Meet NTC Nike Master Trainer Traci Copeland. You’ve probably already seen the energetic fitness machine on many Nike ads, or teaching one of the many NTC tour classes around the world. With an affinity for anything yoga and dance, Traci believes balance, passion and focus are a way of life and the athlete has a (surprisingly) down to earth approach to her day to day lifestyle. Not to mention, a seriously killer Instagram (we already mentioned her as one of our favourites)
We caught up with the gymnastics enthusiast to chat about guilty pleasures, inspirations and surprising facts.
Getting To Know You
Born: Chicago, Illinois but I grew up in Bloomington Minnesota.
Lives: New York, NY.
Known for: NTC Master Trainer. Handstands, inversions and gymnastics.
Personal motto: Deepak Chopra quote I love; “In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you” And “Don’t try to steer the river”
Success is: Colourless. Ageless. It’s being able to do what you’re passionate about for a living and having compassion for other people who are trying to get there. Success and maturity comes from the ability to not compare yourself to other people or comparing yourself to your 20 year old self.
Advice I would give my 20 yr. old self: Focus more on yourself before committing to anything or anyone.
People are surprised that I: Don’t know how to cook and I don’t enjoy trying it.
I’m inspired by (person, place or idea): People who pressure their passion regardless of money. I’m inspired by people who can perform on Broadway, 8 shows a week. Athletes like Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, Francis Tiafoe. Barack Obama, Madonna, Janet, and artists who know how to reinvent themselves.
The biggest risk I have taken (that has paid off) is: Quitting my 9-5 job in my 20’s to pursue a career in dance and later fitness.
From my mistakes, I have learnt: It’s ok to start saying no to projects if you have too much on your plate.
My most used emoji is: 😁 😳 😺
Out And About
Wake up time: 7-8 AM
Morning ritual: Banana, coffee, workout (run, yoga or NTC)
Desk lunch: Don’t really have a desk lunch, but if I had a desk it would be The Wildchild Salad from sweet green.
Last thing I do at night: Watch (comedy) on TV. I wish I could say I read a book or write down my 10 goals for the next day, but I just like to unwind and not think.
Guilty pleasure: Dough Donuts – the cocoa nibs flavour
3 things vital to my day: Coffee, dance class, kale salad
Cafe: Butcher’s daughter, Two Hands, Sweet Green
Juice: Green Juice from Butcher’s Daughter – cucumber, kale, apple, lemon, ginger
Coffee: Ninth Street Espresso
Culture stop: Not everyday, but The Brooklyn Museum and The Whitney Museum Of American Art
Studio/gym: Broadway Dance Centre, Equinox, Y7
Wardrobe
Sports top: Nike Indy Bra
Sports shorts: Nike Legend Capris
Shoes: Nike Flyknit LunarEpic low
Sunglasses: Madewell shades with blue tint
Watch: Garmin for sport. Rolex when I’m not working out (my mom gave it to me, I’m not ballin’ like that)
Store: Zara, Topshop
New season must have: Nike Lab x Riccardo Tisci Jacket
Culture and Tech
Music can be the ultimate freedom of expression. For me, the right song can tune out the external chaos which helps create a clear headspace so I can finish my workout on the right Note 🎧. Some current favorites…. Light it Up- Major Lazer Cheap Thrills – Sia One Dance- Drake Gold – Kiiara @nikerunning @niketraining #music #inspired #training #trackandfield #latergram #nikewomen #drakepace #sia 🎼🎼🎼
A photo posted by Traci Copeland (@traco4) on
App: Tkts to see what discounts they have on broadway shows
Binge watch: Narcos, House of Cards
Instagram stalk: My bestie @ayacun for style, @luamky for the best dance videos, @usagym for gymnasts.
Album love: Purple Rain. I grew up in Minnesota, so I’m a Prince fan for life!
Logging On
Website: www.tracicopeland.com
Instagram:@traco4
Facebook: Traci Copeland
Snap: traco4
