ABOUT

Mindful
Movement Fitness

Hello! My name is Eric Gonzalez, founder of Mindful Movement Fitness. I am a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, practicing since 2015, and have been a Certified Personal Trainer since 1996. I am also a proud father and husband and understand that making time for fitness can sometimes feel impossible amid family and career responsibilities.  

The first question I think people should ask themselves is: “Why should I exercise?”.

While everyone will have unique motivations and turning points, differing histories with exercise, and past physical experiences or injuries that have caused acute or chronic pain, I think we all can agree on the priceless value of a long healthy life that makes showing up for our loved ones and communities possible.

Through my own experiences of exercise, training clients and continuing education in specialty certifications (Sports Performance, Corrective Exercise, USA-Weightlifting, Golf Training, Kickboxing, Yoga, etc,.), I have come to realize that true vitality lies in the balancing of different modes of exercise, proper nutrition and lifestyle habits. Now, more than ever, we need to find ways to be more active, promote blood flow and resist entropy as our digitized society has progressed us further away from our natural, physical culture. Even for those who seek to find a way to be more active, the vast information on the internet can send you in many different directions and many of them may not be right for you.

By the time a client contacts me about training, it’s usually about wanting to lose fat, look better or relieve pain. These are valid goals to strive for, but what happens when they get there? If these are the ONLY reasons for exercising, then eventually, the need or want to exercise loses its flair and people lose their consistency and urge to continue a healthy practice. The big Why is where the “Mindful” part of Mindful Movement Fitness comes in. Let’s face it, exercising is hard because it poses a challenge to our bodies and minds. But it is this challenge that enhances our body, our minds, and transcends growth on many levels.

My training programs are designed from a thorough understanding of my clients, via an in-depth consultation, non-invasive body measurements, movement screens and work capacity tests. I help my clients become aware of any lifestyle factors that can hinder or enhance their progress so that they can make simple yet powerful choices towards attaining their goals. Fitness programs are designed and structured to meet clients at their current level, offering just enough challenge to promote successful progress. Re-assessments are typically performed quarterly to assess progress in fitness and lifestyle habits. The “MMF way” is to provide a high-level, fitness coaching experience that is individualized to each client, enhances holistic fitness levels and nurtures the professional “client-coach” relationship.

Bio

As an athlete having participated in organized wrestling, basketball, tennis, kickboxing, handball, and football, I have a comprehensive understanding of how sports involvement can enhance psychological, physical, and social well-being. In 2014, I had the opportunity to work as an assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for the LaGuardia Community College basketball team. I have also been a strength, conditioning, speed, and agility consultant for a handful of semi-professional football teams including the Westchester Steelers, the Bronx Bandits (Big East Football Federation), and the Somerset Bears. I’m currently a strength & conditioning coach and consultant for the Jersey Sharks semi-professional football program who recently won the 2023 League of All Leagues Alliance football championship.

Outside of the arena of competitive sports, I also understand that participating in physically competitive group forums is not for everyone. I take pride in tailoring my programs so that both groups and individuals succeed. Working with a wide-range of clients from youth to the elderly, and athletes to working professionals, I understand an assortment of client fitness needs and challenges.

I believe that a career in healthcare and fitness is a lifelong journey of education. I am an avid learner who enjoys continuing education and research in current practices and strategies in my field. I have a true passion for fitness, enhancement of human movement, education, and serving my clients and community. As I have for my previous and current clients, I will strive to continue this trend to benefit you during your health and fitness journey as well.