Meet Tony Gonzalez of West Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Gonzalez

Hi Tony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a boxing and fitness coach who is passionate about helping people. I also specialize in helping those with Parkinson’s Disease. I started boxing in 2004 and by 2011 had competed locally, regionally, and nationally. I also competed collegiately for UCLA. While I was in school, I started the boxing program there. Once I graduated, I took over as the head coach. And 2014 I took a job working at a local boxing gym in Santa Monica. That is how I started my boxing and fitness coaching career. Circa 2017/ 2018. I met an individual who had Parkinson’s and had asked me to train them. As time went on, I studied and learned as much as I could about fitness and the affects on Parkinson’s. It became a passion of mine to see somebody afflicted with his disease succeed, do well and not have a progression of the disease. Their wins are my wins. I started working with others also diagnosed with Parkinson’s and has become something I am really passionate about. In 2021 I started my own brand and business Bell2Bell Boxing Fight Inspired Training (F.I.T).
I believe that there are two common type types of boxing coaches. You have your fundamentalist and traditionalist who only care about the proper form and technique and being perfect in every movement so to win a fight, and you have other coaches who just want to be flashy on the pads with little substance. My goal was to bring both styles into one. We can have fun and still learn how to box and box well

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. It’s definitely been bumpy. Some of the obstacles along the way have been Covid and navigating that. It hit hard. The gym I worked for had to move, reopen and eventually shut down.

The death of my father three years ago was a major obstacle too and learning how to adjust to life without him. There was also a sense of responsibility to my mom and my dad’s legacy. They have a business and for a while I was really torn into taking on my dad’s role in the family business.

Client retention, inflation and the economy have also been an issue too. The peaks and valleys of the job can be scary and frustrating but that’s like anyone else in any industry. All I can control is my attitude and effort.

I would think that the biggest obstacle and challenge has been finding the proper work life balance. In the last few years, I’ve had two sons. The hard part is trying to find time to serve and take care of my clientele, but also be available for my wife and children. It’s really important that I am a present father but at the same time I’m very motivated to work and it’s hard not being present for my family when I’m needed because I have to work. My parents as immigrants and opening their own business meant they weren’t around a whole lot growing up. I made a promise to myself that if I ever had a family, I would not make the same mistake. But now I see it’s a lot harder and more complex than I ever realized. It’s tough because I want to be there for my kids emotionally and physically and still give them everything they want and need yet still serve my clientele.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a boxing and fitness coach. I have a passion for helping people and helping them be the best version of themselves. I also specialize in helping those that have Parkinson’s disease. I’m very proud of being able to see somebody learn a skill set like throwing a 5 punch combination and doing it perfectly, getting stronger or simply be able to get out of a chair, be stable and walk in a straight line while keeping their balance. My client’s success is my success and when they have a hard day and they don’t do as well, I also take that to heart. It’s what motivates me to do better for them and to bring the best out of me.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I am willing to go above and beyond for those I work with. I am willing to go that extra mile and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll figure it out. It’s all about the experience. I want people to have a good experience and enjoy the session. It’s important to me.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First and foremost. My wife. She’s patient and understanding of what drives me. She understands when I have to leave early in the morning or get home late or why I’m so focused on bringing the best service and product I can.
I also have to give credit to where I started my career and that is BoxNburn and the team there. I learned a lot there and I’m forever thankful for the resources.
I have to give credit to my old Boxing Coach , Ramon who taught me so much and invested a lot of himself into me. To this day, I still bounce ideas off of him.
I also have to give credit to my friend Dan and Celeste who helped me get Bell2Bell off the ground.
But frankly, I have to give credit to all of my clients who have become friends, confidants and mentors. There are a lot of people in a lot of different industries who have imparted wisdom on me, or have introduced me to good people, I’m thankful for each and everyone

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bell2bellfitness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.bell2bellfitness.com/
• Twitter: Bell2bell_fitness
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bell-2-bell-fitness-los-angeles?uid=nTMXLcitLB3T5ojXJbKahg&utm_source=ishare

Image Credits
I took the photos on my phone