Check Out Mariana Guthrie’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariana Guthrie.

Hi Mariana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Mariana Guthrie. I am a 39-year-old Argentine Fitness Instructor. I have been living in San Antonio Texas for the last three years. I am currently working for a well-known gym and three senior facilities as Fitness Instructor. I teach daily a variety of formats, Aqua exercise, Barre, Sit and Fit, Zumba, Stretching, and Balance. I am Group Fitness and Senior Fitness Specialist. I am Zumba and Zumba Kids and Strong Nation licensed. I have immigrated to the USA seven years ago with my three kids and who was my husband at that time. I left behind all my family and special friends, career, and dreams. As a family, we had the chance to move and give a better quality of life to our kids. So, we took the risk. We carried with us four pieces of luggage, a bunch of dreams and fears.

To do so, we sold everything we had in my country. We bought the flight tickets and we brought money to buy a car and rent a house for three months, so we did. Well, let me tell you that that budget was not enough because we rent an empty house, so we spent a little money to get beds and kitchens stuff and cover for the basic needs. We arrived in October at Utah and by December were on a budget of $5 per day. I have always been passionate and creative so believe me; besides the low budget for presents, my kids had a wonderful holiday time. During Christmas eve, the heavens gave us a shower of snowflakes that rapidly painted the city in white. That was the most beautiful gift we could receive that night.

Back in Argentina, I used to be an Elementary Teacher. I was very successful in my career as an educator. However, when I arrived here, I realized that this chapter of my life was sadly closed. I found out that my foreign degree was not enough to be a regular teacher so that meant that I must take many classes with very young people at college. So, I learned English. I graduated with honors from the English as a Second Language program at Weber State University. At that point, I realized I always would be a second language teacher which is not what I used to be. Surrounded by fears and confusion that my professional life was ended I was invited to a class they called Zumba. It was 2014 and I had never heard about It until then. I stepped into a packed class. That day I knew I was born for being a Zumba Instructor. I cheered myself and I believed I could do It so I did. Dancing, cheering, and motivating others has always been my passion so I took all I could to get a license and start my journey as a Zumba Instructor then I strove to level myself up.

I started training hard and studying to become a Group Fitness Instructor. I love being competitive in my job so since I started my fitness career, I achieved many certifications and courses. I am currently finalizing my Nutrition Consultant and Personal Training Certification. In the process, I found out I was even stronger than I thought. To pay for my licenses, I worked in different job positions not related to the fitness industry. When life turned tough I had always in mind my final goal. Many times, people around me made me believe that I was not enough as a woman, so most of the things I have done were crying and being surrounded by fears, however, I do not regret it at all. I am glad I did it even with strong opposition.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe in God, so I put my faith in him. I strive to be a tool in His hands helping others to reach their fitness goals teaching them healthy life-lasting habits. I saw how by doing my job many lives including my own improved. Since last year my perspective of life changed. I started working for seniors’ residences as a fitness instructor. There I have the privilege to see how the human body changes, adapt and readapts to live. I have the chance to see how strong and committed the human being could be even more with the pass of the years.

My parents taught me that while we have life everything is possible, and I see this in their daily commitment to exercise and attend regularly at my exercising classes. I have clients in their 90s dancing with passion, manipulating fitness equipment with confidence they give me strength, they inspire me. No matter with location or population I am working with I see how many times people anesthetize their pains through the workout session. It also seems like their and my fears, problems, anxiety vanish at least for a while. I think it is the greater compensation I could receive. However, living in a world where money is necessary, I am very proud to say that I also made a business from my passion.

By preparing me, I did in just months a network that allows me to work hourly and receive a part-time salary. I consider myself an untraditional instructor. I have my own style I do not like to imitate others I have my own way to move and say and my priority always is to give the best of me. I care for my people. Dancing and exercising give me peace and relief. I found here in San Antonio, beautiful and talented people, artists that I deeply admire, passionate people hard workers that make me be a better professional. I still have many dreams, projects that I am working hard to achieve. I am sure that every single step I am taking now will bring me directly to conquer them. Just watch me I will do it!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
People who attend my classes love my high energy they feel motivated. I love to adapt my classes and formats for each group. I teach daily senior classes in the morning and afternoon and at night at regular gyms. My classes are not always the same even the steps or exercises could be similar I work with the class energy. When the pandemic put us at home and all the classes were canceled I did my best to help others by offering free virtual classes and support. I never stopped training however, I missed too much and I need to feel again my client’s energy. When finally I started teaching in person I couldn’t avoid crying because of the happiness. No matter what is happening around me I always give my 100%, you will never know when I am sad or feeling frustrated because I am very professional while I am working. My clients frequently ask me If I am always happy like in class.

Of course, I am not but this job makes me deeply happy and I do it with love. I put my name my body in it so I really try to make a good impact in people’s lives. My clients are always respectful and have beautiful feedback regarding my job. I am proud of my resilience I started over and now I am building and living my dream job.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, however, my first words and my formal education were Italian. My parents immigrated to Italy to study and work so I lived there for almost 10 years. I have a special love for Italy too. I really love being a Latina living now in the USA. This country and specifically this city are giving me hope, opportunities and I feel very grateful for it. I am fluent in Spanish, Italian, and English which gives me the chance to meet and interact with awesome people. Even I started my professional fitness journey in my late 30s I feel I was preparing for it since I was a teen. I participated in local dance presentations took flamenco and Brazilian dance, karate classes in Argentina. I was a volleyball player representing my Jr & High School for 5 years in a row. I competed in swimming and I won first place in my category and back style at a local Fitness Center. I competed in sprints for a while. However, I do not like too much competing. It makes me feel very nervous However I enjoy competing with myself, trying to be better my best version.

I did not have the chance to learn a professional discipline I was always an amateur so my goal is provided to my children the opportunity to choose and develop their skills. My 3 kids are actively involved in sports and dance competitions. They train very hard for it and I am so proud of them.

I love to explore new disciplines so lately I am have been, just for fun, taking Pole dance, tap, and Cross-Fit.

I worked in a Zoo and a big farm as an educator so I love animals.

Contact Info:

• Email: guthriemariana@gmail.com
• Instagram: guthriemariana