Pristine Physique's owner Gary Gorospe knows fitness. The amatuer body builder used to compete throughout California, and the certified personal trainer says that staying in shape isn't just a business for him; it's a way of life.
"You have to live that lifestyle; it's something you have to adhere to. ... It's your breakfast, lunch, and dinner," he told the Sun.
Gorospe preaches a philosophy of goal setting, coupled with healthy diet and regular exercise. For most of his clients, he has to get them to commit to a target weight or appearance and then see it through.
"If you have a hurdle in front of you, you have three options: go around it, go over it, or go through it; it doesn't really matter which way you choose but you have to push fast," he said, "every hurdle after the fact is easier and easier."
The first step for many is just walking into the studio and asking for help.
"Once people can kind of come to terms that they need that, I can take it from there," Gorospe explained. "A lot of them are struggling from just a lack of taking care of themselves: We have families, responsibilities, and work so a lot of it just has to do with day-to-day life. Some end up working so much they don't take care of their bodies or if something happens, like an injury or an illness keeps them from exercising, they're not happy with themselves, so a lot of it just has to do with work.
"Life tends to get in the way, and between summer and the holidays, there is always something going on," he continued. "So I have to find that balance between keeping them accountable and still let them live their lives."
Founded in 2009, Pristine Physique began as "an idea to help all walks of life in the community with a healthier lifestyle and the concept of putting the client first," he said. "Living in this small community for so long, we know that we all gotta take care of each other and [keep] the local economy booming."
The training studio focuses on specific programs to help customers with weight loss and nutrition. Pristine also offers sport specific training along with injury rehab and prevention.
Between him and his wife, Gorospe estimates the studio has roughly 35 to 40 clients at any given time. Training or rehab sessions cost around $30 for individuals and $20 to $25 per person for groups.
"I love what I do," Gorospe said. "I love helping people and seeing my clients achieve goals that were not reachable by themselves; it pushes me to be better because if I can't be better, they can't either."
Pristine Physique is located at 2880 Santa Maria Way, suite B3, Santa Maria. To set up an appointment, call (805) 714-1456 or email [email protected].
Highlights:
• On Aug. 8, the Hispanic Business Committee of Lompoc awarded a $500 scholarship to future Allan Hancock College student and recent Lompoc High School graduate, Yesenia Tamayo.
• Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Tracy Farhard is now on the board of trustees for the Destination Marketing Association of the West (DMA West) Education and Research Foundation. The Visitors Bureau announced the appointment on Aug. 8. The board confirmed Farhad as a trustee-at-large through September 2020, according to DMA West. According to its website, the research foundation "conducts visitor-related industry research projects, develops educational programs, provides scholarship grants, and sponsors destination-marketing awareness projects associated with the visitor and convention industry."
• To the surprise of no one, Californians pay more at the pump than any other state except Hawaii, according to AAA of Southern California. A gallon of gasoline costs $3.60 on average statewide, soaring above the national average of $2.87. Santa Maria sat a little below the state average, with prices ranging from $3.29 to $3.43, according to Gas Buddy.
• A symposium focussing on managing stress for caregivers will be held on Sept. 8 at the Santa Maria Public Library from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is organized by the Family Service Agency and Antioch University. The presentation is free and open to the public. According to a pamphlet for the event, "the course is geared toward mental health professionals, family caregivers, and other supportive professionals."
• American Veterans United (AVU) will host its second family barbecue on Aug. 25 at Waller Park. Lunch will be served from noon to 3 p.m. Meals are $10 each. AVU is a nonprofit that helps veterans obtain its benefits, according to the organization's website.
• United Way of Northern Santa Barbara County held its annual "Stuff the Bus" collection event to help bring needed school supplies to under-resourced families Aug. 10 through 12 at its headquarters (1660 S. Broadway, suite 101, Santa Maria). The event focuses on filling two school buses with donated school supplies, such as backpacks, books, and writing materials.
Spencer Cole wrote this week's Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, mail, or email at [email protected].
