Ep 55: Nico Gonzalez | On diversity, finding your voice and owning your teaching style

In this episode, Janet and Nikki chat with Pilates teacher and educator Nico Gonzalez about his experiences of being a minority in the Pilates industry and his strategies for combining Pilates and traditional fitness in his studio fitness physiques by Nico G. 

They cover:

How being male and minority opens certain professional doors and closes others How different people can get away with using different words and styles of cuing Strategies for making Pilates feel more accessible to male clients Ways to introduce mind body work to clients who are more interested in exercises that feel "hard"  How teaching Pilates in an instructor education setting is different than creating a tailored session for clients

About Nico Gonzalez

Nico Gonzalez is the studio owner of Fitness Physiques by Nico G, an international fitness educator, trainer, and motivational speaker. Certified through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) for group fitness and personal training and the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) for Pilates training.

Nico was the Director of Fitness for a regional hospital based wellness facility for over 8 years where he created their Pilates program from the ground up. Nico was an integral manager in developing their wellness programs for post rehabilitation patients. 

Nico travels across the country and beyond training Pilates instructors in the Balanced Body Pilates teacher trainer program. In this regard, he is able to deliver certificates and trainings in all aspects of Pilates. He travels extensively delivering trainings in fitness facilities and studios alike.

Nico has presented internationally, including being a presenter at IDEA World Convention (USA), Can-Fit-Pro (Canada), Fitnesslandia (Italy), World Class (Moscow, Russia) and in Chile, South America. He presents workshops in Pilates, Program Management, Cardio / Strength Training and delivers Choreography Master Classes. Many trainers continue to ask for his practical approach to instruction and easy to follow formulas of success. 

Nico is featured in multiple Pilates videos and podcasts that showcase his creativity in movement and inspiration. He has been credited as a contributing creative editor of the following Pilates instructor manuals: EXO Chair, Pilates ARC, and the Mat with Toys workshop manuals.