Get to Know POP Pilates Star Cassey Ho

Group fitness instructor and entrepreneur Cassey Ho is one of the most popular social media icons around, has been named one of the top five health influencers in the world and even has a name for her millions of fans and followers — the POPsters. Ho’s positive personality radiates on her blog, Blogilates, and YouTube channel, and also shines through the Pilates-inspired fitness program she has created, POP Pilates.

24Life recently talked to Ho about her favorite moves, building a business and what inspires her.

24Life: What is your top training tip for the summer? Does your workout routine change with the season?
Cassey Ho (CH): Get fit for life, not just for summer. You should be consistent and healthy all year long! That way you will feel good in your skin no matter what season it is.

24Life: What are the three most beneficial exercises that people should include in their workout routine?

CH: Here are my top three:

(1) Plank Jacks

• Start in forearm plank with your body forming a straight line from shoulders to the ankles.
• Contract your abs to engage the core, keep upper body still as you jump your feet out and in.

This is an awesome total-body strengthening exercise, which also gets your heart-rate up to burn calories.

(2) Plie Squats

• Bring your knees wider than hips, pointing in same direction as toes.
• Squat down keeping upper body tall. Sit low/tall spine.

This move is all about strengthening and toning the inner thighs and glutes.

(3) Roll-ups

• Begin lying on your backside, legs long and extended, arms extend high overhead.
• Roll up to stack your shoulders over your hips.

This is one of my favorite super-effective exercise for the abs. It takes so much core strength and control.
24Life: How do you regenerate or revitalize?

CH: Cooking is like my therapy. I love being in the kitchen, putting on some good music and creating a healthy recipe. Getting creative in the kitchen relaxes me, and enjoying the food is a bonus!

24Life: What book is on your night-stand?

CH: I’m currently reading “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink. As my company, oGorgeous Inc., expands, and as we hire on more employees, I am constantly learning how to keep the team motivated, excited and challenged, while building company culture. This is all so new to me. This book is awesome because it goes into the science behind what motivates human beings to reach their best potential, and it’s not what you think!
24Life: What’s your morning ritual?
CH: Literally, the first thing I do when I wake up is check Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to see what my POPsters are saying. All the positivity and love from the community sets my intentions for the day. Next, I do my PIIT routine to get my workout in before the day starts. It’s so motivating and energizing and the perfect way to start my day. Then I make a quick and healthy breakfast. I do this all before it’s time to head to the Blogilates headquarters to start work for the day.

24Life: What is your go-to pre-workout or post-workout snack for nourishment?

CH: I’m pretty simple when it comes to food. A banana with peanut butter is my go-to pre-workout snack, and a smoothie filled with fruit, protein powder and almond milk makes for a refreshing post-workout drink.
24Life: What are you most passionate about, outside of fitness?

CH: I love helping people, whether it be inspiring them to work out and eat healthier, or motivating them to follow their dreams. Helping people reach their full potential is my absolute passion.
24Life: What’s one new thing you want to learn to do or one new thing you’d like to try this year?

CH: I want to be able to do a handstand! Inversions are scary for me and I want to battle this fear.
24Life: How do you make sure you’re being your best self every day?

CH: I’ve always been very determined and dedicated to be my best self and improve every single day. I think about what I want to give my POPsters and the people around the world that are following Blogilates. They motivate and inspire me to be my best self so I can create products and ideas that will help THEM reach their full potential.

24Life: What biggest lesson did you learn while developing POP Pilates?

CH: To keep a close team of people who know and understand what POP Pilates truly means. It’s not about money or vanity. It’s about creating a format that changes people’s lives.

24Life: How do you prepare for performance, especially when you will be teaching a large POP Pilates class?

CH: I do still get nervous sometimes! But, I like to just focus, listen to my playlist and go over the choreography. As soon as I walk out to teach, the nerves go away because I see everyone smiling and excited to get their POP on!

24Life: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given, in less than 24 words?

CH:

Check out more moves from Cassey Ho on 24Life here.