Marco Borges

"I like the way I feel when I can get someone involved in fitness," said Borges. "I truly enjoy what I do. I'd do it for free if someone would just pay my bills."

Borges is well known for his commitment to innovative fitness techniques, a tendency well documented in the Miami Herald, Conde' Nast Traveler, the New York Times and all the local television channels. It's made him something of a local celebrity, our very own, hometown fitness guru.

"I introduced 'spinning' classes to South Florida," he said, "and I also started the first 'boot camp' programs down here."

Lexie Potamkin's book What is Spirit? Messages from the Heart even featured a quote from Borges.
What often gets lost in the shuffle is how freely Borges, a Pinecrest resident, gives to charitable enterprises, particularly in south Miami-Dade.

Borges has especially enjoyed his association with the South Miami Parks and Recreation department. He helps raise money to buy toys that go toward helping underprivileged kids stay away from drugs, instead getting them involved in sports and recreation.

"There are a lot of programs out there to help rehabilitate adults, but not nearly enough for kids, programs that can help to shape them," Borges explained. "It's a Band-Aid approach to society's problems -- fixing problems instead of preventing them. A lot of kids aren't playing sports and they aren't as goal-oriented as those that do. Sports teach you important lessons, things like being dedicated to a goal and the rewards of hard work. Those are things you can apply later in life."

Borge then put it in a personal context.

"Sports kept me away from drugs, alcohol and smoking," he said. "I was so busy that I stayed away from those things. I don't want to sound condescending or like I'm any better than anyone else, but I just didn't have time for any distractions."

On July 4, Borges will be working with the South Miami Parks and Recreation Department on a program that will emphasize these ideas, the Say No to Drugs--Say Yes to Fitness event.

Borges also was very involved in the renovation of the Cardiac Rehabilitation unit at South Miami/Baptist Hospital. He visited that facility some time back and remembered how horrible and outdated it looked. As soon as his schedule permitted, he hosted a fundraiser to revamp the facility.

Borges also is a member of the board of Hugs and Kisses, a group that raises money to pay unpaid medical bills at Miami Children's Hospital, another cause that helps the youth of the community.

"They (the hospital) just turned 50 years old and it has done so much to help the kids of our community, I'd hate to see them leave," he said.

And, when synagogues and churches come calling, Borges never hesitates to help, whether it's contributing to silent auctions or whatever else they need.

"I always try to give a little at a time," he explained. "I like to help out however and whenever I can."

Other organizations to benefit from Borges efforts include the Greater Miami Tennis Foundation, the Jackson Memorial Foundation, the UM Burn Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the City of Hope (which helps with HIV and cancer related research), the Kristi House (for abused children), and the Women's Division of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

Borges opened M Cycle Gym three years ago after putting together the fitness program at Fisher Island in the hope of bringing his regimen to a wider audience. The gym offers the whole gamut of fitness programs, from yoga and kick boxing to his 'physical challenge' boot camp program.

And people across the United States, Central and South America, and Europe soon will be able to train with Borges in their own homes -- he's made his own fitness video backed by an aggressive marketing campaign (www.physicalchallenge.com).

It's clearly a project Borges cares a great deal about.

"I wanted to reach out to people, make fitness personal," he said excitedly. "This video allows me to do just that."

Despite his newfound international reputation, Borges is happy to have made his home in Pinecrest.

"It's perfect for me, close to work, close to my friends," he said. "I'd been looking there for a long time. Pinecrest is quiet and clean, not too old and not too young. It's the perfect place to lead a quiet residential existence but still close enough to everywhere else if you're looking for recreational opportunities."

By MacAdam Glinn