Rising Stars: Meet Andres Vasquez of San Fernando

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andres Vasquez.

Hi Andres, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey with training began long before I ever thought about opening a gym. My grandfather first introduced me to boxing, teaching me discipline, work ethic, and respect long before I understood competition. In middle school, I discovered Muay Thai, and it gave me structure, focus, and an outlet during a formative time in my life.
I spent years training and competing as a fighter, learning how to live with discomfort and stay disciplined through failure. I had to make difficult decision to step away from fighting when my family needed me most. Over the years, my grandmother, and sister were both diagnosed with cancer, and supporting them became my priority.
Walking away from fighting reshaped my purpose. Training became less about personal achievement and more about service. I continued coaching, studying strength, movement, and corrective exercise, which eventually led to the creation of Libertá Fitness. From the beginning, the vision was clear: this would be a place to learn, not just work out.
Libertá is designed for both beginners and advanced students. We don’t separate people by ego or experience — we coach based on effort, consistency, and progress. Everyone who trains here is treated as a student, learning not only how to move and train properly, but how to build discipline that carries beyond the gym.
The road to building Libertá was not smooth. There were financial struggles, doubt, and moments when closing the doors felt very real. But those challenges reinforced the gym’s purpose: to be a place for people willing to do the work, learn through struggle, and grow stronger both physically and mentally. My path didn’t turn out the way I originally planned, but it led me to building something meaningful and lasting.
Libertá isn’t just where I coach. It’s where my story continues, and where I help others rewrite theirs.

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 definitely not been a smooth road. Building Libertá has come with setbacks that most people never see — financial strain, emotional exhaustion, and long periods of doubt. There were times when keeping the doors open felt uncertain, and moments when walking away seemed like the easier option.
One of the hardest challenges has been loss. My brother played a meaningful role in the gym and in my life. He wasn’t just family — he was part of the spirit behind what Libertá stands for. He believed deeply in creativity, individuality, and staying true to who you are, even when it’s uncomfortable. That influence shaped the culture of the gym more than most people realize. Libertá isn’t just about training hard; it’s about identity, expression, and resilience — values my brother lived by.
Losing him added a weight that didn’t disappear when class started. I still had to coach, lead, and show up for others while carrying my own grief. There were days when the gym was the only place that made sense — and days when it felt impossible to walk through the door. But that loss reinforced why Libertá exists: not as an escape from hardship, but as a place where people learn to move through it.
The struggles taught me that strength isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, mental, and communal. The hardest seasons forced me to lead with honesty, stay consistent when motivation was gone, and build something real instead of perfect. Those challenges shaped Libertá into what it is today — a place built on effort, truth, and the understanding that growth often comes from the darkest moments. His music gave us strength, his energy made us move.” Long live The SoftMoon”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work centers around long-term development, not quick results. I coach Muay Thai, strength training, and corrective exercise, but more importantly, I teach people how to train with intention. Every class is built to develop skill, durability, and discipline, whether someone is brand new or has years of experience.
I specialize in bridging gaps — between beginners and advanced students, between performance and longevity, and between physical training and real life. At Libertá, beginners aren’t thrown into the deep end, and advanced students aren’t allowed to coast. Everyone learns fundamentals, refines technique, and progresses through consistent standards rather than hype or ego.
What we’re known for is structure and honesty. We don’t chase trends, and we don’t sell motivation. Training here is progressive, coached, and demanding, but it’s also thoughtful. Corrective work and mobility are treated as essential, not optional, and strength training is designed to support Muay Thai, not compete with it. The goal is to build bodies that last, not burn people out.
What I’m most proud of is the culture. People stay. They train through difficult seasons — injury, grief, stress, major life changes — and they’re supported rather than sidelined. Students here aren’t just members clocking in; they’re learners who understand why they train the way they do.
What sets Libertá apart is that we don’t separate people by status or aesthetics. We hold everyone to the same standard of effort, respect, and consistency. The work is hard, the expectations are clear, and the growth is earned. That approach creates not just stronger athletes, but more resilient people.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Growing up in Highland park and coming to the valley is worlds apart even though it’s only a 30 min drive. But I like the vibe out here it’s different. What I don’t like is how crazy windy it gets here like insane…

Pricing:

• Our membership price hasn’t changed
• $100 a month for unlimited classes
• First class free.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _liberta_fitness
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/2ztH56hdjf