Gonzalo Gonzalez

Tell us a little background about yourself! What does your life outside of the gym look like?

I am a Santa Barbara transplant.  We originally moved to Santa Barbara from the LA area in 2008 in pursuit of better employment opportunities.  We met Peter and the Prevail team shortly after relocating and have been avid prevailers since.  When I’m not in the gym, life is keeping us busy with 3 beautiful children, whom I’m constantly learning from.  They teach me how to be a better father and a better person.  I’m also a mental health professional and I like to think that I’m serving the community well by helping those struggling with severe mental health and substance use illnesses at our local hospital.

What impact has training at Prevail made in your life?

Training at Prevail helps keep me accountable.  It also keeps me motivated.  Prevail has given me the motivation and desire to train for long term wellness.

What are you most proud of achieving since training at Prevail?

Consistency and community.  It’s easy to establish and maintain positive, healthy relationships with staff and others at Prevail, which makes it enjoyable to show up, regardless of how difficult the day has been or how difficult the workout is going to be.  I’m able to have fun while I’m there.

What is your favorite exercise/movement?

My favorite exercise is the trap bar deadlift.  I couldn’t do a deadlift when I joined Prevail.  Peter wouldn’t let me.  But with time and consistency, I was able to get the movement down and see the gains!

Do you have any words of encouragement or tips for somebody new to exercise (or restarting)?

Invest in your health and wellness.  Prevail provides an extremely well-rounded approach to training and regardless of your level of experience or knowledge, Prevail has the staff to help you with your goals.  Don’t let the gym intimidate you.  We all started somewhere.