Susan Eckhardt

To know Suze, is to love Suze. She is one of our terrific OG instructors, but an even better friend. Both her fun classes and amazing personality will leave you with wanting more.

Hometown: Ft. Thomas, KY

How long have you lived in Louisville? 9 years

Tell us about your family: I'm married to Josh, who you may have seen on screen with me. We have two rambunctious boys, Elijah (9) and Luca (7). Our oldest is a 17 year old Westie named Gramma who also joins me for my virtual workouts.

Current career: PE teacher at Saint Mary Academy

What did you want to be “when you grow up”? Costume designer, I was originally a fashion design major

What is the furthest you have been away from home? I spent a few months in New Zealand & Australia.

What is your favorite thing to do? I love to be outdoors, my favorite is time spent hiking and kayaking.

What is something about you that someone may not know? Hmm...tough one. Maybe that I'm way nicer than my face looks. I've always suffered from resting witch face & sarcasm is my second language ;-)

What is your favorite local restaurant to eat at? What is your go to order? The Birria tacos from I Love Tacos.

What is the best thing about living in Louisville? It's a city with a small town feel.

What is your favorite color? Military Green.

What is your favorite song or artist? I like a little bit of everything but probably would say Florence + the Machine.

What TV shows are you currently watching? Josh & I watch Ghosts & a ton of HGTV.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us: I've instructed Goat, Kitten & Middle School Yoga.

If someone had to describe you in one word, what would it be and why? Goofy. I appreciate weirdlings, silliness, random trivia, would you rather questions and opportunities to dress in costume.

How did you find FIT4MOM Louisville? I saw a Stroller Strides class at the Parklands.

How long have you worked for FIT4MOM Louisville? Since 2016.

How has FIT4MOM Louisville changed your life? We moved to Louisville without knowing anyone. It's given us a community and some pretty amazing friends!

What was the first class that you attended and/or taught? What was the last class that you attended and/or taught?

What classes do you currently attend and/or teach? I started as a member attending Stroller Strides when I was pregnant with my youngest. I began instructing stroller strides shortly after. Then in 2017 I was the first Boost instructor. You can join me virtually on Monday & Wednesdays or in Prospect on Thursdays for Boost.

What is your favorite workout move or class layout? What workout move or class layout makes you feel strong? My favorite is a deadlift because it's a functional exercise that will benefit you in your daily life. But I think I'm known for introducing challenging moves like the dragon walk, rolling burpees, & the lightning bolt.

F4M Louisville Member Commentary - from Blair Crush

Sugar, Spice and everything nice!

That sums up the village’s Susan Eckhardt. I first met Susan (and introduced to the Fit4Mom Village) was when she taught at House of Boom. I always remembered how after walking out of class how incredibly hard I worked and pushed myself and how much I wanted to go back! Skip forward to 2020 and now 3 years later, many BodyWell’s, mini sessions and classes later, I still feel incredibly motivated by Susan and the energy she brings to everything she does. Everything about her teaching style feels natural, likable and motivational, including her fun eclectic playlists (...and the occasional cameo from her husband Josh during virtual classes are without a doubt always worth logging-in for!). She is an incredibly talented instructor that can make the most advanced client, to the first timer, feel welcome and encouraged to keep going and just try! At the end of a class with Susan, you will likely end up smiling because you realize somehow you finished and actually had fun doing hard things!!! If you are a frequent attendee in Suze’s classes, you probably have a love hate relationship with the term “So nice, we do it twice!!”

At the end of the day, Susan is a top notch instructor and good human. She is someone you just feel lucky to know.

F4M Louisville Teammate Commentary - from Stephanie McCrocklin

Let me tell you how amazing Susan is…

I met her 4 years ago teaching a night-time strides class, then she kicked my butt at House of Boom boost class! Most people with the talent and gifts she has would always try to be the center of attention. That is not who she is. She uplifts others with her creativity and grace, allowing everyone around her to shine when it is really her who is the most brilliant star of all. The first time I met Susan I knew I wanted to be around her. I was drawn to her just like so many others. Her personality shines through and her sense of humor and wittiness is on point. She doesn’t just see the glass is half full. She sees the potential for the rest of the glass. She is always cool as a cucumber while the rest of us moms are losing our sh*t. Everything about Susan is effortless. In class she doesn’t try to be amazing she just is, it’s the way she is built. She’s the instructor with the fun toys, crazy moves, hilarious question of the days, and has the best virtual class assistant (Josh). She’s the friend that shows up to a play date with a carry out pizza & Jell-O shots, and I’m so thankful to call her mine! Cheers to you Suze.