Qualifications
Member | June 2025
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 And I’ve managed to fix the problems which originally made me start at the gym (back pain and energy).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.