FitLabPGH is a podcast about movement and movement opportunities in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Once a week we also highlight a FitLabPGH mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity. The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability. Click FitLabPGH Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.
This Week: Donald Robinson (Coach Donald)
Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes. I moved back after graduate school taking up a job in social work. I started private coaching leading me into opening my studio. I’m still here as I learn to grow a stable business, educate the community, and build my coaching of having coached young athletes for years of their development.
What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Ultimate frisbee / Running / Flag Football
Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Best vacation I’ve ever taken was a trip to Ethiopia. I was conducting a coaching clinic in Kenya and took the Christmas and new year week to explore there. I got to drink the world’s best coffee, meet some dope people, always get offered a marriage proposal, and feed a hyena. Movement was mostly just about doing tons of walking. When I didn’t have anything to do or my friends were busy at work, I got lots of walking in around Addis Ababa. Feeding the hyena was definitely a life changing movement haha.
What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Apples.
What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. This is hard. I can’t pick one. Z Best BBQ – chicken dinners with all the sides. / Wafflonia waffles / Danishes & fruit tarts from Oakmont Bakery
Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? Tennis. Looks like a great way to develop lateral quickness and speed.
What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Inertia.
What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Hiking in various parks.
What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Massages although I don’t get enough.
What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) I love Everyday Cafe in Homewood. The service is great. The food and drinks are great. It has the huge window-y view & you can rub shoulders with some great people doing great work. Just sitting there and hearing convos is inspiring.
Contact info for Donald Robinson:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_donald_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalHumanPerformance
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIUYf6M_WJKCKEFe7XOvRpQ/featured