If you know us, you know we’re all about supporting our personal trainers and giving them the spotlight they deserve. Our members see firsthand how much knowledge and energy they bring to every session, and now we’re excited to share that with everyone.
We’re kicking off the RMFLEX Trainer Spotlight series with Brandon Cavalier-Brancio, a thoughtful and detail-oriented coach here at our Denver gym. Brandon brings a science-backed approach to training, with a deep understanding of biomechanics, behavior change, and long-term planning. He’s one of the coaches helping members stay consistent, push smarter, and build real progress over time.
1. What is the most common nutrition mistake people make when trying to get in shape, and how can they correct it?
The most common nutrition mistake people make is not having a plan going into their day. Having a fairly strong outline of their macronutrient goals for each meal, and a solid idea of what foods they are going to eat, and when they plan to eat them, helps to minimize on-the-spot food decisions that may not necessarily serve their long-term goals.
2. What is the biggest misconception people have about personal training, and what should they know instead?
The biggest misconception that people have about personal training is that it is just a workout given by a trainer with some form coaching involved. I like to look at personal training as private lessons in the development of proper biomechanics, workout programming, exercise selection, nutritional education, behavior, and positive habit development, and other aspects of human health.
3. What’s the number one thing people can do to stay motivated long-term in their fitness journey?
Motivation comes and goes. Having a plan and developing the discipline to stick to that plan over extended periods of time, regardless of day to day fluctuations in motivation, is best for fostering long-term success.
4. How can exercise help manage stress, and what impact does it have on someone's overall progress and results?
Regular exercise can serve to regulate cortisol and epinephrine/norepinephrine, which are largely responsible for the stress response in the human body. It also works to alleviate stress through the release of endorphins, which inhibit pain signaling in the body and stimulate the release of dopamine, the pleasure and reward neurotransmitter. These factors and others combine to create a reduction in things like chronic stress and anxiety, improved sleep quality, and foster a sense of better well-being overall.
5. How do you incorporate wellness habits like sleep, hydration, and stress management into your training programs?
I incorporate discussions about these factors regularly with my clients during our sessions, and if necessary, set aside larger portions of a session to do a deep dive into the topic and techniques to manage them. As I aim to do with all things training-related, I explain the science behind why these things matter. I believe that people have better buy-in when they understand the rationale for why they are being asked to do something.
6. Which piece of RMFLEX equipment do you think is underutilized but great for improving overall strength and mobility?
As far as mobility goes, I am a huge fan of the softball-sized foam roller balls. They allow for more precise and targeted rolling than the larger cylindrical style, which works better for smaller muscle groups such as the hip flexors or the calves.
7. What’s your favorite piece of equipment at RMFLEX for working a specific body part (e.g., legs, core, upper body), and why do you recommend it?
For improving overall strength, my vote goes to the farmer’s handles located in the room with the turf. I believe that loaded carries have a place in every fitness routine and are extremely high yield overall. They work the majority of the muscles in the body, and there are a lot of adaptations to be gained that carry over to other areas of fitness by pushing fairly heavy with them.
ABOUT
Brandon Cavalier-Brancio
Brandon is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Sports Nutrition Coach, and Corrective Exercise Specialist at Rocky Mountain Flex. With over 3,000 hours of one-on-one coaching experience, he brings a well-rounded background that includes more than a decade of weight training, 6+ years of military service, competitive amateur strongman training, and hands-on experience with post-clinical injury rehab.
Brandon specializes in creating custom fitness programs tailored to each individual’s goals—whether that means improving strength, losing weight, increasing athletic performance, or simply moving and feeling better. His approach is built on the belief that functional strength and quality movement are the foundation for long-term success.
By combining strategic training with nutritional guidance, mindset coaching, and habit change, Brandon helps his clients create lasting results that go beyond the gym.
Ready to get started?
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