Meet Michael Lopez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was getting fired from doing everything else so I decided to start my own business and do it the way I wanted to do it. I wanted to have fun doing what I enjoy and I want every single person who walks thru my doors to feel like they are appreciated and welcomed. I was extremely scared about starting my own business but I knew I would live with regret if i didnt.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Most Hated Gym might have the toughest name in Los Angeles, but our clients know it’s just our way of weeding out the excuses. We’re the highest-rated independent gym in LA because we actually care — about your form, your progress, and making sure you leave each session stronger, sweatier, and laughing even when your legs feel like noodles. We blend strict accountability with a fun, no-BS environment that makes every workout something you look forward to, not something you dread. That’s why our community keeps coming back, and why we’re the most loved “Most Hated Gym” in the city.
One of the things we DO NOT do when you first come to us is throw everything at you. We teach you the basics and grow from there. There are so many trainers that will get a new client, show the client exercises, with added weight, and nearly disable them for a week. This is not the way it should be when someone first starts. This is a slow process of fitness education. Learn how to use the car first before you step on the gas.
Our gym has gone thru ups and downs with some of the financial crisis that has occurred over the past decade. We managed to strive and perceiver. Hire slow and fire quick unfortunately is sometime I had to learn the hard way. When you find that an employee is just not aligned with your vison or your services then you have to let them go fast. If not, its like a virus, the negative attitude and behavior is highly toxic in a service oriented business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to an outdoor LA festival or concert. I love food with experiences so that would also be on my list. I would hire a Lowrider to take us around LA with the top down and hitting the hydraulic switches.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think the book that really helped me cultivate the environment and culture I wanted at my gym was “Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh. I loved how they wrote about giving that client an “Experience”. Under promise and over deliver. I love to surprise my clients with acts of service. The other book I really loved is “Tribal Leadership: Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving Organization”, by John King.

Website: https://mosthatedgym.com

Instagram: @mosthatedtrainer

Yelp: Most Hated Gym