Meet Irene Bremis

We recently connected with Irene Bremis and have shared our conversation below.

Irene, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

“It all comes from the inside out: exercise, meditate, and eat healthy. I try to Marie Kondo all negativity from my life.”

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

“I started teaching aerobics when I was a teenager and quickly realized it didn’t just shape my body—it totally rewired my brain. Sure, the physical perks were nice, but the real magic was mental. It was my therapy in spandex! Naturally, I wanted to spread the sweaty gospel to everyone I could!”

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

“Mental health issues have VIP passes in my family—but that wasn’t what lit the fire under me. I’d always been a little chubby, and I grew up in the ‘80s, where the more emaciated you looked, the more people applauded you for your ‘willpower.’ I decided ‘nothing would come between me and my Calvins, ’ not even low self-esteem. So, with zero qualifications and much audacity, I applied to be an aerobics instructor at a local gym. A few grapevines and high kicks later, my body and brain got a total makeover. It was a new and long path that would lead to a lifelong career as a fitness instructor and trainer—the three most essential qualities of a fitness teacher are LOVE, EDIFICATION, AND PATIENCE. I taught for 40 years at Lucille Roberts and various other gyms, and was even awarded best NYC class twice for my weight training and kickboxing class at Lucille Roberts. This was amazing. There are hundreds of gifted instructors, extraordinary classes, and gyms; achieving that honor was pure sublimity. They typically only award the plaque once, but I received it twice. I also continued to train on Zoom throughout COVID when it was very needed. I still train comedians, celebrities, and civilians alike. I go wherever I’m needed. Fitness has always been my solid day side-hustle throughout my career as a standup comedian. I love what I do day and night! Spread wellness during the day. Spread laughter at night.”

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

“I looked for inspo everywhere I could. It started with my mother, sister, friends, authors, actors, and advocates. I borrowed bits and pieces of their personalities to reshape my own. In essence, I was single white femaling all these women. Regarding fitness, I’d be remiss not to mention the fantastic Richard Simmons, Jane Fonda, and Suzanne Summers.”

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