M y S t o r y:
From Muscle Mechanics to You
Hi, my name is John Aaron Villarreal.
Life can have many twists and turns but one thing seems certain; it usually leads to places you never thought you would go. Maybe you can identify with me on this.
The oldest of two in a lower income family, I was taught the value of working hard at an early age. Formal exercise was never in the equation. However, my parents did believe in sweat and physical labor which was a good thing for me because I was never athletic. In fact, sports seemed rather insignificant.
As such, who would have ever known that in 1993 I would start a little personal training company in Houston, Texas called Muscle Mechanics? It certainly came as a surprise to me.
It started when a friend gave me a gym membership for Christmas. That’s how I met and made another friend that would change my life: My personal trainer, Anthony Garcia.
Actually, I couldn’t afford Anthony’s services, but he was a personal trainer there at the gym and he gave me a couple of free workouts when I first joined.
The membership was paid for and since I was struggling to find a full time job, the gym became my source of emotional support.
The more job rejections I got, the more I worked out. The more depressed I got, the heavier I lifted. I pushed and sweat and ground my frustrations of life daily until one day I realized I had built something I could be proud of – my body.
This came as a complete surprise because I hadn’t really noticed my progress until a total stranger approached me to ask what I charged to provide personal training! What? “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m not a personal trainer…,” I stammered.
Later a laughed as I recanted the story to my friend Anthony (the real trainer). His response was “why aren’t you a personal trainer?” I did not know the answer.
It seemed that, until then, I had given myself every reason not to believe in my abilities until I realized that my abilities were far greater than I had ever imagined them to be. At this epiphany, I realized that I could do, have, and be anything I wanted if I wanted it badly enough.
I had built a great body that I never thought possible. And this physical accomplishment helped me to realize the power I had within me. I believed in myself, and even more importantly, I believed I could help others believe in themselves, too.
So the decision was made. I pulled from my plethora of job experiences, and my college education and I continued to build. Only this time it wasn’t just to build my body; it was to build my life.
I read everything on health and fitness that I could get my hands on! I attended lectures, conventions and seminars on the subject. Eventually I earned certifications through the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America, The American Council on Exercise, and The Cooper Institute in addition to CPR and First Aid through the American Red Cross. Now I’m a licensed massage therapist, too.
I started with one client and gradually gathered more. Eventually, I opened the doors to my own facility, the Muscle Mechanics Studio, in December 1995. Then, after 10 years of growth, Muscle Mechanics moved to its current and “larger” location on Edloe Street with an existing staff of 7 trainers.
Looking back at the beginning, I was so much younger then. And, so much has changed over those years! We have collectively experienced the growth of the internet, the Columbine tragedy, and Martha Stewart mania. We’ve survived, catastrophic flooding; the 9/11/01 attacks, hurricanes Katrina, Rita & Ike and we’ve had financial highs and devastating lows, not to mention a historic presidential election.
Back in the very beginning of Muscle Mechanics, I was focused on growing aggressively both in my career and physical stature. And now, in my forties, having personally experienced much and I’m hopefully wiser for it; perhaps my perspective lens has been refocused.
I believe it is time to re-direct the view of wellness, health & fitness and we can no longer compartmentalize the gym from “real life.” They are symbiotic.
And so, my excellent Training Team of fitness professionals and I are more eager than ever to assist people in their pursuit of fulfilled, healthy and fit life. We have broadened our view on what we are committed to do for you – our community.
Our goal is simple really: To change the way people think about work, life and the delicate balance of the two.
At the end of the day, our overriding objective is for those people who join our mission to “Live Life Well” to be able to say, "The best decision I ever made was joining the team at Muscle Mechanics."
We vow to provide you with current and pertinent information on fitness and nutrition, career building, and whole living.
Our uniquely designed programs, seminars, events and strategic alliances with other like-minded businesses and organizations are catered toward the individual: you.
Continuing our previous commitment to the highest standards of personal service, we proceed. Determined to provide a “new” category of service-product that will enhance not only your physical well-being, but lead you to a life fulfilled.
Live life well,
John Aaron Villarreal
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