April 17, 2017

Meet Mike Arreola of BBMG GYM in Lincoln Heights

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Arreola.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Mike. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started with a fascination and a dream to be like my childhood hero, the bodybuilding icon, the action superstar and fitness legend ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER!

As a kid and a teen, sports science, the human body and strength has always intrigued me. Seeing larger than life movie stars on TV & film like Stallone, Van Damme, Lundgren, Arnold, Bruce Lee and Ferrigno, you couldn’t help but get motivated and TRY to emulate them. I would buy up all the muscle mags from the store, borrow fitness books from the library and ask my Biology/ Anatomy teachers tons of questions about the body…. I WAS HOOKED!!!!

I worked for every big box gym… Golds, Ballys, 24 hr., L.A. Fitness and some. I’ve met some of the industry best, learned from seasoned veterans of the business and even trained with some of the best. So, it was only suiting to pursue an education in Sports Medicine, which I did.

I had a brief stint in MMA and trained under the late & great MMA FIGHTER Joe Camacho. Also Boxed & did some Thai kickboxing, opened my 1st gym at age 25, even scored a dream job and taught striking to the official TAPOUT MMA team in Los Angeles and had the privilege of working with some of the best in the world like EDDIE BRAVO founder & inventor of the 10th planet system, as well as the legendary KATHY LONG and many others. But even that couldn’t scratch the itch I had for power and strength.

I worked with a few other gyms, consulted for a few other companies and one day, I decided to start my training and give it a 2nd go. I made a goal to improve my health, then it leads to physique and now to wanting to compete in STRONGMAN events. I’ve been a PT Trainer for close to 15yrs. now, figured it was time to do it on my terms and my way.

But it came back to a dream.

I was fortunate and extremely lucky to have parents who believed in my dream as much as I did. Then the BBMG GYM came to life. A gym that is homage to the IRON ERA… THE GOLDEN ERA OF BODYBUILDING just with a slight sports med upgrade. My parents and I decided to go full bore and make it happen.

Recruiting my best friends who actually happen to be top ranked and very accomplished MMA Fighters, professional boxers and celebrity trainers. We went for it. Family owned, family operated but above all… FAMILY!!

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?
We have had hiccups, dragged through the mud, had a lot of NO’s! no thanks, nay sayers, doubters… even issues with the city and permits… total drag and headache! But we never gave up. I owe the BBMG to my parents, they pushed through even in darker times… they have been the driving force behind the gym and also pushing me. It has been a labor of love.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with BBMG GYM – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The BBMG GYM… honestly is an old-school gym, lots of heavy duty retro machines, grass roots rugged powerlifting and strongman equipment plus a full size Olympic weight room. The original idea and concept of our gym was to be something of the 1970s Venice golds gym that bred icons like Arnold, Franco and more. We just added specialized group classes and made lifting weights fun and made it a HOME for our members.

I love how the community has embraced the gym. It has been a sanctuary for many. We are super involved with community athletics, at-risk youth programs and mentoring. We love to give back & motivate.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are hoping to keep growing and spreading the gospel of fitness and gainz! Continuing our involvement with the city and local programs, to bring more awareness to health and physical fitness. We are excited to see our members compete in physique and strongman events… possibly expand to a 2nd location in the future. We are just glad to be here and help the community grow with a positive vibe

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