We had the good fortune of connecting with Autumn Oftedal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a child I was placed in dance classes. I definitely fought my mom on this, but I continued to dance and it eventually became a part of who I am. I am someone who loves movement, craves movement, and truly NEEDS movement. It has become such an integral part of my life, that when it came time to choose what to do after high school, I couldn’t imagine doing anything other than movement.

I went to Cornish College of the Arts where I graduated cum laude with a BFA in Dance, emphasis in choreography. I had been teaching dance while in high school and in college, and eventually transitioned fully into teaching movement classes.

It’s definitely not your run of the mill career choice, and it does come with many of it’s own challenges, but I love it. It’s not a conventional life. I get to have a freedom that I think a lot of people may miss out on. It’s a career that has come to me naturally and one that I find very fulfilling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a fitness instructor who’s life in movement started at a very young age. I started dancing at three years old and then started exercising around 12 years old. I loved exercising. I would go to the gym on our late start school days each week, and was in dance classes about 6 days a week. In high school I had my first major injury issue, with extreme tendonitis and bursitis in my right ankle. It was debilitating, and the first time I had to work though something like that. It was just the beginning.

In college, my body wasn’t used to the physical workload, and I ended up having quite a few injuries due to overwork. These injuries, though painful (some even to this day), have really been the catalyst to me transitioning from dance into fitness. They also forced me to go really deep into recovery, injury prevention, pain management, and modifications. I would not be the instructor I am today if I hadn’t had these injuries.

My focus now is to improve people’s mobility (strength & flexibility) as well as to minimize and reduce pain. I have worked with many people who have arthritis, chronic pain, and limited mobility. One of the most exciting things for me as a teacher, is when a client who has regular pain, no longer has it. That moment is uplifting each and every time.

It was not an easy road, and I’m always learning and growing. I can’t wait to see where things go from here.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This all really depends on the time of year. In the summer, I would definitely want to hit Prospect Park, it’s close enough to me, and it’s like stepping out of the city for a bit. For a nice cocktail, Anyway Cafe in the East Village is one of the best spots. They make their own infused vodkas, have delicious cocktails, and usually live music. My favorite vegan breakfast/lunch spot is Brooklyn Whiskers in Bushwick. It’s got plenty of seating a lot to choose from. For pizza there are a few options. Santa Panza and Roberta’s are my favorite Brooklyn spots, and Lil Frankies and Joe’s Pizza are my favorite Manhattan spots (there is a Joe’s in Williamsburg too). I also really enjoy Klom Klorm in Bushwick. They have great portions, consistently delicious food, and a great Thai iced tea.

There are really so many places in the city that are amazing, but these are definitely my top spots.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that I owe my current career to. From my childhood dance teachers, to my parents, my college instructors, and all my movement teachers after. I wouldn’t be the instructor I am today without all of these people. There are too many to list them all!

Most recently, Barre Vida and Barre Vida’s founder Joanna Stone, Yoga with Carson Academy, and Susanna Barkataki though her Yoga Class Curator course have been paramount in my current growth and development as a teacher. I’ve learned a lot from all of these people & programs and it has really made me a better, more well rounded instructor.

All of the people above have made me not only a better teacher, but a better person. It’s been a true honor to work with and learn from them all.

Website: https://autumnoftedal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnofit/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-oftedal-44227237?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fautumnoftedal.com%2F

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autumnfitness/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5qnwcxDfcCXH6kp2Wbbp1w

Image Credits
Tyler Gustin, Joseph Lambert

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.