APOPKA, Fla. – Going to the gym can be intimidating for some, but one Apopka veteran, a father of two, is helping people take that next step.
Curtis Huggins, 33, is a former college athlete and Navy veteran who uses his home gym to motivate his clients to always finish and to think positive — even beyond their fitness journey.
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“I have a few catchphrases, including ‘No excuses.’ There’s no ‘I quit,’ or ‘I can’t do something,’” Huggins said. “I let them know that those things don’t exist here, and if they don’t exist here, they don’t exist in life.”
Huggins is the owner of HIIT Fit Group in Apopka. He encourages people to stay focused and shows them how to tackle any obstacle that comes their way.
“If you can conquer that session or conquer that time of working out, that usually translates into life,” Huggins said.
Katrice English trains with Huggins and said it’s been a big investment in her life.
“He’s really invested in you,” English said. “I’m more confident. He makes my goals his goals, and that’s motivating.”
She said it’s been much more than losing 30 pounds. Now, more than ever, she’s happier and feels more fit and healthy as a mom.
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Huggins also has contracts with different schools and organizations, including Florida Virtual School, which is where Christina Elders said Huggins’ fitness program has helped boost morale.
“He keeps everyone motivated and wants everyone to perform at their very best level,” Elders said. “You can feel when Curtis has trained you, but they all come away, like, ‘That was cool,’ and we are going to do it again.”
When he’s not training at his gym, Huggins mentors youth in his community. He also hosts regular boot camps and weekly virtual Bible-study classes.
“A few members didn’t have any relationship with God, and they pray with me every week. A few of them, if it’s not a spiritual thing, it’s a lifestyle thing,” Huggins said.
Huggins is also a full-time student at the University of Central Florida. He said nothing means more to him than making sure he’s a positive role model for his own two young sons, whom he calls his greatest accomplishments.
You can find out more about HIIT Fit Group and Curtis Huggins here: Personal Fitness Trainer | Hiit Fit Group | United States