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Welcome to our search for New York City's hottest trainer. Over the coming weeks, we'll profile twenty-two smoking candidates who work at local gyms and studios. Once you've gotten to know everyone, we'll host a March Madness-style showdown in which you get to vote for your favorite.
Photos by Driely S
Dell Polanco has been training clients for the past fourteen years, but only made the decision to join the fitness industry full time these past three. He teaches Crossfit classes at Brick New York, where swinging Kettlebells and heavy duty ropes are all part of a hard day's work. He might be all oiled up above, but after the jump, learn what kept him in a suit and tie before his career change.
Did you have a different career in mind before becoming a trainer?
Prior to training I was in finance as a stockbroker. I was already a certified trainer—not because I considered a career change, but because I truly enjoyed training and wanted to learn more. I later left finance to pursue a career in fitness because I wanted to do something that I truly enjoyed that, at the same time, would have a huge impact on someones life.
What classes do you teach?
I teach Crossfit classes. It's my favorite because it really does test a person's will. Crossfit can be very technical because it has many different training disciplines all into one, from Olympic weightlifting to Kettlebells to gymnastics. That being said it, requires a tremendous amount of study, knowledge, and a fun personality because of the technicality behind it.
What's one piece of advice everyone should hear before beginning a new workout?
I believe the way someone does the small things is how they do the big things in life, so always give it your all no matter what it is. Accept the challenge and don't let yourself down. That's one of the many reasons why working out is so great—because it gives us the opportunity to give it all we have to push through it, overcome the challenge, and start creating better habits in our daily lives.
Tell us a fun fact about you—the weirder and wackier, the better.
My cat has an Instagram and he's more popular than I am.
Want to take a class with Dell? Check out the website for Brick New York below.
· Brick New York [Official Site]
· Dell Polanco [Brick New York]
· All Hottest Trainer 2013 Contestants [Racked NY]
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