FLYTE's Newest Athlete, Felix!

What’s up everybody!

My name is Felix, and I’m a performance coach / personal trainer / training studio owner out here in Fresno, CA. I love working out, listening to motivational content, enjoying the outdoors and, most of all, praising Jesus Christ.

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY (the Pitkin Avenue projects to be more exact) then moved to California with my two younger sisters when I was about 13 or 14. Growing up, I wasn't really a fitness- or athletic kid; I was actually an aspiring artist, dreaming to one day be a comic book artist for Marvel. Drawing was like an escape for me, seeing as to my childhood bring-up wasn't of the best quality, being in and out of group homes and foster care. My family tried to do the best with me with what they could, but I was always a knucklehead and defiant little dude, wanting my own way, ultimately moving me and my younger sisters out to Cali to live with my older sister.

In high school, playing sports (volleyball and basketball) really helped me understand the importance of exercise because I was constantly finding ways to challenge my mental fortitude and body. I was more of a plyometric-type guy – I loved jumping, sprinting, bodyweight training, etc. Till this day, volleyball is my favorite sport even though I don’t look like a volleyball player, walking around at 270 lbs.

After high school, I decided to serve my country and joined the Army for 16 years. I served four years active duty, then twelve years in the California Army National Guard. Once I transitioned to the National Guard, I got my first civilian job at a big box gym called Bally Total Fitness. Those were the good old days… I practically served in every position, including Personal Trainer, Fitness Director, and General Manager.

My seven-year tenure there is what really started me on my fitness journey and grew the love and passion that I have for fitness today. In 2011, I met a guy by the name of Greg and together we developed a very successful training studio called GN2 Fitness. I also began to compete in several local NPC bodybuilding competitions, like the Fresno Classic and the Central Valley Classic. I was a super heavyweight all three times I competed, placing first in two competitions and second in the other. Getting back on stage is definitely something I want to do, but I'm having too much fun training the way I do now – a blend between CrossFit, bodybuilding, bodyweight training, functional training, and HIIT, all packaged together like a burrito. I often joke that this hybrid style of training is more for skinny people, but it feels good to be able to move like a 220-pound male at 270 lbs.

In March 2016, my partner and I decided to go our separate ways and pursue our respective beliefs about what fitness should be like, resulting in my current training studio: Fitness Grind and Performance. During that time was when I also found my faith and accepted Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior (I’ll save my testimony for a later date). It’s been the best time of my life, really understanding what it’s like to consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control for all my life’s journeys and ambitions. Just as my life verse says, Philippians 4:12-13: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” He’s been too good to me.

I’m pumped and honored to be a part of the Flyte team. I love what they stand for and the core values they embrace. Flyte never discredits their character and boldly moves with a purpose to inspire others to embrace their true greatness.

I’m excited for what’s to come and hope to inspire you guys to embrace the greatness within you! Let’s be great together and continue to take FLYTE!

Blessings,

Felix Gonzalez, Owner and trainer at FG Performance