If you love a tough-but-fun, low-impact class that makes you sweat, Alex C. is about to become your new fave. With 11 years of teaching experience and a serious dance background under her belt (think: Jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, hip hop, all of it!), she knows how to crank up the heat in your Sculpt + Barre classes.
“Fitness has always been something I’m passionate about, because I feel like it’s my way of helping and making people feel better,” she says. “I just want to be your cheerleader, whether you’re working out for 10 minutes or an hour.”
An Arizona native, Alex has called sunny Los Angeles home for more than a decade, working as both a fitness instructor and a TV producer on a little something called The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Now, this bubbly Cali girl is starting a brand new chapter in New York City—and she’s ready to play.
Get to know her below, and follow all her adventures at @alexjanecooley.
You just moved to New York right from LA after 10 years. How’s that feeling?
So good. I’m absolutely loving it. Every morning I walk to my local coffee shop, just looking at the buildings, and I can’t believe I live here. It’s all happening! I just had a proud moment earlier where I was texting with my mom, because I was watching my Barre + Sculpt classes back from obé, and I just thought: oh my gosh, it’s only been a month and I’m already doing what I love. It was a proud moment for myself.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Arizona, went to school at the University of Arizona in Tucson, got my degree in broadcast journalism, and then moved to LA because I knew I wanted to work in entertainment. From there, I started in fitness when I moved out, just to have a job. I worked the desk at a Barre studio—and shortly after starting, I realized I wanted to teach it! So I immediately went through training and became a Barre instructor on the side, because I was working full time in TV.
And then through the pandemic, I realized fitness is actually my passion! I was teaching through Zoom and getting more into my own formats, getting trained in yoga and sculpt as well. When the TV show I worked for ended in May, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me to try the East Coast and fully focus on fitness.
What’s your favorite part about being a fitness instructor?
Seeing the people that I teach feel better mentally, emotionally, and physically—and seeing them achieve their goals. Whether that goal is weight loss, just getting a sweat in, or moving your body for 20 minutes a day, seeing people feel better about themselves after class and connecting with them on that human level just fills me up inside.
When I used to teach Barre in the mornings IRL, I’d see people walk in super tired (they didn’t have their coffee yet!). And then after class, they’d be energized and connected to themselves, ready to take on the day. Seeing that motivation and inspiration is what it’s all about for me.
What are your classes like?
For me, I need to sweat in a workout class, with every movement geting me a little more sweaty. So that’s just always been my personal philosophy for teaching. Everyone says my classes are tough! And I agree. Even if it’s low-impact, I want to feel my heart pounding in my chest.
What kind of fitness instructor are you?
I really just want to be like your best friend cheering you on to do your best work and feel your best in my class. It’s not a bootcamp. I want you to have fun, listen to your body, and take breaks when you need. Some days, you’re going to be able to do it the whole way through, and some days you’re not—but that’s okay. Where are you are is exactly where you’re meant to be. And the fact that you showed up is like the only thing that matters.
What’s the difference between your Sculpt and Barre classes?
Sculpt will have more cardio and bigger body movements. Barre is going to be more focused on isometric movements and fatiguing specific muscle groups. So focusing on legs, core, arms with smaller, more concise movement.
What’s your fitness mantra?
Movement really is medicine. No matter what you decide to do, you’re always thankful you did it.
Moving on to the life stuff! What’s your go-to coffee or tea order?
An oat milk cappuccino. This coffee shop in Chelsea—The Commons—has the most amazing pumpkin bread, so it’s kind of become an everyday treat.
What’s your go-to workout snack?
Either a protein bar (a crunchy peanut butter Clif Bar is my favorite), some fruit—like a handful of blueberries, a banana, or an apple—or a green juice.
Instant mood booster?
I love to put on my favorite music and have a dance party. Just by myself to get some movement going! It energizes me and makes me feel like I can do whatever is next on my to-do list.
What are some of your favorite pump-up songs?
I’m such a ‘90s girl. So anything from Alanis Morissette to Janet Jackson to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I also love Pharrell Williams, Tears for Fears, all of the classics. And then the fun stuff like Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Dua Lipa, Kanye West.
A recent concert you absolutely loved?
I got surprised by tickets to a Billy Joel show in LA. I didn’t even know him that well and wasn’t really excited for it, but it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. And now, I’m going to see Billy Joel again at Madison Square Garden! Coldplay was also iconic.
What’s the next spot on your travel wish list?
I would love to go back to Europe now that the world is open again. London is so close. Paris. I’ve never been to Greece. That’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit.
What show are you watching right now?
Because I’m in New York, I’m rewatching all the New York classics like Sex and the City and Broad City. I’m also watching Tell Me Lies on Hulu, The Patient with Steve Carell, and House of the Dragon.
What does your day off look like?
I like to explore since I’m new to the city. I’ve been walking the High Line in the mornings. Walking towards the Vessel exploring Little Island. Just different Manhattan neighborhoods. I love to read—I’m reading Where the Crawdads Sing right now. And I also love self-care! A face mask, getting a massage, a pedicure, just little things to fill myself up.
What’s one thing we can’t google about you?
Number one: I’ve been on TV because I worked at the Ellen Show and there were many times where I was on air. Two—I’ve flown a plane! And three, I’ve never broken a bone.
If you could only do one workout for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dance! Again, just putting on a song and dancing around like no one is watching and being as goofy as I want. It’s such a good release of any static energy, just getting all of that out and being more open.
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