Meeting Coach Javier Santin!
Coach Javier was born in Madrid, Spain and started his fitness journey in Chinese Martial Arts! Today, he is Stages Indoor Cycling's Education Lead in the Americas and was previously a Spinning® International Master Trainer. He holds multiple certifications including ACE & AFAA, in addition to nearly every Indoor Cycling program. His motto? 'Riding bikes that go nowhere can take you places, after all!' Catch up with Coach Javier on IG: @javier.santin.
Get Coach Javier’s new ¡Sabor Latinx Ride! on Struct Club today!
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Fitness comes in all shapes and sizes, both for instructors and members! I'd suggest putting honesty and mindful action over aesthetics, always.
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Javier, let's get to know you! Tell us about your journey to becoming a fitness instructor.
My journey in fitness started teaching Chinese Martial Arts at the age of 19. At the gym where I was teaching, the Aerobics instructor asked me if I ever considered teaching Aerobics, given my background in dance (long story!) and my training knowledge from Martial Arts, and he invited me to take his class. Four weeks later, after he put my name down for a sub at a neighboring gym, I found myself with six permanent classes on the schedule!
I got certified at Cycle Reebok in Spain a year later, back in 1995, with the (I believe) first-ever Indoor Cycling certification in Madrid. I did not get to teach until more than 10 years later, though... When I got certified, there was only one gym in Madrid (and two in Spain) with bikes! It took a while for gym owners to believe that riding bikes that didn't move could be successful and worth the investment. In 2009 I became a Spinning International Master Instructor and a few years later joined Stages Indoor Cycling as the Education Lead in The Americas. I guess riding bikes that go nowhere can take you places, after all!
As a coach, what are your top sources of inspiration and motivation?
My fellow colleagues, more than anything! They reignite my passion for helping others through thoughtful exercise, positive reinforcement, and great music!
What have been some learnings you've had being a fitness instructor that you wish you knew when you first began? Any advice you'd give to brand new instructors?
Avoid developing a "Harder is better" mentality, and respect the fact that the package does not always match the content: Fitness comes in all shapes and sizes, both for instructors and members! I'd suggest putting honesty and mindful action over aesthetics, always.
In times of uncertainty, what do you tell your clients to help them stay strong and push through?
At the risk of sounding cheesy, I'd say that the only bad workout is the one that never happened. A 5-minute meditation, 15 air squats, or going for a walk can be as powerful for your mind and self-care as a 45-minute HIIT sweat-fest, especially when you are struggling to find the time to exercise. Honor your body, and JUST DO SOMETHING that gets you moving! The rest will come.
Lightning round! Give us your top pick for each of these:
Motivation Mantra: "Let's Do This!"
Signature Move (in class): Short Standing Power Surges. I'm a sprinter, after all!
Spirit Animal: Eagle (it can fly and has amazing vision, two things I don't have!)
Most used Song in class: Probably Sanctuary. Love the feel and the message!
Fav Themed Class: 80's/New Wave Ride
If there's anything about using Struct Club that has aided you and you feel inclined to share, we would love to know!
Struct Club has been an amazing tool to put music, class plans, and cues together, especially for those rhythm-oriented rides!
Get Coach Javier’s new ¡Sabor Latinx Ride! on Struct Club today!