Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Garcia.
Hi Antonio, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
To explain how it all started with LSM, heres a little background story of myself; In 2019 at 22 years old I was a Personal Trainer for over 3 years, helping people with all levels of fitness towards a healthier lifestyle. I was attending Grossmont College for Pre-physical Therapy with a 4.0 GPA and was working full time hours as a PT Aide II at Kaiser Permanente. Working in the Fitness and Healthcare industry at the same time dramatically changed my perspective on life, and was visually seeing the unhealthy problems we had here in America.
We always hear about this topic especially in our field, but coming from National City I was taught to ALWAYS give back to my community in any way I can. So I had this idea to host Free Fit Camps for all ages to spread awareness of Childhood Obesity. Within 2 months, we had over 200 San Diegans that came out to support the cause and get a quick workout in at the same time! I was asked to design shirts to represent the cause.
Within days, they sold out. The ladies wanted leggings, those sold out as well. With that, I was able to make my first major donation to reduce Childhood Obesity in San Diego. So then I realized that there is no doubt there needs to be a high quality fitness apparel brand that helps reduce Childhood Obesity. It was a hard choice but I officially dropped out of school with a 4.0 GPA to start this Mission and Passion I truly love.
NOW, after a year of designing and field testing all our products with Fitness Athletes throughout San Diego, we officially launched Lifestyle Movement this year 2021. We are trusted by UCSD and Childhood Obesity Initiative. 10% of all profits fund programs currently reducing and preventing Childhood Obesity in San Diego. We are just starting out, but I am beyond grateful to have over 250 customers buy our apparel. This is still the beginning so any support helps.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Let’s just say the roads has been as rough as driving to Ramona or Julian. Hahaha.
With all jokes aside, it has honestly been the most challenging thing I have ever done and every day can be a struggle starting an apparel brand with a bigger purpose and vision. I am used to just being a Personal Trainer and Polynesian Entertainer, personally making people happy and to believe in themselves that they can be the change. But to start a business with no business background, it was definitely a rough start.
Some of the struggles was to try to make sure this brand can be an activewear brand for all different types of Athletes. I am a perfectionist when it comes to trying to make the best versatile activewear products for all different fitness lifestyles. So the production did take more time than expected. Also with trying to illustrate visually on Social Media platforms for our audience is a daily grind. I am thankful to collaborate and learn from Photographers and Cinematographer friends to illustrate the vision I have.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work at Kaiser Permanente as a Physical Therapy Aide II, assisting Physical and Occupational Therapists treat patients in both Hospital and Outpatient settings. From instructing therapeutic exercises for patients to helping them learn how to walk again from traumatic injuries. Among my peers, they call me “the jack of all trades” because in the outpatient rehab centers I also help them with project management and IT Support. I am the youngest employee at my work so a lot of them call me their “work son”.
I am proud that they trust me, the youngest employee in the department to help them with all their needs.
I believe what sets me apart from others is that I have a strong Fitness background with 3 certifications that correlate with Physical Therapy. I have my Personal Training and Sports Hypnosis Certification from NESTA, and my Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification from ISSA. This knowledge helped me tremendously at my workplace and being able to accommodate all different types of patient care.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is my family as I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for them. They gave me the humility and passion from our Islander roots to help others in any way and spread the true meaning of Aloha, which is unconditional LOVE without expecting to be received back.
Pricing:
- Shirts $20
- Crop Tanks $15
- Leggings $45
Contact Info:
- Email: antonio@lsmfit.com
- Website: https://lsmfit.com/pages/our-mission
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lsm.fit/
Image Credits:
Nick Haugen
