VITAL STATS

Where He Teaches: Circuit Works Venice and Circuit Works Brentwood

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Background: Robert grew up in Miami and has always had a very active lifestyle.  From a young age he played various sports, all the way up into high school.  It was not until his father got him a gym membership at 16 that he started taking a specific interest in exercise and fitness.  From that moment he was hooked.  He has also done many other recreational sports throughout his life such as whitewater rafting, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, repelling, hiking, surfing, rock climbing, 5ks, 10ks, triathlons, and a marathon. He went to the University of Florida and after finishing school found his way out to California. He continued to practice an active lifestyle as he was trying to settle on a specific career and his professional and physical aspirations converged after getting hired at Circuit Works.

GETTING TO KNOW ROBERT AND HIS THOUGHTS ON FITNESS

What inspired you to become an instructor and what is your favorite part of teaching?  I am continually inspired by the opportunity to help people reach their goals.  I love teaching because I get to use my personality along with my knowledge to get people to obtain those goals in a fun and safe manner.

What’s your personal fitness philosophy? Exercise should not be an inconvenience. It should not feel like a burden. Constant movement and daily sweating should be a definite. Fitness is the way to make life the best it can be. Exercise is the key to feeling and living better. This is how I have felt all my life and this is the philosophy I live by. If you are serious about making a positive change in your appearance, your health and your lifestyle, I got your back every step of the way.

Why do you think group fitness classes are a good way to get a workout? Group classes are fun. Our classes specifically are designed to be fun. This doubles the fun, if you pardon the chewing gum reference. They are social, and crowd interaction is encouraged. When one takes their mind off the fact they are actually working out, the time seems to fly by – which is the main aversion most people have to working out.

What exactly is circuit/interval training? As it related to our workouts, it’s where you incorporate an anaerobic exercise with an aerobic exercise and switch at various timed intervals.  The method of alternating between the two prevents the body from adapting to one of the two energy expenditures the body uses within these types of exercise.  To put in other words, you are keeping the body confused, and maximizing your “energy” expenditure.   Thus the body burns more calories.

You come from a track and field background. Any advice for track star newbies? Yes, watch out!  Just because you can run 10 miles, doesn’t mean you can run circles around our workout.  Chances are this is something your body has not done before and can be a rude awakening if the ego triumphs our professional recommendation of pacing yourself.

How do you like spending your time when you're not teaching? I enjoy hiking, biking, running, reading, and expanding my fitness/exercise knowledge.

Do you have a “go-to” workout song or artist? Anything with Jay-Z and Kanye, and any well-edited mash-ups…especially when indie rock and hip hop are mixed.

You’re from the East Coast originally - what differentiates the West Coast and East Coast workout scenes? Not too much of a difference, although I think the West Coast tends to get the newer exercise trends first because of the predominantly warmer weather.

Favorite place to eat in LA? Whole Foods

What do you eat/not eat?  I have vegan tendencies, but I eat fish once a month.

The exercise move everyone should master: The push-up

If you could give GoRecess users one piece of fitness advice what would it be?  Make exercise as much of a part of your life as eating is.  You’ll end up enjoying both more.

You have been involved with some fitness-based charities. How would you encourage others to become involved in helping others to get fit? Just as you would with any charity, but instead of money you are giving away the extension of life.

ABOUT CIRCUIT WORKS

What is Circuit Works? Circuit Works is a personal training studio offering group and one-on-one personal training. Its group sessions are structured by way of a circuit training routine that rotates through a series of stations combining aerobic and resistance exercises. The aerobic activities include treadmill and modified plyometrics, and the resistance routines incorporate free weights, resistance bands, weight machines and body weight exercises. The routine changes every week to prevent physical plateau and mental boredom. The intensity of the workout is personalized through a simple colored wristband system.

What makes Circuit Works LA unique?  This is the only indoor exercise studio where you can have as much fun as calories you burn. That means a lot!