Meet Eric Flores of Eric Flores Fitness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Flores.

Eric, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
At a young age, I competed in sports and began weight training. I then quickly discovered my true passion was Martial Arts. It was already in my blood. That being said, both of my grandfathers were Boxers, and my father a Wrestler. I started studying and practicing Tae Kwon Do, then Freestyle Wrestling in high school, and in my 20’s to present day, No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Recently, I took up Catch Wrestling. I am currently a sponsored sthlete, and competing in No Gi BJJ.

In my late teens & early 20’s, I used to volunteer as a Youth Leader in my Church Youth Group. Many of the guys came from broken fatherless homes. They needed an outlet, and I started training them at the gym for free. I have found this to be a great ice breaker, as well as give some direction to these young men. I was passionate about them obtaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.

In the Fall of 2011, I was granted a great opportunity. I got hired as a Personal Trainer, at the world-famous Golds Gym in Venice, California. Something that is not easy to do, even for an experienced fitness professional. Although I enjoyed my experience at Golds Gym, I had a desire to branch out and be an independent trainer. I wanted to be freed up to pursue other entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as get involved with the community, doing various volunteer work. I started my business in September 2013, and am very fortunate to work with some of the best clients in Southern California.

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?
It has not been a smooth road. Some of the struggles include, but not limited to: obtaining leads, distinguishing yourself in a city where Personal Trainers are a dime a dozen, keeping current clients satisfied with your services, providing pricing that is affordable & yet not undervaluing yourself or your services, constantly educating yourself with all the fitness/diet/equipment fads & trends, making the time to keep yourself in shape, etc.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Eric Flores Fitness – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Most Personal Trainers will have the client come to a Fitness Studio, or even have them come to their place of residence. My business is all about coming to the client. Bringing the gym to them. I provide the equipment and meet them at their place of residence, a local park nearby, or even the beach. My clients include everybody from senior citizens, young men wanting a new challenge, women preparing for their wedding day, & Professional MMA athletes. Whatever the gender, age, goal, I enjoy working with people. I will train anybody and everybody. With a focus to educate, provide knowledge, give attention to detail, and to motivate my clients. I think this is especially important, considering some PT’s only work with athletes or people already in decent shape.

Although I am a certified Personal Trainer, who does boot camps, online personal training, and one-on-one personal training…my area I specialize in goes back to my roots. I am also a certified MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Conditioning Specialist. My motto is…”you may not want to be a fighter, but you can look like one and train like one.” Mixed Martial artists are some of the best conditioned athletes in the world. They have lean/athletic builds, great flexibility, mobility, stabilization, balance, coordination, core strength, explosiveness, endurance/stamina. I find with the variety of equipment & training methods, people love the outlet this provides to decompress. It is also a fun way to get in shape, not to mention pick up some basic self-defense skills/concepts along the way.

What my business is known for, what I am most proud of, and what sets me apart, is one in the same. I remain teachable, and I am constantly educating myself. I know that I don’t know it all. Over the years, I have had clients who have worked with PT’s before me. In fact, when I do the Consultation & Assessment of a new client, they often tell me, “you are not what I thought you would be like.” Sadly, when people think of PT’s, they think of condescending, arrogant, egotistical, jerk meat heads. I have set out to change that perception.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Honestly, no “big changes.” I just want to continue building on this great foundation I have. I have been working consistently with some clients for 4 years! 99% of leads and new clients I have obtained, have been from referrals. So, I plan on keeping them happy with my services, I also hope to continue buying quality equipment & obtaining more certifications to broaden my reach. Winston Churchill rightly said: “We don’t make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” As my needs are being met financially, I want to continue giving back to the community.

I am currently trying to organize a weekly MMA/Kickboxing Boot Camp for the LAPD Pacific Division free of charge. With child obesity on the rise, and being an epidemic in this country, I would like to sponsor/train a child in need. I have been in contact with the Boys & Girls Club.

I have also been approached twice, about the possibility of doing an app.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ericfloresfitness.net
• Phone: (909) 767-0071
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: EricFloresFitness
• Facebook: Eric Flores Fitness
• Twitter: @EricFlores77
• Yelp: Eric Flores Fitness
• Other: https://www.thumbtack.com/profile/services/nW1cE3Vapg8nWg/edit

Image Credit:
Tony Nelson & Brandon Franco