Meet Arlene Lopez Martinez | CEO of Kidisthenics

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

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My career has been a journey of highs and lows. Although I had a dynamic childhood, detailed in a related SD Voyager article, I believe it prepared me well for the business world. One of my greatest challenges has been learning to run a company without a formal business background, which involved a steep learning curve. A wise person once told me, “With a good lawyer and accountant, you can ease your worries.” Building a strong business team has provided much-needed balance and significantly helped me navigate the technical aspects of entrepreneurship. I overcame these challenges by seeking advice from those with more expertise. I’ve learned to always ask for help and to be like a sponge—constantly absorbing and learning new information. In sports, this is akin to being “coachable.” Understanding that I lacked a business background, I embraced this mindset while starting my own venture. I want the world to know that Kidisthenics is dedicated to helping those in need, whether they are part of the neurodiverse community or orphans in remote areas. Our vision is to support orphanages worldwide with our programs and provide the necessary tools and instruction to empower any community in need.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend were visiting, I’d start the week with a trip to La Jolla Village. We’d explore the charming shops and take in the stunning ocean views before enjoying brunch at Richard Walker’s Pancake House—a local favorite known for its delicious food and friendly staff. Next, we’d head to Del Mar Beach for a workout session together. I love exercising on the sand and breathing in the fresh sea air; it’s a grounding experience that I often share with my clients. In the evening, if my friend likes to go out, we’d venture over to either the Gaslamp Quarter or North Park. There, we’d dine at one of their many great restaurants and then explore the vibrant nightlife. This itinerary captures some of the best experiences San Diego has to offer for anyone visiting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my adopted parents, aunts and family members for all of their love and encouragement that they have given me on my journey. I am very grateful for my father who taught me what it means to have a strong work ethic. He instilled the idea of counting on yourself first and to always be consistent when pushing for your dreams. This is something I see in the COO of our company, Ryan Bigelow, who has helped me in various ways in the operations of Kidisthenics LLC. Without my team of movement specialists and all of the admin who work behind the scenes in our organization none of this would be possible.

Website: https://www.kidisthenics.org/

Instagram: kidisthenics_global