Born and raised in Atlanta, Olivia Fernandes couldn't help but give in to her Cuban roots and relocate to the Magic City. Using her degree in Dietetics from Georgia State University, and her passion for fitness, Fernandes can be found at Rise Nation Miami and Flywheel. We caught up with her for a Quick 10 interview, but you can also follow her on Instagram - @mrslivfit.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and how did you findyour way to the 305?
Atlanta born and raised. My half Cuban side brought me back down to the 305. Craved the warm weather and beach life.
How did you get your start in fitness and as an instructor?
Mybackground is in nutrition with a degree in Dietetics from Georgia StateUniversity. I have always been into helping others lead a healthy lifestyle.After I stopped dancing competitively, I missed the performance aspect andcoaching others through movement. I made the decision to become a certifiedYoga teacher and never looked back.
What is your favorite part of being a fitness instructor?
Being able to not only meet so many different people but to learn from them. Everybody holds a story and learning about my clients is why I do my job. The more I know about my clients, only helps me to do my job better.
What is one fitness myth you would like to bust?
WhenI hear “oh it’s not for me, my body wasn’t made to do that.” Your body and mindare capable of so much. It’s about breaking through those barriers. We can doanything we want; we just have to be willing to work for it.
Tell us a little bit more about your specialty.
Currently, my specialty is spinning, barre and Versa-climbers. Yoga is also such an important part of my teaching, whether it’s how I use it blended in with all classes I teach, or just yoga on its own. My classes are real, my teaching style is real. I’m not here to give you anything that’s not authentic, whatever I’m teaching we are all in there together, so we can walk out a little bit stronger every time.
Other than where you teach, where is your favorite place in Miamito train?
Precision Personal Training. It’s a small gym in Pinecrest. But I have the most amazing trainer that makes sure I too myself, stays on my A-game. (You know he’s good if I’m driving all the way over there.)
Besides fitness, what’s one thing you’re passionate about?
Myhusband. I was extremely fortunate to find my ride or die at a young age. Iwouldn’t be able to do the things I do today without him keeping me grounded.So shout out to the real MVP of the Fernandes household.
What are you excited about right now?
Thefuture. Not knowing exactly where I was headed in life used to be scary. Butnow that I’ve found my passion and get to wake up every day doing what I love,I know I’ll go exactly where I’m supposed too.
How do you practice mental health in your everyday life?
Byacknowledging everything that is happening in my life whether it’s good or bad.Always tempting to want to run away from the things we don’t like or thatchallenge us. I make sure I mentally stay aware and remind myself every day,that as long as I do the best that I can. Everything will work out. Happinessand life are all about a mindset.
What do you love about the South Florida fitness/health &wellness community?
Ilove how close this community is. Miami isn’t a huge place especially in termsof fitness. I love how I run into other instructors on a daily basis.
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