Meet Alex Carneiro

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Carneiro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From a young age, I developed a deep passion for health and fitness, recognizing its transformative impact not only on physical well-being but also on confidence, mental resilience, and overall quality of life. At 18, when I arrived to the United States as a foreigner student I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to helping individuals improve their health, but over the years, I also saw the gaps in the fitness industry, where many people lacked proper guidance, accountability, and a sustainable approach to training.

With nearly two decades of experience in health, education, and personal training, I founded Prolean Training with. my wife, a personal training studio near Denver, with the vision of creating a space where individuals of all backgrounds could receive expert coaching tailored to their unique needs. What started under a different name has since evolved into a results-driven studio committed to simplifying fitness into results, ensuring that each client receives the structure, support, and education necessary to achieve lasting health transformations.

The driving force behind my decision to start my own business was the desire to make a real, measurable impact. Rather than working within the constraints of larger gym models, I wanted to build an environment where both trainers and clients could thrive,where the focus is on personalized training, long-term health, and an empowering community. Prolean Training is more than just a business; it’s the culmination of years of experience, passion, and a relentless commitment to helping as many people as possible take control of their fitness and well-being.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our Mission, Challenges, and Journey
Prolean Training is not just a personal training studio,it is a movement designed to simplify fitness and strip away the confusion that so many people face in their health journeys. In an era where social media floods the industry with conflicting advice, quick-fix solutions, and overwhelming trends, our mission is to cut through the noise and provide clear, effective, and sustainable fitness programs. We believe that everyone has the potential to achieve their health goals, and our role is to provide the right structure, guidance, and accountability to make that happen.

What Sets Us Apart
What makes Prolean Training unique is our focus on simplicity and real, lasting results. We take the guesswork out of fitness, allowing our clients to focus on execution rather than overcomplicated methods that often lead to frustration or failure. Our programs are built on science-backed principles, personalized to the individual, and designed for long-term success. More importantly, we create an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered, not just physically, but mentally as well.

The Journey: Overcoming Challenges
Running a business, especially in the fitness industry,has never been easy, and it still isn’t. One of the biggest challenges we face is helping people believe in themselves before they can fully invest in their health. Fitness is not just about lifting weights or following a meal plan; it’s about shifting mindsets, breaking past mental barriers, and creating a lifelong commitment to well-being.

For those who trust our process, the transformation is life-changing, and witnessing that change is what drives us forward every day. However, getting to where we are today required resilience, constant adaptation, and a deep understanding that success in business, like in fitness, is built day by day.

My wife and I have had to evolve, adjust our strategies, and continuously redefine our approach to help as many people in the Denver area as possible,all while maintaining our own health and our relationship. There were moments of doubt, financial strain, and obstacles that tested our dedication, but our mission remained the same: to impact as many lives as possible through fitness and health.

Lessons and What We Stand For
The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that consistency, not perfection, is what leads to success, whether in business, fitness, or life. There will always be challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty, but progress comes from showing up every day and staying committed to the vision.

At Prolean Training, we don’t just coach fitness; we help people reshape their lives. We believe in empowerment through action, results through simplicity, and long-term health over short-term fixes. Our journey has been demanding, but every person we’ve helped along the way has made it worthwhile.

To those looking for a place where fitness is clear, effective, and transformative,Prolean Training is here to guide you. Our story is still being written, and we are more committed than ever to helping individuals take control of their health, one step at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Denver for a week, I’d make sure they got the full Colorado experience, a mix of outdoor adventure, incredible food, and the best of what the city has to offer. Since health and fitness are a big part of my life, this itinerary would be fun, active, and full of great eats that fuel the body without sacrificing taste.

Day 1: Welcome to the Mile High City
Morning: Start the trip with a light acclimation hike at Red Rocks Park,a must-see with its incredible rock formations and amphitheater. We’d do the Red Rocks Trail Loop to get the blood flowing and take in the views.
Brunch: Head to Vital Root on Tennyson Street for some delicious, health-conscious eats. Their sweet potato hash and turmeric lattes are perfect for refueling.
Afternoon: Explore RiNo (River North Arts District),walk through the graffiti-lined streets, visit some local shops, and maybe stop at Nurture Wellcare Marketplace, a health-focused collective with wellness services and organic snacks.
Evening: Dinner at Root Down, one of Denver’s best spots for farm-to-table dining with a creative, healthy twist. The Moroccan-spiced lamb and vegetable-forward plates are a must-try.

Day 2: Rocky Mountain Adventure
Morning: We’d hit the road early for a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. A moderate but rewarding hike like Sky Pond or Emerald Lake would make for an epic morning.
Picnic Lunch: Pack a meal from Whole Sol Blend Bar, where we’d grab some superfood bowls and protein-packed smoothies before heading into the mountains.
Evening: After a big day outdoors, we’d unwind with a casual but delicious dinner at True Food Kitchen, a perfect spot for health-conscious meals with bold flavors.

