Kara Liotta can kick your butt and look good doing it. As the creative director of the Fybarre method at Flywheel Sports in Manhattan and a Nike trainer, she specializes in developing fun, effective, high-intensity workouts that will strengthen, lengthen and tone every inch of your bod (and leave you sore in places you didn’t know existed).

She moonlights as a Wilhelmina fitness model and has modeled for brands such as Nike and Under Armour as well as been featured in Shape Magazine, Self Magazine, Women's Health Magazine.

She sat down with us this week to give us the skinny on her health and beauty routine and greatest inspirations.

Want more? Follow her on instagram: @karaliotta

What drew you to working in fitness, initially? Was it an epiphany, like lightening? Or a slow process, a hobby that turned into something more?

I grew up as a dancer and when I was in college I discovered yoga. I became obsessed with my yoga practice and eventually decided to enroll in a teacher-training program and obtained my 200-hr Vinyasa yoga certification, which opened the doors to the fitness world for me. I found myself at an audition for a newly created barre program (FlyBarre) and the rest is history. I began instructing, and then developed a training program. Now I am the Creative Director for FlyBarre. 

Who or what are your greatest influences and inspirations?

A college professor named Lyn Wiltshire was a huge influencer and key player in my turn from dance to fitness as she introduced me to yoga. I was taking a class of hers and was assigned to teach a yoga class by the end of the semester. I had never even taken a yoga class, so it seemed impossible that I could be expected to lead one in just a few months. That semester I immersed myself in yoga, fell in love with it, and it greatly influenced where I am today. 

What does beauty mean to you?

When I think of beauty, less is more. I appreciate a natural fresh look paired with confidence.

Walk us through your beauty routine. You have amazing hair, how do care for it?

My beauty routine is fairly simple. I put more effort into skin care at night than i do applying makeup for the day. As for my hair, it has a natural wave to it so I most often let it air dry and avoid any coloring treatments. 

What is the single most important thing you do for yourself on a daily basis?

I prioritize time in my day for my own workouts. Making time for myself outside of the classes that I teach that are focused on others, makes a huge impact on my day. I notice my mood is better, my energy level is higher and I am generally a happier person. 

Describe your perfect morning.

My perfect morning is my typical Sunday because it is my day off and the only day I don't wake up to an alarm. I love and value my sleep so Sunday is a day for me to rest and recover. When I finally wake up, I make coffee (black) and love to sit outside on my patio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, looking at the city. 

Do you have any beauty secrets, either DIY or otherwise, that were taught to you by your mother, grandmother or family member?

A distant relative from Guyana once told me that my hair was so beautiful and shiny I should preserve it by rubbing avocado throughout my hair. This is a natural (and cheap) treatment that I love.

How do you sanctify the world around you? What do you do to give back to your community or the wider world/ environment or cause?

For most people, taking fitness classes is about more than working out.  It becomes a place of community, confidence building, and social networking. I facilitate this type of environment through the classes that I teach.  I also work for Nike where I teach fitness classes and events that are all free of cost and reach a wider population who doesn't necessarily frequent the boutique fitness scene.  It's in these types of classes where I feel I am making a difference in peoples’ lives. 

How was your experience with T’zikal? Which products did you enjoy the most?

For someone who has very long and often tangly hair, the shampoo and conditioner were excellent! I let the conditioner absorb into my hair and could quickly run my fingers through without tangles. I also love the fragrances. They smell natural, fresh, and clean.