Susan Urban

Working out can be boring and repetitive, but a local personal trainer offers outdoor boot camp workouts that are energetic, fun and always different. Susan Urban has been a personal trainer since 1995. She specializes in in-home training and her popular outdoor boot camp. She can train you individually in your home or in a group.
The outdoor boot camp has become very popular the last few years. “I can cater to a much larger group of women. It’s a great way to get outdoors and use minimal equipment,” said Urban. “The boot camp encourages friendships and camaraderie.” Urban only trains women. “I first offered it two years ago to a small group of women. It grew from there by word of mouth. The ladies who are participating tell Ttheir friends. It started with five or six people and now I have 15 or 20 ladies.”
She offers the boot camp in six-week cycles, with two weeks off. “I don’t recommend more than that. I believe you need to give the body a rest. And you also need to change up your workout. You should shock your body every once in a while. Each week gets progressively harder, so I encourage people not to miss any.”
The boot camp is two days a week for one hour each session. Urban holds the boot camp at Christopher Morley Park, and it is held rain or shine. “We are working out even in the rain, snow, cold and wet. We show up,” said Urban. “It’s fun. You put your game face on, wear your worst sneakers and a poncho and get out of your comfort zone.”
The boot camp includes core conditioning, functional training, short distance running, muscular strength and endurance training, circuit training, team work, partner drills and games. Running is always part of the program. Urban is constantly evolving the program so it’s always interesting.
“It’s easy to get bored in a gym. When you are outside, you have a mental clarity and something stirs within you,” said Urban. “I tell women that this is their hour, their time for themselves and to think about only what they are doing right now in the moment.” Urban will modify the program for different people depending on what they can do. “I will make it easier or more challenging depending on the needs of the people there. I’ve had a few people with an injury and they will do a modified program. Others will do a more difficult program.”
All you need to bring is a mat, small hand weights, sunscreen and a hat and wear sneakers. “Some women bring three-pound weights; some bring eight,” said Urban. “It’s really what you personally are able to do. Everyone feels like a winner.”
Urban has lived in Manhasset for 13 years. She came from Austria when she was 21. She has two children in Manhasset High School. “I was part of the health and wellness committee at the Munsey Park School,” said Urban. “We helped change the food program to much healthier food.”
For her in-home clients, she caters to individual needs. “I have clients who see me four days a week for an hour or once a week for 45 minutes,” said Urban. “It’s totally personal. I’ve had some clients for 10 years.” Urban requires 24-hour’s notice for cancellation. “If you schedule it, it’s a personal gift to yourself. You’re investing in yourself. Once you book a time with me, that’s your time every week.”
Urban also offers stylist services. “I’m also a style coach. I help women revitalize their exterior. I help them find the right style for their hair, makeup and wardrobe,” said Urban. “I also do closet edits and color analyzes.” Session length depends on the need of the client. I can do a closet edit with you for three hours,” said Urban. “It depends on what the client wants.” She charges an hourly fee as a style coach. Urban will also do your hair and makeup in your home. “I can do your hair and makeup once to tutor you, or I can come to do it whenever you need.”
As a color analyst, Urban can help you determine what colors flatter you best in your wardrobe. “Everyone thinks black is their best color, but it’s not,” said Urban. “I drape the client in color to show them what looks better. Then I create a color booklet they can take shopping.” Urban will also go shopping with you or help you shop online to guide and direct you.
To contact Urban to find out about her services or boot camp, email her at susan@susanurbanfitness.com.