Giovanni Augustin’s sports-filled upbringing paved the way for his entry into organized team sports during high school.
However, his junior year took an unexpected turn when he suffered a sprained ankle during a football practice.
Recovering from the injury became even more challenging due to the limited availability of necessary resources for proper healing.
This affected him mentally and physically, pushing him to the team’s second string and ultimately ending his career.
This obstacle sparked a deep passion in him to guide others through their own healing processes.
Augustin, who is majoring in physical therapy at FAMU, sought a dependable income source. He recognized the financial challenges that many students face and chose to utilize his skills and passion to establish a business that not only benefits himself, but also empowers others.
“I decided to expand my horizons and get within the personal training department,” he said. “With just learning more about how the body moves, taking courses on anatomy at FAMU, and also having an athletic background, I understand what types of movements needed to be incorporated for certain clients.”
What started as a small group of friends posting fitness videos on Instagram transformed into something greater. Initially aiming for viral fame, Augustin soon recognized his desire for a more personal approach.
“I didn’t want to blow up. I decided to go more community based and not worry about the rest of the world since I’m still in school,” he said.
At the start of 2022 his business, Gio Fitness, was born and grew traction quickly. Augustin offers personalized training sessions, nutritional plans and lifestyle guidance tailored to the individual needs and fitness levels of his clients.
With his holistic approach and quick, tangible results, he has been able to grow his clientele on FAMU’s campus and beyond.
Alejandro Manjerrez, a criminal justice student at Florida State, says that working with Augustin has been an experience he will never forget.
“My body fat percentage has plummeted in the two and a half months we have been working together. I feel better, faster, and stronger,” Manjerrez said. “He has perfected his craft and it shows not only with his vast knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, but also with his projections as far as how I will feel and how my body will look.”
Juggling academic responsibilities and running a business requires careful planning and effective time management. According to Augustin, his journey has been marked by success because he consistently prioritizes his commitments.
“In order for you to have a great business it’s best that you go all in, but I’m not doing that yet. I’m staying calculated so that I can get graduation out the way first,” he said.
The success of his business has been significantly influenced by word of mouth and social media. Augustin utilizes platforms like Instagram to showcase client transformations and share workouts as well as fitness tips.
“Gio actually approached me in my apartment gym and offered his services,” Raven Shepherd, a psychology student at FAMU, said. “His social media helped me get insight into what he does. Our first meeting really sold me because of the meal plans and workouts that were specialized for me and my goals,” he said.
Augustin embodies the innovative spirit and resilience typical of FAMU students, demonstrating that success goes beyond grades and is defined by the ability to transform dreams into reality.
As he continues to make strides with Gio Fitness, he hopes that his entrepreneurial journey will extend past the realm of fitness, leading to large investments and an early retirement.
“As far as training, I don’t see myself doing it forever,” he said. “I see myself owning the gym.”