Name: Annika Kile
Birthday: June 7
Hometown: Arlington, VA
What is your athletic background? Did you play any sports growing up?
I started dancing when I was about 9 years old. I did ballet for 4 years and jazz dance for 2 years. I began figure skating when I was 15 years old and have stuck with it ever since. I’ve also been hiking for as long as I can remember. I especially do a lot of hiking in the Adirondacks in New York state.
When did you attend your first workout with Arlington Sports Conditioning, and how did you first learn about the group?
I first came to the workout when I was 18 years old. I used a guest pass from my dad (Joe Kile) who had been going to the workouts for a while, and now I come to the workouts when I am home on breaks from college at JMU!
What is your proudest athletic accomplishment, and why?
My proudest athletic accomplishment was when I started learning harder jumps and spins in figure skating, like catch-foot spins and lutz jumps. I didn’t realize how hard those skills were to learn in skating until I started learning them, but when I was finally able to do them, it opened up a whole new world for me with tons of different spin variations and jump kinds!
What is your favorite exercise(s)?
Figure skating is definitely my favorite form of exercise, but when I am not doing that, I really love weightlifting, as well as swimming for cardio.
What is your favorite workout song or musical artist?
I enjoy listening to Lady Gaga, Kesha, Charli XCX, and PinkPantheress while working out.
What is your favorite sports team?
The Green Bay Packers.
Who is your favorite athlete?
I love a lot of figure skaters, such as Alysa Liu and Yuzuru Hanyu.
Other than working out, how else do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending time outside, crafting, listening to music, and visiting new places with friends.
What do you like best about Arlington Sports Conditioning?
I love the community that is built through the workouts. It’s a great environment where everyone encourages each other and pushes each other to do our best.
What advice would you offer to new or prospective members of Arlington Sports Conditioning?
Don’t be scared! Everyone is incredibly welcoming, and working out with a community is always better than working out alone.