FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS AVANTE?
Avante is Portuguese for "Forward" or "Advance." I wanted a name that not only encapsulated my core mindset, but also represented my familial and cultural heritage.
WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL FITNESS, AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING?
I refer to functional fitness as varied high intensity functional movements that focus on building capacity (conditioning). Strength is naturally developed along the way. Traditional strength training, to me, is more along the lines of a focus on building mass, or a particular physique.
DO YOU OFFER BOTH IN-PERSON AND ONLINE COACHING SESSIONS? HOW DO THEY WORK?
I offer in-person sessions through my partnership with Orlando Gold Boys Volleyball Club for its athletes. These shorter sessions are designed to complement the training the athletes receive in practice. Online workouts are available to any athlete.
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH YOUR FITNESS AND NUTRITION COACHING SERVICES?
Congratulations, you already have! Take a look around the site and feel free to contact us with any questions.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED FOR THE ONLINE FITNESS SESSIONS?
Our programs are adaptable to the equipment available to the athlete. Because our focus is on functional fitness, delivered online, we scale up rather than scale down. We program each workout from the perspective that the athlete has no equipment and minimal space. We then provide some equipment options. But, primarily because these are not in-person, and training is inherently dangerous, I cannot observe the athlete and provide feedback. With our focus being on building capacity (conditioning) and longevity, we lean toward a minimalist approach to equipment.
HOW DO THE NUTRITION COACHING SERVICES WORK?
We take a comprehensive approach to nutrition. In our consultation, we engage in a deep discussion about your goals, fitness history, etc. At the end of the consultation, you get some homework to do. Once returned, I develop a realistic, behavior-based action plan for you. There is no additional commitment and you can implement your plan as you wish. However, I often continue the coaching relationship with the athlete through weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly virtual check-ins and unlimited communication in between check-ins.
DO YOU PROVIDE MEAL PLANS OR ONLY GENERAL NUTRITION ADVICE?
Both. Sort of. My certification is based on the cognitive behavior-focused philosophy of Precision Nutrition. The approach is . . . what works for the athlete. Realistic and flexible. We start globally, setting long-term, big picture goals. The action plan does provide a caloric intake goal, and includes groups of foods you can choose from. If you want to weigh your food, fine. I’ve done that. Did that for years. But, that’s not very flexible. Eating out is tough. Nutrition to fit into your life, not the other way around. The PN preferred approach is to make it easy to stay on track. Pick from groupings of foods and an easy way to understand portions (palm, cupped hand, thumb). We can attack your goals in what way works best for you.
HOW ARE PROGRESS AND RESULTS TRACKED OVER TIME?
The most common method in the industry is probably weigh-ins. For some, that’s the way to go. And we can incorporate that. But I measure your progress by your feedback. How are your clothes feeling? How’s your energy level? How’s your sports performance? Are you “zonking” out? Are you good all day and then binge at night because you’re starving? There are several, lifestyle-based measurements.
IS THERE A MINIMUM COMMITMENT OR CONTRACT REQUIRED FOR YOUR PROGRAMS?
With the exception of in-person fitness training, everything is month-to-month.
WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR SERVICES?
We accept all major credit cards and numerous digital payment options.
HOW DO YOU ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT FITNESS LEVELS OR PEOPLE WITH INJURIES?
We welcome athletes of all fitness levels. Every workout is scalable (up or down). Because the online workouts are not in person, we cannot address individual substitutions for injured athletes. As the disclaimer makes clear, the athlete (or parent) understands that the athlete must be medically cleared to exercise, and does so at his or her own risk. Rodrigo is NOT a physical therapist, nor a medical doctor. Soreness is fine, pain or physical injury is not. Our focus is mobility and longevity. Don’t risk tomorrow for today.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER BETWEEN NUTRITION COACHING SESSIONS?
Though we try to save questions and feedback for check-ins, I am available for quick questions in between by message or email.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION OR REFUND POLICY FOR SESSIONS OR PROGRAMS?
Cancellations must be received no later than 48 hours before a session. Fitness training fees are not refundable. Nutrition coaching programs are month-to-month. There are no mid-month refunds.
WHAT MAKES AVANTE DIFFERENT?
If you are here, you are at least thinking about two questions: (1) Do I need a coach, (2) Are you the right coach?
Maybe you've at least conditionally decided a coach might help you on your journey. But boy are there so many to choose from. So many "guarantees."
And then the fine print. "Results not typical." "Individual results will vary."
Marketing must always meet reality.
Like nearly all worthwhile things in life, taking control of your health and outlook is neither quick, easy, or relevant to the genetic and physical features--and lifestyle--of the person advertising his or her features.
The journey is just worth it. And it is better to take it on with a teammate that can relate to your experience, has overcome similar challenges, and connects with you.
That may or may not be me. Throughout this site and hopefully in our interactions, you've gotten a sense of who I am and what I bring to your team.
You are in control of your life. Let's see if I am the right fit for you.
WERE YOU REALLY SNUBBED BY TWO CELEBRITIES?!
Yep. I sure was. I've faced many an obstacle in my days, but one particular patch hit me pretty hard. I had outkicked my coverage in a sense. I was in unfamiliar territory. An everyday common immigrant with a feel for the law, in a profession, place, and community that valued things I never have. I had never navigated out of such a spot before.
It was in that moment, a late night with my central nervous system not being sure whether to fight, flee, or freeze, that I did the only thing I thought made sense at the time.
I reached out for some connection to two celebrities whose brand traded on my experience. An immigrant's story. Another a celebrated man of the people.
It was dumb. But it was desperate. I identified myself as a struggling service member ("supporting" service members is popular branding nowadays) who followed the particular individuals for a long time, and just asked for a little connection.
Nothing.
But in that, a valuable lesson. Who showed up? Not the celebrity, but someone much closer.
My best friend who stayed up on the phone with me well into late nights and early mornings. Multiple states away, with a demanding job, a wife, and children.
The buddy just like you hustling to the gym, after a rough day, trying to get some fitness in between work and family demands, that sends you a note of encouragement, is worth more than a million celebrities.
Those are the people I want to be around.