Day 3: City Exploring & Active Recovery
Morning: Recovery session at Denver Sports Recovery,a great place for cryotherapy, compression boots, and massage therapy.
Brunch: Just Be Kitchen, a local favorite for paleo-friendly eats like their Boulder Burrito Bowl or keto waffles.
Afternoon: Explore Union Station, check out the shops, and maybe rent bikes to cruise along the Cherry Creek Trail.
Evening: A relaxed but fun night at Avanti F&B, a modern food hall with multiple vendors. They have plenty of healthy and indulgent options, plus a rooftop with great views of the city.

Day 4: Outdoor Adventure & Strength Training
Morning: Kick off with a Prolean-style strength session at my gym,have to show them how we do things here!
Brunch: Post-workout, grab a protein-rich meal at Protein Bar & Kitchen, known for their quinoa bowls and high-protein smoothies.
Afternoon: Whitewater rafting (if it’s summer) or snowshoeing (if it’s winter) near Idaho Springs. Something adrenaline-pumping but accessible.
Evening: Chill night with healthy tacos and mezcal cocktails at Wild Taco, a fresh and locally sourced Mexican spot.

Day 5: Boulder & Wellness Day
Morning: Quick drive to Boulder for a sunrise hike at Mount Sanitas,short but challenging, with amazing views.
Brunch: The Kitchen in Boulder, where the ingredients are fresh and the menu is nutrient-packed.
Afternoon: Stroll through Pearl Street, visit some local shops, then do a yoga session at Radiance Power Yoga for some mindful movement.
Evening: Back in Denver for dinner at Watercourse Foods, a plant-based restaurant that even non-vegans love. Their buffalo cauliflower wings and buddha bowls are always a hit.

Day 6: Red Rocks Workout & Local Brews
Morning: Red Rocks Amphitheater stairs workout,a classic Denver fitness challenge!
Brunch: Grab a well-earned post-workout meal at Denver Central Market, where there are multiple vendors offering fresh juices, acai bowls, and high-protein breakfast options.
Afternoon: Brewery hopping,Denver is known for its craft beer scene, but we’d focus on healthier options like kombucha-based drinks at Tribe Kombucha or organic beers at New Belgium Denver Pilot.
Evening: Final dinner at Safta, where Mediterranean flavors meet health-conscious dining. Their hummus, wood-fired meats, and vegetable dishes are a perfect way to wrap up the trip.

Day 7: Recovery & Relaxation
Morning: Sleep in and then enjoy a relaxing morning at The Beer Spa,yes, it’s a spa with beer-infused soaks, infrared saunas, and massage chairs.
Brunch: Superfood Café, where we’d get one last round of nutrient-dense meals before my friend heads home.
Afternoon: A final stroll around Sloan’s Lake, enjoying the mountain views and fresh air, before heading to the airport.

This trip would be the perfect balance of fitness, adventure, wellness, and amazing food,all while keeping health and enjoyment at the forefront. Denver has so much to offer, and this itinerary would leave my best friend feeling recharged, inspired, and ready to book their next trip back.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Success is never achieved alone, and I am incredibly grateful for the people who have played a role in shaping my journey. First and foremost, I want to thank my parents, whose support gave me the opportunity to come to the United States and create a life filled with purpose and opportunity. Their belief in me laid the foundation for everything I’ve built.

Secondly, I want to recognize some of my clients, many of whom have become personal mentors. One of the most unexpected and rewarding aspects of being a personal trainer is the deep connections I’ve formed with individuals from various industries and walks of life. The wisdom and guidance they’ve shared with me, whether in business, mindset, or personal growth, have been invaluable in shaping my own entrepreneurial path.

I also owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to my wife, Siera. She has been the driving force behind taking the leap into business ownership. She possesses strengths and attributes that complement mine in ways I never could have imagined, and without her, Prolean Training wouldn’t be what it is today. Her encouragement, insight, and unwavering support have been instrumental in turning a vision into reality.

Finally, I want to acknowledge myself. Life is challenging, and while mentorship, support, and guidance are crucial, success also requires the ability to push forward independently. Too often, people forget to recognize their own resilience, discipline, and effort. Believing in myself, especially in moments of doubt, has been a key factor in my journey, and I encourage others to do the same. Growth isn’t just about seeking help from others; it’s also about continuously striving to become a stronger, more capable version of oneself.

To everyone who has been a part of my story,thank you. Your influence has made all the difference.

Website: https://www.proleantraining.com

Instagram: @proleantraining

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/prolean-personal-training-lakewood