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Name: Joel Diaz
Job Title: Personal Trainer and Martial Arts Instructor
Asphalt Green Department: Fitness
Asphalt Green Campus: Battery Park City
Q: How long have you been working at Asphalt Green?
A: I’ve been at Asphalt Green for over 2 years.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of working at Asphalt Green?
A: My favorite aspect of working here is helping my clients reach their goals. I enjoy helping people improve their quality of life through healthy living.
Q: What is one of your fondest memories of working at Asphalt Green so far?
A: My favorite memory is of the first fitness class I led at Asphalt Green.
Q: How did you get into the fitness industry?
A: I come from a background in emergency room services. Many illnesses, diseases, and injuries can be prevented through healthy living, and I want to help prevent some of the incidences I saw in hospitals.
Q: What is your professional background?
A: I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer. I also hold black belts in six different disciplines of martial arts, and I am a former serviceman of the United States Army.
Q: What is your favorite exercise?
A: My favorite exercise is the clean and press.
Q: Any gym pet peeves?
A: My pet peeve is when someone does not put equipment back where it belongs. I dislike a disorganized gym.
Q: How do you embrace fitness in everyday life?
A: I don't let a day go by without training myself in some area of my fitness, either through exercise or education.
Q: What is your go-to healthy snack?
A: My favorite healthy snacks are Quest bars.
Q: What is your favorite fitness tip or advice for new gym goers?
A: My advice for any member or guest is to explore the gym fully. Don't get stuck doing one thing every day. Variety will keep the results coming and motivation high. Take advantage of the free personal training session offered when you join!
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I love superheroes and comics, but I think super villains have a lot more fun.