Insider Interview with Josué Rosa, Fitness Supervisor at Pine Cliffs Resort:

 

Our Insider Interview series sees us speak to one of the team at one of the many retreats we have the privilege of working with and sending clients to. Josué Rosa is the Fitness Supervisor at Pine Cliffs in Portugal, overseeing a wide range of activities from high-intensity interval training to yoga & pilates. With 20 years of fitness experience, Josué is passionate about ensuring each guest achieves their goals whilst providing a fun and motivating experience. He has an impressive background, from being a military fitness instructor to holding training sessions at multiple resorts across Portugal.

Can you tell us about your journey into the fitness industry and what led you to Pine Cliffs Resort?

I started my fitness journey after leaving the Portuguese Parachuting army in 2004, training lifeguards in the north of Portugal. Then I moved to Vila Sol Golf and Resort Hotel for 6 years working as Lifeguard and Personal Trainer. Then I moved to Conrad Hotel in Quinta do Lago working as Personal Trainer for 6 years as well, then I felt I could do much more and I was looking for a big resort to train lots of people. I found the Pine Cliffs Resort where I have been training and teaching lots of people for the last 9 years.

What does a typical day look like for you as Fitness Supervisor at Pine Cliffs?

I start my day either 7am or 11h30am, if I start at 7am I check all the facilities, get them ready for the operational day and then if I have personal trainer sessions I do them. If not I’m at the reception, checking emails and engaging with guests and active members. If I start at 11h30am some days I take the group classes like: Pilates, HIIT, and Active cycling, Boxing, Circuit training, Hydro Pilates and Active Pump. In the afternoon I supervise the daily operations in the gym and team.

How do you keep guests motivated and engaged in their fitness routines while on holiday?

Every guest I work with I tell them to pursue their dreams either if it’s just going up the stairs or finish an Iron Man. The training process is slow and takes time so when they are on holiday they can restart their fitness journey, putting them on the right path to continue pursuing their dreams when they go back home.  

You have extensive experience across multiple fitness disciplines—how does this influence your training approach?

My training approach is multidisciplinary, but my main focus is resistance, strength, mobility, balance and agility. I always talk as well with my guests about rest, nutrition and supplements - if you get them right you will feel a massive difference in your daily routines.  

Pine Cliffs offers a diverse range of fitness activities. Which ones are the most popular among guests?

The most popular are Pilates and Kids Swimming lessons. Then we have our wellbeing retreats (Fitness Journey, Bootcamp, Explore Nature, Weight loss and Pilates) that are growing every year.

How do you balance high-intensity workouts like HIIT and Tabata with more mindful practices like yoga and Pilates?

It’s easy to balance them as a team because we have a professional team that work in all the different areas to fill up our guest needs no matter the discipline chosen.    

As a former military fitness instructor and competitor in national and European bodyboarding competitions, what lessons have you carried into your current role? 

I token the lessons of discipline, honor, dignity, hard work, resilience, respect, humble, punctuality, self-esteem, trust and team work. These values you don’t learn them from the books you have to live them, respect them put them into practice and pass them through life.

You’ve participated in Ironman 70.3 Triathlons and half marathons, what advice do you have for guests looking to take on endurance challenges?

To do endurance challenges first you need to know what you want to do, make it clear on your head. Get a coach, have a training plan in place, be consistent on your trainings (don’t find excuses), mind your nutrition (have a nutrition plan for every race, practice your nutrition in training), sleep well (at least 8 hours) and train hard but smarter. In endurance challenges you are not competing against anybody apart from you.  

What’s one simple fitness tip you always recommend to people looking to improve their well-being?

No matter what show up and do it, learn and do it again and again.

Lastly, what’s your personal philosophy when it comes to health, fitness, and an active lifestyle?

First of all, health is everything. There’s no fitness and an active lifestyle without a good health. So, priority is our health no matter what. My personal philosophy of fitness can be condensed to five following values: Movement, Endurance, Longevity, Mindfulness and Enhanced Cognition.  

Talk to one of our Wellness Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss booking a wellness holiday at Pine Cliffs Resort.