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

Hi Gui, how do you think about risk?
Risk is written in my whole life and career, starting from when I left South America with my mom to take a risk for a better life in the United States, all the way from living in a gym during a time when fitness wasn’t lucrative and appreciated as it is today. I still remember taking a risk quitting my former job at Fightclub and taking a risk to work at one of the most amazing companies on earth, Barry’s and seeing how well worth it was to risk it all. If you don’t get that feeling of anxiety before you take a big leap in your life or career, chances are it is not worth it.

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 on the surface I am a simple group fitness instructor just like any other. I think those who have taken my class would disagree. I think what sets me apart from many other instructors is that I genuinely care for the craft, not to make Jon Doe lose weight but truly involve myself in their lift, to be able to utilize my tools and knowledge to push them to a deeper understanding that this is beyond just “getting fit”.
I have many stories that I am proud of but there’s one that shook me to my core and almost made me shed a tear … it was my first year of working at Barry’s and I only had 7 clients taking my class in a room that fits 50. I finished the classes and later on that day my boss (Derek) reaches out to me and forwards me an email from a client, it went something like this… “I’ve been battling with leukemia for a few years and your instructor Gui finally give me a reason to get out of bed other than just walk my dogs, what you have there is real talent and an excellent human”
When I read that I got goosebumps running down my back. I never imagined I could be put in a position to help someone like that by just being ME.
It sure wasn’t easy to get to this point today, sold out classes were only a dream and obstacles were all over the road but if I sat there and dwelled on a colleague talking about me or someone not liking me then I knew I wasn’t going to get anywhere so I brushed it off and I trusted my self. So many lessons were learned, I can’t ever get too comfortable. You never stop learning especially in this profession, arrogance won’t get you anywhere and charisma is everything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Well I would start by taking them to my class to set the tone right. If they are on vacation it won’t definitely be my 6am. I’d take them to a nice lunch at Michel’s Genuine for some amazing eats, they have been there for a decade and they always just get it right. Then I would take them on a little night out to see the scene start at NIU kitchen for dinner, Dante’s Hi+Fi for some good cocktails, and for sure finish it off at space because they must experience the real Miami club scene. I would top that off with a little refresh at the standard spa because it always has the most elite sunsets. We can do all that and not have to drive at all, these places are all close to each other, no more than a 5min ride share.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The list is infinite because I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all my clients, friends that have supported me since I started in this journey 10+ years ago. I do have to thank my former manager at fight club Jhon, a man who at the time when I had no structure he gave me a sense of it and a little preparation to what was up to come in my career. I would also like to shoutout my mother, she has always showed me that hard work is always valued even if you don’t think anyone is watching. My best friend and coworker Justin for always having my back being my devils advocate and my angel on my shoulder and continues to be. My boss Derek Degrazio possible one of the most patient bosses I have ever had and humble in his very unique way. That is just to name a few, trust me we would have to do 3 pages on shout outs. Ten plus years in this amazing industry I have to thank everyone.

Instagram: @trainwithgui

Image Credits
Matt Roy Justin Valle

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