We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Efrain Larenas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Efrain below.
Hi Efrain , thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?
I have 2 that really stick out. The first one was a letter of recommendation written by a client of mine for the AFS 2018 Fitness Influencer of the year award. It was amazing and sincere and put me at the top of the finalist award for that year. I would paste a copy if there’s enough room on here, but just let me know and I’ll be happy to share it with you. There were several other wonderful recommendations, but this one was the best of the best. Furthermore, when I shared with my amazing clientele that I did not win the award they came together and rallied and put together their own “Life Time Achievement Award” with a plaque and ceremony that they secretly kept from me until they invited me to what I thought was a group dinner. The ecstatic feeling of gratefulness and appreciation still warms my heart to this day.
The second one was at the height of the global Covid pandemic and the entire world shut down in March of 2020, one client sent me $1000 and simply stated “Just something to help out in these uncertain times and to thank you for all you do” There were others, donations ranging anywhere from $100-500 came in over and over again and kept not just my business going, but being able to provide for my family was very special too!
Lastly, I guess this could also fall into the “Heart Warming” category
Efrain , 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?
It all started in April of 1995 I registered for a 3-day AFAA CPT course at a local gym called Aspen Hill Fitness Club, the Fitness Director took a liking to me and after I passed my certification he offered me a job. Thus began my 27 + professional fitness career. I started out part time while working a full time job in the corporate world, but I knew that once I gained experience and more knowledge I would eventually want to do something fitness related as a career. 7 years or so into my telecom career I was let go because the company was going under and they had to make several cuts. After a stint with unemployment I was encouraged to go and visit a new personal training studio that opened up within walking distance from my house. From there I trained as much as I could and one day another client of another trainer asked if she knew anyone who may want to interview for a Physical Education position at her school and my name came up. I taught PE for 5 years while continuing to build my personal training business.
Flash forward and here’s the rest
• Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certified Personal Trainer, Youth Fitness Specialist, Senior Fitness Specialist
• American Aerobic Association International & International Sports Medicine Association, (AAAI-ISMA) Certified Smart Group Corrective Exercise Trainer & Life Wellness Coach, Sports Conditioning levels 1, 2 & 3
• TRX, Certified Suspension Trainer, Rip Trainer and Qualified TRX group Trainer
Specialties:
• Private, small/large group personal training & boot camps
• Weight Loss, weight management & body composition
• Metabolic Enhancement Training
• General Fitness & Wellness
• Functional Integrated Strength Training
• Core Stabilization and Balance Training
• Pre- and Post Natal and Women’s Fitness
• Youth Fitness, Senior Fitness and Sports Specific Strength & Conditioning
• Special Populations, Functional Aging Specialty Training (FAST) Special needs, Cancer & Stroke survivors
Experience:
• Fitness professional with over 27 years of personal training experience, 5 years of teaching experience (Elementary PE)
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In 2005, I decided to step out on faith and leave a stable physical education career to pursue my dream and passion of owning a personal training business. My wife and I invested a lot of money on equipment and signed a lease to train out of a physical therapy clinic. Unfortunately, the plan fell through, and we lost a lot of money. Nevertheless, I kept working at my personal training business and by the following year a private studio contacted me about running my business through their studio. It was a great opportunity! Around the same time, I signed a contract with a private school to teach fitness classes three times a week. Life was great! However, the weekend I was supposed to start at the studio, I was in a car accident that ruptured my patella tendon and PCL. It devastated me. After surgery, four months of no work and seven months of grueling physical therapy, I was at the most emotional, challenging and depressing time of my life. But I never gave up. I ended up teaching my classes sitting down while my wife demonstrated the exercises on my behalf. With lots of support from my workplace, wife, friends and family, I eventually got my stride back, driven by my “never give up attitude” and faith in God. Seventeen years later, I still teach fitness classes at the private school, and I have a thriving business at what I consider the best community center in Maryland. I just recently hired my second contractor to help train clients because there’s only so many people I can help personally. On average, I train about 200 people a week in sessions and classes. I have been beyond blessed with another chance to do what I love to do. I believe everything happens for a reason, and this major setback was setting me up for an amazing comeback!
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Other than qualifications, certifications, knowledge, experience, etc. I believing the most important part of being a fitness professional is “Care” beginning and ending with care, concern and empathy for what people have gone or are going through leads to providing outstanding customer service! When people know why you do what you do then the relationship that is established endures forever! I’ve been so blessed throughout the years and have long lasting clients going back 10-15-20 years. The loyalty and longevity is absolutely amazing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eclassfitness.wixsite.com/eclasspft
- Instagram: eclasspft
- Linkedin: Efrain Larenas
- Twitter: @ECLASSPFT
- Youtube: E CLASS PFT @ eclasspft7584