Meet the Coaches
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
When dealing with weight loss, muscle gain and changing your appearance we are dealing with very personal subjects that require trust. You need to feel comfortable telling us about the things that aren't going well as well as those that are. If you work with us we will get to know you whilst you get to know us. So consider this a brief introduction...
Damian
Why is it that some people are in great shape, are totally happy with their bodies and feel strong and ready for the physical challenges of life and others, despite their best efforts, just don't manage to achieve this? This is a question I am determined to help people answer and once we have the answer, help them implement solutions that work in real life. I believe we all have the potential to look and feel better. We can all get stronger. But we all have specific life situations, strengths and weaknesses that need to be taken into account. The way to that ‘better version of yourself’ can often seem unclear…
But, let’s start from the beginning.
📚I studied electrical engineering in South Africa because, well, I didn’t know what else to study and I liked maths and science. In retrospect, this was pretty bad reason to study something but hey, we were all 18 once.
💻 I moved to Berlin directly afterwards to see what it would be like to live in a foreign country and learn a new language. I financed this by working as a programmer. Deep down I knew I wasn’t destined to be an engineer or programmer, I simply wasn’t as passionate about it as many of my colleagues.
💪I have been training since I was 16 and doing sport since I can remember but never really thought it would be ‘sensible’ to leave my comfortable and secure career and start from zero in a new field and become a trainer or gym owner. It seemed crazy! But at some point, I was fortunate to be offered a chance to work at Austin Fitness, which is such a fantastic gym with an amazing atmosphere, deeply knowledgeable employees and clients whom loved working with. That experience made me realise that this was what I am destined to do and that is what inspired me to start my own personal training business.
🏠 My first gym was in a small section of my apartment that had some dumbells and a few other essentials. From there I got my first clients, many of whom are still with me today and started building up my dream of having a proper gym.
🏋️♂️In February, 2020, I started Energia Fitness Personal Training. Yes, about 1 month before the pandemic started. Despite the timing being as bad as possible, the gym was a success. The lockdowns paused operations in the gym, but we did online trainings and outside sessions when the weather permitted. And once we could open, everything took off again. We are now fully booked week in, week out.
Since then, I have also started making educational fitness videos on YouTube and Instagram as well as expanding the business to also offer online fitness coaching, which I am very excited about.
Shahar
Hey! I am Shahar.
I am a professional ballet dancer and a personal trainer. I moved to Berlin to pursue both of these passions.
Since I can remember, I have been working, exploring and studying the movement and training world.
I have a gym and Fitness trainer certificate from "School of Sports Professions" as well as multiple enrichment courses for professional trainers.
Prior to starting to work as a trainer at Energia Fitness, I worked 2 years with a Private Physiotherapy Institute- there I got to work and learn a lot with physiotherapists at the highest level.
My trainings combine strength, technique and movement, as well as awareness of the body, mobility and flexibility.
Training Philosophy
Why choose just one?
Some devote themselves to a single training modality such as:
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Calisthenics
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Barbell training
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Kettlebell training
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‘Bootcamp’ style workouts
Each of these modalities have certain pros and cons when considering an individual's goals and current fitness levels. Their physical proportions, level of coordination and what they find fun vs. intimidating plays a much more important role than the benefits of e.g. kettlebells compared to weights.
We combine the elements of training styles that are safe, time efficient and will help you get the results you want. Why limit yourself to just one?
There is also no reason to choose a ‘diet’ if you don’t want to. Labelling yourself as keto, low-carb, vegan or anything else isn’t a guarantee of success. We will discover together what works best for you. It's not important if your diet has a trendy name, it is important that it works.
