We recently connected with Miguel Angel Sanchez and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Miguel Angel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

I could say there were a few parts that contributed to this specific defining moment. I was at a crossroads in my career, and i was constantly asking myself, how can i truly create the opportunity to make an impact in my community. 2019 I created a workshop, named “Body Awareness Workshop.” With my background of constantly being injured and dealing with physical pain, i wanted to show people that no matter the limitations one might have, you can still find ways to stay physically active. Fast forward, that workshop allowed me to educate many walks of life, which in turn began my momentum of helping people by training them 1 on 1. I’ve had many great experiences with people, but one in particular, showed me how much of an impact i can truly have. Mr. Richard Floyd, we started working with each other late 2019, and when we first met, he made it clear to me that he was on the verge of giving up on finding a solution that can improve his current circumstances. He was dealing with a lot of knee pain, it hurt to walk, sit, could barely bend it. And in his line of work, he needed to be constantly moving, climbing ladders, carrying equipment, kneeling, and bending. But all that was nearly impossible. Fast forward, after working for 6 plus months, Mr. Richard was a total different person. His wife had this to say:

“…the wonderful work that Miguel has provided to my
husband. He is a changed man, more pain free than he has been for years,
and much stronger, happier and younger! It is a truly a miracle.”

That experience was my defining moment, my reminder that I was and am in the right path.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My story, well, growing up I was a problem child. But not in your typical trouble maker way, more so in always taking a visit to the doctor’s office. Always sick or injured. Battling being sick or dealing with different sprains and strains, and overcoming these times helped me appreciate the healthy times. One of the worst times came when I was 16-17 years old, I suffered from really bad lower back spasms, where I ended up in the emergency room, then transferred to a hospital for about two weeks. After multiple tests, from MRIs to CT scans, x-rays, you name it, Doctors could not figure out what was wrong. I couldn’t sit up, I couldn’t stand, I couldn’t take steps forward without assistance, any sudden move would trigger and increase my spasms, to the point where my body would curl into the fetus position, and spasms would last for a long time before they would settle down. Long story short, the only thing that helped was my chiropractor.

He performed manual therapy on my body twice a week for about seven to eight weeks, until I could finally walk again with zero assistance. Because of the experience, I was inspired to pursue a career that involved helping others get out of physical pain. I received my degree in Sports Therapy and Rehab, and with my love for strength training, I was able to receive multiple certifications that allowed me to combine the two.

I have had the pleasure and privilege to help people all over southern California, like San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles area, San Diego, and for a time in the state of Florida. I currently work both out of a CrossFit gym and a wellness center. I am back in the greater part of LA County after being in San Diego for nearly 4 years, and looking to continue to grow my brand and provide and share my services to anyone in need. My services include massage therapy, personal training, and rehab from sport injuries.

CrossFit Reason: in Arcadia CA (@reasonfit)
SpaceBAR Wellness: Monrovia/Pasadena, CA (@spacebarwellness)

I cater to people that are dealing with pain management, physical imbalances, that prohibit them to participate in their sport,
or day to day activities, or any form of exercise that they participate in. Some of the imbalances could be due to weak muscles, stress, and/or previous injuries. My services include Strength training (personal training), sports massage therapy, and rehabbing injuries. Depending on the client’s goals, I take pride in seeing my clients relieved and happy that they’re going back to their exercise or day to day routine with zero pain or discomfort. What sets me apart from others, is that my awareness built from my own body pain experiences, allows me to easily relate and also understand what my clients may be going through.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

“I need to figure this out all by myself” “I can do this on my own”
In the early stages, I had this false impression that anyone that was great in their field or was successful did it all on their own. They received no assistance they just figured it out. But as the saying goes “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” In the early stages of my career, I was able to create some momentum, but then quickly hit a ceiling or a limit. I didn’t know how to ask for help, until i did. I saw the value in reaching out, and learning from peers who have had surpassed my current circumstance. Whether it was me hiring a coach or seeking a mentor, i quickly realized that it truly takes a village to build something great.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Empathy.

Caring, and truly trying to understand what clients are feeling, thinking, and going through.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crossfitreason.com/
• Instagram: @_miguelangelsanchez
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-sanchez-721a2115b/
• Other: @reasonfit @spacebarwellness

Image Credits
Ismael Garcia Jr IG: @_e.captures_