Community Highlights: Meet Nicole Torosin of GNR8 Personal Training

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Torosin.

Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My interest in the intersection of genetics, people, places, and things led me to obtain a PhD in Genetic Anthropology. My dissertation focused on the evolution of yellow fever virus where I studied a population of howler monkeys that had been exposed in Argentina. After my PhD, I went on to do a postdoc in genetics studying the evolution of chromatin folding and effects on gene expression. Finally, I ended up at a biotech startup researching how lifestyle affects epigenetic modifications and aging.

A few years later, I needed some time to disconnect from my computer based job in biotech and time to reconnect with myself and the world. I decided to do a yoga teacher training in Thailand. One day over lunch I came up with the idea to combine my passion for genetics and fitness into a business of my own. After returning home, extensive research and earning my NASM certifications, I founded GNR8!

My unique background has equipped me with the tools to understand each client as a whole person: their genetics, lifestyle, mindset, and motivations, to create a tailored program to break through plateaus and achieve their goals.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not been smooth! I think the two most challenging parts have been 1) setting up the fitness genetic testing component. I am offering direct-to-consumer genetic testing, like 23andMe, and since they went bankrupt this year calling into question this type of product and concerns about personal data safety, I had some delays setting up my own at-home genetic testing pipeline. Second, since launching, marketing and gaining brand awareness has been my next hurdle.

As you know, we’re big fans of GNR8 Personal Training. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
GNR8 PT offers a hyper-personalized genetically-informed personal training service. We specialize in understanding a person as a whole, from their genetics to their lifestyle, goals, and motivations, to design a training program that the individual’s body and mind will respond best to. What sets us apart is that this company was founded by a PhD in Genetic Anthropology so all of the training advice is backed by thorough research of peer-reviewed scientific articles. The training in anthropology allows us to interview each client and understand them as a whole person to also inform the training program. We offer in-person and virtual training options for anyone looking to break through plateaus, fit exercise into their busy schedule, or unlock the next level on their fitness journey. We also specialize in pre and post natal training.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
San Diego is the friendliest city I’ve ever lived in! I’d say there’s not much to dislike but there is insufficient affordable housing.

Pricing:

• Virtual Training only $300/month
• In-person Training $400/month
• Fitness Genetic Test Kit $150

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gnr8.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biological_misanthropologist/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-torosin-3a6b4aa8/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@biological_misanthropologist