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Ray Castro lightening bolt

Verified 6 Reviews
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About Ray

I was born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland. After graduating from Boston College in 1998, I began a long career in the tax/accounting profession. Around this time is when I also discovered my passion for fitness. Growing up as a small, skinny kid, I lacked confidence and self esteem. I made the decision that something needed to change, so I began weight training. This decision completely changed my life for the better, and I have been passionate about fitness ever since. Seeing all the changes happening to my body, having people compliment me and say nice things to me, and having fitness goals to strive for made me feel like a completely different person and built my confidence like nothing else could.

 

However, working in a career that did not provide any type of fulfillment, and gave me nothing besides a steady paycheck always kept me searching for more. The gym was always my anchor, but there were only so many hours during the week that I could spend in the gym, so I sought out some sort of physical activity that could be another outlet. That let me to discover martial arts in the form of Thai Boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2002. Jiu Jitsu became the other passion of my life and was a great compliment to my love of fitness. After many years, and many hours on the mat, I was awarded my black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2011.

 

Finally one day, I came to the realization that life was too short to waste in a career that I did not find fulfilling or enjoyable. I made the leap, and traded in my CPA license to become a CPT. At the same time, I pursued my love of Jiu Jitsu and opened a martial arts academy - Poolesville Self Defense - with Mark Munster, a friend and training partner from our home academy (Evolve Academy). Then, after working for a well known national fitness chain as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Advisor, I opened RPC Fitness.

 

My passion is to help those new to fitness get started on their fitness journey, and to help them make it a part of their lifestyle. Everyone should be able to feel good about themselves and feel proud and confident when they look in the mirror. I love my work because I understand the difference that fitness can make in a person's life. It is extremely rewarding to see my clients improve themselves by changing their old, negative habits, replacing them with positive ones in order to reach their goals. My mission is to instill into my clients the belief that if they are able to transform their bodies through fitness, they can change any aspect of their lives if they apply the same work ethic, discipline and mindset.

 

Certifications: National Academy of Sports Medicine - Certified Personal Trainer National Academy of Sports Medicine - Corrective Exercise Specialist TRX - Suspension Training Certified TRX - Functional Training Certified American Heart Association - CPR/AED Certified


Areas of Expertise

  • Nutrition
  • Strength Training
  • Weight Loss
  • Muscle Gain
  • TRX
  • Kickboxing
  • Cardiovascular Conditioning
  • Corrective Exercise

NCCA Accredited Certifications

NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Additional Certifications

NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, TRX Certified Functional Trainer, TRX Certified Suspension Trainer

Education

BS in Accounting from Boston College

Who I Especially Like Working With

Brides-to-be, Overweight/ Obese, Seniors, Women

Medical Conditions Experience

Back Pain/Issues, Bone/Joint Injury, Joint Pain, Knee Pain/Issues, Obesity

Training Areas Served

19831 Fisher Ave

Poolesville, MD 20837

Session Surcharge: $0

No Gym Membership Needed!

5200 Shady Grove Rd Suite 211

Derwood, MD 20855

Session Surcharge: $0

No Gym Membership Needed!

I have been working with Ray for six months and have never felt fitter or stronger in my life. He is both patient and motivating, he's helped me perfect form on exercises I've always been too intimidated to try by myself. I've lost 2 pant sizes and hit strength goals I could never have achieved alone. I know that from warm up to strength training and cardio I am getting a great workout, learning new exercises, and pushing myself to new personal bests thanks to his guidance and coaching.

Carolyn W.

I really appreciate how Ray listened to what I wanted to achieve and designed a varied and challenging workout program for me to follow. He worked me hard and it would have been easy to give in but his motivation and enthusiasm was a real driving force to help me persevere and challenge my ability, I didn’t want to let either of us down! Ray is such a knowledgeable and personable personal trainer that I trust and value his guidance to drive me forward.

Terri B.

I have been training with Ray for several months, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with my results. He encourages and challenges me with every workout, and our sessions include strength training, core training and conditioning work. Thanks to his knowledge of fitness and nutrition, I have lost over 20lbs, and reached a level of fitness that I thought unattainable. With his continued guidance and support, I’m beyond excited to take my fitness goals to the next level.

Anna H.

I have been with Ray for six months dropping two dress sizes and gaining muscle mass. Honestly, I suffer with severe depression. Last holiday season was rough for me. I only left my apartment for my sessions with Ray. He was a friend, a therapist, encouraging me constantly to be a better stronger me. I would call him to cancel a session because I was too depressed, and he would say "Come, let's talk about it". Before I knew it I would have done squats, chest press, core work, and life was good again. I am a healthier woman now. Ray helped me mentally and physically. I hope that your weight loss journey turns into a lifestyle change, which Ray help me to realize. Ray, thank you so much.

Roslyn B.

Ray is very professional but personable. He cares and takes the time to make sure you understand what you doing based on the exercise and your goals. He’s tough and pushes you but smiles and jokes which helps when you feel like you’re dying, lol. Thanks Ray!

Katona D.

Working with Ray has been a great experience! From the first session, I felt comfortable working with him. He took his time explaining the movements to me and was very motivating. In two months of working with Ray, I personally feel my strength has increased and have come to enjoy working out! Ray is always on time and responds quickly to texts and emails. My 12 year old son is also training with Ray and has really connected with him as well. Our Family would highly recommend worth with RPC Fitness !

Margo M.

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