Q&A with Jacy Cunningham
Alo Moves fitness instructor Jacy Cunningham puts the “lift” in uplifting. His high-energy HIIT workouts will have you jumping, sweating, and wondering how you got roped into cardio in the first place. Then you remember: it’s all about his energy.
Just a few seconds into his workouts, you’re met with his ear-to-ear grin and infectious team-player spirit. “Can you handle this?” he frequently asks before each class. It’s a challenge — albeit a fun and friendly one — and he makes you want to step up to the plate.
We asked our Alo Moves community what questions they had for Jacy, and he delivered. Read on to find out how he stays motivated to work out, the best way to combat post-workout soreness, and more.
How do you stay so motivated?
How I stay motivated is I’m always connected to my gratitude. I’m always connected to the things I’m thankful for that remind me that it’s just great to be alive and it’s great to be here. And that’s what keeps me inspired and keeps me motivated to keep digging for more.
What’s the secret behind your awesome, positive energy?
The secret behind my positive energy is definitely for one, my family. Two, my wellness toolkit that I’ve been developing for the past few years — my dancing, my affirmations, my thank yous in the morning. These are the things that help me.
(Want to wake up with all the good vibes? Check out Jacy’s Morning Motivation wellness talk on Alo Moves!)
Do you have any tips on how to minimize neck pain after workouts?
As far as neck pain goes following a workout, I have fallen in love with the CBD world and the topicals and ointments that I have been gifted and allowed to just have. They work wonders. I would say look into that. It’s a great thing to start.
What are your tips for reducing soreness and inflammation after workouts?
Rest, and ice it if it gets to that point. Also, the branch chain amino acid called L-Carnitine — look it up. Get it. I love it.
(We also love Jacy’s Recover Your Body sequence — perfect for after the gym, hiking, running, etc.)
How would you progressively go from zero trainings a week to six trainings a week?
In the fitness world, we call that progressive overload. And it’s a very patient process. It’s very adaptive as far as adaptation happens in waves, so don’t expect a linear process with progressive overload. I would focus on improvements in form and range of motion first, and then focus on the reps, the sets, and the load next.
Want to try Jacy’s HIIT and strength workouts? Access his classes and more for free with a 14-day trial to Alo Moves.