Erwin Gonzalez Bio
It's Me. Hi!
Erwin Gonzalez, a native Nuyorican, is a NYC-based multi-talented professional. He has been employed in the fitness industry for almost 30 years. Growing up in the heart of New York City's Hell's Kitchen, steps away from Manhattan's theater district, his passion for theater, film and music was fated.
Erwin received his theater and liberal arts education at McDaniel College and Loyola University New Orleans. A late bloomer, it was only after he left university that González discovered a passion for fitness. It all began with a "simple" decision to participate in Mrs. T's Pierogies Triathlon, also known the hardest Olympic distance race in the world. For this to occur, with six months notice, he had to learn to swim, bike and run efficiently and competitively. It was, by his own admission "frightening" yet rewarding. After accomplishing this milestone, the former couch potato was hooked.
He credits the transformational power of a nurturing fitness community that led him into the fitness industry. The first step was to become a Johnny G certified SPINNING® instructor, trained by Johnny Goldberg himself in the mid-1990's. Employment with the New York Sports Club, Chelsea Piers Fitness, CRUNCH, Equinox, AIDS Ride, private clients, hedge funds and the former New York Health & Racquet Club and The World Gym quickly followed.
He became well-known for his innovative approach to indoor cycling, creating each ride as a musical journey. (Erwin was a cycling instructor before "Soul Cycle" or "Peloton" were a thing.) His innovative efforts were featured in Fitness Magazine and The Doctor's Channel.
Though initially self-taught, González later became certified as a Function Movement specialist, certified Wharton Active-Isolated Stretch practitioner then certifications in prenatal training, functional training with a specialty in gerontology. He is also a graduate of the Landmark Forum and Introduction Leaders Program.
As Erwin's interest diversified he began teaching a variety of classes: stretch, balance-training, bootcamp, body sculpt, athletic core-training, osteoporosis prevention and private personal training. He later developed a successful holistic strength-training health club class, and small group training program, named KINETIC Sculpt. This led to many more opportunities. Then came the invitation that would change everything. He was asked to teach water aerobics classes. And he turned it down flat because he feared it would be limiting and boring.
Prior to teaching aqua classes, he primarily cross-trained in the water as either pre-hab or rehab for athletic injuries. Eventually he conceded to "give it a try" for a limited trial.
"When I said 'yes', I was only thinking short-term. As a former triathlete, I did not see how I fit into the aqua fitness space."
In the water, Erwin found more more movement possibilities and creative opportunities than ever available on an indoor cycle or studio environment. Those cycling music playlists he was famous for could be elevated and have greater resonance. His theater education and training allowed this creative fitness professional to inject the soul of New York City, Broadway, Musical theater, Music and FIlm into his training.
November 2015, the water aerobics program named H2shO™️, a portmanteau of the chemical formula of water H2O + Broadway show, began its development. It was a radical rethink of the traditional notion of mind/body training. Imagine an aquatic exercise class that combines traditional calisthenics, functional training, cognitive training exercises with the artistic performance elements of musical theater. It is an intersection between fitness, mental health, community and culture.
The ultimate goal was to create a FUN fitness inter-personal experience; a non-competitive environment celebrating inclusivity. May everyone feel and be seen.
- November 2019, H2shO™️ became an official class on the NYHRC schedule.
- January 2020, H2shOTM was officially added to the permanent class schedule of Equinox Luxury Fitness Clubs in New York City. It remains the only instructor-led independent aqua program.
- April 2020, with pools shutdown and gyms doors locked, the land program H2shO Strength & shO Tunes was created. It was quickly endorsed and hired by Fordham University and the Hunters Point Park Conservancy. It is now in its 4th year.
- May 2020, the online virtual workout community shO LIVE!, a workout for lovers of musicals and music.
- In 2024, H2shO™ expanded its reach, launched a series of pay-per-class independent aqua classes. We also expanded our reach within the luxury market with a monthly residency at One Wall Street Residential Condominiums and are expanded locations within the Equinox Luxury Health Club brand.
From those early days of cycling, to the success of KINETIC Sculpt and now the evolution of H2shO™️, these last three decades Erwin González has touched the lives of thousands of individuals and hopes to expand these opportunities with creative partners.
Erwin has been a contributor to various magazines and media outlets such as Shape, Fitness, Diet & Exercise, Men’s Journal and Details Magazine, now GQ. I have also been featured for fitness segments on The Doctor's Channel, WPIX Ch 11 Morning Show, NY News 1, FOX News 5 and ESPN.
