We recently connected with Jose Lopez and have shared our conversation below.

Jose, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I come from humble beginnings. I was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx one of the poorest boroughs. I’ve seen how underprivileged areas are essentially deprived of certain resources that would help our surrounding communities thrive in a more educated and healthier way. My mission has always been to create a space that helps people understand the importance of staying active and eating healthy. I also wanted to create a space that promotes bringing light to common daily issues that our communities face as well. Such as; fight against child obesity, anti-bully and self defense for victims of domestic violence.

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 was born in New York City to dedicated and driven parents and always understood the importance of striving for a better life. I’m a personal trainer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with an established track record. As a former athlete in the high school and collegiate levels, as well as a former boxer, I’m experienced in various fitness techniques and I have implemented these skills in my training. My professional career within corporate America has created a foundation to develop successful business strategies.

I founded Build N Box; a physical training facility offering personal training and group classes. Build N Box helped thousands achieve their fitness goals and led them towards healthier lifestyles. I opened my business doors; using my platform to create annual food and toy drives. Through this philanthropic work, I founded Operation B.N.B (Bigger N Better) a non-profit organization; offering several programs and initiatives to the community at no cost to any of the participants. Some of the initiatives were: anti-bullying, fight against child obesity and self-defense for women whom were victims to domestic violence. I later created the “B Strong Thanksgiving Food Drive”, which helped feed several single mothers and children at Mayas House; a homeless shelter located in the Bronx. The “B Strong Xmas Toy Drive” helped put smiles on the faces of children battling cancer at New York Presbyterian Hospital. These successful business ventures and philanthropic work have allowed me to change the lives of many in various ways, and that is what I consider to be the most gratifying part of my career thus far.

I went through my own struggles with weight issues after I sustained a knee injury in high school which resulted in requiring surgery. That same setback reignited what was instilled in me as a child. Through dedication and perseverance; I returned to once again become a well-conditioned athlete. Fitness has enabled me to change thousands of lives. I have been featured by Men’s Health Magazine and participated in the Men’s Health Magazine NYC’s Elite Trainers Open. I have also been featured in Telemundo and Univision for my innovative training methods. Some of my clients consist of celebrities, athletes and public figures. For two consecutive years, I was named the official trainer for all the contestants of the Miss Dominican Republic beauty pageant. I continue to work with some of the best professional boxers in the world; helping them to perform at optimal levels.

In 2021 I founded MUV The Gym; right here in the Orlando and Kissimmee area. MUV is very similar to my previous gym in New York which unfortunately; was later forced to close its doors due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic along with New York strict business guidelines. MUV does have its own identity one that is more edgy and more well put together! I look forward to making a mark here in Florida is such a big way all while changing many lives!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Consistency. Dedication. Resiliency. These three things were the keys to that, 100% I worked non-stop and still do. I believe that no one will believe in your vision or dreams if you don’t. I also believe that dreams don’t work if don’t. So I made sure that there will never be anyone to outwork me….ever!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Just like my last gym I built; I’ve built both of them from the ground up. However; MUV The Gym is different in many ways. My first gym was located in the footprint where I was raised and had a huge clientele base. Now I’ve relocated to thousands of miles away where not even a single person knows who I am nor what I’m capable of. I made sure they will though. So I’ve worked every single day over a year now….most days 15-16 hours a day to make sure MUV The Gym is successful. I’m beyond grateful to say that our classes are full and we’re growing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.muvthegym.com
• Instagram: @iam_jlopez
• Facebook: MUVthegym
• Youtube: MUV The Gym