Jonathan Castro will be leaving the East Bay for the Navy in May 2012 but, unlike many of his fellow enlistees, he will have a head start on his physical conditioning for basic training. You see, Castro is a certified personal trainer (CPT) who also practices what he preaches.
Since receiving his certification from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) last year, Jonathan has developed a large following of satisfied clients at Bay Area Family Fitness Center (formerly Express Fitness) in Pleasanton.
“What I like most is helping people reach their goals and stay fit, and show them something new to add to their arsenal of workouts,”he says. “What I like least is when people expect to see results, but aren't committed to do what they should be doing”.
A California native, Jonathan, 23, was born in Bakersfield but moved to Oakland, and soon after to San Leandro, when he was 13 and has lived there ever since. He attended San Lorenzo High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and participating in karate but quickly moved on to boxing which was more physically challenging. In recent years he has been competing in Brazilian Jujitsu and has already won his share of trophies and medals.
After completing his GED, he attended Expression College for a year before pursuing his personal training certification.
It was only natural that he decided to become a personal trainer. “I was always into fitness and doing things that are physical anyway,” he recounts.” The hardest part about staying fit and reaching goals is the mental aspect of it, and I love to inspire others to show them what they can achieve if they just put their minds to it.”
Not far removed from high school himself, Jonathan has some strong opinions about physical education in schools. “Unfortunately, most students see PE as an easy class. Teachers should make it more challenging while keeping it both fun and educational,” he says. “They should also look for ways to motivate those students who aren't into playing sports or exercising. I also think teachers should be more aware and better educated on how to deal with those who have serious health issues and physical limitations.”
What does he like most about personal training? “That’s easy,” he smiles, “but it’s not just one thing. It’s helping people achieve a positive change in their appearance and feel good about themselves again. It’s hearing a mother say that before, when she came home from work, she was too tired to care for her own child, but now she returns home feeling energized. It’s seeing people who are overweight look forward to my coaching and regain their self esteem. It’s helping people reach new levels of improvement every day. It’s all of these things…and more.”
Soon, instead of serving his personal training clients, Jonathan will soon be serving his country with the U.S. Navy. And Nancy will be anxiously waiting when he comes home. Nancy who? You’ll have to ask Jonathan.
Readers can contact Jonathan directly by calling Bay Area Family Fitness at 925-416-1100 or email him at silky.sm00th@yahoo.com.
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