First Rep to Master Coach: The TRIB3 Journey of Paolo Gimenez

1. Take us back to your very first time in a gym?

What do you remember most about that experience? I was around 10 and my mum was attending classes at a local gym back home in the Manila. It was a very different time where going to the gym meant the men were pumping iron and the women were doing aerobics in leotards. It was intimidating as a kid and I didn’t set foot in a gym until much later when I was in the track and field team in high school for strength training. I think like most people I felt like I had no clue what I was doing. I think that’s why I feel like it’s my mission to make the gym a much more accessible and less intimidating experience for people and I’ve always felt group exercise makes that transition so much easier and allows a newbie that opportunity to enjoy fitness.

2. What initially sparked your interest in fitness?

I was always interested in sport but growing up I was an awkward and overweight teen. I found fitness through track and field following in my dad’s footsteps but it wasn’t until I attended my first group fitness class that I truly fell in love with it.

3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in pursuing fitness as a career?

Working in fitness around the world, you realise how much the emphasis of each culture or country is different and the more a country or culture puts importance in health and fitness, the better the opportunities and progressions there are in that career path. I wouldn’t be able to survive working full time fitness in some places and it would be more of a hobby.

4. How did you first discover TRIB3, and what drew you to the brand?

My first experience with TRIB3 was when I applied to be its Master Trainer. I knew of the brand through Matteo who I had the pleasure of meeting in New Zealand working for LMAP. My own training and experience in boutique fitness brands and CrossFit melded well with TRIB3 and I understood the goals of the brand from the get go. 

5. What does it take to become a good TRIB3 Coach?

Adaptability. The ability to think on your feet and the emotional intelligence to instruct, coach and correct 3 different zones is hard to master. Being adaptable is the first step in making sure you can be resilient enough to manage all that the class requires of you as a coach.

6. What advice would you give someone walking into TRIB3 for the very first time?

Enjoy the experience! Have fun and be kind to yourself!