MEET THE MODEL
“Better Body Now” model Miguel Fajardo Jiminez is assistant fitness manager and a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness San Ramon Super-Sport in Northern California. He took time out of his busy schedule to answer these burning questions from 24Life. [Editor’s Note: Miguel may not like biceps curls, but he has a great sense of humor and obliged us with the photo for this article.]
24Life: Why did you become a personal trainer?
Miguel Fajardo Jiminez: I became a personal trainer because I’m passionate about fitness. I love being a small part of someone else’s successful, healthy journey.
24Life: Favorite and least favorite workout move?
MFJ: My favorite workout is legs. I enjoy how athletic and strong our lower body is. I really dislike biceps curls: They’re just for looks, and there’s no athletic performance benefit.
24Life: Finish the sentence “When I’m not working out, I am…”
MFJ: If I’m not working out, I’m either hiking or spending time with my family or on road trips.
24Life: Your favorite fit tip?
MFJ: Just be active, walk, run or play a sport.
24Life: Your power/pump-up song?
MFJ: My go-to music is almost anything from the 2000s that’s hip-hop/rap.
24Life: Favorite memory as a trainer, so far?
MFJ: My favorite moment as a trainer was recent. I have a client who came to me after having four knee surgeries but couldn’t ski or play sports anymore. I’ve been working on his recovery, stability, strength and different planes of motion for about two years. One day, he came up to me and hugged me tightly and said, “Thank you for making my knees bulletproof.” He told me he was back country skiing and his skis got stuck, he face-planted and was scared that he had just gotten another knee injury. He got up and his whole body hurt except his knees! He hasn’t had any knee pain since he started training with me.
24Life: In anticipation of summer, what’s one thing you wish every client knew about getting ready for summer?
MFJ: Summer is around the corner, so add 20 minutes of cardio after every lifting session. It will help you be a bit leaner and keep burning fat.