Meet Andrew Grifol | Ceo and Founder of Habitat Personal Training

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Grifol and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

After dealing with many different gym owners, learning what to do and what not to do, I knew I was ready. I wanted to grow my existing clientele and create an atmosphere and culture you can’t find anywhere else in Miami.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well after retiring from baseball after playing for 20 years, I decided to fall back on what I studied in college which was kinesiology. My first job was at a smoothie shop in LA fitness to save money to take the test of my personal training certification. Once I had enough money saved, I went and got certified with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. After getting certified, I jumped right into the trenches with everything I learned from the certification and previous coaches and trainers I had in baseball, but I knew it wasn’t enough. From there I was led in the right direction to learn from fitness professionals that are very successful to this day like Eric Cressey. My road was definitely not easy. Between trying to perfect my craft and trying to grow as a professional in different gyms, I was pushed, especially during one of the toughest times in our world history, the pandemic. When gyms were allowed to open up again in Miami, I had to leave the gym I was currently renting space because of COVID restrictions and move with about 50 clients to a hole in the wall to train them. During this time I searched for a facility of my own and within 3 months opened up Habitat Personal Training, home of the Filthy Animals. I’ve learned many lessons along the way, but, the number one lesson I learned is that everything happens for a reason. My dad always taught me to never give up and even though the road was not easy and I doubted myself and the process, my family, my clients and friends supported me and helped me stay positive every step of the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well if a friend from out of town came in, of course I’d take them to the beach for them to see and experience what Miami is most famous for. I’d take them to some of my favorite restaurants like Makoto, prime Italian, and lettuce and tomato. I’d also take them out on a boat to enjoy the skyline of Miami and some bbq while hanging out on a sandbar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow, there’s so many people that have influenced me and my career and so many books that have as well that it’s hard to name just one. But where and who I think I learned the most from is Eric Cressey, owner of Cressey Sports Performance. I had the opportunity to intern a little at his gym as well as read almost every article and book he’s published.

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