In recent years, an increasing number of Brazilian personal trainers have made their mark in Portugal, particularly in the coastal town of Cascais. Located approximately 30 kilometers from Lisbon, Cascais has a population of about 214,000 residents, with approximately 15,000 being Brazilian nationals.
Brazilians as Personal Trainers in Cascais
The influx of Brazilian trainers is notable, especially as Cascais hosts various fitness centers ranging from low-cost gyms to high-end establishments. These trainers are capitalizing on their reputation for energetic and engaging instruction.
Individual Experiences of Brazilian Trainers
- Marcus Souza (53 years old): A native of Rio de Janeiro, Marcus has lived in Portugal for nine years. Initially struggling to get his physical education degree validated, he worked as an app driver and retail salesman during the waiting period, which lasted five months. Today, he runs his own personal training business with 14 in-person and over 100 online clients.
- Camila Villanova (43 years old): Another Brazilian trainer who moved to Portugal eight years ago, Camila faced similar challenges in diploma validation, which took a year and a half. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed her to adapt her services online, leading to significant client growth. Camila also offers guidance through an e-book, helping fellow trainers navigate the Portuguese job market.
- Karen Guimarães (50 years old): Arriving in Portugal in 2022, Karen noted differences in fitness terminology between Brazilian and Portuguese students. She highlighted a distinct lack of formal requirements for trainers in Portugal compared to Brazil, where a university degree is often essential.
- Miguel Cruz (27 years old): Working as a trainer in Carcavelos, Miguel appreciates competition among trainers, especially as many Brazilian trainers bring substantial experience, although some face challenges due to documentation issues.
- Wendell Fontana (51 years old): A trainer from São Paulo, Wendell points out that hiring a personal trainer is more economically feasible in Portugal compared to Brazil, making fitness services accessible to a broader audience.
Differences in Fitness Culture
There exist notable cultural differences between Brazilian and Portuguese clients. Brazilian clients typically have a strong desire to lose weight and build muscle, while Portuguese clients may not prioritize gaining muscle mass. Additionally, attire when exercising in Portugal tends to be more casual than in Brazil, where fitness fashion is more significant.
Wendell’s insights suggest that personal training in Portugal is becoming less elitist. With a growing acceptance of personal trainers across various socio-economic classes, services are more accessible compared to Brazil, where they were traditionally seen as a luxury.
Conclusion
The story of Brazilian personal trainers in Portugal underscores their adaptability and resilience. As they continue to shape the fitness landscape in Cascais, their experiences reflect broader trends in personal training, cultural exchange, and the evolving fitness industry in Europe.
