Meet Phillip Vivolo | Owner & Fitness Trainer

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

Hi Phillip, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was rather simple. While working at the bank, I started my own weight loss journey. By doing lots of research and tons of trial and error, I was able to lose 80 pounds. Other gym members started noticing my weight loss and began asking me questions. It was almost as if I had developed my own little clientele. So while also working my full-time job at the bank, I started personal training as a side hustle. The more I worked as a trainer, the more I realized how tired I was of the corporate demands, and how much I loved helping other people reach their fitness goals – the same way I did. By opening my own personal training studio, I’ve been able to set the hours that are best for my clientele, as well as spend the most time possible with my family. Guiding my clients through their journeys while never missing a moment with my son, Jacob, is the best thing I could ask for.

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.
As a trainer, I sometimes feel like a dentist. Who really likes going to the dentist? People go because they have an appointment. Sometimes, people dread going to the gym, just as much as they do the dentist office so, I wanted to change that. I wanted the Phitness Lab to be a fun, welcoming and motivating environment that encourages my clients to keep coming back and be excited to continue reaching their goals. Everything from our workouts, music and fellow trainees make the sessions a fun and fulling time. Weights don’t discriminate – the Phitness Lab is a judgment free zone that makes working out feel like less of a task, and more of an anticipated “appointment”.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Without a doubt, the beach. My favorite thing to do is sit by the water, lay back and relax. Sometimes take a mat out there and meditate, or bring out the paddle boards and go out and explore. Other days, I love going to Wynwood, checking out the walls and seeing the talent of our local artists. Coral Gables is also great, especially walking down Giralda and deciding between all the restaurants to eat at.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my mentor, Joe. He was my unofficial, official personal trainer while I was working at the bank. Joe was by my side through it all, answering any questions I had and motivating me as I went through my journey. That man is a walking encyclopedia for fitness – he knows it all. In fact, he even gave me a key to the gym, so I could go in before work and get my workout in. When it came time to starting the Phitness Lab, he was also there. He encouraged me through every step and even helped me find our current location.

Website: www.Phitnesslab.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phitnesslab/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phitnesslab

Image Credits
Darcy Graf