Meet Joe Perales of Gold's Gym North Hollywood
Joe has overcome many obstacles in life to become the model of health and fitness that he is today. Battling depression, coupled with unhealthy eating and low self esteem, Joe was on a downward spiral. After years of this cycle, he decided to make a change after talking to personal trainer, Ariel from Gold's Gym North Hollywood. With support from Ariel and his peers, Joe has transformed his life and his body. Since the Gold's Challenge, Joe is mentally and physically in the best shape of his life. We hope you are just as inspired by Joe's story as we are.
Here's Joe's transformation! He worked hard and looks and feels better than ever.
Q: Why did you decide to take the 2018 Challenge and make a change?
Joe: It took me 10 years to make a decision to change the way I look. I looked fat, my chest was saggy and my belly and love handles were so big that I felt I had two tires around my waist. I hated the way I looked. One day I was at the gym and I had a conversation with personal trainer, Ariel. I told him I wasn't happy about my body and he said he could get me into shape. I felt encouraged, motivated and ready to start working out. Thanks to Ariel’s support and encouragement, I started training with him and began seeing results. He helped me believe in myself -- I made the change. It took me three months of dedication, discipline and wanting to win and I WON!
Q: What was it like participating in the challenge? Who inspired you to participate?
Joe: My personal trainer Ariel helped me believe in myself, be confident and taught me to never say no to any challenge. The three month journey was not easy -- it was one of the hardest things that I’ve done in my life. But in the end, it was all worth it. Exercising, eating right and being positive is the key to maintaining a healthy mind. Losing 30 pounds in three months was something that I could have never dreamed of doing by myself. But I did it and it was the best thing I could have done. Thank you, Gold’s Gym SoCal for the Challenge.
Q: Describe your fitness journey?
Joe: During the intense workouts, in the beginning, I was so negative. I would say “No, I can’t 
do that” to everything. Ariel would say, “‘Yes, you can." Throughout this time, I learned to change my body and my bad habits. I learned discipline. I learned to face my fears and to listen to my body. I couldn’t have done this transformation alone. Ariel taught me to care for myself, to be positive and most of all to love myself.
Q: What are your favorite fitness classes?
Joe: My favorite classes are Cycle and Bodycombat. I love taking those classes at the Downtown Los Angeles and Glendale gyms.
Q. What do you love most about Gold’s Gym?
Joe: I love their customer service. The staff treats you like family. They are welcoming, helpful and they’re always smiling at their members.
Q. How are you planning to maintain your results?
Joe: I have no choice. I will continue to workout harder. I’m focused. Ariel still trains me. I’m determined to look better and feel better. I have to keep moving forward. I’m not going 
back to my old body.
Q. Who do you credit mostly for keeping you accountable and motivated during the Challenge?
Joe: I couldn't have accomplished this without Ariel. Also, trainer Gee Scott provided me with several training sessions. He was always making sure that I was on track with my training and meals.
Q. How has your life changed since the Challenge?
Joe: I feel good and I look good. I’m happier. Being part of the 2018 Gold's Challenge has given me the opportunity to be competitive with myself, to strive for goals beyond my limits and transform my body beyond my imagination. My win is a huge accomplishment. Thank you, Gold's Gym SoCal and thank you to all the staff who worked really hard to put this Challenge together. It definitely made me the best me I could be.
Check out this video to learn more about Joe's journey to fitness.
The Gold's Challenge Will Change Your Life
Joe, we will continue to support you in all your fitness endeavors! We can't wait to see where your future lies. Thank you for taking time to talk to us about your experience. You inspire us.
Joe wouldn't have achieved so much without the support and encouragement from his personal trainer. We encourage you to link up with a personal trainer and to take the Gold’s Challenge yourself. We also recommend starting the challenge with our FREE 8 Week Shred program.
