Instructor Spotlight: Alyson Dana

The heart of our studio has always been our incredible team of instructors. They show up every day with unmatched energy, thoughtful programming, and genuine care for every single person who walks through our doors. Our instructors aren’t just talented at what they do—they’re also amazing humans who make our community what it is.

That’s why we’re excited to launch a new spotlight series: a chance to highlight our team and share more about who they are inside and outside of the studio.

We’re kicking things off with none other than longtime client turned fan-favorite instructor in Wakefield: Alyson Dana. You’ll see Alyson teaching all over the schedule (and often taking class herself!). She’s known for being the hardest worker in the room, always challenging herself with the heavy weights and bringing an energy that inspires everyone around her.

Now, let’s get into her fun Q&A!

• How long have you been at Sweat Fixx and what caused you to want to join the team? I started as a client at Sweat Fixx in December of 2019 and as instructor in July of 2023. One of the biggest factors for me auditioning in the community we have. I was part of the early morning crew. Most people would think for a 5:30am class, everyone would be quiet and still half asleep – we might all be walking in still with one eye shut, but everyone is friends, so chatty, and welcoming. We see each each other every morning but still have something to tell someone when we see them. I slowly watched myself gain strength and confidence. I remember starting my first class with 8lb weights and a few years later being able to use only 25lbs for all of an Elise’s sculpt class. After watching myself transform and loving the community, I wanted to be part of the team that helps our clients build that strength and confidence as well. 

• What your favorite class is to teach/take and why? Grit. I might be bias based on the amount I teach Grits, but I love grit. Each station is a new opportunity and challenge. You never know what is going to be thrown at you with the amount of different exercises and equipment that can be used. I love that I will have opportunities to use different piece of equipment that we don’t always get to see in other classes, whether that be the battle ropes, Bosu, handle bands, mini bands, and even the assault bike. The stations are quick intervals, as much as I’m constantly saying it on the mic, I am telling myself as well, I can do anything for 45 seconds to give me the motivation to get through the tougher stations. Both teaching and taking the classes, I personally think Grit is the most fun. 

• What’s one piece of advice you would give someone new who is trying out SF for the first time?Take everything at your own pace. We always have many competitive people in the room who are going to be secretly racing each other or trying to beat their own previous records. Put your blinders up and just focus on you. Everyone’s fitness journey is different, you made through the hardest step by just walking in the door to try something new, now just keep your body moving and focus on what you need in that moment. 

Now let’s get into some rapid fire questions:

• What’s one song that instantly gets you hyped during a workout? Any country remix
• Which Sweat Fixx class challenges you the most personally—and why? Train. Although I try not to be, I am a competitive person in class. Train is not at all about competitive with others, but for me a competition with myself. It is a chance for me to slow it down, focus on form, and pick up something heavy. I typically taken Train on Monday nights with Erin and think about it as my opportunity in the week to really challenge myself to increase the weights I am lifting with the lower rep counts. 
• What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie? Anything Real Housewives. 
• If you could only use one piece of equipment for the rest of your life, what would it be? Kettlebell
• Early bird or night owl? Shockingly night owl. Although I always take the 5:30 and 6am classes, if I could, I would be sleeping until 10-11am every day if I could. I know feel best if I get up and work out in the morning so that is why I get up get workout before work but if my alarm was not set, I would be sleeping in and staying up late. 
• If Sweat Fixx had superlatives, what would you win? Most Likely to walk in to class with multiple drinks in their hands (typically celsius, gatorade, some protein drink and a water) 

Want to sweat it out with Alyson? You can catch her on the mic at our Sweat Fixx Wakefield studio during these times:

• Wednesdays: 9:00 AM GRIT, 4:30 PM GRIT, 5:30 PM ROW
• Thursdays: 5:30 AM GRIT
• Saturdays: 7:30 AM GRIT, 9:30 AM GRIT

Come take class with her and experience the energy, strength, and motivation she brings to every session!