We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Justin Pineda a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Gym Gurus Apparel was born from the desire to create a clothing brand that truly represents people like us—those who grind every day to build a stronger, better version of themselves. It’s more than just apparel; it’s a mindset of relentless growth, discipline, and pushing past limits. In a fitness culture that’s become trendy and lacks authenticity, where everyone is trying to be like someone else, we stand out by staying in our lane, locked in on our own goals.

We built this brand for the culture of grinders—the ones who fight for what they want, develop unshakable minds, and forge fierce spirits that they bring into the world to succeed at anything. Every design is created by me, inspired by the art of fitness and the weightlifting culture. These aren’t just clothes; they carry meaning beyond what you see—representing the struggle, the sacrifice, and the triumph that comes with the grind.

Justin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Tell us about yourself.

I’m Justin, the founder of Gym Gurus Apparel. Fitness has always been a major part of my life, not just for the physical benefits but for the discipline, resilience, and mindset it builds. I started Gym Gurus because I wanted to create a brand that truly represents the people who grind every day to become the best version of themselves—not just another trend, but something real. Outside of business, I balance work, family, and training, always striving for growth in every aspect of life.

How did you get into your industry?

I got into the fitness industry because I saw a gap—so many brands were chasing trends, but none really represented the authentic culture of grinders. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just gym clothing, but a mindset—a brand that speaks to those who put in the work every day, not for social media, but for themselves. That’s what led me to start Gym Gurus Apparel.

What types of products do you provide?

We provide high-quality gym wear designed for performance, comfort, and style. From seamless sets and performance joggers to mesh shorts and training tees, every piece is created with intention. I personally design each item to represent the art of fitness, making sure they’re more than just clothes—they stand for the mindset and culture of grinding for self-improvement.

What problems do you solve for your customers?

Our brand speaks to those who are serious about their journey and want gear that reflects their mindset. We provide durable, functional, and stylish gym wear that keeps up with intense training. But beyond the product, we give our customers something to connect with—a brand that understands their grind, their sacrifices, and their commitment to growth.

What sets you apart from other gym clothing brands?

Authenticity. The fitness space is full of trends, and a lot of brands just follow what’s popular. Gym Gurus stays in its lane, focused on real grinders—those who aren’t chasing clout but are locked in on their personal goals. Every design has meaning, inspired by the weightlifting culture and the mindset of pushing past limits. We’re not here to blend in; we’re here to build something real.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Seeing people connect with the brand and resonate with the message—that’s what keeps me going. It’s not just about selling clothes; it’s about creating something that pushes people to be better every day. When customers tell me Gym Gurus motivates them to keep grinding, that’s the real win.

What are the main things you want potential clients to know about your brand?

Gym Gurus is more than a clothing brand—it’s a mindset. It represents discipline, growth, and the commitment to becoming the best version of yourself. Our gear isn’t just about looking good; it’s about wearing something that aligns with your grind. If you’re someone who’s serious about leveling up—mind, body, and spirit—Gym Gurus is for you.

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

Starting Gym Gurus Apparel wasn’t easy. When I first got into the business, I had to learn everything from scratch—design, sourcing, marketing, and all the behind-the-scenes work that most people don’t see. There were times when samples came back completely wrong, when manufacturers didn’t deliver on time, or when sales weren’t where I wanted them to be. But quitting was never an option. I adapted, learned from every setback, and kept pushing forward. That’s the same mindset Gym Gurus represents—staying locked in, grinding through challenges, and always coming back stronger.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

I didn’t start out knowing how to manufacture products. I had the vision, but I had to put in the work to find the right vendors who could bring it to life. It took a lot of trial and error—testing different manufacturers, making adjustments to fabrics, fits, and quality until I got it right. I had to learn how to communicate exactly what I wanted and not settle for anything less.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that details matter. The wrong stitching, fabric, or fit can make or break a product. You have to stay patient and demand quality because, at the end of the day, your product represents your brand. Now, every piece I release is something I stand behind 100%, and that’s what makes Gym Gurus different—we don’t just put out gym clothes, we put out gear with purpose and meaning.

Contact Info:

• Website: GymGurusApparel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gymgurusapparel?igsh=MWp2dzN5amFrd2l0dQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12DxBnReukH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gymgurusapparel?_t=ZT-8tTg2uoFK2t&_r=1

Image Credits
Myself & Justin Abbott