In The Gym with Lindsay of Sanders Optimum Fitness

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi Everyone. My Name is Lindsay Pisanic.  I work for and workout with Sanders Optimum Fitness.  I am currently a student at UMBC studying to be a physician’s assistant. I enjoy working out and eating healthy.

When did you cheer for the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders?

I cheered for the Baltimore Ravens from 2010-2014

Why did you want to be a part of the team?

Ever since I was a little girl, I always told my mom that I wanted to be a professional cheerleader. When I was old enough to try out for the Ravens at the age of 17, my dream finally came true.

How many other ladies were you competing against and how did you prepare for your audition?

To make the team, you not only have to compete against all the new girls, which is about 250, but also all the returning veterans. (Which probably was the most nerveracking part of the process).  To prepare for tryouts, I not only made sure my body was in the best shape possible, but I also received private dance lessons from a former cheerleader so that I could do my best to make the squad.

What does it take to be a cheerleader?

To be a professional cheerleader requires courage, persistence, and a fun-loving personality. It is not only about appearance, but you must be a good role model to represent their organizaton. Our director does an excellent job with selecting the girls.  We are not only a cheerleading team, but more like sisters. A common misconception about us is that we are “stuck up”.  All of the girls are so down to earth and genuinely care about each other.  I am still friends with the girls that I met through Ravens.

When did you join the Sanders Optimum Fitness team?

I joined Sanders Optimum Fitness in 2011 when I was trying to lose weight to be able to stay on the team. Monte (CEO and trainer of Sanders Optimum Fitness) and I made a promise to each other that we were going to try hard to make the cover of the calendar for the following year.  With strict eating and working out, I was humbled to grace the cover of the 2012-2013 Ravens Swimsuit Calendar.

Any words of wisdom to those who may be intimidated by the SOF workout?

I would say to just come and try it!  All of our exercises can be modified.  We have a wide range of clients, from the age of 17 to 70. Monte encourages everyone to go at their own pace.

What typical meals do you eat throughout the day (i.e. breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner, etc.) to maintain your physique?

I try to eat a hig protein, low fat, low carb diet.  I normally either eat egg whites or oatmeal for breakfast with a piece of fruit.  For lunch, I will eat a salad with tuna or grilled chicken.  Snacks that I enjoy are almonds and the 100 calorie SmartPop popcorn. And for dinner, I will normally eat a piece of grilled chicken or salmon with a green vegetable.  It does sometimes get boring, so that is when I allow myself some cheat meals (including desserts).

What do you do to stay in shape? 

In order to stay in shape, I workout about 5-6 times a week and also eat healthily.  I feel that if you do not eat healthily, all the work you do in the gym will go to waste.

What advice do you have for busy folks who say they have a hard time finding time to workout? 

I would tell them to make sure to eat healthily.  Even if you do cardio for just 30 minutes, it makes you feel better, mentally, physically, and spiritually.  When I used to have breaks in between classes, I would walk around campus for a 10-15 minute walk.

Where can folks go to learn more about you?

If people would like to learn more about me, I am on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Facebook: Lindsay Irene

Instagram and Twitter: Lindsayirene3