Train Like a Coach!
Guillermo Aviles Madrigal

What brings Guillermo to the gym today? "Well, I had a wake-up call about a year ago when I was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that scared the hell out of me! What made it worse is that it was caused due to my own lack of exercise and poor eating habits! Ultimately I was put in the hospital for ten days - this was a wake-up call that I will never forget. I really got scared. For the first time in my life, I actually started working out and taking care of myself."

"After nine months of working out consistently and two 6-week Iron Camp programs, I feel more energetic than I ever have. I am turning 38 and I feel ten years younger. I am down from six medications to three medications and I should be off all medications very soon!"

"I never thought of myself as the kind of person who would go to the gym, or even have the desire to work out. I started out doing classes and then started on the treadmill outside of the classes. Then I signed up for Iron Camp and that really stepped up my progess and made me feel very good in the gym. "

How did he do it? What kept him motivated?

For Guillermo, the answer was simple - the support of others around him.

Almost immediately, Guillermo's friends and family began to notice positive changes and to his surprise, Guillermo was in turn motivated by their simple support to keep going. He says, "My friends and people outside the gym were starting to ask me, 'Memo (that is what my friends call me), What are you doing?', 'How are you losing weight?', 'Wow, you look so different'. People's reactions started to inspire me. I started teaching my friends and the people I coach the things I was learning in the gym. Fitness and health became a big part of many areas of my life."

You already have all of the tools that you need to be successful in your life. You are already using them in other aspects of your life - you simply need to recognize them and use them for yourself and your own health!

Guillermo realized early on that he would have to rely on all of his skills to get through.

Guillermo spends his day "bringing people up", as he describes his job running a non-profit organization that assists people with life-threatening illnesses in finding housing options in San Diego. "I believe in helping others to get up and not letting them sink. In my professional life, I motivate others and encourage others. All day long, I am saying, 'Yes you can do it!'. I used all of those same skills to keep myself going."

"From getting sick one year ago to today, I cannot believe how much I have changed - I have accomplished something! I am committed to my gym and my health and my workouts. The people here at UrbanBody have given me inspiration - Muchas Gracias to Frank, Ian, Derek, Marla, Deirdre, Alden and all others who have given me the encouragement to make such a huge change in my simple life."

Guillermo's goal is to incorporate more fitness and health into all aspects of his life. "I will carry on for all of the same reasons that have kept me going - I feel it is a gift that I have been given. "

This is a great look at a person who is new to fitness and has embraced taking care of their own health. Guillermo serves as an inspiration to those who think that they "cannot". Acknowledge that doing nothing is a choice. Understand that it is also a choice to say "yes I can" and take control of your life.

If not now, when?

This is what Guillermo's circle looks like:

Personal Passion - My personal fitness has become my strongest passion at this moment. Realizing that my actions have the power to transform my body and my health has been very empowering. Before this past year I really had never stuck to anything for myself for very long. Now I have no thoughts of giving up at all - All the way this time!

Community - I am still in the process of discovering my place in the San Diego community - it has been an enjoyable process meeting other people at my gym (UrbanBody) who are also focused on personal fitness and wellness.

Health & Recreation - Soccer has always been a passion in my life. I am currently coaching the Killer Pandas, a soccer team that meets down in Tijuana weekly. Exercise and fitness in my own life has become a very enjoyable pastime.

Household - I'm not saying anything!

Family & Friends - I have a strong relationship with all of my extended family and many good friends from all different walks of life. Their support keeps me motivated every day.

Spiritual - I believe in Mankind - not Gods - not Devils - not Angels and not Spirits.

Balance is what fitness is about today. What does your balance wheel look like? By satisfying and nurturing all areas of the wheel, you can achieve balance in your life. Remember, the wheel represents your values, which in turn lay the groundwork for your goals. Identify your passion, set your goals and align all aspects of your day to realize your life’s work!