Life as a Fitness Instructor with Patrícia Inácio: Plus Her Top Health and Fitness Tips
Patrícia, Spa Manager of EPIC SANA Algarve since May 2017, joined the team as Fitness Instructor in 2013 and has helped build one of the leading resort fitness programs in Portugal. The resort offers a gamut of classes and workout programs, as well as Pilates and other activities in the resort’s green areas, while emphasizing the critical importance of diet, nutrition and lifestyle to attaining peak fitness.
Patrícia, Spa Manager of EPIC SANA Algarve since May 2017, joined the team as Fitness Instructor in 2013 and has helped build one of the leading resort fitness programs in Portugal. The resort offers a gamut of classes and workout programs, as well as Pilates and other activities in the resort’s green areas, while emphasizing the critical importance of diet, nutrition and lifestyle to attaining peak fitness.
With 13 years of professional experience in the fitness area, Patricia specialized in group classes such as cycling, step, calisthenics, functional training, body combat and hydro gymnastics, which she also coordinated in a renowned health club in the Algarve. She regularly participates in functional training, TRX and nutrition courses, amongst others.
Her many hobbies include dancing, table tennis and BTT, the latter the one being the one she practices the most. She regularly takes part in cycling challenges, and is as an instructor in various events, for instance, the 24H Cycling marathon.
Over the years she has built a portfolio of many customers with diversified goals from weight loss to simply increasing well-being and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The results have been extremely positive. She attributes her enthusiasm and motivation during the training to her success as a fitness instructor.
1. You now have more than 10 years of experience working in fitness – what inspired you to join this industry in the first place?
Sports have always been a big part of my life. I enjoy working out frequently and I feel thankful to work in this area. In my day to day, I can accompany and help people develop a healthier and more active lifestyle through exercise. It's inspiring to see people getting ahead and being happier as a result of our assistance.
2. Why did you choose to work at EPIC SANA?
EPIC SANA ‘s mission is to promote EPIC experiences in people’s lives. And as such, I can be part of this mission through the Retreats, which ally nutrition with physical exercise, creating opportunities for people to improve their quality of life, while at the same time I have the privilege of meeting people from all over the world who share the same goal, which is their well-being.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day in my life starts very early, always with a healthy breakfast as I practice good food choices throughout the day. I work out regularly, between five to six times a week, with a varied plan: cardio (spinning, running) endurance and strength training. Besides a healthy body, I aim towards a healthy mind by reading, learning and trying different things and surrounding myself with positive and inspiring people. A healthy mind is accomplished my nourishing our body with our diet and exercise, but one essential key is sleep, and I try to rest a minimum of 8 hours per day.
4. What motivates you to stay enthusiastic about fitness?
Fitness is a part of my essence and is a daily passion. Fitness has become an essential part in people’s lives, not just for the physical appearance, but also for a matter of health. Currently everyone has access to a sport and I have an important role in helping people achieve their goals, which is very exciting for me.
5. You’ve taken part in several 24H cycling marathons – how do you cope with these physically and mentally?
In fact, a marathon requires good physical and mental preparation, as it is very challenging, and people often feel worn out. To fight this, nutrition and hydration before, during, and after the test is crucial. Mentally it is necessary to know how to manage time and effort and never lose your motivation. If you plan to perform a test of this level, there must be prior preparation from the point of nutrition, training and rest.
6. As a fitness trainer, do you ever recommend certain nutritional changes or supplements for individuals wanting to reach their goals?
The impact of food is critical for people to achieve their intended goals, as many studies prove, which is why the Retreats promote a food reeducation that takes into account the goal and the metabolism of the person. The basis of our intervention is to encourage people to eat healthy and balanced food, without diets and eating extremities.
7. Any personal advice on how to stick to a nutritional regime?
Advice for healthy eating starts with good hydration. All people have different metabolisms and so it’s necessary to know them to fit your diet. I recommend having at least 5 meals a day in small portions, and practicing physical activity that is enjoyable to the person. Also, have a pre and post workout meal plan.
8. Obviously, fitness is your passion, but what are your other top tips on staying healthy?
In addition to fitness, it’s necessary to rest and do activities that make you feel happy, which in my case are: reading, walking in nature, cycling, surfing and socializing with the people I love most.
9. What are your 3 top tips for living a happy, healthy life?
- Practice sport
- Be with people that you love
- Travel
10. What is your take-home advice for people wanting to go on a wellness retreat?
An open mind, ability to overcome, willpower and just enjoy the experience.
