Meet Gabby Barreto, MS, CFSC, Kettlebell Specialist, who is a fitness trainer and pursuing her degree to become a registered dietitian. She understands the importance of health and fitness combined with nutrition. It is key to one’s overall wellness success.

What attracted you to the field of fitness and exercise?
I was very fortunate to have grown up in the family who was always physically active and into sports. I started to go to the gym in high school with my mom and sister to just stay in shape. I had been slightly overweight when I was younger, and the gym not only helped me maintain my weight, but it gave me a sense of belonging to something, especially after my sports career was over.

I found group fitness in college which was something I grew to love. It provided guidance and empowerment, something I really needed after years of organized sports. From there, I began strength training and really finding what I loved and what empowered me. I was not the most confident person. I struggled with being comfortable in my own skin. Strength training and fitness provided a physical platform for me to build my self-confidence and self-esteem. My goal within the fitness industry is to empower people to find their best selves through fitness. There is something special about pushing yourself physically and growing mentally.

Your Job Title:
Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, Nutritionist

Company you are with now:
FitStudio (@fitstudio.ny)

Website:
nutritionbygabby.com

Instagram:
@nutritionbygabby

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day in the work-life for you:
Well, what day of the week are we talking about? I am not only a fitness professional, but I am about 4 weeks out from completing my Dietetic Internship to be a Registered Dietitian. A typical day involves me rolling out of bed around 4:50am, turning on the Keurig and saying my morning prayers and affirmations for strength to get through the day. I typically teach the 6ams at Fit Studio. After that, I change and zoom to my internship from 8:00-4:00pm. After that, I usually make my second wardrobe change back to fitness attire and see clients, hopefully, workout and teach until 9:30pm. I need to be very organized from having my outfits and snacks/meals prepared (nutrition is #1!), all while making sure my mental health is in check. Part of maintaining my mental health is making sure I get my workout in, even if its 10-20 minutes (a lot of times that’s more than enough). It’s a long day, but I genuinely love what I do.

How did you get your current job in fitness and exercise?
Instagram! The opportunities I and other professionals have found via social media are quite impressive. I’m always amazed at the power of social media in this industry.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I believe I was born with the ability to continue to seek knowledge. If I don’t know something, I want to know it, and learn all about it. When I decided to follow my passion into fitness and nutrition, I wanted to know everything right away. It is over 8 years into my career and I still feel like I am just scratching the surface.

I certainly was not born with patience, hence my nature to want everything now. What life thus far has taught me is: hard work, patience, and trusting the process is the key to success. I wake up every day and I cannot believe I am where I am, living the life with the career and opportunities I never thought I would have. I earned my success fair and square.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
Be patient, willing to learn from all sources, and take criticism. Be confident, even when you think you don’t know what you’re doing (you may not be and that’s okay. But always be willing to learn until you don’t feel that way anymore). Never think you cannot because you genuinely can do whatever you put your heart into. I say heart because I believe that passion can outshine anything else. People believed in me because of my heart and passion.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what
would it be?
FOOD! Mostly because I love food. It’s expensive and I like healthy food. Also, Lululemon gift cards would be nice.