SF's Hottest Trainer 2015: Sebastian Grubb, Contestant #8

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Sebastian Grubb is an enigmatic combination of hard and soft. There’s the rock-solid physique and daredevil moves. (As a professional dancer and choreographer, he’s appeared on So You Think You Can Dance.) But he also writes poetry and even published a collection of his favorites. A fitness trainer and athlete fueled by a plant-based, "nutritarian" diet, Sebastian advocates for long-term, comprehensive health.

As the founder of Sebastian's Functional Fitness, he trains clients in private homes and leads fitness classes all over the Bay Area. He likes to conduct sessions outside as much as possible. These days, it’s usually above Dolores Park. Drop in, and there’s a firm chance your body will never be the same.

In one sentence, tell us about yourself.

I run a functional fitness and wellness business in San Francisco and also work as a professional contemporary dancer, teacher and choreographer.

What inspired you to become a trainer/fitness instructor?

For me, fitness training has been a way to unlock the world. When you are strong and agile, your environment becomes a big playground. I want my clients to be able to enjoy that, too. Fitness training also helps people with their daily lives: picking up their kids, walking stairs and reducing the risk of falling, which becomes a serious health risk as we age. In the end, I am improving the quality of my clients’ lives and creating a more embodied human community.

What advice would you offer to someone who is just starting in your class?

Have a long-term focus. Quick fixes are not only unsustainable, but they can lead to injury and burnout. Evaluate what really matters to you. Are you hoping to look good for the next 5 to 10 years? Or do you want to be healthy and fit for the next 40 to 50 years? What’s going to get you there? True fitness takes time and is a process of learning and adapting.

Fun fact...go!

For 10 years I wrote a poem every day. A couple years ago, I finally published a book of favorites and have been using them to inspire dances and music compositions.

If you weren’t in fitness, what would you be doing?

Dance is a solid second career for me, which is related to fitness for sure—but it's really about creating meaningful art that motivates people to consider themselves and the world in a different way. I’m also very passionate about environmental sustainability and protecting animals from harm, so perhaps something in the activism world.

What are your top three workout jams?

You know, I usually train outside, so I use the sounds of the city and nature as my backdrop. That said, when I really want to get pumped up I throw on some Tool ASAP!

Learn more about Sebastian at Sebastian’s Functional Fitness and follow him on Instagram and Twitter: @sebastiangrubb