Meet Michael Hughes | Movement Longevity Specialist & Educator

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

Hi Michael, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My journey to founding Gymnazo was driven by a passion for transformative health and fitness combined with a vision to revolutionize how we approach physical training. From a young age, I was captivated by the power of intentional, multidimensional movement and its profound impact on long-term health and functionality. This passion was further fueled by my personal experiences and challenges, including multiple unsuccessful attempts to enter Physical Therapy graduate programs. Each rejection, though disheartening at the time, redirected my path and deepened my resolve.

The concept for Gymnazo emerged from my desire to bridge the gap between conventional fitness methods and the rehabilitative, functional movement necessary for a high quality of life. Witnessing firsthand the limitations of traditional fitness regimes in addressing the full spectrum of human movement and health needs, I was inspired to develop the MōV method. This approach is centered on expanding life through enhancing physical abilities and solving movement dysfunctions, empowering individuals to lead fuller, more active lives.

As a visionary leader, my aim was not just to create a gym but to cultivate a community and an educational platform that could set a new standard in the fitness industry. This led to the dual structure of Gymnazo’s physical location and our online educational arm, Gymnazo EDU, which shares our methodologies globally. Through Gymnazo, we are not only addressing immediate fitness goals but are also pioneering a shift towards long-term wellness and movement longevity, contributing to a broader transformation in health and fitness perspectives.

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?
Gymnazo is more than just a fitness facility; it’s a pioneer in multidimensional movement health, dedicated to enhancing life through our unique MōV method. What sets us apart is our commitment to expanding the traditional scope of fitness training to include movement sustainability and functionality that serves individuals throughout their lifetime. This approach aligns with the emerging paradigm of Fitness 3.0, where the focus shifts from mere aesthetics to overall health and longevity.

The journey to where we are today has been anything but easy. It began with a vision to integrate the robustness of physical therapy into everyday fitness. Each rejection from grad school deepened my resolve to forge a new path, leading to the birth of Gymnazo and later, Gymnazo EDU—an online platform that extends our reach globally. Challenges such as navigating market fluctuations, refining our brand message, and adapting to digital education were met with an unwavering commitment to our core philosophy and a flexible, innovative mindset.

Over the years, we’ve learned valuable lessons about the importance of clarity in communication, the strength of community support, and the need for continuous adaptation and learning. One key takeaway is the significance of feedback—both from our clients and our team—which has been instrumental in refining our programs and methodologies.

I want the world to know that Gymnazo or the MōV method is not just about improving fitness but about revolutionizing how people relate to their bodies and their potential. Our brand story is one of renegades, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of expanding life through intentional movement. Gymnazo (MōV) is here to set a new standard in the fitness industry, ensuring that each person we touch moves better, lives fuller, and reaches their highest potential for health and vitality.

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.
For a week-long adventure in San Luis Obispo, I’d ensure my best friend experiences the perfect blend of relaxation, excitement, and the unique charm of our area. Here’s how we’d spend the week:

Day 1: Downtown Exploration
Morning: Workout at Gymnazo then Breakfast Sally Loo’s, known for its fresh, local ingredients.
Midday: A stroll through Downtown San Luis Obispo, exploring boutique shops and the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
Evening: Dinner at Novo Restaurant & Lounge, offering a delightful creekside setting. Afterward, we’d catch a show at the Fremont Theater, a restored cinema with a vintage vibe.

Day 2: Beach Day at Avila Beach
Morning: Grabbing coffee and pastries at Kraken Coffee Co., right by the pier.
Day: Sunbathing, swimming, and perhaps renting paddleboards to explore the coastline.
Evening: Enjoying French dishes at the Blue Moon, overlooking the ocean, followed by a walk on the pier under the stars.

Day 3: Wine Tasting in Edna Valley
Day: Workout at Gymnazo then visiting several wineries like Biddle Ranch Vineyard and Chamisal Vineyards for tastings and vineyard tours.
Evening: Dinner at Ember, known for its wood-fired cuisine that’s locally sourced and beautifully prepared.

Day 4: Adventure in Morro Bay
Morning: Kayaking in Morro Bay among the sea otters and seals.
Afternoon: Lunch at Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant for the catch of the day.
Evening: A drive up to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, marveling at the grandeur and history.

Day 5: Hiking and Relaxing in Nature
Day: Workout at Gymnazo then hiking Bishop Peak for panoramic views of the Central Coast.
Evening: Relaxing with a casual dinner at Old San Luis BBQ, famous for their tri-tip sandwiches.

Day 6: Day Trip to Paso Robles
Day: Exploring more wineries, or perhaps a visit to the Paso Robles Distillery Trail for a change of pace.
Evening: Enjoying a farm-to-table meal at Thomas Hill Organics, known for its inventive, organic dishes.

Day 7: Leisure and Local Farewell
Morning: Workout at Gymnazo then brunch at Piadina for a leisurely morning.
Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at local artisan markets and galleries.
Evening: A farewell dinner at Ciopinot, a seafood grille that offers some of the best local catches and fine wines.

Throughout the week, we’d make sure to indulge in the local coffee shops, bakeries, and maybe even sneak in a spa day for ultimate relaxation. San Luis Obispo offers a perfect mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and fantastic food and drink, ensuring a memorable visit full of enjoyable moments.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, the idea that we achieve success on our own is a myth. There are numerous individuals and influences that have significantly shaped my journey and the creation of Gymnazo. If I were to dedicate a shoutout, it would undoubtedly be to my family, whose unwavering support and belief in my vision have been fundamental to my resilience and persistence. My wife, in particular, has been a cornerstone in growing the business and balancing both encouragement and grounded advice, which has been essential during challenging times.

Professionally, I owe a great deal of gratitude to the individuals that helped shape and grow Gymnazo over the past 15 years and the health professionals who embraced the MōV method and integrated it into their practices. While I can’t name them all I do greatly appreciate those who have been with me the longest, Kaleena Ruskin, CJ Kobliska and Mercedes Mclaughlin. Their commitment to our philosophy and their feedback have been invaluable in refining our approach and expanding our impact.

Additionally, I would like to recognize the profound influence of Dr. Gray Gray’s work, particularly the fellowship he created. His concepts of “Applied Functional Science” resonate deeply with our “Fitness 3.0” philosophy at Gymnazo, focusing on longevity and sustainable health. The fellowship has not only inspired me personally but has also been instrumental in shaping the educational backbone of our training programs

Lastly, a shout out to the broader San Luis Obispo community and the local Chamber of Commerce. Their support has been crucial in establishing Gymnazo as a trusted local enterprise, and their continual engagement has helped foster a nurturing environment for both personal and professional growth.

Website: https://www.gymnazo.com

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