You may recognize Andre Callicutt from cycling around town or from taking one of his popular and upbeat Zumba classes around the South Shore. (South Shore Athletic Club, Lululemon, Studio 143, Fitness Unlimited, and Bayshore Athletic Club just to name a few!) Andre's passion for his fitness shines through in each and every one of his classes and his infectious smile and positive and motivating attitude make him adored by everyone he meets. "Everyone is welcome to try my class. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never danced in your life; all are welcome. I love helping people and making them smile while working out," Callicutt tells the Anchor. In addition to teaching fitness classes, he loves cycling, dancing, tennis and snowboarding.
Andre Callicutt has in lived Hingham for seven years with his wife and three kids.
Hingham, meet Andre.
What inspired you to begin a career in fitness?
I have always loved to be active. I think it’s good for the heart and the mind, and I love being able to give people that experience. They come into class with a lot on their minds and they always leave with a smile. I’m so happy I can do that for them, so I think being able to help people in a positive way is what inspired me.
When did you take your first Zumba class? What do you remember about that class?
I took my first Zumba class with Toni Clifford who now teaches at Cycle Town. I have always loved to dance but I remember being so nervous. I went to the back left corner of the room and didn’t want to be noticed. All of a sudden I was pulled up front. I remember the energy being so amazing and the people were so welcoming. I’m still friends with some of those same people today and that was seven years ago.
Who do you find to be the most inspiring person in Hingham?
The most inspiring person I found in Hingham has to be Mike Monarch and Anthony Pickering at Mass MVMNT. Mike is the owner of the gym and Anthony is the lead coach. They hold the same characteristic that I hold dear; they genuinely want to help you become the best you possible. They love what they do and it shows.
If you could pass along one message to your 21 year-old self, what would it be?
If I could pass one message to my 21 year-old self it would be to surround yourself with people who have the same mindset as you. Never let anyone take your energy away. Life is not a contest; it’s about being happy and creating positive energy around you. If someone is negative and wants to bring you down it’s hard but you have to let them go.
When presented with two options, when did you make a choice that totally changed the course of your life.
This is a very good question. I was presented with two options and I clearly remember the choice that changed my life. I had just gotten accepted to Wheelock College for my Master’s degree with a full scholarship for education. I had to do an intense interview and lesson plan and I was one of ten who were accepted. Hundreds of people applied and I was so excited. My wife at the time was pregnant with our first of three kids and I was going to go to school and work on my masters, but after a while I knew I wanted to be home so I decided not to attend and instead stayed home with my daughter. It was a tough decision to make at the time but looking back now it was the easiest.
What do you love most about Hingham?
What I love most about Hingham is the people. I’ve met some amazing people here. It’s a warm and welcoming place that I love to call home.
What is the most memorable moment of your career?
The most memorable moment of my career was with a woman whom I think is amazing. She’s such a great person and she still comes to my class today. She had brain cancer at the time and she was dealing with chemo and treatment, and she told me that my Zumba class got her through her treatment. She said that she never missed a class even though she was dealing with so much. I still tear up talking about it.
Favorite local spot?
My favorite local spot has to be Mass MVMNT; if I’m not teaching a class you can find me there or on my bike. The people there are some of the most amazing people I’ve met. It’s a great community.
If you had a different career, what would it be?
If I had a different career I would be a teacher. I love working with children; they have so much energy and love to learn.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
One thing on my bucket list is to ski out west on a family vacation. It’s something I always wanted to do with my family.
Do you have a hidden talent?
The one hidden talent that I have is I’m a master at singing the Humpy Dance at karaoke.
Favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot has to be Lake George, NY. We usually go every summer and meet up with family because it’s halfway where I’m from (in upstate NY). It’s so peaceful and calm.
What's one thing people may not know about you?
The one thing I want people to know about me is that I love life and I genuinely want to help people. I take every day as a gift to find something positive, make an exciting memory, and learn something new. If you ask anyone close to me I hope they tell you the same thing: that I live life with excitement and I just what to share that with everyone I come into contact with.
Andre is an excellent choice for nominee! He’s got an amazing generous heart, & truly works at being a positive influence in the lives of the people around him. A reoccurring injury & surgery prevented me from continuing his Zumba classes. I turned to biking. He encouraged me, rode with me, advised on routes & equipment without asking for one thing in return. He’s got my vote!
I couldn’t think of a better person to be highlighted as a Human of Hingham. Your positive attitude, kindness towards others, and work ethic both in and out of the gym are amazing!