This interview is one of a series with 5 different Beachbody Coaches (fitness enthusiasts authorized to sell products like P90x, Insanity, Asylum, etc.). Enjoy the story!
What did I know about Arnel before this interview? I know that he jumped out of a car (non-moving) at a market in Vermont to say ‘hi’ to me. That and the fact that he has to be one of the happiest and most upbeat people I know. Now, on to the interview.
Why did you become a Beachbody coach?
I worked in the nightlife industry, and I was going down the wrong path. Drinking almost every night, and eating junk food, and never getting any sleep, I knew I had to change my life if I wanted to see my daughter live her life and save mine. My younger brother introduced me to P90X at a family reunion, what a blessing that was. Just like many other BB Coaches, I became a BB Coach to get the discounts on the supplements =). Soon after I began getting results after my first round of P90X in Sept 2010, my friends began to ask me to coach them. That was the beginning. My life has totally changed because of Beachbody.
How/why did you become an obstacle racer?
I got involved with OCR by accident when my brother who introduced me to P90X, asked me to check out a Warrior Dash in NC in the spring of 2011. I did it, and let’s just say I became addicted right away. I saw this as a way to test my overall fitness instead of just looking nice and ripped in front of the mirror. These OCR companies have found a brilliant way to make fitness challenging and fun, and I am so glad to be a part of it. My goal is to introduce as many people to OCR as I can, because it’s just another way to help end the trend of obesity in this world.
If you could recommend only one Beachbody program for fitness training, what would it be?
I would have to say the Insanity Asylum program!
What else do you do in addition to Beachbody programs for OCR training?
When I am not doing Beachbody Hybrid Programs, I cross-train with some trail running, mountain biking, and an occasional Spartan WOD.
What is your best OCR memory?
My best OCR memory was finishing the Vermont Beast. Although I got injured, I felt very accomplished crossing the finish line because I have never done anything that challenging before, especially being from Florida where there are no mountains =).
What is the worst thing that happened to you during an OCR?
Getting side-tracked 3 miles in the Killington Mountains at the Vermont Beast. Not good =)
Favorite obstacle?
Wall climbs and the natural running terrain
Least favorite obstacle?
Cold water obstacles and thick mud
Would you rather do an OCR in 80 degrees or 30 degrees?
80 degrees, you can tell that I’m from Florida =)
Yoga: yes or no?
Yes, but still working on loving it
Favorite Beachbody Trainer?
Shaun T
Tony Horton: mute him or enjoy his banter?
It’s a 50/50 split, I enjoy Tony Horton’s humor, I find myself talking to him, and sometimes yelling back at him if I’m done and he’s still going =)
Favorite example of someone you have helped by being a Beachbody coach?
When I help a team of people that I have coached through my fit club, and they cross the finish line at an obstacle race and one by one they say “Arnel, thank you so much for changing my life”, that makes what i do so much worthwhile!
Should you wish to connect with Arnel about your fitness training, his contact information is below.
http://www.fb.com/arnelbanawa
http://www.813FitClub.com
http://www.teambeachbody.com/arnelbanawa
On My Way To Sparta 