recently became serious about helping others achieve their fitness and health goals by becoming a personal trainer, in addition to staying in the IT field. I also like to volunteer in the community, either with kids or with cleanup projects.

Words of wisdom: Healthy foods are the backbone of reaching training goals. Drink plenty of water every day to replenish your body. If you lack motivation, try finding a workout buddy. 

SARAH BROWN
TALENT COORDINATOR, CORTLAND PARTNERS

Age: 24
Originally from: Annapolis, Md.
Lives in: Buckhead
Education: Mercer University
Relationship status: In a relationship

Favorite gym/trainer: Stellar Bodies; Flywheel; and my trainer, Takeela Reddrick

Favorite exercise: 50-pound kettlebell swings… and yes, that’s half my body weight

Favorite body part: Definitely my arms and my upper back. It’s taken time, dedication and proper nutrition, but it’s an area women easily forget about.

Diet/exercise routine: As a retired Division I golfer, I have continued to be very scheduled and disciplined post-college-athletics. Monday/Thursday mornings, I weight train with Reddrick and will stretch at Red Hot Yoga in the evenings; Tuesday/Friday mornings, I do my cardio at Flywheel; and Wednesdays/Saturdays, I go to Stellar Bodies. Sundays are by far my favorite day. My boyfriend, a triathlete, and I start our day at Corso Coffee and go to Katy Kellner’s Flywheel class, followed by brunch. I eat an organic and paleo diet, but always make sure I enjoy on the weekends. I perform best with real, whole foods.

Favorite local spots for healthy eating: True Food Kitchen, Souper Jenny, Dtox Juice, Strive Foods and R. Thomas Deluxe Grill

\Favorite local pampering spots: The Buckhead Massage Company for a deep tissue massage; Taylor Smith at Jamison Shaw Hairdressers; and Little Barn Apothecary

Top hobbies: Walking the BeltLine, discovering new restaurants and shops around the city, and golfing

Fun fact: Before my world was golf, I traveled with my dad to South Africa on several trips for big-game hunting. My family owned a hunting business outside of Johannesburg.

Words of wisdom: There’s no such idea as a quick fix to produce overnight results. Nothing beats hard work, dedication and proper nutrition. My motto is: ‘Hard work pays off’—and it always does! 

DEMETRIA HUNTE
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER; FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE, NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP

Age: 23
Originally from: Alpharetta
Lives in: Dunwoody
Education: University of Georgia
Relationship status: In a relationship

Favorite gym/trainer: GATA Training in Johns Creek/Pat Luckhurst

Favorite exercise: Kettlebell swings

Favorite body part: Legs

Diet/exercise routine: I eat a whole-food diet (lots of fruits, veggies and lean protein). I love to take a
spinning class twice a week, strength train three times a week and go for a long run on Saturday mornings.

Favorite local spots for healthy eating: Kale Me Crazy, Cafe Sunflower and True Food Kitchen

Favorite local pampering spot: Nail Talk

Top hobbies: Shopping, running, taking my dog to the dog park and interior decorating

Fun fact: I did gymnastics for the University of Georgia for all four years of my college career!

Words of wisdom: Learn to love and be patient with your body. We are all such unique and amazing individuals with so many strengths. Just find a way to be active every day, and when you discover what makes your wheels go around, pour your heart into it.