Stacey Knight... Welcome to the Burlexercise team, tell us a bit more about you...

Hi, I'm a 31 year old Personal Trainer living in Leek, Staffordshire with my husband and 3 year old daughter. Alongside my personal training clients I also teach Les Mills BodyPump, Les mills Grit Series, Spinning and and I am kettle bell instructor qualified. When I heard about Burlexercise I just knew straight away it would be such a fun class to teach and when I asked the ladies at one of my current fitness classes they were really excited about the prospect so I got booked straight on to the next available course. I love the fun showgirl aspect of the class, getting fit doesn't always have to be about the gym and serious, it can be lots of fun too!! It's a great workout but you can really let your hair down and have a good giggle with friends at the same time.

This month we're going to chat to Tina Allen .  Our Burlexercise Showgirl Instructor for September!

Tell us about YOU Tina, why did you get into Teaching Fitness?

I decided I wanted a career change.  I wanted to do something I felt passionate about and would help others.  I had a passion for fitness so thought...why not try that as a career?  Initially I trained as a Gym Instructor and achieved my Level 2 qualification.... But having danced as a child my real passion was dance fitness.  

Since having my daughters I have lived my love of dance through them.   I also loved going to Zumba & Barre classes.  As well as a boogie round the house.  So my next step in my career change was dance fitness.  I trained as a BalletBeFit instructor then completed the Total Barre instructor qualification. I started instructing 2 classes a week and loved it.... which was odd as previously I hated standing up in front of people and talking.  Clearly I had found my calling so in March 2015 I took the plunge and resigned from my job of 17 years in a bank.  

I started working as a Fitness Coach at studying for my Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification.  I passed this in July 2015 and made a bigger decision to go 100% self-employed... Burlexercise was my next challenge.

I first heard about Burlexercise in Mar 2015.  I loved the sound of the class.  The resistance element and the sassy dance cardio really appealed to me.  In September 2015 I attended the Burlexercise instructor training day.  A fabulous day and I fell completely in love with the programme.  Having passed the assessment, I was ready to go.  My first Burlexercise class took place in November 2015 and I haven't looked back.  I love teaching the class and get so excited when there is a be volume release. I now have a sassy & sparkling future ahead.

Your Showgirl Instructor Secrets...

What's your favourite Showgirl move?

The shimmy of course.

Who's your biggest musical influence?

There are so many to choose from.   I am a pop girl at heart and have always been partial to a boyband... The ultimate boyband for me was & still is, after 21 years, Backstreet Boys, closely followed by New Kids on the Block & Take That.  

If you were stranded on a desert island in the 1950's with the Rat Pack, Elvis and Marilyn all there together, what 3 Showgirl/Showboy essentials would you have with you?

With all those fabulous artists & the beautiful Marilyn I would need to look the part.  So it would be:

1. A gorgeous shimmering gown

2. Bright Red Lipstick

3. And the ultimate showgirl accessory a boa.

Eating healthy daily is important, but when you're treating yourself, what is your most deliciously naughty favourite food?

I have a sweet tooth so when I want to indulge I love nothing more than Chocolate brownie with ice-cream.

Do you have any cool tips on how we can keep active outside of class too?

Put your favourite music on and dance like no one is watching.  Burn calories & feel awesome.

Also walk as much as you can.  Leave the car behind put on some comfy shoes and go for a walk.  Clear your head & enjoy being outdoors.