Q&A with Long Beach Fitness Instructor Stefan Serie

Long Beach resident Stefan Serie started Serious Beach Fitness in 2012 with the goal to create a serene environment where individuals can enhance their fitness by exercising on the beach. 

Serie has been a group fitness instructor since 2003 and a health teacher in Merrick School District since 2005. The Merrick native graduated from St. Anthony’s High School and attended Hofstra University for his undergraduate degree in health education and psychology and graduate degrees in physical education and sports science. He was a Division I collegiate athlete in wrestling and football at Hofstra, where he received the Wilson Award, which is given annually to a student of health studies in recognition of his academic achievement and potential for professional leadership. 

Today, Serie competes in various adventure races and triathlons, and has lived in Long Beach that past three years. He sat down with Patch recently for the following interview. 

What is Serious Beach Fitness and how did it get started?

Serious Beach Fitness is a program designed to enhance an individual’s physical, mental and social health. Training on the beach provides a multitude of benefits, aside from the tranquility of the beach environment; the sand provides a terrain that recruits more stabilizing muscles even when simply walking. This hour session is designed intelligently and with purpose. All areas of fitness and wellness are focused on drawing concepts from cross training, yoga and core strength.

What distinguishes Serious Beach Fitness from other beach-based fitness programs in Long Beach and elsewhere? 

I believe my experience as a health educator first and foremost is what distinguishes Serious Beach Fitness from other programs. Feeling fit is more than being able to do squats or burpees; I incorporate all areas of wellness into my programs. The rapport I am able to build and energy I disseminate to inspire is ultimately what sets this program apart.

Long Beach will likely be without a full boardwalk this summer. How do you expect this could impact your business, for good or ill? 

My philosophy, and what I always strive to pass on to people, is to maintain a positive perception no matter what the circumstance. I am not in control of when the boardwalk will be completed, so I am focusing all my energy on what I am in control of, putting together the best class possible given the conditions. Ultimately I believe it will be a positive thing to bring the community together during these unprecedented times. 

Under the “Motivation” tab on your website is a quote: “Don’t let feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy prevent you from realizing your potential.” How do fitness programs such as yours help people build confidence? 

You are significantly stronger than you perceive. Fitness programs provide individuals the opportunity to set goals, challenge, and surprise themselves. Sometimes we are our worst enemy by setting limitations on what we perceive we can accomplish. It is a fact that the mind “gets tired” before the body actually does. When we limit our perceptions, we limit our outcomes.   

What’s is the most unexpected lessons or wisdom you’ve gained from being a fitness instructor? 

The most unexpected wisdom I have gained from being a fitness instructor is how contagious passion can be. I always say that actually making the decision to put your shoes on and walking out the door to be physically active is more difficult than anything you will do in your workout. I fortunately have had the opportunity to work with numerous individuals over the years that have significantly enhanced their overall wellness. Once that passion is awakened, amazing things can happen.