For the Love of Fitness

A local personal trainer finds joy in helping others succeed.

For Eduardo Yibrin, a local certified personal trainer, it was just a matter of time before he made New Orleans his home. He was born and raised in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, where he attended a bilingual school and all of his studies were in English. He moved to New Orleans for college, and, after graduating from Loyola University with a business degree, he moved back to his hometown and started his own business. Throughout the years, he had occasions to travel, but New Orleans was always a place that meant a lot to him. Eventually, it became his goal to return and make it his home. Yibrin first became interested in fitness when he was 16 years old. He was passionate to learn and train, and, as the years went by, he continued his research and eventually earned a personal training certification. The more he learned, the more interested in fitness he became, and he started entering powerlifting and body figure competitions. He added swimming, kayaking and soccer into his passion for health, strength and image. “Soon, I had 27 certifications, and friends and relatives sought my advice on nutrition, health and fitness tips,” Yibrin says. “As they succeeded in meeting their goals, I realized how rewarding it was to guide them through the process, and I embarked on a full-time career as a Master Personal Trainer.”

As a Master Personal Trainer, Yibrin works with clients on nutrition design, supplement advice (if needed), guidance on non-gym physical activities, rest and recovery, and ongoing training regimens targeting each individual’s unique needs, strengths, weaknesses and limitations. “I consider each client to be a unique challenge that requires a unique strategy,” he says.

When Yibrin works with clients, he becomes personally invested in their success. “What is really rewarding to me is to see someone not only achieve their goals, but to realize what a life-changing difference it can make, and then they go on to set higher and higher goals — not only with their health and appearance, but also in their personal and professional life. It is so amazing to watch the evolution.

As far as his personal fitness and diet routine, Yibrin combines techniques from HIIT (high intensity interval training), circuit training, sprinting and weight-lifting to achieve balance, strength, conditioning, and, of course, a healthy body and mind. “The key to success is balance, hard work, moderation and, most of all, consistency,” he says. (225) 454-8777, [email protected], eduardoyibrin504.com

ON STAYING MOTIVATED

“If you want to look in the mirror and see an improved version of yourself, you have to stay on track, one step at a time,” Yibrin says. “Make other changes in your life that help guide you along the way and think of each of these changes as achievements, or ‘wins.’ Clean out your kitchen — donate the food that doesn’t put you in the right direction. Organize your space to set yourself up for success. When you wake up in the morning or get home from work — and look around and see a fresh, new environment — it’s much easier to make smart choices, and stay active and healthy, than to fall back into your own bad habits.”

HIS FUEL

“Personally, I eat mostly lean meats, brown rice or quinoa, and fruits and vegetables,” Yibrin says. “Lean protein and smart carbs work well with my physical activities and the amount of energy that I require. I prepare my own organic juices several times per week, with mostly carrots, beets and a variety of herbs and beneficial greens. Black coffee kickstarts my morning, with plenty of water and occasional fresh juices throughout the day. When I’m on the go, I’ll grab a high-protein, low-sugar energy bar. The timing of when you eat is almost as important as what you eat, so I make sure that when I leave the house, I bring anything that I will need for the next few hours to stay on schedule.”

SUCCESS STORY

“I met a client in Dec. 2015,” Yibrin says. “He was in need of a change, had weight-related issues, eating habits connected to his anxiety, high blood pressure and many other concerns. When we met, I knew that he needed not just a personal trainer, but also a coach, a nutrition adviser and true supporter. He had no previous gym experience or exercise habits and had never been attracted to a fit lifestyle at all. Like many other people, he felt intimidated by just going into a gym. So, we got started. What he did have was hard work, commitment and trust. In 13 months, he lost 116 pounds (and counting). He is in the best shape of his life. Not only did he lose the weight, he added muscle and strength, has better sleep and more energy, and is living and eating healthier than he can ever remember. He’s out to conquer the world! I couldn’t be more proud.”

WISE WORDS

“It’s just as important to be mentally prepared, as it is to be physically prepared,” Yibrin says. “First, you should start with an open mind. The more you ask, the more you learn — and you have better choices to choose from. You can’t achieve health with fitness alone. The most success is achieved when you change your way of thinking, whether it’s nutrition, rest or other lifestyle choices. Second, when you look for a trainer, be sure to find a good fit. Look for comfort, trust and respect. Third, believe in your trainer, and follow his or her advice and ask questions all the time. Make sure that you communicate often to learn and answer your concerns. Finally, be committed and patient. Long-lasting goals are not achieved overnight.”