A space for those who don't like the gym

More than just machines, weights, and mirrors, Active Body was born from a simple idea: to create a workout space where everyone feels included, motivated, and, above all, supported. "I created the gym I wished existed when I started working out," summarizes Felipe Lacerda, the gym's founder and Physical Education graduate.

Unlike traditional gyms, where a single instructor tries to supervise dozens of people at once, Active Body focuses on small groups of no more than six students and provides close supervision by two professionals simultaneously. The average? One instructor for every two to three students.

A concept designed for everyone
"Not everyone feels comfortable in large groups, and not everyone wants a space to take selfies or show off their vanity. There are people who just want to get started but feel embarrassed, insecure, or lack guidance. That's why I created this model," explains Felipe.

Inclusion is at the heart of the concept There are all-female groups, all-male groups, groups for teenagers (ages 10 to 17), and seniors. Each group has its own dynamics, adapted to its needs, limitations, and goals. The training is structured for efficiency; just three one-hour sessions per week are sufficient for visible results, both aesthetically and health-wise.

"The training we do here is circuit training, which combines strength training and cardio in a single session. In just one hour, you can do two days' worth of work, with quality, attention, and focus."

More than aesthetics, health, self-esteem and well-being
Felipe speaks passionately about his mission. For him, bodybuilding saved his self-esteem as a teenager, and it's this transformation he now wants to bring to others, especially young men and older women.

"Many women lose autonomy over the years, and this has serious emotional consequences. When they regain strength and mobility, they also begin to smile, leave the house, and live again. That's priceless," she says.

At Active Body, each student undergoes a comprehensive initial physical assessment, where realistic goals and an individualized plan are outlined. "It's not just about saying 'you need to lose weight.' It's about knowing how much fat and lean muscle you have, how long it will take to achieve this, and how to adjust your training and nutrition to get there." Based on this personalized strategy, each session—which typically burns an average of 600 calories—is tailored to maximize results efficiently and safely.

Food, motivation and a happy community
The gym also offers simple, sustainable, and guided meal plans, focusing on practical adherence. "We don't want athletes here; we want people with energy, health, and self-esteem," he says.

More than just numbers on the scale, the results are reflected in sleep quality, reduced anxiety, improved productivity at work, and improved interpersonal relationships. "When self-esteem increases, everything around us improves. And that's what we see every day here."

Furthermore, the atmosphere is welcoming and intimate. "What works in traditional gyms are the group classes with women who are always laughing and celebrating. We brought that energy to the weight training, to the small groups. People bond and want to come back."

A gym that is a life project
Felipe Lacerda opened Active Body three months after the pandemic lockdown ended, at a time when more people were seeking health and privacy. "People wanted to work out, but they didn't want to go back to crowded gyms. I saw an opportunity to create something different, more human, and effective."

The project also has a strong social component, with special campaigns for teenagers and seniors, often with free trial classes, and tailored financial plans designed to provide excellent service at a fair price. "Not everything needs to be about profit. Transforming a life is worth more than that."

Based in Quarteira, Active Body is transforming lives, one workout at a time, with care, method, and empathy. Because here, every person matters.