Jose Carrillo

What made you decide to join Strength Camp SF, and what drew you to our gym?

Honestly, I used to live in Daly City, and at the time I was seeing a health coach who recommended I try some form of strength training.

I found the gym out of sheer luck and proximity but its been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

What were you hoping to achieve or change in your life when you first joined?

I mainly wanted to improve my overall health and help build a strong muscle foundation for the future.

Of course like a lot of people I wanted to lose some weight and look better but I also wanted to feel better, improve my sleep quality, and increase my energy levels.

Before starting at Strength Camp SF, what were your top three fitness goals?

Become a morning person (still struggling with this one haha)

- Reduce some back pain (completely gone now!)

- Bench 225 lb (close!

At 215 lb right now and started at like 160 lb)

Since joining, what achievements are you most proud of, and why do they matter to you?

I’ve become incredibly consistent, going nearly 5 times a week to the gym.

When I started I struggled with consistency and worked my way up from 1-2 times a week.

I’ve also consistently made progress on my PRs (the only gym I’ve had success at this with) .

And I’ve managed to fix the problems which originally made me start at the gym (back pain and energy).

What compliments or positive feedback have you received since joining Strength Camp SF?

Friends and family have noticed I look better and stronger and they admire my dedication and consistency.

Even Kobe said my back and traps looked way better haha.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your journey?

Post any vacation or long break from the gym can be a bit rough starting back up.

I haven’t yet incorporated continuous workouts even when traveling or on vacation.

Also, burpees are pure evil.

And all forms of “not burpees” Kobe and Phil keep coming up with.

Who do you think would benefit most from joining Strength Camp SF, and why?

Anyone looking to try strength training for the first time, or anyone who is looking to make meaningful progress on their health journey.

It's truly a welcoming place for all skill levels and one of the only places I've seen beginners next to olympic weightlifters and everyone getting along.

I truly hope this never changes.

What’s your favorite thing about Strength Camp SF, and what makes it stand out from other gyms?

It's definitely the people, community, and coaching staff which make the place special and such a fun gym to go to.

I used to live in Daly City but even after moving further away I still make the trip out to Strength Camp because of it.

I've even made an awesome new group of friends there I wouldn't trade for the world.

Is there anything you would change or improve about Strength Camp SF to make the experience better for you?

It's hard to say because so much is going right at Strength Camp.

If anything I feel the gym needs a larger location!

Maybe bring back the turf!

The graffiti art is not my favorite but at least it gives the place some personality.

What does “growing stronger” mean to you?

True strength is perseverance and trust in the outcome.