We recently had the chance to connect with Guillermo Dapelo and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Guillermo , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
I discovered that my clients aren’t loyal to a brand — they’re loyal to me and the way I take care of them. For a long time, I believed they showed up because I was part of a company that carried a certain status. But over time, I realized they actually believe in my method, how I treat them, and how I make them feel. That truly surprised me. In a world where status often seems more important than loyalty, it was a powerful reminder that authenticity and genuine connection matter most — and that’s been one of the most positive experiences of my career.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Gui, and I’ve been in the fitness industry for close to 15 years. I’ve worked everywhere from small local gyms to big corporate studios, and I like to believe I’ve left a positive mark everywhere I’ve gone. Today, I coach interval classes at Studio Three — my new home and hopefully my final stop in this journey.
My brand is simple: fitness shouldn’t feel intimidating. I tell people, “Don’t take it too seriously — just go hard, and if you can’t, at least try your best and smile.” Because fitness isn’t only about strict training plans. Sometimes, making someone laugh or helping them feel good is more powerful than any workout script.
After spending nine years at my last job, I gained not only technical knowledge but also a deep understanding of the psychology behind fitness. Now, I’ve been given the chance to pass that on to a team that allows me to grow and develop in new ways, while still doing what I love most — coaching and connecting with people. At the end of the day, it’s not just about being the best coach for clients. It’s about sharing what I know so that other trainers can succeed, too. That’s what makes this work meaningful for me.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful goes back to 2015, when I was entered in the Racked Miami Hottest Trainer competition. At the time, my classes had grown from just 10 people to nearly 60–80 a day. I remember it was a Friday afternoon, right in the middle of my abs section, when I suddenly said, “Everyone pull out your phones — it’s time to vote for me and help me win this shiii now!” To my surprise, they all did it.
That moment didn’t stop there. My community kept showing up for me, voting every day for a full week until I was crowned Miami’s Hottest Trainer of 2015. That experience catapulted me to where I am today. It showed me the real power of doing good for others — because when you give genuinely, that good comes back to you. That was a powerful moment that set off a domino effect in my career and my life.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — and believe it or not, it was just nine months ago. After spending nine years at my previous job, things became murky, stagnant, and at times very distasteful for my standards. Around that time, I was presented with what I now consider the best opportunity of my life. But in the moment, doubt and fear of the unknown nearly got the best of me. I remember thinking, “Am I doing the right thing?” The weight of that uncertainty was overwhelming.
I even told my wife, “I don’t think I can do this. I want to move to Colorado, get an office or construction job, and leave all of this behind.” I can still see her looking me in the eyes and saying, “I would be the worst partner in the world if I told you to do that. You are amazing at what you do. Don’t waste your talent — your clients will come, and soon you’ll see how silly all these fears are.”
If it hadn’t been for those words, I would have quit. I would have thrown away everything I had worked for. Instead, I chose to push forward — and that decision, fueled by her belief in me, changed everything.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. That’s one of the best parts about me and my brand — what you see is what you get. The way I am in class and out in public is the same way I am every single day. Having two different versions of yourself is exhausting, and I’ve never wanted to live that way.
I pride myself on transparency and realness. Sure, it can be a double-edged sword because I say what I feel and act how I feel — but that’s exactly what makes me me. And honestly, I think that’s why I’ve been successful in a world full of Instagram personalities and “like me please” mentalities.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will tell the story of a man who always made them feel good — someone who could bring a smile in the toughest moments and help them cherish the best memories. A selfless man who was always ready to lend a hand, because at the end of the day, that’s all we can really do in this world.
I’d want them to say I was the guy who could turn a dark moment into a good laugh — because life isn’t that serious, and it’s far too short not to enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Trainwithgui
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@travelwithguii?si=_mK5bgU3W9XsyjWu
- Soundcloud: https://SoundCloud.com/krank1
Image Credits
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