Robbin
Meet Robbin Castillo, a holistic personal trainer who combines functional strength, yoga, and personal development to offer a comprehensive approach to well-being. Based at BounceSpace in Eindhoven, Robbin focuses on helping young people navigate their challenges and individuals who want to take their body and mind connectivity to the next level. In this interview, Robbin delves into his background, his holistic methodology, and what lies ahead for his practice.
Functional strength, mobility, personal training and lifestyle coaching. You combine many disciplines in your coaching. Did you just put them all together and name it a holistic approach?
It’s tough to label or fit what I do into a single category so I refer to it as holistic, meaning all-encompassing. This approach sees a person as a complete being—spiritually, mentally, and physically. In my training, all these elements come together. I focus on developing a complete, functional body—strength, coordination, balance—so you can be your healthiest self. In the gym culture, people often focus on aesthetics, but I look at the natural world. Animals like tigers and lions are incredibly strong and ripped without supplements. Our bodies are products of nature, and we should nourish them accordingly. Meditation and breathing exercises are integral because when you train hard, you temporarily step out of your head, letting go of everything and reconnecting with your body. This often opens the door to addressing other life questions and challenges. Intense physical training can also act as a form of meditation. For many young people, who are constantly in their heads, this is incredibly beneficial. It allows them to release their thoughts and truly feel their bodies again, a connection they might have lost.Is that something you missed when you were growing up?
My early years definitely gave me the right tools for the work I currently do. I am now the person I wished I had around when I was younger. Back then, I didn’t feel seen or heard and often followed my own path without guidance. Without support, it’s easy to veer off course, and that happened to me. I didn’t have a role model to guide me. I left school early, spent a lot of time on the street and didn't have a positive outlook on my future. I take those experiences into my coaching now. It’s valuable work, but sometimes, it feels like I might be imposing my way as the best way. I didn’t have anyone guiding me, yet I found my path. I had many different jobs and always found different ways to make a living: from the theater and dance world, to traveling extensively and now being a trainer. I love being a coach, but I sometimes feel like the world is on the brink of collapse, especially when I see how many children need help. I notice that today it's so easy for young people to get distracted. For now, this work feels right and fulfilling, but I always follow my intuition. This doesn’t have to be forever.
What makes you doubt whether this is your path? Stating that young people are more lost now, your job seems more relevant than ever.
Of course, and it’s definitely fulfilling. But being a coach, and being bound to stay in one place, can be tough. Once, I spent half a year in Nepal and India, living in monasteries and places like Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama resides. It was incredibly freeing to do my own thing—meditating, practicing yoga, reading books, without anyone interfering.Do you miss that freedom?
Yes, I think I do. Sometimes I miss that simplicity. The monastic life fascinated me for a long time, but I realized it’s not my path. Living in isolation is not for me; I prefer to be in the world, among people.
You could have chosen an intermediate path, living among people but outside of the Netherlands. What brought you back to Eindhoven?
After traveling, my money ran out, and my parents live in Eindhoven, so I returned here. Three years ago, I became a member at BounceSpace Eindhoven, and ever since, many good work opportunities have come along. But I’m still looking to move again. I have deams to settle in Aruba, where I have family. My mother is Dutch, and my father is from Curaçao. Aruba offers a simple, fulfilling life with nature and sunshine. The winters here are tough for me. I’m slowly looking into the possibilities of making that move happen.How do you manage to be a good coach when you struggle with the winter yourself?
Come on, doesn't everyone struggle with the Dutch winters? Haha – It’s definitely challenging. Being a coach itself requires a lot of energy. To do one-on-one coaching is demanding. I’m also experimenting with social media by posting videos about training to inspire people on a larger scale. However, I have a love-hate relationship with social media. It can be highly manipulative, designed to keep you hooked. I notice this in myself when I mindlessly scroll. When I post, I have to be careful to avoid seeking external validation, which can easily slip in with social media. Every action I take, I want to fully stand behind it. It’s important to check your intentions and ensure they align with your values. Also with another dream I have: pursuing a career in MMA. I’ve been practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu for two years and believe I can also handle MMA. Despite being 34, I can still compete with the younger guys because I live healthily and stay fit. This path would allow me to be a role model on a larger scale, reaching more people and giving me more personal freedom. I could focus fully on what I love."I am now the person I wished I had around when I was younger."
MMA is quite an intense sport. Is it suitable for young people?
Yes, it is intense, but also very safe. No one has ever died from MMA, and it promotes a healthy lifestyle. My dream is to showcase my skills on a big stage and inspire others. However, I constantly check myself to ensure I’m not driven by ego. I love expressing myself creatively and, if I can inspire others through that, it’s a win-win. Even if my actions are purely for my own fulfillment, as long as they don’t harm anyone, that’s the most genuine thing I can do.Is that what you want to teach the kids you work with, to express themselves creatively?
I think I want to teach them how to live consciously. I believe everyone is born with passions linked to their talents. When you invest time in what you’re good at, it becomes unique and valuable. School is important, but don’t rely on it too much. Continue investing in your passions in your free time. Don’t waste time scrolling or chilling excessively. Focus on your skills and let them grow. Many young people struggle with distractions and lack of focus. I try to level with them, listen to their stories, and confront them with their actions without judgment. It’s about reprogramming their mindset and encouraging them to pursue their passions. They need to see the value in their unique skills.
