Everyone eventually has to deal with hard knocks in life, but strength of character isn’t measured in how life beats you up, but how long it takes you to get back up. For Reno Remigio Jr., a 29-year-old personal trainer, that philosophy serves as a cornerstone of his workouts.

“It’s all about having a good attitude and a great mindset,” he said. “Everyone is going through their own struggles and has different obstacles to overcome. What sets people apart is the desire to win and succeed.”

While attending Aiea High School, Remigio had to overcome self-image issues, and he regularly uses that experience to help others dig deep and find their inner spark. “I had very low self-esteem,” he said. “High school was probably one of the worst times in my life.”

Remigio was hanging out with the wrong crowd and abusing drugs. He was bullied in school, too. Then he discovered the world of fitness — his saving grace, he said. He got involved in mixed martial arts and went to a school that offered a variety of disciplines — from boxing to jiujitsu — and his life drastically changed.

“I was lost and headed in the wrong direction,” he said. “It gave me enough discipline to not go over the edge.”

The Honolulu resident eventually fought professionally on the MMA circuit for about four years — he’s 2-2 — and has been a personal trainer for about six years. He opened his own Iwilei establishment, R Fit, in August.

Mental training and toughness are as important as physical training when it comes to regular workouts, he explained.

“Beating yourself down and that old-school type of mentality doesn’t work,” he said. “Training should be fun. Fitness helps us see how amazing we truly are and can be. It helps you feel better, move better. It’s the glue that holds everything together and improves all areas of life.”

Setting

Multicolored kettlebells and a stack of sandbags greet you as you walk through the door, while a jungle gym with TRX suspension straps and pullup bars are located on the other end of the room. Mirrors line two walls so you can check your form. There are clean showers and a changing area available. The gym is in the rear of the Na Lama Kukui building (formerly Gentry Pacific Design Center), and there’s plenty of parking in the lot in the front.

Benefits

The timed and varied exercises increase cardio endurance and build strength. Mobility and flexibility are also addressed in class with stretching exercises and foam rolling.

The workout

Let’s start by saying the class is nonstop. It’s an intense hour of cardio and strength conditioning exercises. We started with some foam rolling and a dynamic warm-up, which included lunges and an array of stretches, that felt like a little workout itself. We did lots of squats, pushups and body weight resistance exercises. We used TRX suspension straps, dumbbells, kettlebells, sandbags and battling ropes. Your muscles will be talking to you the next day.

The best part: Remigio made modifications whenever someone needed it, which made the class less intimidating.

User review

Harmony Maghanoy, a 32-year-old Honolulu resident, takes the group classes six days a week.

“I have always had a love-hate relationship with working out,” she said. “I came up with every excuse in the book not to work out. But I made a decision to become healthy and happy. I’m getting stronger every single day.”

Maghanoy says having a good coach helps and the motivating and supportive environment keeps her coming back.

“Reno is a very humble, hardworking and passionate man who loves making a difference in people’s lives,” Maghanoy said. “I’m all about the music, the high-fives, the ‘great jobs’ and ‘get that girl,’ which are all highly encouraged.”

Kaneohe residents Erin Kaohelaulii-Brett, 32, and Mike Brett, 35, attend classes as a couple.

“We just had a baby, so we don’t have a lot of time to do things together,” Kaohelaulii-Brett said. “Plus, I had a high-risk pregnancy and couldn’t exercise, so it’s helping me gain back my core strength. I’m plus-size but never feel intimidated because it’s a family type of environment. And Reno texts us regularly, just to check in.”

Try it out?

I love this type of workout because it’s fast, upbeat and the hour flies by, so I’d go again.

“Tryouts” features exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.