Meet this month's SH1FT STAR, Edwin Montalvo, a SH1FT Fitness Instructor originally from Puerto Rico, now living in Oregon! Edwin has a wide range of group fitness experiences and a background as a presenter for Les Mills! Keep reading to hear more about Edwin, what fitness for life means to him, favorite SH1FT workouts, and more!

Without further ado, meet Edwin:

1. Tell us about yourself: 

My name is Edwin, originally from Puerto Rico and living in Portland, Oregon.  I’ve been a group fitness instructor for more than 12 years. I was a National Trainer and Presenter for Les Mills USA from 2012 through 2020. I got certified in SH1FT about two years ago and am loving it. I work full time as a Histotechnologist for one of Portland’s non-profit hospital systems. My husband is my support system, as he is a great group fitness instructor who supports and understands the group fitness life.

2. Where/how do you teach?

I teach all 4 SH1FT Fitness formats at 24 Hour Fitness – Hollywood. I taught virtually for about a year before going to full-time live classes.

3. What’s your favourite SH1FT workout?

Tough one! It’s a tie between SH1FT Ladder Racing or SH1FT 105... Ok, ok — SH1FT 105.

4. What's your favourite thing about SH1FT?

Its unique way of incorporating simple moves into a workout that really pushes limits. It creates an atmosphere in the group fitness room that cannot be compared to any other format I have taught before.

5. What does 'fitness for life' mean to you?

It’s doing what we love with the mindset that we are training for, the sport of life. We are not training to show off or to please anyone.  Fitness for life is our own individual journey through life. It’s a supplement that helps us tackle everyday challenges with strength and determination.

6. How has SH1FT improved your life and teaching?

I have more time to enjoy family time and not spend hours practicing/rehearsing. The simplicity of all 4 formats makes them easy to learn and easy to deliver. It allows me to inject my personality in a way that makes the workout session unique, personal and liberating, not only for me, but for participants.

7. What does diversity mean to you, and why is it important in fitness?

It means embracing every single person with whom we come in contact with. It’s about the people and creating a safe space for everyone where they feel accepted. We, as instructors, have to remember that fitness is for everyone.  It’s also an opportunity to learn and grow as a person since we, as instructors, have the opportunity to shift the landscape of the fitness industry. Transformation occurs when we create a culture of accountability. We are all responsible.