Move Ya Brass
Move Ya Brass is a fun, funky New Orleans fitness community and lifestyle group that promotes creating a healthy community of people from all walks of life. You come to our group fitness classes as a stranger, but you leave as family. Our mission is to promote happy, positive and healthy group workouts to help you become the best version of you!
“Robin Barnes and the Move Ya Brass Krewe are fun and full of life! They make getting active approachable for people of all ages and skill levels. At Crescent Park we love partnering with the Move Ya Brass Krewe! They keep fitness fun and funky!”
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Meet the Team
Robin Barnes
Founder of Move Ya Brass
New Orleans native and jazz singer Robin Barnes started Move Ya Brass and the Make Your Move Foundation after overcoming a life altering health issue. It was the wake up call that she needed to recognize the importance of living a healthier life. Through her story, she hopes to inspire others through everything that is New Orleans culture - fun, music and diversity.
Favorite workout equipment?
Pink boxing gloves!
Favorite workout song?
Burn by Ellie Goulding
Favorite healthy snack?
Pink Lady Apple
Arielle Hunter
Program Coordinator
Arielle is from Louisiana and has been a fitness coach since 2017 (CrossFit, HIIT, Personal Training). She is passionate about community fitness and believes in the power of movement for mental and physical health. She loves movement of all kinds as a celebration of what your body can do, from yoga to dance, you can count on her to show-up!
Thomas Nguyen
Administrator - Running Coach
A Native New Orleanian, Thomas joined the Move Ya Brass Krewe on their 2nd week of its inception and has helped the group with its administrative functions. Thomas’ drive to exercise stemmed from his own battle with Type-2 Diabetes, which drove him to run more and participate in many races & half marathons throughout the city. In 2018, he became a RRCA certified running coach.
Favorite Workout Equipment?
My Brooks Running Shoes
Favorite Workout Song?
Buckjump (ft. Rebirth & 5th Ward Weebie) by Trombone Shorty
Favorite Healthy Snack?
Natural Almonds
Liz Hartzog
Running Captain
Liz moved back to NOLA in 2012. She joined MYB in November 2015 wheen it was just a few months old. Liz started running in January of 2015 due to encouragement from friends and finally decided to find a run group home. Liz knew Robin from her sorority alumnae group and through some mutual music friends.
Favorite Workout Equipment?
Aftershokz headphones
Favorite Workout Song?
Move Ya Body - Sia
Favorite Healthy Snack?
Watermelon
Mark Medina
Running Captain
After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2012, Mark moved to New Orleans and learned that running is more fun when it’s voluntary! Joining MYB in 2018 just added to the fun and sense of community while he continues to try to race every single weekend.
Favorite Workout Equipment?
Rock My Run pacing music app
Favorite Workout Song?
Swing - Savage
Favorite Healthy Snack?
Michelob Ultra
Lauren Castorena
Running Captain
Lauren moved to New Orleans in 2020 with her husband Jorge from Missouri and she joined MYB in 2022 while looking for a group of friends to call “family.” During this time, she worked hard to drop 150 pounds after several medical issues, including three spine surgeries and a recent shoulder surgery, and credits MYB for keeping her motivated and feeling loved. She jumped into the whole “running” thing feet first and hasn’t looked back, completing several 5ks & 10ks as well as her first half marathon in 2024.
Favorite Workout Equipment?
Neon MYB singlets & themed race costumes
Favorite Workout Song?
Wobble – V.I.C
Favorite Healthy Snack?
Bananas
Jorge Castorena
Running Captain
Originally from Leon, Mexico, Jorge moved to the U.S. to pursue his career as a biomedical scientist. After trying multiple fitness groups, he and his wife Lauren found MYB and have been proud members since early 2022. MYB has given him a friendly and welcoming community, accountability to seek a healthier version of himself, and a fun and active way to improve work-life balance. He looks forward to Monday run groups to spend quality time with his wife and MYB family.
Favorite Workout Equipment?
Power tower and the stair-master
Favorite Workout Song?
Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses
Favorite Healthy Snack?
Baby Carrots