By: Joe Cardoso
Well, it appears that even though we hope it would last forever summer is over. Break out the hoodies, beanies and long sleeve shirts fall is back and with it a new fitness interview in our series. Having an opportunity to reach goals and help others along the way is one of many things our athlete is all about. With a passion for healthy living and making the most of the moment, we head to Los Angeles. Born in Poland but now calling L.A. home we get to know and introduce Paulina Piotrowska!
Joe Cardoso: Let’s go back to the beginning. Making a move from Poland to Los Angeles what were those first few years like for you?
Paulina Pitotrowska: Moving to Los Angeles was the best decision of my life. I remember packing my bags like it was yesterday. Coming here not knowing a single person or the language, and having no expectations. There were a lot of ups and downs and challenging moments. But I can tell that this experience changed my life forever. It took me a few years to explore the fitness industry. I studied and learned from the best coaches here. I took so many classes to learn about training and nutrition. I have learned different kinda methods or techniques and I developed my training style.
JC: How did you start down this pathway of fitness? And What Gold’s Gym means to you?
PP: I started my journey with sports in track and field when I was 7 years old but I would never imagine this will take me this far. When I was in Poland I was watching people’s videos working out at Gold’s. I was inspired to train hard and study to be better every day. I always wanted to be the best trainer in this industry. Sometimes I can’t even believe that I’m able to train at the Mecca every day. For me, Gold’s Gym is not just a gym. It’s a home. It is a place of progress and contemplation, a place to push yourself and hone your ability to focus, grow, and achieve self-improvement.
JC: Who are some of the people in or outside the fitness world that inspire you?
PP: One of those people is David Goggins, Gary Vee, or Jay Shetty. They have had such a big impact on my life. Their story, speeches, and books motivated me to NOT give up on my dreams even in challenging moments.
JC: Growing up what sports did you take part in?
PP: I started my journey with sports in track and field when I was 7 years old and I finished when I was 16 years old. I remember training 5 days a week. We were running sprints at the local stadium and traveling on the weekends to different cities to compete. This thought me how to be disciplined and consistent.
JC: Why is having a healthy lifestyle and helping others so important to you?
PP: My goal is to improve people’s health and mindset. I want them to become stronger physically and mentally. Because if you can do it at the gym… you can do it anywhere else. We only have one life and one body, so why not own it and accomplish all kinds of goals in your life?
JC: If someone asked one of your clients how you are as a trainer what, would you want them to say?
PP: I would love them to say that I changed their life.
JC: So many fakes in this industry why is it important to you to always be real and honest?
PP: I think if you want to get to your goal there are no shortcuts, no quick fixes. It takes work and years of consistency. it’s important to be real because people want real things they can do that actually work to improve themselves. Fake only works on social media but not in the real world. Choose your path and work hard to get where you want to go.
JC: Where did the passion for fitness come from?
PP: My mom is a marathon runner but she never pushed me to choose sport as my career. I always felt like fitness is my passion and that this is something that I do best!
JC: What about L.A. made it home for
PP: From the first day living in California I felt like America just hugged me and that they never wanted me to leave this place. I love Los Angeles. The vibe, people, weather, and fitness is just different than somewhere else. I can grow here faster. This city is full of amazing people who inspire and motivate you along your journey. It’s hard to believe but this is my home now.
Bonus Questions:
JC: When you first moved here what if anything was a shock to you?
PP: Everything was so exciting for me at this time. Everything was new. Different culture, new language, time difference, style of living. Bigger cars, highways, and food. Especially portion and ingredients. I also realized that the eating habits in Europe and in America are insanely different. Americans are so chatty and open and they talk to strangers we usually don’t talk to people if we don’t know them. Everything is air-conditioned here. I love all American holidays! Especially Thanksgiving and Halloween because we don’t have them in Poland.
JC: One thing people don’t know about Poland is____?
PP: Every polish name has its own holiday! And besides birthdays, Poles celebrate their name day which is the day commemorating the Saint they are named after. The names associated with each day is listed in all calendars in Poland.
JC: Who is Paulina Piotrowska?
PP: Paulina Piotrowska is a personal trainer with an extremely big passion for health and fitness. She is a hardworking, dedicated woman who wants to inspire and motivate people. She believes that there are no shortcuts, no quick fixes to becoming the best version of yourself. It takes work but the hard work pays off.
Remember the name because she is on the rise and has great things ahead for her career in the industry. I want to thank Paulina for taking the time to share her journey with me and make sure to follow her on Instagram.
Happy Fall and stay tuned to see where and on who the spotlight shines next! You can find more fun Q&A’s here