Gustavo has an extensive experience working in the Fitness and Conditioning industry for the past 20 years. A great exposure to a diverse range of professionals, from whom he has learned new skills and different points of view, has influenced him in creating his own singular concept in Movement Therapy.
My goal with every client is to improve their Movement competency in terms of capacity and variety. This leads to a strong, resilient and skilful body and mind, which is the base for a healthy life. This is Fitness Beyond your Body.
After university, I worked in the fitness industry in Rio de Janeiro for around 10 years, before moving to London in 2009. During those years I had the opportunity to work in many different roles including Strength & Conditioning coach, group classes instructor, spinning classes, Personal Training, etc. I also had the chance to work on the business side of fitness in roles such as Gym Manager, Equipment Consultancy and sales, Sports Marketing and Studio Owner.
Throughout this journey I was lucky enough to have met great professionals with all sorts of expertise, from whom I tried to learn as much as possible. This exposure to a diverse range of skills and points of view has shaped my understanding of the effects of Movement in our bodies and minds.
I also kept an open mind to new fitness trends and systems. Although most are just fads, there is always something to learn which might be adapted into my own system. This keeps me busy trying constantly to update my views in training and rehabilitation to include new knowledge.
Since moving to the UK, I’ve adapted my Personal Training business to the London environment and launched Soul-FIT. Our home-based approach allows for a great Movement session with the flexibility to be performed wherever you prefer, your house, your garden, the nearest park. This means efficiency with convenience.
The Soul-FIT (Functional Intense Training) methodology is a multi-disciplinary approach encompassing a large body of empirical knowledge learnt in the academy and on training grounds. We combine elements of Strength Training, Functional Training, Mobility and Flexibility, Balance and Coordination, Agility and Speed in a creative session with a high caloric demand. We have strong science-based views, although a lot of know-how comes from many years of full-time practice.
Living in London has also provided me with the opportunity to learn from many great teachers lecturing in town. In particular Prof. Stuart McGill, who has profoundly influenced my career and my understanding of spine biomechanics. After a deep immersion into his work I was able to help a vast number of clients in their struggles with Lower Back Pain.
After many years of dedication, Lower Back Rehab has become the trademark of my work. However, there were still many gaps in my knowledge, which brought me back to university for a Masters degree in Sports Rehabilitation from St. Mary’s University. During those two years I was in contact with the latest science and also had the chance to learn in the field from internships with the Wild Geese Rugby Club, Hounslow Football Club and at the Optimal Spine Clinic.
Education
MSc in Sports Rehabilitation, 2019 – St. Mary’s University, Twickenham
Dissertation: “Sitting Time and its correlation with Low Back Pain”
Post Graduate Diploma Neurosciences Applied to Longevity, 2007 – Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dissertation: “Influence of Physical Exercise on Neurogenesis”
BA (Hons) Physical Education, 2001 – Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dissertation: “Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Exercise Recommendations”
Complementary Education:
Since 1997 when I started my Physical Education studies, I have attended several seminars, certifications, workshops, conferences and courses about Strength Training, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Functional Training, Sports Rehabilitation and Personal Training. The most relevant worth mentioning:
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
March 2009 – onwards Soul-FIT – Personal Trainer, London
Sep 2008 – May 2009 Imperial College Fitness Coach, London
Sept. 2007 – April 2010 Partner at Studio Mobile, Rio de Janeiro
Sept. 1998 – Dec.2008 Personal Trainer, Rio de Janeiro
Feb. 2000 – June 2003 Vector Fitness – Marketing Manager, Rio de Janeiro
Feb 1997 – Dec 1999 Beach Volleyball Fitness Coach, Rio de Janeiro
Richard has been working with Soul for over 4 years and has always offered the best of his vast training knowledge formatted in a highly effective training program. Although he comes from a rugby and triathlon background, he possesses many different qualifications which can help a variety of people regardless of their current fitness levels.
