Interview with Sebastian
We at Formative Fitness pride ourselves on being the “go to” trainers in Traverse City. We’re known for our professionalism, in depth knowledge of a wide variety of training techniques, and for always paying close attention to proper technique and form – every client, every exercise, every session. In order to help our clients get to know us a little better, we decided to feature a different trainer each week in our blog and answer a series of questions about both our personal and professional lives. We hope you enjoy this series!
Name: Sebastian Garbsch
Age: 34
Where are you from originally?
Traverse City
Do you have a college degree? If so, what is your degree in?
Yes, bachelors in business and associates in liberal arts and sciences
Tell us something interesting about you that most people don’t know.
I got into fitness after losing my dad at the age of 10 to a heart attack, and at the age of 15 realizing that I could do something about being out of shape, and make sure I could live a long and healthy lifestyle.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am learning German, I love being outdoors, and enjoy spending time with friends. Also, I love traveling.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off?
I enjoy a nice day at home (after leaving the house before 6 most mornings) but also love to go for drives and listen to music, or go for a long hike!
What is the most memorable trip you’ve taken and what made it so memorable?
Going to Germany and meeting my dad’s older sister who is in her 90’s, learning about my dad’s culture, and taking in such a different environment was amazing.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go back to Europe and explore the culture.
What are a few items on your personal bucket list?
I want to create a business in Traverse City that can grow and offer services to people throughout the world, even if they’ve never heard of Traverse City. Our town doesn’t have enough high paying and forward thinking businesses and I hope to be part of changing that.
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?
Yes, we have one cat, Baxter. He is great to come home to and is an awesome companion.
What is your favorite season, and why?
I love fall. It is a time of variety, things slow down, and it’s never too hot or too cold. Also, the holidays are right around the corner!
Why did you become a trainer? Any specific “ah ha” moment that influenced your decision?
I wanted to help others find the right ways to make fitness a good part of their lives.
What fitness certifications do you have?
I am American College of Sports Medicine Certified and additionally study and read almost every day to challenge myself to learn new things, both fitness and non-fitness related.
How long have you been a certified personal trainer?
16 years
What are a few items on your professional bucket list?
Continue helping Formative Fitness grow into a unique place for people to make fitness a lifestyle, while perusing my other dreams
How often do you attend/take continuing education courses or go to fitness conferences?
Quarterly
Why did you choose to pursue the continuing education courses that you’ve done?
They interest me and help make me more well rounded.
What type of training are you most interested in/best at instructing? (ie weight lifting, functional strength, HIIT, TRX, bodybuilding, etc.)
I would have said bodybuilding a decade ago but at this point, starting with multi joint “bang for your buck” exercises and then adding the smaller exercises to promote balance and overall health, programming both for long term health, and injury prevention, while incorporating the “80% rule”.
Do you work with a diverse group of clients or specialize in a particular group?
Yes, although recently I have maintained long term clients who are focused either on overall long term health and injury prevention, or toning and putting on some functional muscle and strength.
What is your training philosophy?
My training philosophy is built around starting with the physiologically correct way of doing things, and then meeting individual clients half way to create the best long term solution. Often, if we arrogantly mandate the one and only correct physiological approach, we do more harm and turn people away. I believe that this is a reason we have so many long term clients!
In your opinion, why is form so important when working with clients?
So many reasons, primarily injury prevention and proper function in life.
What makes you a great trainer?
What makes Sebastian a good trainer is his passion for getting to know people and incorporate their preferences into a proper fitness program. After 16 years, this is one of his favorite parts of working with people, making fitness an enjoyable long-term part of their lives.