Instructor Insights: Gavin
GAVIN
Meet our techno-obsessed, health and wellness expert hailing from sunny California. Gavin is a certified holistic health coach with a background in competitive volleyball, and a focus on the interplay between the human psyche and physical endurance. He will help you push past limiting beliefs and achieve the results you want. With an intense love for progressive techno music, you’ll be transported into a Berlin nightclub which you’ll never want to leave!
Fit-focused Q’s:
What is your go-to breakfast on a busy morning? My go-to breakfast is always a smoothie! I’ve learnt to make them incredible quick and its easiest on my digestion when the first thing I consume is blended.
What's your best strategy to stay motivated? In order for me to stay motivated, I make sure that I start my morning doing something for myself. Whether that’s meditation, going for a walk or listening to an impactful podcast, I am always making sure I’ve done something for myself before letting the rest of the world in.
The best thing we can do for ourselves after a workout is... The best thing anyone can do after a tough workout is replenish the body. Re-hydrating yourself and also eating something healthy to thank their body for everything it allows them to do.
© BECYCLE
Is there a special dietary regime you follow? What changes have you seen or felt since you have started it? I follow a whole foods plant based diet. Typically I eat almost completely raw vegan, however their are some days when I really want something sweet. My go-to dessert is a mix of medjool dates, apple and tahini…it’s amazing. Once I took dairy and gluten out of my diet, I completely noticed an amazing difference in my energy levels as well as the way I reacted to certain situations. I feel that when my diet is on track I am able to properly function and respond to events around me.
What are your top three exercises to do at home?
Pushups, mountain climbers, and a classic plank.
What are your tips to have energy all day? The best tip I have to maintain energy all day is to not have coffee right when you wake up. Our bodies naturally produce cortisol (stress hormone) upon waking up, so when we consume coffee immediately (and on an empty stomach) our hormones unfortunately get messed up. Let your body naturally wake up and wait 1-2 hours before having your first cup of coffee.
Quick-fire Q’s
Best Restaurant in Berlin: I’m always at the Juicery. In fact, I am about to begin one of their juice cleanses.
Best Bar in Berlin: I don’t drink alcohol so my bar knowledge is quite dismal but I have been to Neue Odessa Bar in Mitte and I can highly recommend the sparkling water.
Best Place to dance in Berlin: Actually anywhere. My favorite thing about Berlin is the freedom that comes with living in this city. You can dance on the street or go to Berghain, my favorite nightclub.
Favourite exercise: The exercise that brings me the most joy is dancing. It can be such a cathartic experience to shake all the trapped emotions and stress we store in our bodies out. Spinning of course is also one of my favorite exercises.
Least favourite exercise: My least favorite exercise is probably burpees. I think I can relate to most people when I say that it’s just pure torture.
Silly Q’s:
Dog, cats, neither? I am 100% a dog person. Always have been and don’t think I’ll ever switch teams. Cats just are not my vibe.
You're stranded on an island. What's the one thing you'd wish you had and why? It depends, if its a tropical island then I definitely want a Vitamix so I could make some tasty smoothies and juices. Nothing is better than a green juice cast away moment.