Woman who conquered the Pacific charts a new course

Vicki Otmani and husband Chris unveil a new fitness studio in Chester Heights

CHESTER HEIGHTS >> Evolution — Be More Than Human, a fitness studio in Chester Heights, opened this month. Owners Chris and Vicki Otmani’s new workout site combines body, mind and spirit to create an evolving workout for each individual.

“Our philosophy is based on a quote by the Dalai Lama: ‘If you are not continuously evolving you are not really living,’” said Vicki.

Vicki knows what it takes to set a goal and achieve it.

She and her rowing partner Megan Biging broke the world record this summer crossing the Pacific during the Great Pacific Race. They completed their goal in 57 days, 13 hours and 30 minutes. Her boat, Sedna is on display in the gym during the winter months, inspiration to many. Vicki received her personal training certificate at the age 18 and has been coaching other athletes and doing personal training for 17 years.

Vicki’s husband Chris is a nationally ranked Xterra triathlete, outdoor enthusiast, and expedition support specialist. He has made a career as an expedition guide in the Caribbean, a U.S. Coast Guard-certified boat captain, scuba dive master, emergency first responder, and wildlife photographer,

The couple loves the outdoors and loves challenging themselves. They worked together on the studio.

“It’s been a ton of hard work and for the last two months we have been plugging away and working on this project. It’s a dream come true. We work 16 hours a day and when we go home we still can’t wait to be here,” said Vicki.

“We offer rowing classes, Pilates, spinning classes, yoga, high-intensity strength training and endurance training. The Strath Haven girls rowing team trains at Evolution. We want people to challenge themselves and have fun. We want it to be a playground for adults,” said Vicki.

She and Chris plan to have a youth night and offer special programs to those with autism and other disabilities. Personal training both in Pilates and individual-workout goals will be addressed at Evolution.

Angel Bigas is classically trained in Pilates. Training with Angel goes way beyond Pilates on the matt. Using equipment she personally trains clients to become more fluid and find their center, which helps with posture and fluidity of movement.

Two years ago Diane Milowicki, 58, of Glen Mills couldn’t even touch her toes. She started training with Vicki. Now she feels like she is in better shape than when she was 20 years old.

“You set goals and push yourself to your limit and Vicki helps you achieve your goals,” said Milowicki.

“For healthy living and a strong body it’s important to incorporate nutrition and exercise into our daily lives. It’s no longer a choice at any age. Evolution provides a total body work out: Mind, body and spirit. Working out with Vicki ... showed me determination, setting goals I never thought I could achieve and amazing results. Just don’t use

the words ‘I can’t.’ The atmosphere is always a judgement-free zone for all ages and abilities, incredibly fun and filled to the ceiling with encouraging positive energy,” said Milowicki.

“I trained a 72-year-old woman who was asthmatic and diabetic. She wanted to run a 5K with her family. In a year and half we built her up and she was able to run a full 5K in 30 minutes. We stress setting a goal and then achieving it,” said Vicki.

“We want Evolution to feel like a community center that you love coming to,” said Vicki.

ANNE NEBORAK — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Chris and Vicki Otmani at their new workout studio, Evolution — Be More Than Human in Chester Heights.

ANNE NEBORAK — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Angel Bigas uses classical Pilates methods during private lessons at Evolution — Be More Than Human.

Diane Milowicki, who has trained with Vicki Otmani, said she’s never felt better physically.