We were lucky to catch up with Izabelli Ambrozio recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Izabelli, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Growing up, I was always involved in sports, which I loved deeply. As a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a firefighter because my life goal has always been to save lives. I later pursued a career in nursing, believing it was my calling—a way to fulfill my mission of helping others.
After graduating as a nurse in Brazil, I moved to the United States, seeking new opportunities. However, I quickly faced a major challenge: my nursing degree wasn’t recognized there. For four years, I worked tirelessly to transfer my credentials and eventually became eligible to take the U.S. nursing exam. But during this process, I experienced a cultural shock.
In Brazil, I had learned that a nurse’s primary role was to prevent diseases and promote health through nutrition and lifestyle changes. In the U.S., however, the focus seemed more on avoiding lawsuits than on proactive care. This realization made me question whether this profession could truly allow me to save lives in the way I had always envisioned.
It was then that I discovered a new path—one that combined my passions for health, fitness, and preventive care. I decided to become a Fitness Nurse, believing that through exercise, sports medicine, and lifestyle coaching, I could help even more people than in a traditional hospital setting.
To pursue this vision, I found the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM™), whose certification program transformed my life. This certification didn’t just give me a title—it provided me with the knowledge and tools to make a real difference. For the first time, I felt I could combine my two biggest passions: fitness and helping people.
After becoming NASM-certified, I returned to Brazil and noticed a significant gap in the availability of high-quality fitness education. NASM techniques, which combined the best of physiotherapy, neuroscience, and fitness training, were virtually unknown in my home country. I knew something had to change.
Motivated by this need, I took on the monumental task of translating NASM’s 1,000-page educational materials into Portuguese. Over the course of a year and a half, I worked tirelessly to make this world-class training accessible to Brazilian fitness professionals. This effort led to the founding of Ambrozio’s Institute International Fitness and Wellness, the only institution in Brazil authorized to offer NASM certifications.
I later learned that NASM had been trying to bring its programs to Brazil for over 10 years but hadn’t found the right partner. My bold decision to translate their material created an opportunity for millions of Brazilians to access life-changing knowledge that could prevent diseases, reduce injuries, and improve lives.
The biggest challenge was that less than 1% of Brazil’s population speaks fluent English. Without translated materials, very few would have been able to benefit from this training. That’s when I realized my life purpose wasn’t just about saving lives directly—it was about empowering thousands of fitness professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to save lives through preventive care and proper training.
Today, I dedicate my life to this mission, guided by my Christian faith, which has been the foundation of my journey. By combining nursing, fitness, and education, I strive to improve the quality of life for countless elderly individuals, athletes, young adults, and anyone ready to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Together, we are transforming lives, one step at a time.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Izabelli Ambrozio, and I was born in Pato Branco, Paraná. I am a nurse specializing in sports medicine and fitness, certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM™). My journey has been guided by my passion for saving lives and helping others achieve health and well-being.
After spending nearly seven years in the United States, I had the privilege of working as a personal trainer and volunteering as a coach. During that time, I founded Izabelli Ambrozio Personal Trainer, where I provided personalized online training to help people reach their fitness goals.
When I returned to Brazil, I noticed a significant gap in knowledge about NASM™ techniques. This inspired me to take a bold step—I translated the NASM™ educational materials into Portuguese to make this world-class training accessible to more people in my home country. I then founded Ambrozio’s Institute International Fitness and Wellness, which is now the only institution in Brazil authorized to offer NASM™ certifications.
My Christian faith has been my foundation throughout this journey, giving me strength and purpose as I dedicate my life to saving lives and promoting health and wellness.
Today, I am proud to see how far we’ve come. Through partnerships with Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the USA, we are creating life-changing opportunities for Brazilian fitness professionals. From connecting NASM-certified trainers with roles in Saudi Arabia to helping Brazilians abroad turn their passion for fitness into successful careers, I am committed to empowering others.
This work isn’t just about education or fitness—it’s about making a difference. By combining my nursing background with fitness science, I aim to inspire others to improve their quality of life, prevent diseases, and build a healthier future for themselves and those around them.
