We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carlos Sosa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carlos below.
Carlos, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
SURFCORE Fitness started from a simple frustration: most gyms felt cold, impersonal, and disconnected. I wanted to create something different — a place with real community, real accountability, and workouts that actually work. A space powered by aloha, where people feel seen and supported.
In the beginning, it was just me — coaching, cleaning, building the brand from scratch in a small space on La Cienega. I created the SURFCORE method to blend personal training results with the energy of a group — all in a tight-knit, ego-free setting. No big investors, just grit and vision.
The challenges were nonstop: permits, marketing, tech, and learning to wear every hat. But the biggest challenge was believing it would work before anyone else did.
If I could go back, I’d remind myself: it’s not about being the biggest, it’s about being the best. My advice? Start small, stay clear on your values, and build something you’d want to walk into every day.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m an island boy at heart — born and raised in the islands, shaped by the ocean, sun, and community. I grew up surfing and paddling outrigger canoe competitively, and that lifestyle taught me everything I bring into SURFCORE: discipline, connection, flow, and the importance of moving with purpose.
Fitness has always been a huge part of my life, but I never vibed with the cold, transactional feel of big-box gyms. So I built something different. SURFCORE Fitness is my answer to what I felt was missing — a place where people train hard and feel part of a crew. We blend the intensity of personal training with the camaraderie of a small group, all in a space powered by aloha and authenticity.
Our workouts are designed to get results, fast — whether you’re here to get lean, get strong, or just feel good in your skin again. But more than that, we offer community. People don’t come to SURFCORE just to sweat — they come because they feel seen, supported, and challenged.
What sets us apart? I think it’s the mix of heart and hustle. I coach every session, and I bring that island energy into everything I do — laid-back but locked in. We train like athletes, but we vibe like family.
I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built. SURFCORE isn’t just a gym — it’s a movement. It’s for people who want more than a workout. They want connection, results, and something real. And that’s what I live for.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro started gaining traction, I saw a massive shift happening — people were losing weight fast, but also losing muscle, strength, and in many cases… confidence. A lot of trainers ignored it or judged it. I leaned in.
I knew these clients needed more than just a workout — they needed guidance. I spent months researching, adjusting programming, and building a training protocol specifically for people on GLP-1s. Now, SURFCORE is one of the few gyms in the country truly leading in this space. In fact, the LA Times recognized us as experts in GLP-1 fitness — something I’m incredibly proud of.
The resilience came in pushing forward with something no one else was doing yet — getting backlash, having to educate even some professionals, and building trust client by client. But I believed in the mission: to help people not just lose weight, but rebuild their strength, preserve muscle, and feel powerful again.
Today, GLP-1 users make up a big part of our community. They’re not just surviving their journey — they’re thriving. And SURFCORE gets to be the place that helps them do it.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Honestly? We built our reputation by doing what most gyms don’t: giving a damn.
At SURFCORE, every session — whether it’s small group or one-on-one personal training — is coached with intention. We track your progress, know your goals, and push you to perform at your best. Our unique training model blends the energy of group fitness with the precision of personal training, creating an environment where people get results and stay consistent.
One of the things our members love most is our 6-Week Challenge — it’s not just a transformation program, it’s a full reset. People lose fat, gain muscle, build confidence, and feel part of a crew. It’s become a signature experience that sets the tone for long-term success.
We’re also ahead of the curve. When GLP-1 meds like Ozempic and Mounjaro started trending, we stepped up with a full training protocol tailored to GLP-1 users. That leadership earned us recognition in the LA Times and helped us become a trusted resource for those navigating body changes on medication.
What really sets SURFCORE apart is the vibe. We’re independently owned, locally rooted, and powered by aloha. Our culture is tight, our workouts are serious, and the support is real. People come for the results — but they stay for the community.
That’s how we built our name — through passion, purpose, and showing up every damn day for our people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.surfcorefitness.net/
- Instagram: @surfcorefitness
Image Credits
No credit needed all images by me