Believe it or not, one of the most sought-after auditions in New York City isn’t happening on Broadway; it’s at a high-end gym on Wall Street.
Recently, hundreds of fitness enthusiasts flocked to the FiDi location of the luxury gym chain Life Time, all wanting a chance to teach their favorite workout classes.
In a stylish, dimly lit lobby, candidates waited anxiously for their brief two minutes to impress a panel of six judges, although that time often gets cut even shorter.
Christi Thibodeau, a judge with years of experience leading one of the brand’s key classes, CTR (Core Tone Reform), shared with The Post that she can assess a candidate’s potential “within the first five seconds.”
She noted she seeks an instructor who can “command a room with just one word.” Thibodeau explained that when the energy shifts the moment someone steps onto the stage, it often hints they possess that elusive quality needed to captivate an audience.
Many fitness fans turned up to showcase their unique skill sets and prove they have that special something. It almost felt like trying out for a chance on America’s Got Talent or hoping for a golden ticket on American Idol.
The response was so overwhelming that Life Time capped the auditions at 250, though over 30 current instructors were hired through this exhilarating and nerve-racking process previously.
So, who has the right stuff to come out on top?
What the judges are looking for
Life Time, with its luxurious amenities, has a membership fee that’s higher than that of Equinox gyms in the city, starting at $348 monthly.
The FiDi location boasts a range of perks including child care, chiropractic services, and recovery rooms equipped with hydromassage beds.
Sky, the brand’s most renowned gym, is located in Hell’s Kitchen and features a huge outdoor pool deck with stunning skyline views.
Each of the seven judges, who all teach at ten Life Time gyms in New York, brings their own expertise and perspective to the panel, according to Johnny de Triquet, who specializes in cycling and leads studio classes in Manhattan.
He mentioned, “Our aim at Life Time is to have members engaged in various formats and studios,” expressing that as someone who isn’t a yogi, he can still offer a different viewpoint during yoga auditions that an experienced yogi might not provide.
Looking for candidates who not only radiate energy and skill but also act as “community builders,” de Triquet emphasized the importance of personality, suggesting it’s a vital component of the overall experience.
“Of course, technical skills are essential. But that engaging personality is what really takes it up a notch,” he added. “It’s all about striking a balance.”
A glimpse of New York’s fittest
And boy, did the auditions showcase a variety of personalities.
Mochi Liu, 41, showed up in a snug bodysuit adorned with a golden skeleton—far from just a costume, he argued it serves as a “visual cue” during his yoga classes. He shared, “It makes it easier for people to know what part of their body to focus on when they look at me during a demonstration.”
Tracy Dunbar, 35, opted for a more conventional approach—he currently dances at the Metropolitan Opera while trying out for strength and cardio.
“I’ve got a dance background, which makes me more aware of anatomy and movement,” he reflected. “I think that insights gained from performance and dance naturally deepen our connection with our bodies.”
Then there’s Larry Pande, 42, who also auditioned for yoga but spends his free time training in Muay Thai, which influences his rigorous approach to teaching. “I tend to be quite strict because yoga can lead to injuries, and I think teachers often approach it in a carefree way,” he remarked.
People of every age and background gathered to take a shot at becoming instructors at one of New York’s most exclusive gyms.
Bethany Lockhart, 56, turned to Zumba twelve years ago to transform her life, shedding over 100 pounds from her previously 240-pound frame.
Some, like Paola Escobar, 23, had just moved to the city; she relocated from El Paso, Texas, just days before and began Pilates after getting a front desk position at a studio back home.
Justine Sun, a 30-year-old HIIT instructor who recently moved from Tokyo, noted how she enjoyed the local running scene, previously participating in a popular 5K around the Imperial Palace.
“The community aspect is what really attracted me,” she commented. “Building something with those around you is important, no matter where I go.”
Her approach to teaching has also shifted; “I’m not a terrifying instructor up at the front—I’m one of them.”
Sun and Liu represent just a few of many hopefuls looking to make the transition from participants to instructors within the gym they cherish.
What auditions look like
The candidates audition in three main categories: strength and cardio, Pilates and barre, plus yoga, which garnered the most interest.
As they gathered in designated studio spaces, candidates were called up individually to hook up a microphone, choose their track, and dive into a workout as their peers played the role of “students.”
Brittany Hogan, a yoga instructor, noted she was advised to treat her audition like it was a regular class. In reality, they might take 30 minutes or more to build up to a sequence, but here, it all had to happen right away.
“Classes usually follow a narrative arc, which is tough to replicate in an audition,” she admitted.
Still, candidates made the most of their brief spotlight, carefully selecting songs and creating memorable taglines to motivate participants.
Mackenzie Rogers, 36, returned for her second audition after having learned from past experiences that could enhance her performance.
“Every audition serves as a great learning experience,” she insisted, “with many transitions I’ve picked up from watching others.”
While some fretted over last-minute details, others adopted a more relaxed outlook.
“Having done hundreds of auditions throughout my career, I feel that if I’m prepared, it’s pretty straightforward—just choose a song and a few exercises that blend well,” said Byron Pineda, a candidate aiming for a strength and cardio role.
Regardless of preparation, though, unexpected challenges can arise. Escobar found herself unexpectedly going first in the Pilates audition—her inaugural group audition—when she had anticipated a different sequence.
Before candidates could blink, often within less than a minute, Johnny would signal with a raised hand to indicate, “Thank you, next.”
So… who made the cut?
Out of the original 250 auditioners, 40 were called back across the three categories.
Ultimately, the strength and fitness segment saw six offers given out, including one for Byron Pineda.
“After many auditions over the years, my focus has shifted from competing against others to simply being better than I was yesterday,” he expressed during the initial round.
Additionally, four offers were extended to yoga instructors, with Mackenzie Rogers successfully accepting hers after trying out for the second time.
One candidate, after auditioning three times, finally secured an offer, illustrating how persistence can lead to success at Life Time—it’s all part of the journey.