As we look ahead to 2025, I am thrilled about the incredible growth of our company and the unique opportunities we are bringing to Brazil. Our new international partnerships with Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the USA are opening doors to transform lives and elevate the fitness industry in meaningful ways.
Through our collaboration with Saudi Arabia, we are establishing a structured referral program to connect highly qualified NASM-certified fitness coaches with personal training and bodybuilding roles. This partnership not only highlights the global demand for top-tier Brazilian trainers but also showcases the excellence of NASM certifications and the life-changing potential they offer.
In the UK and the USA, we are creating pathways for Brazilians living abroad to break free from traditional jobs like cleaning or construction and turn their passion for fitness into successful, fulfilling careers. By providing access to world-class education and certification programs, we are empowering individuals to unlock their potential and build a brighter future in the fitness industry.
These partnerships represent a major milestone for our mission: to make life-changing knowledge and opportunities accessible to Brazilians everywhere. Whether at home or abroad, we are enabling professionals to embrace their passions, achieve their goals, and contribute to a healthier, more active world.
As we embark on this exciting journey, I am grateful for the trust and support that have brought us this far. Together, we are not just growing a company—we are building a movement that will transform lives across the globe.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities and skills in my journey were resilience, vision, and a strong foundation of knowledge and education. Each played a vital role in shaping the path I’ve taken, and I’d love to share some advice on how others can cultivate these traits early in their journeys. But above all, I want to emphasize: Trust God. He will always give you the strength you need and the courage and boldness to face challenges that seem too hard. His guidance has been my anchor through every step of this journey.
Resilience
My journey wasn’t straightforward. Moving to the United States, facing cultural and professional challenges, and then taking on the monumental task of translating NASM’s materials required persistence and mental strength. Resilience is about staying committed to your goals, even when the road is hard or uncertain.
Advice: Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. When faced with setbacks, remind yourself why you started and focus on the bigger picture. Surround yourself with people who support your vision, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance when you need it. And most importantly, lean on God—He will carry you when your strength feels insufficient.
Vision
Recognizing the gap in fitness education in Brazil and seeing how NASM’s methodologies could transform lives was the turning point in my career. Vision allowed me to take risks, such as translating the NASM material before even having their partnership, because I believed in the greater good.
Advice: Take time to understand your passions and the impact you want to make. Think beyond immediate goals and consider how your work can contribute to a larger purpose. Write down your dreams, revisit them often, and use them as a guide to prioritize your actions. Pray for clarity and guidance in your decisions—He will reveal the path when you trust in Him.
Knowledge and Education
My nursing background and the certifications I pursued, especially with NASM, gave me the tools and credibility to create meaningful change. Without the right education, it would have been impossible to combine my passions for fitness and health effectively.
Advice: Never stop learning. Whether it’s through formal education, certifications, or self-directed study, invest in developing your expertise. Focus on knowledge that aligns with your goals and that empowers you to solve real problems in your field. Stay humble and remember that your skills and knowledge are gifts from God, meant to be used to serve others.
For those just starting their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to stay true to your values and your “why.” Trust God completely—He will equip you with everything you need. Keep learning, be patient with yourself, and never underestimate the impact you can make when you follow your purpose with determination and an open heart. The road may not always be easy, but with faith, resilience, and vision, it will be worth it.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The Bible has always been the most impactful book in my life. I know it might sound like a cliché, but honestly, there’s so much wisdom and support in it. Whenever I’m facing something challenging, no matter the time or place, I can always find exactly what I need in its pages. Whether I’m looking for guidance, strength, or encouragement, the Bible has a way of speaking directly to me. My faith has shown me that God’s promises bring peace and hope, especially in uncertain moments. It’s amazing how the Bible reminds me I’m never alone, and it’s given me the courage and resilience to keep going, even when things get tough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ambroziosinstitute.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambroziosinstitute/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izabelli-ambrozio-76694aa8
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpgdTGKvVzP0Q_BYD5GTDew
