We all know the importance of physical fitness, especially around this time of the year when resolutions abound. Our next feature guest has been in the industry for a significant amount of time and shares a bit of his journey with us on this segment of 'In My Element':
FB: Introduce yourself to our readers.
CG: My name is Christopher T. Gould, NASM Master Trainer [NASM -National Academy of Sports Medicine], and Founder of intellefit™, a fitness-lifestyle brand, providing intelligent fitness and wellness solutions for individuals, organizations, and companies throughout the world. Over the past 20 years, I have worked with individuals in their 20s - 70s with a wide range of fitness goals, needs, and challenges. These experiences inspired me to create intellefit™ [intellect + fitness], a unique approach to exercise, which prevents injury, promotes recovery, improves functionality, and enhances well-being. The expansion of these ideals has led to the development of the intellefit Interactive Corporate Seminar™ and the intellefit Private Training™ services. My life's mission is to simplify fitness for every human being on the planet.
FB: You've been in the industry for quite a while and I'm sure you've encountered some challenges on your journey thus far. What's the biggest thing you had to overcome?
CG: One career challenge that I have faced within the fitness industry is the lack of private space for accommodating independent trainers and our clients. I have been able to circumvent this by expanding my services to Skype and Google hangouts and provide a video conferencing option for clients who have space at home.
FB: You're based in New York, arguably the best city in the world (I think we share that bias). What do you like most about it?
CG: My favorite thing to do in New York City is to simply take long walks, embracing the cultural nuances and beauty of various Manhattan neighborhoods.
FB: You start training services as early as 5:45 AM and you have to be able to get out of the door fast and still be presentable. What's your grooming regimen like?
CG: My grooming regimen is fairly simple - it includes washing + moisturizing my hair with Frederick Benjamin products, and keeping my skin moisturized in the harsh elements of New York City winters.
FB: For the aspiring trainers and fitness pros out there, what would be your two cents to help them advance in the field?
CG: The advice I would give to someone starting in the fitness industry is to "primum non nocere", or, "first, do no harm" to your clients. One of my intellefit Axioms™ states: "Exercise should prevent injuries, not create them". Exercise should enhance quality of life, not hinder it due to injury.
Christopher will be sharing some of his intellefit™ exercises with us (step-by-step) in the weeks, starting with the The Foundation Squat:
Tips: Start with the feet hips-width apart. Descend slowly. Stand up with power. Engage the lower extremities (leg muscles) and core.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more intellefit™ exercises to add to your workout and keep up with Christopher by visiting their website.
