UnleashFIT’s Alejandro Terrazas Talks Finding Purpose Through Fitness

Fitness coach and dad Alejandro Terrazas gives off that kind of glow of someone who knows who they are, knows the path they are on, and wants to bring others along for the ride.

It’s no surprise that, like many talented New Yorkers, the light Alejandro gave off came with an inspiring story of perseverance, hope and self-belief that, we felt, was worth sharing.

From the Streets of Colombia to the Promise of New York

As Alejandro told the hosts of Chase Your Better podcast in 2019, he started getting into fitness professionally only after a life of ups and downs where fitness training started only happened serendipitously as a way to stay centered and focused through life’s adversities.

Born in Cochabamba, Colombia, Alejandro’s youth was marked by rebellion, aimlessness, and loneliness, but also dotted with the interactions of role models, such as his maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather, who lovingly saw his potential. And it was that potential which ultimately brought Alejandro to the US and Staten Island to meet and live with his biological father.

And as Alejandro tells it, the intervening years from there snaked through an emotional journey from anger, violence; and a struggle to learn English, secure legal status, and pay the bills; to heartache, the birth of his first son prematurely and later, a deep depression. Even as his career took a turn for the better, Alejandro found inner peace to be elusive. But what defined him then, and created the trajectory to today, is an ability to channel these hardships and feelings of desperation, isolation, and regret into deep empathy that would allow him to ultimately be a better coach and person.

Inspiring Adults and Kids Alike

Today, Alejandro is a fitness coach, entrepreneur, and is fresh off returning from teaching kids at summer camp. He has a vision of the future where he helps children learn how to understand their feelings and use fitness as a way to find their purpose in life.

We wanted to know more and had the chance to chat with Alejandro this week:

You have talked about growing up being very physical in your day-to-day life and then coming to the US and seeing how kids were less active. Tell us more.

When I was a kid, fitness was not something that was forced. Growing up without a father for half my life I had my to find ways to acquire traits that would one day make my father proud. I would say being fit was just the lifestyle in my country. I was limited in my activities, so the only option was to be outdoors where I helped my family on the farm and found new things to do with friends like hunting, hiking, and playing soccer.

I loved being active. The adrenaline to play on a competitive level with friends kept me sane and confident.

When I came to the US things were very different. All of a sudden, was without friends, especially with the language barrier. My father was also strict about staying out, so my only way out of the house was to work with my dad at his truck shop. A few extra pull-ups, push-ups, and squats were things I did to feel good while working there.

 At the same time, I started to realize that fitness and being active didn’t come as naturally to kids in the US. Heavy technology and a sedentary lifestyle were more common. Without farms to work, or space to play sports outside, there were many more hours logged in front of the television or hanging out at the mall.

To this day, I’d say that was one of the things I missed most about growing up in Colombia.

You've talked about school being tough for you, for a number of reasons, but upon reflection how important was getting a good education to your journey?

When I first started school, to be honest, my concern wasn’t grades but in mastering English. The public school where I was enrolled my first year did not have a great ESL program; so I had to find other ways to learn. I was determined and would buy a book and also the audiobook (back then it was cassettes) which became a great way to learn. Also watching American television helped.

Unfortunately in school learning English was harder, and seeing people who spoke Spanish stick together would not help my socialization. But once my father transferred me to a private school, things changed. The focus on education was more in-depth, and I’m forever grateful to the teachers who helped me master the language.

What is your business today?

I have been a coach for 12 years now and stared my brand, UnleashFIT, 8 years ago. If you had asked me if this would be the path and career I wanted in the future, I would have replied with a big NO. But for some reason, I found my purpose. Like being active when younger, it has felt organic and not forced to pursue this path.

Being able to help others realize their potential to live a healthier and active life has been rewarding for me.

My clientele, interestingly, has also become more female than male which has been an awesome opportunity to show how strength and conditioning can bring confidence.

How about kids?

Over the past four years, I have spent more time training and coaching kids. And, don’t get me wrong, I love training adults, but kids are the future and showing them what I have learned in life and how the confidence gained can make you a better person, is incredibly rewarding.

Longer term, I plan to have a gym dedicated to serving children, and someday open a gym or facility in my home country that would also help kids in need of guidance by keeping them out of the streets and working toward a better future.

How does your job and philosophy extend to being a parent?

The first thing that comes to mind for me is that I didn’t have a father for much of my time growing up, and the negative effect that had on me. At the time, I didn’t know my father had come to US to pursue his American dream, I’m very proud of him and the opportunity it gave me, but it also came at the price of our relationship.

Growing up I also didn’t have proper, consistent guidance. I didn’t know what was right for me. But now I have the opportunity to be different and achieve giving guidance more delicately as a parent. I can share with my kids that the world is not a perfect place, and it only gets harder as you get older. I speak and teach my kids lessons based on how they see life. I never force them to be active, but instead show and motivate them as I do my clients. My philosophy is always been with Purpose, Mindset, Impact.  

We all have a purpose, and it’s our job to find it. You need to have the proper mindset, and it won’t be easy, but you need to be prepared to work for the reward and make an impact on others while you find your own purpose.

Many parents are either not focused on fitness for their kids or sports obsessed — what is the best middle ground?

I see a lot of parents just giving children an iPad or a gaming system and calling it a day. Because the truth is, unless parents also have an active or sports background, it’s rare they can help with a pathway to being active.

But the advice I’d give to parents is try to get your children into as many sports or activities as possible. Let them find their passion for a sport or activity by giving them options. Kids are attracted to competition, but it has to be organic, not forced. Of course, we all know that if you force a kid to focus on just one sport because they “look” like they can do it or even if it’s the only option, it can become a failed effort. Instead, by allowing children to discover what they like on their terms, you are more likely to find success. Because, trust me, once a kid is locked into something they like, they are locked in.

What are your plans for the future?

My plan for the future is to eventually create a summer camp for young kids to help them develop a foundation in fitness, and guide them toward being confident. I believe that children shouldn’t shy away from being strong, as strength is a precursor to any movement your body makes.

And, of course, I will continue building my client base overall with a focus on teaching new skills or helping clients reset their foundation through strength.

I must say I’m very proud of all the things I have accomplished, but now it’s time to impact others, and I’m excited about what the future holds.

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Want to connect with Alejandro to discuss training for you or your children? You can get in touch here:

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