Nutrition happens. We’re not solely focused on the food around here (even though we LOVE chatting about a good meal!) – we believe nutrition happens when we’re intentional about the way we’re feeding every aspect of life: the decisions we make for our bodies, the way we take care of our minds, and the relationships we choose to invest in.
While healthy certainly looks differently on everyone, one thing we can all agree on is this: health should be a judgement-free zone. Instead of focusing on perfection, we’re actively choosing to drop the comparison game and instead, celebrate people just the way they are. Because nutrition happens with no labels – whether you’re holding a green smoothie or a maple glazed doughnut. This series intends to share the incredible minds of Chicagoans in this community who share a similar passion for living their own definition of their best lives. Here’s how these Chicago locals are all making nutrition happen:
*Mays note: I started taking Sayre’s Peloton cycling classes shortly after I joined as a member at Studio Three almost 2 years ago now – and I think I’ve been in over a hundred of her classes since! Trust me when I say after your first Sayre class, you would be attending religiously too – the energy is insane. If you find yourself in town for class, make sure you check out the schedule and book a class here. You can’t find a studio as local as Studio Three in Chicago and trust me, you don’t want to miss Sayre’s famous playlists (nor will you regret when she tells you to turn the resistance up one [or five] more points….TRUST!)
Name: Sayre Masters
Hometown: Traverse City, MI
Business/ Occupation: Lead Cycle Instructor – Studio Three, Chicago
Tell us about yourself.
Hi! My name is Sayre. I’m a twenty-something fitness professional, living and working in Downtown Chicago! With 22 years of pre-professional/professional dance background/education and 5 years working in the fitness industry under my belt, making “Nutrition Happen” has been a priority and a passion for most of my life. If I’m not at the studio, there’s a good chance you’ll find me either in the kitchen or at the lakefront.
Favorite part of your job?
I’m lucky enough to have a job where I get to inspire others to nurture their bodies and minds through sweat. Watching my riders crush goals or leave the room with a smile and a sweaty high five after class is the absolute best! I also get to work with so many badass humans and trainers, who I get to learn from and be motivated by every single day. I can’t pick just one favorite part of my job, It’s impossible. I’m super fortunate to be able to do what I love every day.
What’s your personal philosophy on a healthy lifestyle?
Health and life are both multifaceted. So for me, having a healthy lifestyle means maintaining mental, physical, and spiritual health. Sometimes that’s a green juice and a nap, but other times it looks more like a night out with my LadyGang and a donut. Overall, my philosophy of a healthy lifestyle is all about balance.
Making nutrition happen for the…
MIND.
Morning routine or evening routine?
I’m definitely more of a night person when it comes to routine. I lay out my clothes for the next day, and I pre-pack my bag, meals, etc. Feeling rushed in the morning is not how I like to start my day. I love that something so simple like having my things set up the night before makes me feel like I have my sh*t together from the moment I open my eyes (which could be anywhere between 4am-8am). Then it’s wake up, coffee, conquer!
One thing you are grateful for today:
My friends. I’ve got the best in the world.
How do you recharge after a long day?
Good food and terrible television.
Last song played on your Spotify?
Saturday Sun – Vance Joy
BODY.
Top 3 food essentials that you can’t live without (or, 3 items ALWAYS on your grocery list):
- Eggs
- Bananas
- LaCroix
The BEST meal you’ve ever had (or favorite meal, ever):
Wow, this is a lot of pressure. I’ve had so many fantastic meals, but there is one restaurant that I used to frequent and miss SO much. ABC Cocina, on 19th Street, in NYC. I’ve tasted 98% of the menu and have never been disappointed. My order would be: the basil jalapeño margarita (I’ve been working on perfecting my own version), raw shaved brussels sprout salad, roasted honeynut squash (with goat cheese, chilies and pepitas), and the fish tacos.
Open your fridge. What are the two things you see?
A large bag of spinach that I need to either use ASAP or freeze for smoothies before it gets too old. Also a lasagna that I have prepped and ready to throw in the oven for dinner tonight.
Favorite way(s) to move/ sweat / workout?
Dancing (for my heart), Yoga (for my mind), and riding a bike that goes nowhere (for fun).
SOUL.
What makes you the most confident?
Sweat. I feel 100% more confident with my hair sweaty and stuck to my face after a killer workout than I do in a dress and heels.
Where do you find the best inspiration?
I’d say the best inspiration always comes from the people I surround myself with. The messages on my yogi tea bags are usually pretty solid too.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Expect nothing, appreciate EVERYTHING.
Success to you is…
Success is something that you get when you’re doing something that you love. It’s messy, and challenging, but always ends with a smile.
CHICAGO.
Favorite spot(s) in Chicago…
The lakefront will always hold a special place in my heart. I love looking out at lake Michigan and knowing that my hometown is just a hop, skip and a jump across the water.
Your perfect Chicago day is …
7am – First of all – It’s summertime in Chicago. I wake up with the sun (because alarms are awful), and enjoy a relaxing cup of really great coffee on the balcony. If it’s really a perfect morning… I’d also have to eat a donut. Duh.
8:30am – I’d pack my bag and head out the door to take a hot yoga class at Studio Three with some friends where I’d finally nail crow pose.
10am – Brunch at Kanela with some of the best friends a girl could ask for. (Ps: If you go to the Streeterville location, ask for Phil. He’s the BEST!)
12pm – I would head to the shore and take a long walk up the lakefront with my boyfriend and his dog. We’d sit on the rocks and watch the boats float in and out of the harbor.
2pm – We stop at Whole Foods and pick up snacks to enjoy while we get ready for the evening.
5pm – Headed downtown for drinks and a show!
10pm – I didn’t eat dinner, so I ordered pizza on the way home (in my perfect day, calories don’t count). It arrives SECONDS after I walk in the door. I’ll eat said pizza and watch the first part of 10 Things I Hate About You before I start to fall asleep.
