Name: Stephanie Elko
Nickname: Selko
Birthday: October 12
Hometown: Clarks Summit, PA
What is your athletic background? Did you play any sports growing up? When I was a kid I tried a little bit of everything: soccer, gymnastics, swimming, and basketball. But the only thing that I stayed with and competed in for 15 years was Irish Step Dancing. No, I’m not Irish, but I like to say that my feet are!
When did you attend your first workout with Arlington Sports Conditioning, and how did you first learn about the group? I attended my first ASC Fast workout in May 2025. I’m a client at Rehab 2 Perform Tysons, and the physical therapists who gave an injury prevention Q&A at the end of the workout, invited me to tag along. I had such a blast and was so happy to be with others who are as passionate about running and fitness as I am.
What is your proudest athletic accomplishment, and why? My proudest athletic accomplishment was running my first marathon. I was going through a difficult time in my life, and that training and the race itself, helped me through it. If you’re looking for a fun, scenic, and fast course, I highly recommend the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA.
What is your favorite exercise(s)?
I think burpees are fun, and I like messing with single arm or leg variations. I also enjoy squats. I struggle with a lot of upper body strength like pull-ups and chest press, but I’m determined to get better at them!
What is your favorite workout song or musical artist? I’m a big fan of Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song, it’s one of those songs I love for speed days or races.
What is your favorite sports team? I don’t follow sports, but from going to school at SUNY Albany, I’d have to go with the NY Giants.
Who is your favorite athlete? My favorite athlete is former record holder of the marathon in the Olympics: Deena Kastor. She is one of the reasons why I fell in love with running. She’s inspiring and practical.
Other than working out, how else do you like to spend your free time? I’m a big geek. I play D&D every other week with my friends. We also regularly get together for board games and video games. I’m currently playing my way through Persona 5 Strikers, and playing Split Fiction with my fiancé.
What do you like best about Arlington Sports Conditioning? There’s so much to like about ASC, it’s hard to just choose one, so I’ll give you my top two: 1. Community: I’ve tried a lot of studio workouts and none of them has what ASC does. Everyone is always cheering each other on, and whether you’re new or a veteran, it’s very welcoming. 2. Coach Pete’s workouts rock. You can tell that every one is well-thought out and crafted for a full-body workout that never gets boring.
What are the biggest benefits of being a member? You really do become faster, stronger, and fitter. In my short time as a member, I’ve already measured improvement in both my running and strength. Also, sometimes Coach Pete offers free bonus workouts and field trips to train in different locations. These are always a blast!
What advice would you offer to new or prospective members of Arlington Sports Conditioning? Just dive right in. These workouts are meant for all levels. You pick your pace and your weights. While this is a group workout, you really get to make it your own.