May 1, 2017

Meet Cesar Martinez of Ultimate Athlete Gym in Northridge

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cesar Martinez.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Cesar. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was a Cop for 17 years. During my 17 years, I was involved in some life-threatening situations. I was always active and even received a college baseball scholarship, but it wasn’t until I was involved in an altercation with a suspect that I realized I wasn’t in the best shape. I had been training incorrectly the whole time. I then became certified as a personal trainer and created my own workout called “The Rock Down”. I am currently certified as a personal trainer, kettle bell instructor, TRX instructor, force instructor and sports nutritionist. I am a co-author in a book called “The Little Black Book of Fitness” which will launch in a few months. I have assisted several people in weight loss, muscle mass, athletic events and competitions. I have trained athletes, celebrities, kids, adults, young and old and even a blind person. I have also assisted in the strength/conditioning programs for a girls’ soccer team and a boys’ baseball team. I enjoy helping others achieve their mission by changing the way they think, train and live.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I am an optimistic person and because of my many adversities I have succeeded and will continue to progress. I have learned a lot from my poor business plan and lack of marketing. It has not been a smooth road, but I am grateful for the failures and adversities because they have taught me to manage my time better, create a better business plan, knock on doors for greater opportunities, be persistent, and continue to grow as an entrepreneur and as a person. I don’t know everything and I am not the most aesthetic person, but I know how to get the answer and I am self-made. My learning comes from my experiences and I am different than most trainers because of my Law Enforcement background. I am honest with them and guide my clients to change the way they THINK first and guide them to live a healthier lifestyle, by changing their daily habits.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ultimate Athlete Gym – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Ultimate Athlete gym has been around for 3 1/2 years. I train out of my 450-sq. ft. garage. I am the owner/trainer/marketer/etc. I realized that many trainers were just focused on fitness and nutrition, but lacked the connection to inspire others for a better quality of life. Because of my 17 years of Law Enforcement, I am able to adapt and read people better. I change the way they think by establishing a proper plan for a balanced lifestyle. We work on progression, missions, acceptance, choices and accountability. I cannot assist my clients in overcoming anything until I change their way of thinking.

I am most proud of the changes I have seen in the majority of my clients. I have also begun a running team for the L.A. Marathon and I am extremely proud that 7 of the 8 members will be running and completing the L.A Marathon for their first time. I created a workout called “The Rock Down” and a challenge called “The Athlete”. These two workouts will test you aerobically, anaerobically and most importantly your will. They were designed to push you to exhaustion, but to teach you to remain calm under fatigue and stress. It puts you in an intense scenario so that you feel and think a certain way and through the intensity you are able to learn and control your emotions and stress levels.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am currently interviewing to appear in my first pod cast. I am also interviewing to become the strength and conditioning coach for MMA fighters. I plan on expanding my business from my garage to an industrial location and then franchising or open up more locations. I am extremely flexible and love challenges so anything I see as a personal or business challenge I accept.

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