Francisco is a personal trainer and surf coach. He grew up in a small town just outside Lisbon where he enjoyed a beautiful childhood with lots of freedom to run wild in the outdoors in a close, neat community. When he is not looking after clients, surfing, climbing and skating are his go-to passions. He offers strength and mobility training to the residents of B-Hive Living, adding to the connected, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle they look for in the Hives.
What does living well mean to you?
Living well for me is something very personal and ingrained in my nature. We all have our own definitions. For me it’s a way of living defined by an ongoing search to become healthier and happier. That’s how you get to lead an active and wholesome life. For that, it is crucial to make healthy choices every day – from sleeping well and being conscious and intentional about what you eat, to simple decisions like answering the phone standing up rather than sitting down, or taking the stairs instead of the lift.
“Living well is defined by an ongoing search to become healthier and happier. That’s how you get to lead an active and wholesome life.”
How do you make the most of each day?
By pursuing various moments of mindfulness throughout the day. I seek to focus on my breath and become present in that moment.
Why did you choose the health/fitness coach career?
I was particularly influenced by fitness trainers at my school and their lifestyle. I admired their ability to work mostly outdoors, have their own business and be able to dedicate a proportion of their day to their families, health, and their passions – especially surfing. When playing skate hockey I had a tricky knee operation followed by a long treatment. This made me realise the huge impact of this profession on people’s lives so I decided to become a personal trainer myself in 2018.
What do you love most about your work?
What I love the most about my craft is helping people create a better lifestyle for themselves. Witnessing my clients achieving their goals, shifting their mindset and habits, and ultimately becoming a better version of themselves is a huge source of satisfaction and motivation to do my work even better. Finally, working mainly outdoors is a privilege I am thankful for.
“Witnessing my clients achieving their goals, shifting their mindset and habits, and ultimately becoming a better version of themselves is a huge source of satisfaction.”
Something you can’t go a day without is…
Having time for myself and exercising. I love the sensation of stretching out and feeling the body recovery.
What would be the one meal you could eat for the rest of your life?
This is a tricky question since I am a food lover. But if I had to choose one meal for the rest of my life, it would be grilled fish with spinach spread and vegetables. It’s super yummy and healthy!
Can you talk us through how you work?
Everything starts with a conversion and understanding people’s goals and motivations. Their goals and body type need to be aligned with a specific work methodology. I also seek to propose new habits and make people aware of negative habits that may get in the way of them achieving their desired results. Mobility and strength training are a key focus of mine given their impact on people’s vitality and longevity.
“Mobility and strength training are a key focus of mine given their impact on people’s vitality and longevity.”
Your top three tips on keeping health and wellbeing in check?
1. Sleep well
2. Eat well
3. Boost happiness through a more active lifestyle
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
To support a change in mindset through my work by helping to realise the potential of an active lifestyle and how that influences every aspect of people’s lives. It’s time we realise that we are all connected – that could eradicate many of our world problems.
Get to know Francisco better and follow his work on his Instagram account.
