We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olivia Fernandes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Olivia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I joined the group fitness scene about five years ago. I began teaching yoga but wanted to become a cycle instructor. During my audition at Flywheel the lead instructor actually stopped me right in the middle and she asked me to pick my favorite song in the entire world and teach to that. I had an anxiety attack because she was asking me to teach to a song I didn’t prepare for and this was my first time ever on a headset teaching cycling. So I played “Donk” by Soulja boy (yes that’s my favorite song.” I just let go of all expectations and taught to the song. I finished, she looked at me and said “congratulations you made it into training, always stay true to yourself and have confidence in being the instructor you want to be.” And 3 months later I was a full time cycling instructor. That moment plays back in my head when I need a reminder to be myself and have confidence in my abilities.

Olivia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After completely my undergrad in dietetics I began teaching yoga. Coming from a dance background I always loved movement, teaching fitness gave me this same feeling and allowed me another platform to provide an experience to people. I began teaching other modalities including cycle and barre. I continued my journey by finishing my masters in Applied Kinesiology and Physiology and now working on a PhD in kinesiology. I always strive to be at the forefront of information. There are so many sources of misinformation and I found my passion in reading research and now being able to conduct my own. I am very proud of my education and experience, it took me a long time to get here and I have a long journey ahead of me but learning never stops! I always want to provide my clients with the latest and honest information, and most importantly be able to ignore all the incorrect information.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’m 2020 I decided to go back to school and complete my dietetic internship. I made the decision to leave my full time position, with the support of my husband. After making the transition from working full time to only focusing on school and completing 40 hours a week (working for free) we got devastating news that my husband had cancer. It was the most challenging year and a half of our lives. During this time, on top of the insane amount of work I had, I went back to teaching group fitness and it provided me with a stream of income and also kept me grounded as I love what I do. I didn’t realize the amazing community I had around me and my clients were nothing short of supportive. 2022 has been a year with great news and immense amounts of blessings for my family.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Don’t let anyone stop your grind. Even when it hurts or you hear “NO” 1000 times. Not every opportunity was meant for you, but you have to keep putting yourself out there. When people tell you that you can’t do something, just laugh. You don’t have to even try to prove them wrong, it’s not about them it’s about you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Mrslivfit

Image Credits
Filippo Photography