Connect
To Top

Meet Michael Berry of Body Temple LA in Little Ethiopia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Berry.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Michael. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been in this industry for seven years. I moved from Washington state to pursue a healthy lifestyle and start my fitness journey and Los Angeles inspired me with their culture and quality of life. I worked my way from the bottom and learned a lot from fellow fitness instructors who helped motivate me and grow. I stayed with a small group of clients and their loyalty helped me build. I knew that I wanted to create a positive culture that helped people grow and feel confident with themselves and the progress they’ve made. It’s not all about the aesthetics, yes that’s a bonus, but making my clients feel physically healthier and mentally happy is priority. I want my clients to see this as a long term lifestyle. Consistency is important, and I want to help coach them through that and let them know and feel that they are capable of doing it. I’ll be by there side pushing them to succeed whether it’s for health reasons or just to get their body in shape. I’ll be their motivator.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, it has been pretty smooth. In all professions, there’s bumps in the road. There are always few who don’t believe you’ll accomplish your goals. But I’ve learned you have to have faith and believe in yourself, and through that, you persevere… I’ve learned in business that not everything is not always black and white and that you have to be assertive, & that not everything will go as planned. I don’t regret any challenges or obstacles as they have brought me to this place right now. I’m so grateful for all my experiences good or bad because I’ve grown from them.

Body Temple LA – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I own Body Temple LA with co-owner Carlos Figueroa. I specialize in strength & conditioning training and have tried to create a culture where clients can feel safe and motivated in all the sessions I create for them. Body By Berry has been my business for a few years now, but now with this new partnership in opening a Gym space, I’m able to really cultivate this my mission… There’s just a sense of freedom when it’s your business and I feel like I’ve really been able to create a space that’s inviting and inspiring. I take great pride in this new chapter in my fitness journey, it’s taken me a while to financially be able to do this. I’m proud of my hard work but with that was lots of sacrifice but now I get to provide for my family and continue to put in hours of hard work to sustain in this competitive city. What sets me apart is the compassion and also the ability to relate to each client individually. I have clients from 20-70 and it’s important to treat every “body” individually. Knowing when to go easy and when to push hard, to get the best results and create relationships so they trust me.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me has evolved. As an adolescent, you always think the more money you have, the more successful you are. Yes, that’s definitely a motivator and a necessity to live. But for me, my success is now built on how many lives I can touch. Who can I help? How can I be a better man for myself and my family? I want my success to show the people I’ve helped along the way of my own journey to health. I stay faithful in that, and when I stay true to myself the $ as always followed.

Pricing:

  • Starting prices $100 an hour

Contact Info:

  • Address: 1052 1/2 south Fairfax ave LOS ANGELES 90019
  • Phone: 509 264-1221
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Instagram: Bodybyberry

Image Credit:
Milah Renee, Constantine Savvides, Nicole Balsalma, Milan Renee

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in

  • Portraits of the Valley

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesMay 5, 2025
  • Portraits of Hollywood

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesMay 5, 2025
  • LA’s Most Inspiring Stories

    Every neighborhood in LA has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates...

    Local StoriesMay 5, 2025
  • Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

    Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a...

    Local StoriesMay 5, 2025
  • Portraits of LA

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 18, 2025
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Services Spotlights

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Experiences to Consider

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Products from the Community

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 14, 2024
  • Podcast: Your Journey As An Actress

    We’re so lucky to have a great guest with us today to discuss your journey as an actress and so much...

    Partner SeriesOctober 22, 2024