Conversations with the Inspiring Estefania Fierro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Estefania Fierro.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Estefania. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Looking back on my childhood, the majority of my time was spent in practice or in competition. My mom wanted us to always have sports as part of our routine, and her efforts to keep us physically active paid off. My brother and I both went off to compete at the collegiate level, and I turned to fitness as my career. I earned my Masters in Exercise Physiology from Florida International University and began working at Equinox during my last semester as a personal trainer. After a year, I also started working in the group fitness department, and a year after that I became a Master Instructor or a trainer who teaches incoming trainers education courses. Currently, I teach 5 swim classes a week and lead a free open to anyone to meet up swim at Key Biscayne every Sunday at 7:00 am. I became a mom two months ago and swam every day throughout my entire pregnancy. I have swimming to thank for keeping me in shape and I believe it was swimming that helped me have such smooth labor. I am excited to get back in the water and eventually teach my daughter how to swim.

Has it been a smooth road?
Gaining confidence in my knowledge was a little tough at first when it came to relaying what I know to clients. Before I began working one on one, all my experience was in theory, not in practice. If I could give young women any advice, it would be to: 1) look to those who are most successful and pick their brain. It took me about a year to realize that asking my peers for help or advice in situations they had already been in would be a benefit, not a disadvantage. 2) Be proud of where you are and know your worth. Confidence may take time, but a little more each day adds up.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently, I am employed by Equinox as a Tier X Coach, a Master Instructor, and a Group Fitness Instructor. I am most proud of the swimming community I have built there. Three years ago we started with one class, and have grown to 4 classes during the week plus my meet up on Sundays. I believe what sets me apart from others is the ability to bring together people of different backgrounds, performance levels, and goals, as one group. They feel bonded as a team but I am able to tailor my approach individually despite being in a group setting. To me, this is a happy marriage of my strengths as a personal trainer shining in a group fitness setting.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I love to read and personally, reading non-fiction is how I clear my mind from the day. Whenever I need a break from work or life, I pick up a book. The first month after giving birth I read five novels while skimming through some pregnancy books as well. Reading is the best way for me to relax, to flex my mind, to learn new things, and it’s a great way for me to get inspired if I ever feel stuck.

I also love Ted Talks. I began listening to them three years ago to help get me through workouts when I was training for a bodybuilding show. Those are great because you have the ability to pick at random or narrow down to any topic of your choice. One of my favorites is Shonda Rhimes: My Year of Saying Yes. She talks about how to find your rhythm in work and life, and what that means to her.

Contact Info:

• Email: efier001@fiu.edu
• Instagram: @estefania_fierro

 

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