Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Oliveira.
Hi Rafael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Four years ago, I left everything behind, family, friends, house, my city (Rio de Janeiro) to chase my dream. In the company of my three loving children and my wife, we moved to Miami.
With less than a month here came the shock of our first hurricane and the uncertainty of whether or not I was making the best decision for my kids.
The choice of the location was very complicated. I visited practically every space available in Miami. I spent six months negotiating with one landlord only to have her cancel the deal on the exact date I was to pick up the keys. I felt as if my world would collapse at the thought that I would have to start a whole new quest and go through all the hard work all over again.
The very next day — distraught yet undaunted — I visited a location with a friend and broker, which immediately brought an email to my face. This new location had incredible potential and I could see a Gator CrossFit there. So fast forward six more months and we were open to business.
Everything happens for a reason and I believe it’s always for the best.
Seven years ago CrossFit changed my life and that is what I was looking forward to do, changing lives around here through physical exercise, healthy nutrition, and personal relationships.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since day one of the gym, we have been working hard everyday to make our community bigger and stronger, all the effort is paying of.
The gym was growing unit march 2020 when we had to close ours doors due the Covid-19, by the time we borrow all of our equipment to our members that stayed with us and we started an online program, giving classes throughout Zoom and sending PDF to our members, once we are able to return to business, but if all the uncertainty that we were living, we lost a lot of members. It took us almost one year later to recover our numbers before the pandemic. And today, we have an amazing community that is getting bigger and bigger.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Gator Crossfit, we believe that Health is not a goal but rather a lifestyle. Our recipe is simple: Eat well, move often and connect with others.
With that in mind, we work very hard every day to create a community that educates, celebrates, and motivates people to start their journey towards wellness, regardless of age, gender, abilities. We offer fun and challenging classes in a supportive environment where everyone is welcome.
Our program is based on the CrossFit methodology. Functional movements (such as squatting or jumping), constant variety (routine is our enemy), and high intensity (leaving your comfort zone). We look for a program that is tailored to your needs and will be achieved for your goals. We strive everyday to make our Gator family healthier and that above all, enjoying your new journey and lifestyle into Gator Crossfit!
Gator Crossfit is equipped & prepped with what is best in the market for specific training in Gymnastics, Lifting and Endurance Training. Our location is capable of holding 40 athletes at a time in addition to tools such as ropes, Olympic bars, kettlebells, rings, oars and more. Most importantly, the Gator Crossfit family will always make you will feel welcomed, not only by the students but also by our team of coaches formed by the best professionals in the market.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
A healthy lifestyle is the best gift that you can choose for yourself and for your loved ones.
It doesn’t matter how fit you are now if you are a beginner or an athlete, we are here to support you towards a newer, better, fitter and healthier version of you.
Everything that you want starts and ends with you.
We offer a Free trial class for all local residents, come to see how FUN getting FIT can be.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: gatorcf.com
- Instagram: @gatorcf