“Health and fitness isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life!”
I embarked on my career as a full-time personal trainer at the beginning of 2014 and this has provided me with all the job satisfaction that I craved. I enjoy meeting and listening to my clients as this provides an insight into the individual which makes developing tailored training and lifestyle packages more effective. Witnessing clients achieving their goals holds a real intrinsic value which few other jobs can replicate.
I’m committed to going the extra mile with my clients. I believe that building long term relationships is the key to lifetime learning and effective results. My approach is to ensure safe adherence to the appropriate program and the continuous coaching assists in helping clients move and feel better in such a way that enhances their lives in the long term. Ultimately personal training is a journey and I am proud to join the client on that pathway to a happier healthier life.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
Level 4 Diploma in Specialist Exercise for Lower Back Pain –
Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral
Level 3 Award in Designing Pre & Post-Natal Exercise Programmes
Certificate in Advanced Nutrition for Weight Management
Advanced Diploma in Personal Training
Chris Hicks has a PhD in cell Biology and vast experience in lecturing and teaching in top universities both in the United States and Brazil. He has researched and worked with culture of primary human cells and differentiation of iPS cells; mice development, kidney physiology and disease modelling.
At Soul, he contributes as Senior Lecturer in topics related to Human Physiology, Training and Performance. He is also our Technical Consultant and scientific adviser.
Giovane has a PhD in cell Biology and vast experience in lecturing and teaching in top universities both in the United States and Brazil. He has researched and worked with culture of primary human cells and differentiation of iPS cells; mice development, kidney physiology and disease modelling.
At Soul, he contributes as Senior Lecturer in topics related to Human Physiology, Training and Performance. He is also our Technical Consultant and scientific adviser.
Education
University of Massachusetts Medical School – PhD Cell Biology/Developmental Biology
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro – MSc, Biophysics with emphasis in cell signaling
Experience
BiotechBrigde – Strategic Business Connections April 2017 – Present Educations & Scientific Advisor – Strategic cooperate development & Scientific counseling for Medtech and Biotech companies aiming Australia and Latin America.
National Biobank for iPS cells / Federal University of Rio de Janeiro April 2013 – Present Scientist: Translational and Regenerative Medicine: I have generated twelve new iPS cell lines from either health subjects or patients bearing rare genetic diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis and Polycystic Kidney Disease. I am implementing a non-invasive protocol to recover epithelial cells from urine sample, minimizing donors discomfort and bypassing ethical concerns with sample donation.
Celso Lisboa University Center March 2013 – Present
Assistant Professor of Human Anatomy and Organ Physiology: besides teaching students in basic and advanced human anatomy and physiology courses I participated in the development and implementation a new digital platform to improve students’ learning capability.
University of Massachusetts Medical School Aug 2006 – Dec 2012
Doctor of Philosophy, PhD: Mapped molecular cues of gastrulation that lead to cell differentiation and organogenesis in vivo (mouse embryos) and in vitro (ES cells). Results: I finished two scientific papers; guided two undergrad students and collaborate with other projects. Responsible for maintenance of cell lines and to handle tissue culture room related issues. I won two awards and a fellowship.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories June 2010 – July 2010
Teaching Assistant: Worked side-by-side with the organizers to carry out The 28th Annual Molecular Embryology of the Mouse Course.
Fortunato is a senior sports coach and has decades of experience in training all levels of swimmers, from the very beginners to professional athletes. On top of that, his charismatic personality keeps clients motivated to always do their best.
As my father, he has greatly influenced the way Soul-FIT was developed. I grew up watching his exercise classes and not only learned the craft from a master but, above all, , I learned how important is the job of promoting health through movement and how seriously he took this role.
Fortunato is based in Rio de Janeiro and provides top level Swimming lessons, Water Fitness training and also Multi-sports training for kids. With his experience of over 40 years teaching Physical Education in public schools, he has the skills to make training fun.
