We all know Melissa Weinberg as the woman who can lift her leg so high that it’s actually impossible to take your eyes off of her when she does her Rockette Kicks. But she’s much more than just the energetic and enthusiastic Lithe instructor that kicks our butts every time we take one of her classes. She shares 25 things we never knew about her.
- I’ve just recently gotten used to being called by my full name, “Melissa.” Everyone who knows me from before I graduated college still calls me “Missy” or “Miss.”
- I competed in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior Olympics with fellow Lithe Instructor Meghan G. when we were in our teens.
- I have a questionably inappropriate fascination with Tony Danza. Tony, you melt my butter (or coconut oil in my case).
- I lived in Rome a few years ago after falling in love with the Italian people, culture, and language.
- I have a vivid dream in the Italian language at least once a week.
- I also dream about living abroad again someday, either Europe or somewhere tropical – just have to wait for Lithe Rome or Lithe Caribbean to open!
- I enjoy traveling all by myself. I’ve taken trips to Italy, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, France, Canada, and all over the US flying solo.
- My dad took me to my first concert--Olivia Newton John in Atlantic City--when I was 14. No, I wasn’t embarrassed by my dad taking me or by the fact that it was Olivia Newton John. Yes, she sang my favorite, “Let’s Get Physical.” No, I didn’t pick up on the double entendre. It’s about exercising and getting fit.hip.healthy, right?!
- Another double entendre I failed to pick up on? Brit Brit’s “… Baby One More Time.” In high school, I was known for doing a Britney Spears-inspired dance routine at every dance and party. It was a “hit,” haha, woopsy.
- Clearly, I just love to dance! When I go out, that’s all I want to do and I don’t really care about anything else. When I’m in dance mode, I sing these song lyrics in my head: “I don't really care –air-air-air-air-air-air, I just wanna da-an-an-an-an-an-ance” (from “Who’s That Chick?”)
- I have also been known to break out acrobatics on the dance floor a la the music video above (special occasions only). I love that I can still do aerials and back flips from my gymnastics days.
- I did gymnastics (artistic and then rhythmic) from the time I was 2 years old through college when I was the President of the PENN Club Gymnastics team.
- At PENN (Go Quakers!), I majored in Cultural Linguistic Anthropology and dual-minored in Latin American Studies and Spanish.
- For my major & minors, I took many courses about the Maya and have always been fascinated by their culture and history. (I think it dates back to my love for a “Voyage of the Mimi” episode starring Ben Affleck.)
- I’m severely allergic to corn! But, I consider my allergy to be one of my biggest life blessings. It kept me away from soda, candy, sugary cereals, and other processed foods as a kid, and now I don’t have any taste for those unhealthy items as an adult.
- I’m so passionate about healthy eating that my friends say I am a walking nutrition database. Ask me how many calories or the amount of protein that’s in something you’re eating, and I can give you a pretty accurate count right off the top of my head.
- I’m also passionate about staying fit and active. I start to notice a change in my mood after just one day of sitting still, so I make exercise a top priority in my life.
- I love to play tennis. My dad introduced me to the game, and playing tennis with him is still one of my favorite things in the whole wide world.
- I am a huge crier. I joke that I have over-active tear ducts, but I secretly believe it’s totally true.
- A few years ago, I bleached my hair super bright blonde. I had naturally platinum blond hair as a child, so I felt an urge to go return to my “roots” (haha sorry), but I’m back to brunette now and it just feels more me.
- I used to work in a 9 to 5 (more like 8 to 8) office job doing medical market research consulting.
- While I learned a lot and would not trade the experience for anything, I am happy to say I now dedicate most of my time to all things Lithe! I love being around all of the lovely Lithe ladies, staying active and fit, and contributing to something so positive! So much gratitude.
- I get extreme pleasure out of analyzing data, crafting PowerPoint presentations, and writing well-organized reports and e-mails.
- In my writing, I will forever uphold use of the oxford comma. Gotta clear up the ambiguity people!
- When I set out to write this “25 Things,” I thought Sayeh was crazy for asking me because I am such an open book. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and I know I talk A LOT, so I figured everybody already knows pretty much everything about me. How could I possibly have anything interesting left to share? Turns out, I came up with a few things … but, it was a challenge!
Wait one second! “Baby Hit Me One More Time” is a double entendre?? Am I the world’s most dense person? I thought it was just scandalous because of her sexy school girl outfit! I feel very confused and weird inside. And I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am going have to go out dancing with Melissa IMMEDIATELY! If she is busting out the gymnastics on the dance floor, then she is basically living my dream in life, and I’d like to witness it in reality. Melissa, I think you forgot one thing for your list. If I was writing it, number 25 would say that you are incredibly motivating and helpful instructor. You correct our form, push us to our limit and help us get the very most out of our time in the studio. Thank you!
Image of Lithe Instructor Melissa Weinberg wearing Lithe's Slimming Pants via Dom
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