From professional poker player to personal trainer and fitness instructor, meet another member of BurnSF’s team, Rory Cox, whose loudness and passion help his clients achieve their goals. – Sarah 

www.BurnSF.com or Body Mechanix: www.Bmfit.com

What attracted you to the field of fitness and exercise? Around the age of twelve, I noticed that certain foods that I was eating and a lack of physical activity was causing me to feel and look unhealthy. As I began to develop hormones, emotions, and self-awareness; it became clear to me that my mind and body didn’t react well to fast/junk foods and that I required a lot of physical activity. I began studying physiology, workout books, and I completely omitted soda and red meat from my diet. I also avoided fried foods and other sugary drinks. I began participating in sports during the school year and maintained high levels of physical activity in the summers; designing my own regiments and encouraging friends and teammates to participate with me. Before actually becoming a personal trainer, I spent time as a strength and fitness coach for a high school back east; where I also coached lacrosse.

Your Job Title? Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Wellness Coach

www.BurnSF.com or Body Mechanix: www.Bmfit.com

Company you are with now? In addition to teaching classes for BurnSF and Boot Camp SF, I am a personal trainer @ Body Mechanix located in SOMA.

A typical (or not so typical) day in the work-life for you? I generally wake up and walk or ride my bike to work where I’ll either train a few clients, teach a few classes, or instruct a boot camp. After the morning rush, I’ll take a break for lunch, do whatever logistical work I need to on the computer then I’ll workout; lifting weights, playing basketball, Yoga, walking, etc. I’ll then walk or ride my bike for the evening rush, to teach classes, instruct boot camps, or train clients.

How did you get your current job in fitness and exercise?After spending two years coaching lacrosse in Vermont, I moved to San Francisco. While living with a friend from college, I began playing online poker. I was very fortunate and made a lot of money early on; which enabled me to travel around North and South America playing in Poker Tournaments for the next three years. The inconsistent income and heavy travel, however, started to take a toll on my overall happiness. My girlfriend suggested, since I workout constantly and was always helping others learn how to work out, that I look into becoming a personal trainer. So I did just that; I studied for a few months, took and passed the exam and have enjoyed teaching others how to move their bodies ever since.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? As for skills I was born with, not 100% sure. I’ve always been extremely talkative and loud, which helps for group fitness; and personal training as well to a certain degree. Majoring in Philosophy in college was extremely useful. I learned a lot about myself and how to relate to others; how to be patient and understanding, to listen and actually hear what people are saying, and how to not judge people but rather support them in their endeavors.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? “All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.” This is a quote by Spinoza that I like to share with anyone who is struggling with a workout or any other type of adversity. Sometimes aspects of our lives are challenging, but that’s what makes life so beautiful; being able to face adversity and overcome it. We’re all stronger once we’ve endured a little hardship, be it a workout or something more significant.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? I really like trading services for training. I’ve done it before in the past and I find it works out quite well. It actually makes the training more rewarding in many ways as your sharing skills and talents with others. We all are endowed with a variety of talents and skills, being able to share them without having to exchange money makes it a bit more intimate, pure, and even respectful.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.