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

Hi Paul, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There are very few meritocracies left, and gym are one of the few that remain. There are also very few places left whose purpose is to serve the community, to continue to make the most local people the most important people and the centerpiece of synergistic success. If the people closest to me come to my gym and succeed, I will succeed. My thought process was simple. Be available to my community. Be available to aid in strength development for the people close to me. Be available to provide a place to go. Be available to provide purpose. Be available to community me era who want to improve themselves in almost any way, and hand out that blueprint.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In Training is the newest old gym in Los Angeles. It’s the first personal training gym in the city and was established by a legend in the industry, Jon Aranita. Jon approached me a few months ago to discuss a succession plan, a plan we executed at the beginning of 2024. I took over sole ownership March 1 and am most excited to be a steward as a new generation of trainers and clients discover the beautiful discipline of weightlifting. I’m proud to own a physical gym, to offer IN PERSON training, to deal with real humans as they both struggle and succeed as opposed to sending videos and one-size fit all programs into the aether of social media. I’m proud to have shown up to unlock the doors every day while also undergoing treatment for stage 4 cancer. What sets us apart? We will be here. We are not a brand. We are a place to go when you need to feel better, and it’s nearly inevitable that when you leave, you will. I overcome challenges by being in the business of overcoming challenges.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start in a cryotherapy chamber, nothing on this earth is better than starting a day at -240 degrees. Then – squats. If I’m not sounding fun you are right, I’m not that fun. But you’ll be fulfilled. Then a healthy lunch, probably Beverly Fish Grill for the best piece of salmon in LA. Next we would be off to a dog rescue organization and adopt dogs, then take those dogs straight to a beach, probably Playa Del Rey so we could grab a take out at the wonderful Playa Provisions and walk it the half a block to the beach. Because we woke up at 5 we still have plenty of time so it’s back to the heart of the city for some sneakers shopping on Fairfax and we absolutely have to stop at the Mitchell and Ness store. From there we can get a little high end and visit Tomoko Spa for a massage. At this point it’s likely I’ll be feeling a little underworked and compelled to show off my new dog so it’s back to the gym, of course my gym is a dog friendly, to work up and appetite. Kettlebell front swings and conditioning always produces a great hunger. We can then satisfy that hunger at Matsumoto. Ordering the Izakaya there is amongst the best decisions I’ve ever made. Now, what time is it? I go to bed at 9. Do we have time for ice cream? I’ll go with the butter pecan from Carmela.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to say thank you to my healthcare team at Cedars Sinai. My surgeons, oncological team and all of the amazing nurses there who were incredible partners in my experience overcoming cancer and its unique challenges. Becoming a gym owner while going through cancer treatment would not have been possible without their incredible care and skill.

Instagram: your_trainer_paul

Other: I mostly don’t have this stuff. I’m launching. Website next month.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.