I used to be a gym addict. I know that it doesn’t look like it. Haha! When I started working, lost my passion for fitness, and it was all diverted to my work. I never lost the love though for jogging and running. I still run, especially when I need to decide on things and if I need to relax.
Fitness Mobil
Recently, I’ve been contemplating about getting a fitness trainer who can just visit me at home to guide me. I’m not getting any younger and I’m almost in my 40s, but I still want to look good and feel good. I know that I need to lift weights and build muscles. So, when I was searching and finding a fitness trainer, I came across this site called Fitness Mobil.
I decided to interview the founder because the I loved the concept of Fitness Mobil.
Hi, my name is Leandro Cabrera!
My friends call me Andre, and my clients simply call me Coach. I recently got married to the most beautiful and kind-hearted woman I know, my best friend in life, Joy. We tied the knot just last January. I used to work in a gym while offering in-home personal training on the side. About a year after, I saw the potential in the business and eventually decided to take the leap of doing Fitness Mobil full-time. I now have 10 coaches all over the metro and was even able to ask my wife to leave corporate and help me with the business!
I am very humbled to have pioneered the business at the age of 23. Although in-home personal trainers have definitely existed way before I was born, we are the first company of in-home personal trainers. I wish to go nationwide someday and make fitness not only a one-time thing as it is with fads. We want to reach the entire country making fitness attainable AND sustainable for men and women from different age groups and fitness levels.
Interview with Leandro Cabrera of Fitness Mobil
Ginger: Hi Leandro! I really love the purpose and the business that you have! Do you mind sharing with my readers what it is about?
Leandro: Fitness Mobil is an in-home personal training company, which caters to individuals who are interested in working out at home. We are all about convenience and sustainabilIty such that we customize programs based on our clients’ fitness goals, bring the necessary equipment right to their doorstep, offer no lock-in packages and no membership fee. Fitness Mobil has been servicing clients in Metro Manila for 5 years now. It started with just myself and slowly grew to a team of 10 – all of whom are graduates of Sports Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Ginger: Wow! Five years! That’s great! Who are your usual clients or who are you trying to get to?
Leandro: Fitness Mobil works for those who prefer to work out in the privacy and comforts of their own homes. We do understand that there are those who want a physical gym to go to with people around them, but we are received very well by those who want to achieve and maintain an active lifestyle, but are very busy. These are usually businessmen and women, moms and executives. They are delighted with the convenience of having the personal trainer bring fitness right to their very doorstep.
Ginger: How did you come up with this idea? What made you decide to start this kind of business?
Leandro: Fitness Mobil started with my desire to reach out to people who may be having a difficult time going to the gym due to their daily schedule and/or location. I myself had days, and still have days, when I don’t feel like working out. Some days, I really can’t due to schedule conflict. But to actually have a personal trainer come to my house for a one-on-one workout session would be so helpful in making fitness happen as it eliminates factors of cancellation. I also felt the need to start a company that people can trust since it is difficult for an individual who is not represented by one to be allowed inside people’s homes just like that.
Ginger: Were there any obstacles that you faced when you decided to pursue becoming an Entrepreneur? What are these?
Leandro: It was definitely not an easy road becoming an entrepreneur. The lack of support from a boss or colleagues, and even the freedom to work at my own pace, all added up to the feeling of being alone. I had to truly be focused and discipline was key. I had to actively seek advice from people who I knew could help me and took things one step at a time. It was difficult at first as I never was taught marketing in school (all the more payroll) but I’d like to think I’m actually starting to get a hang of it! Self-help materials played a very important role in my entrepreneur journey and it does help to ask, ask, and ask!
Ginger: What are the greatest challenges in putting up and maintaining a business in the Philippines?
Leandro: I’d consider paying taxes as the greatest challenge for me as a self-professional in the Philippines. Our country ranks as having one of the highest tax rates in the world and it is painful to finally see profit only to slip thru my hands as a huge percentage of it will be deducted as tax.
Ginger: What are three traits that you think an Entrepreneur/Startup Founder should have when starting their own business?
Leandro: Discipline, perseverance, and a lot of grit.
Ginger: Any unforgettable moments or lessons that you learned as an Entrepreneur/Startup Founder?
Leandro: It will not be easy and rewards are not instant. I remember giving up parties/get togethers with friends for my this business of mine. But looking back, it’s all worth it knowing that I chose to focus and build on my dreams then, so I am now able to slowly but surely see it all come true.
Ginger: What advice can you give to other Entrepreneurs?
Leandro: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. If you have an idea and you believe in it, work in it! But expect that failure will be part of it.
Ginger: Do you believe that everyone should become entrepreneurs?
Leandro: Not everyone should, but everyone could be if they set their mind to it. Some people are content with the stability of employment and if it feeds their family, then I don’t see why they can’t stay there.
Ginger: What are ways that you can do to raise capital?
Leandro: Lower overhead costs.
Ginger: How do you market your products? Growth strategy?
Leandro: We utilize different channels of social media and get exposure in setting up booths in events like Fun Runs. We post reviews from real clients and offer a free trial session first so people can try our service without having to worry about paying for anything.
Ginger: What are tech tools that you use for your business?
Leandro: Nothing beats the good old smart phone!
Ginger: Other things that you want to mention which you think are important?
Leandro: Home training is not for everyone. It may work for some, and may not for others. It all depends on preference. And part of our mission is to break the mindset that limits fitness within the confines of a gym. Let’s think outside the gym!
Thank you so much, Leandro, for sharing and imparting your business knowledge with us! More power to you!
Check out Fitness Mobil!
Website: www.fitnessmobil.net
Email address: info@fitnessmobil.net
Mobile Number: 09178100211
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/fitnessmobil
Instagram account: @fitnessmobil
