If you’ve ever taken a group exercise class in Western New York, chances are you’ve seen her, heard of her or been curious to learn more about her. She’s Robbie Raugh, arguably one of Buffalo’s most popular group exercise instructors on a mission to change the face of fitness.
For Robbie, her first workout class in 1973 set the tone for what she wanted to accomplish. She was already a registered nurse, but as she explains, “I felt like I was in sick care- not health care. I wanted to work with people before they got sick.” So she worked her way up the ladder at Bally Total Fitness, moving from a group exercise instructor to eventually National Director, managing more than 5,000 teachers. Her reputation spread for packing the house- Catalyst manager Antoinette remembers, “there were people in every corner of the room, ready to go and give it their all. Robbie seemed to have limitless energy and was constantly shouting supportive things to everyone in the room. After class, I truly felt a shift in my mind, body and soul.”
Robbie can testify to the power of group exercise. “It’s a connectivity with like minded people. If you don’t have energy, you get it from the class because the energy produces itself. We’re all here to help each other stay on track.”
Eventually, her father and sister both lost their lives to cancer, which prompted Robbie to add a second focus of nutrition. “Food is medicine,” Robbie insists. “We can prevent and reverse disease through lifestyle choices. I’ve seen it.” So she went back to school to become a nutritionist, building her brand on the trifecta of clean eating, exercise and sleep. She then shifted to the BAC for Women for several years before finding her home at Catalyst.
“Two years down, the rest of my life to go,” Robbie says with a smile. “The sense of community here is amazing. We offer everything, we are a tribe and always looking for new tribe members.”
And for the new tribe members feeling intimidated? She’s got simple advice for that.
“Just show up!” Robbie exclaims. “Put on your shoes, walk in the gym. We’ll take it from there. We were all beginners once. Nobody was born a gym rat.”
So what goals is Robbie setting for herself in 2019? The question prompts a pause as she sits back and contemplates with a smile.
“I have gotten to do everything I’ve ever wanted in my life,” she says slowly. “I’ve been a nurse, motivational speaker, holistic practitioner, TV and radio host, author, group exercise instructor, wife, mother and so much more. I’ve taught on cruise ships, I have my second book coming out this fall. So I really just want to continue to help people take care of their temporary earth suit, and live that abundant life that I believe we have been designed to live.”
She pauses, winks and points a finger.
“So to everyone out there- just come in. Just show up, just try. Because yesterday, you said you’d start tomorrow.”
For more about Robbie Raugh, check out her website or drop in to one of her classes at Catalyst! She is also hosting “Abs Are Made In The Kitchen: Eating Clean To Get Lean” – a complimentary 45 minute seminar at our French Road location, Thursday January 24 at 12:30 pm. Members and nonmembers are welcome!
