We were lucky to catch up with Gina Aguirre recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gina, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

When I think about the legacy I want to leave behind, it’s not just about financial success or scaling a business to new heights. For me, the real measure of success is the positive impact I can make on others. It is deeply rooted in empowering women, especially those who give so much to their families and careers that they often forget to prioritize themselves. So many women struggle with self-esteem and self image, feeling like they don’t have the time or energy to focus on their own well-being. I want to change that narrative. I want to show women that investing in their health and fitness isn’t selfish—it’s a necessary step toward living a more fulfilling life.

What’s truly special is seeing how, when women start taking time for themselves and working on their mindset, it doesn’t just change their bodies—it transforms how they see themselves. I’ve had the honor of helping women not only improve their physical health but also discover a deeper passion for fitness they never knew existed, some even turning it into a meaningful career. These women, who once struggled to find time for themselves, have gone on to become mentors and leaders in their community, inspiring others to begin their own journeys.

My hope is to create a ripple effect—helping women realize their worth, regain their confidence, and, in doing so, become role models for others. This is the legacy I want to build: one where women lift each other up, creating a cycle of empowerment, strength, and self-discovery.

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?

My name is Gina Aguirre, and I was born and raised in Southern California, where I’ve remained my entire life, due to my love for my town and its community. Throughout my life, I faced challenges with my weight and self-esteem, but it wasn’t until after marriage and the birth of my fourth child that I truly recognized how out of control my health had become. At my heaviest, I was battling depression while trying to manage the demands of family life.

My turning point came when I discovered a small boot camp that transformed my understanding of fitness. There, I learned how to combine nutrition with effective workouts, and I began to see remarkable changes in my body and mindset. What truly ignited my passion for fitness was helping other women at the boot camp. I witnessed firsthand how fitness could empower and uplift, and that experience inspired me to pursue a path in fitness coaching.

As a certified fitness coach, I provide personalized coaching services that focus on both physical fitness and mental well-being. My approach combines tailored workout plans, nutritional guidance, and ongoing support to help clients achieve their health goals. I specialize in working with women, particularly those who struggle with self-esteem and weight management.

I understand the unique challenges many women face, especially those who juggle family responsibilities and personal aspirations. My mission is to empower them to prioritize their health and well-being, fostering a love for fitness that extends beyond the gym. By addressing both physical transformation and mental resilience, I help clients build confidence and a sustainable lifestyle.

My deeply personal journey and my commitment to creating a supportive community set us apart from most gyms. My own struggles with weight and self-esteem allow me to empathize with my clients and provide them with relatable guidance. Additionally, my business is family-owned and operated, which cultivates a warm, welcoming environment. My family’s involvement means we understand the importance of balance and support in achieving fitness goals, and we work hard to ensure that our clients feel like part of our family.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built around our fitness programs. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see women empower one another, share their journeys, and celebrate their successes together. Helping clients realize their potential and transform not only their bodies but also their lives is a source of immense pride for me.

I want potential clients and followers to know that my brand is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and community. My journey has taught me that transformation goes beyond physical appearance; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a lasting love for fitness. I believe that everyone has the potential to thrive, and my goal is to provide the support and resources needed to help them succeed. If you’re ready to take that step toward a healthier, happier you, I’m here to guide you every step of the way!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Before the pandemic, my business operated entirely in person, focusing on group fitness sessions where connection and accountability were key. When Covid forced us to shut down, it was incredibly stressful. We faced the reality of not being able to open our doors and knew we had to pivot fast to survive. Transitioning to online coaching was not easy, but we moved quickly, running live Zoom sessions and working out alongside our clients to maintain the sense of community that was so important.

We had to work harder than ever to keep our business afloat and our clients engaged. On top of the new online format, we purchased gift certificates from local mom-and-pop shops to raffle off to our clients, which not only kept them motivated but also supported small businesses in our area. We also created challenges to help clients stay committed to their weight-loss journeys and transformations.

Additionally, we introduced a live talk show, via Facebook live, called “Tea with Gee,” where we joked, talked about nutrition and fitness and discussed current events. It was a fun way to stay connected and keep people engaged during an isolating time.

Despite the stress and the long hours, we pushed through and found new ways to connect with our clients. The experience taught me how crucial it is to stay adaptable, resilient, and connected with our community during tough times.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding our business was one of the most challenging and emotional parts of this journey. It wasn’t just about finances; it was about sacrifice, trust, and belief. My husband made the incredible decision to pull out his 401k—our safety net—to invest in me and the vision we had for our gym. It was a massive risk, and it still amazes me how much he believed in me.

Even with that, we both had to keep working full time right up until the day we opened our doors, just to make ends meet. There were long days and sleepless nights where we juggled jobs, bills, kids and the stress of turning this dream into reality. It wasn’t easy, but we kept going because we believed that all the sacrifice would be worth it. We knew deep down that this was something we were meant to do, and that kept us moving forward, no matter how tough it got.

There were moments when we fell short, and that’s where the power of community really showed. All the connections we had made through friends and family came together to help us. Whether it was lending us equipment, providing extra hands, or offering financial support, they believed in what we were trying to create. It was incredibly humbling to see people rally behind us, and it made us even more determined to succeed.

That combination of personal sacrifice and community support gave us the foundation we needed to finally open our gym. It taught me that no dream is built alone, and sometimes, taking a risk is a leap of faith not just for yourself, but for the people who believe in you too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fitbodybootcamp.com/locations/highland-park-los-angeles-ca/
• Instagram: Fbbc_highlandpark
• Facebook: Highland Park Fit Body Boot Camp
• Youtube: Highland Park Fit Body Boot Camp
• Yelp: Highland Park Fit Body Boot Camp