Paul

Do it like
Paul

Paul van Dorst (34) worked in aviation for a long time but switched directions in March 2020 because he wanted to contribute to a better world. Hardly the best time to open his own Crossfit gym, Crossfit Gold Pact, but how was he to know that Corona would materialise? He survived.

Lives: With his husband Joost, he lives behind the Deliplein on Katendrecht in a multicultural atmosphere where people still greet each other. Quaint and cosy.

Noteworthy: With a fat percentage of approximately 9 percent, he is ‘cut’, as they say in the sports world. Van Dorst is also chairman of the Roze Kameraden, the LGBTQI+ supporters’ association of Feyenoord football club. The rainbow flag hangs in his gym, symbolising that everyone may feel welcome there.

Question 1 of 5

As an LGBTQI+’er, I like to exercise every day, where can I work out in 010?

‘There are so many fun and good places where you can feel comfortable, not just at my club Crossfit Gold Pact on the Brielselaan in Zuid. My club is for everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like. Queer Gym across the river is the first Dutch gym that is aimed at non-normative bodies. Founder Romy Rockx is transgender and also wants to offer a safe place to exercise. The name Queer is an umbrella term for everyone who does not identify with conventional labels.’

I prefer the outdoors for my endorphins, where can I do my workout?

Paul's favorite locations in Rotterdam