Sander Vanacker with wife Julie and their Hamptons hounds

“I love the Hamptons for the beauty, the beaches, bucolic towns and mix of country & culture.  As much as I cherish “big city life”, there is nothing that can take the “small town” person out of me…..so the Hamptons is really the ideal place for me,” shares Bridgehampton fitness guru, Sander Vanacker.  If you’re looking to ward off winter weight gain and rock your new Lanvin leather leggings, best to save Sander on your speed dial this season. Learn more about the Hamptons hottest new personal trainer in this KDHamptons Fitness Diary below:

KDHamptons: Hailing from Belgium, what brought you to the Hamptons?

Sander Vanacker: I moved to NYC from Belgium in 2007, and spent a lot of time in the Hamptons.  My wife, [professional photographer] Julie Vanacker, is a NYC native spent all her summers and most of her weekends in the Hamptons throughout her childhood.  In 2010, we married in Sagaponack and moved out to Boulder, Colorado.  After four years in Boulder, we decided to move back to the Hamptons to be closer to family last year.

KDHamptons: Please tell us about your Hamptons training practice?

Sander: I am opening a fantastic private facility in early 2015.  In the meantime, I am working with private clients and online clients all over the world. Last summer, I started offering HIIT Bootcamp classes at Wolffer Estate Vineyard, which will resume again in the spring. As a trainer, it has always been my focus to be different and creative. I always aim to never do the same workout twice.  My clients appreciate the variety and challenge in the workouts.  I love seeing the physical and mental changes in my clients – it’s equally rewarding.

KDHamptons: Why do you enjoy training with Hamptons clients so much?

Sander: I really enjoy the no nonsense attitude.  East Coasters know how to get things done and that’s the training philosophy I have.  You go in, work hard and reap the benefits.  All while making sure the client has as much fun as I do!

KDHamptons: Do you have a Hamptons fitness secret to share?

Sander: I am always surprised that more Hamptons fitness fanatics aren’t taking advantage of the fantastic cycling options. The back roads are challenging, and the views are wonderful, which makes cycling very enjoyable.  I recently started the Hamptons Cycling Club with weekly rides to do my part in growing the cycling community out here.  Tip: Just make sure you go out early in the summer to avoid traffic.

KDHamptons:  Please share some of your specific fall training tips for our readers?

Sander: Fall is tricky since the weather changes and days get shorter. This can really work on your mental state.  Make sure you stay active.  Many people use the holidays as excuses to gain some weight.  They claim they will start off the next year right.  That’s one reason I actually started my latest online workout program: ‘No More New Year Resolutions!’ Why wait until January 1st to undo the damage and get focused?  Do it now and your body will thank you.  Also take advantage of the cooler temperatures and slower traffic to go running and biking.  If it is rainy or too cold, do an indoor group class or work with an experienced trainer.  The key is to stay active despite all the changes.

KDHamptons: How would you describe your perfect Hamptons day?

Sander: My perfect Hampton day would be to wake up early, have a nice breakfast followed by a walk on the beach with my wife and our 2 dogs.  After the walk, have a nice training session, walk through Sag Harbor, followed by an afternoon wine tasting at Wolffer Vineyard.  At night, I like to be around family and hang out at home while we grill outside.

KDHamptons: What is your favorite Hamptons restaurant?

Sander: My favorite place to eat is LT Burger in Sag Harbor.  If it’s a “Cheat Meal”, I order a burger with fries, topped off with a delicious chocolate milkshake!

KDHamptons: If you could train anyone in the world, whom would you choose?

Sander: I would love the opportunity to train the following people:

– Will Smith, I always looked up to him because of his work ethic

– Dwayne Johnson, he is one of the hardest working guys in the industry and a great example of a professional and human being

– Andreia Brazier, the WBFF World Champion.  She is dedicated and I liked that she posted pictures of herself off-season, which is admirable since many fitness models try to upkeep their perfect image.

** For more information on Sander Vanacker please go to: www.trainervanacker.com or follow him on Facebook and Instagram @trainervanacker