How Fitness Helped Josif Todorovits Rewrite His Story

Josif Todorovits knows what it's like to fight for survival. At one point, his reality was eating out of trash cans and facing a future that seemed predetermined—another statistic in the cycle of recidivism. Today, his personal training clientele includes professional athletes, he's earning six figures, and proving that past mistakes do not define his future.

A Cycle of Incarceration

Josif was first incarcerated at just 12 years old. With no stable foundation, he found himself in and out of juvenile detention centers, each time sinking deeper into a life that seemed inescapable. "I kept getting locked up, and every time I did, I would go back to lifting weights. It became a routine," he recalled. It was in those cells that he was first introduced to fitness—not as a passion, but as a way to pass time.

But years in prison took a toll. The violence, the survival mentality—it hardened him. "There were times I thought I wouldn't make it. I shouldn't even be here," Josif admitted. Yet, while many around him gave in to hopelessness, he made a choice: to shift his perspective.

The Turning Point

That shift didn't happen overnight. It started with books—especially The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Think and Grow Rich. One concept he read changed everything: the paradigm shift. "I realized that while I couldn't change my past, I had full control over my future."

When he was released, he faced another battle: reintegration. He wanted to work, but his record followed him everywhere. He walked into a 24-Hour Fitness, determined. The manager liked him but hesitated when he saw Josif lacked a personal trainer certification. That didn't stop him. He went home, found a free certification, and walked in the next day with paperwork in hand. "You told me I needed a certification, so here it is. Now, can I have the job?"

Building Success from the Ground Up

From there, it was all hustle. Josif poured himself into training, taking on clients, learning everything he could. His passion was undeniable. Within months, he was making $10,000–$12,000 in sales. Within a year, he was a fitness manager. Then he started hitting six figures—and never looked back.

"I completed my ISSA certification while managing a busy training schedule. Their flexible learning program allowed me to study at my own pace and still maintain my 12-13 hour workdays at the gym," Josif shares about his continued professional development.

Even during the pandemic, when the fitness industry was in crisis, Josif adapted. "Gyms were shutting down, but I refused to stop helping people. I worked on donations, anything to keep going." That spirit led him to create Iron Flex Fitness 2020, his own gym, further cementing his reputation as a sought-after trainer.

Training Champions—On and Off the Field

Today, Josif trains everyone from top executives to professional athletes. His secret? He sees beyond the weight room. "Fitness is more than lifting weights. It's about transformation. Once I understand why my clients are here, real change happens."

"Getting certified through ISSA has increased my ability to provide transformational coaching," Josif explains. "They understand that this career is about helping people make lasting changes in their lives."

His background gives him an edge most trainers don't have. He's not just helping people build muscle—he's helping them rebuild their lives, just as he did. "ISSA understands that being a successful trainer is about more than just knowledge - it's about service, science, and then sales, in that order. Their program prepares you for the reality of the profession," he notes.

Professional Development and Continuous Learning

Josif's commitment to excellence is evident in his approach to education. "What I appreciate about ISSA is how they balance the foundational knowledge with the real application. The anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics fundamentals are there," he shares.

His dedication to continuous learning has been key to his success. "I've had up to 10 certifications throughout my career, and ISSA's CPT program stands out for its 360-degree approach and focus on practical application," Josif says. "The ISSA certification has been a valuable addition to my development. It's helped me better serve my clients with the most current, research-backed training methods."

Breaking the Cycle

Recidivism is a harsh reality. Many who leave prison find themselves back within years. But Josif is living proof that the cycle can be broken. He mentors young people, speaks at colleges, and shares his story not to glorify his past, but to show that a different future is possible.

"I lost friends who will never get out. Every day that I wake up, I remind myself not to waste a single moment."

Josif isn't just a success story—he's a walking example of the power of resilience, discipline, and transformation. And for anyone who thinks their past defines them, his message is clear: it doesn't. You do.