Daily Inspiration: Meet Rafael Carmona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Carmona.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my fitness journey back in 2009. I attended personal training school at NPTI, where I obtained my personal training/ group fitness instructor certification. The school was absolutely amazing because it helped me gain the knowledge and experience needed to take on clients and coach group fitness classes. I then transitioned to several gyms throughout the Los Angeles and Pasadena area. In that time I worked for over fifteen different fitness facilities. In 2012 I met a client who later became by business partner. He loved my energy and work ethic as well as the knowledge I provided. We decided to open a group fitness / personal training studio together in Pasadena. After six years of being business partners, he decided to step away to which I then took over 100% of the business and transitioned my business from Pasadena to Highland Park in Los Angeles. It is now where I am currently located and running our business.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth but rather rocky. After several delays the business opened in early 2020; during a global pandemic. When allowed to run the business we were able to gain a following in spite of restrictions, masks, and the overall fear of being inside a gym in close quarters of other members.

After six years at the Pasadena location, our landlord decided not to renew our lease. Causing another drastic situation with the formidable move of locations from Pasadena to Los Angeles. Due to the distance from the old location to the new location, I was only able to retain 50% of my members and clients. Although I had been in business for six years the new location is essentially now a start up.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I coach group fitness HIIT classes (high intensity interval training). I specialize in personal programming for each member as well as conduct several classes throughout the week with an emphasis on helping each member target their fitness goals.

I am known for being a staple in the group fitness community. Helping every member become strong; physically, mentally as well as building their confidence.

I am most proud of helping my fitness community and showing my members and clients that they are capable of reaching their full fitness potential and their ability to accomplish their goals.

What sets me apart from others is my passion for fitness which includes helping my community accomplish all of their goals. My work ethic exceeds all other competition. I believe in myself and I want to spread that confidence to each and every person that comes into my life.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that no matter what obstacle gets in my way, I believe and trust in the process. As long as I wake up every morning hungry to help my community, i believe that everything will work out in my favor. Even when things get tough I believe the confidence that I have in my ability, my community, and my family will get me through anything.

Pricing:

• We have several different pricing options from unlimited monthly memberships to personalized class packages. We also have new member specials and can accommodate all different fitness levels.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Hiititlosangeles.com
• Instagram: @hiitit.losangeles