Alumni pushing others to better bodies

   When it comes to fitness, it doesn’t take a world-class athlete to achieve positive results and that’s what PUSH fitness is hoping to relay to its customers.

UTEP alumni, Daniel Alvarado and Justin Kaufman have put to work their experiences in exercise and fitness to create a business that can appeal to the “average Joe” or an athlete training for a triathlon.

“We’re a gym that non-gym goers, go to,” Alvarado said. “I established a program called ‘push play’ and that incorporates anything from crossfit to kettle bell training to sports specific and strength and conditioning. It allows you to adapt to your progress.”

In a Men’s Fitness 2012 study on the fattest cities in America, El Paso ranked seventh, with Houston earning the number one spot.

PUSH is helping their members reach their fitness goals weather it be to improve cardiovascular conditioning or simply lose weight. The gym takes in a variety of clients, big or small, old or young.

“It’s for anyone, we’re the gym that will take a 400-pound person and not feel intimidated at our gym, or even the best athlete can come in and have an intense workout,” Alvarado said. “It’s the environment that we create for the individual.”

Alvarado, now 30, has been a personal trainer since the age of 24. He graduated from UTEP in 2008 with a degree in exercise science. After working for a chiropractor, he built his clientele and that’s what sparked the idea for PUSH fitness.

On the other hand, CEO and co-owner Kaufman who’s a criminal justice major, has a background in gymnastics. Kaufman practiced the sport during his time at Texas Tech before finishing his undergraduate degree at UTEP.

“I’m a little business savvy, we’re just trying to find a good concept with what I know with my business partner (Alvarado),” Kaufman said. “We just kind of put our idea together and wanted to offer everything we could, anyone can go in there and we’ll modify our workouts to suit their needs.”

The business has gained attention from current UTEP students as well. Yanelle Olmos, junior nursing student said the gym has provided her a convenient way to stay in shape and she would advice anyone looking to improve their fitness to give it a try.

“I would say try it. There’s nothing you can lose and it’s a fast workout,” Olmos said. “Being in the nursing program, I hardly have time to work out. So I come and workout for 20 or 30 minutes. You burn as many calories as you would in an hour or two at the gym.”

Crossfit incorporates multiple ways of training that includes cardio, plyometrics and weights. For people used to the more traditional bodybuilding style of training, the idea of crossfit may come across as unfit for their needs.

Kaufman acknowledges that there are differences between both training styles, but still believes that his gym is good for anyone.

“It’s hard to change people’s minds. I used to be that guy too. It’s just a complete different level, in bodybuilding, you’re molding your body for a specific look,” Kaufman said. “Crossfit and what we do, you’re just in the best shape of your life and look great. I try to frame it that way, you can still look amazing and achieve more.”

PUSH has been open for two and a half years with two locations in El Paso, central at 6440 Gateway East and on the West Side at 7410 Remcon Circle. According to Kaufman, they’re planning on opening a third location on the East Side and perhaps branch out to Austin and San Antonio.

Prices range from $100 to $150 per month depending on the occupation. For more information visit, push4fitness.com or call (915) 203-8122.

Daniel Ornelas may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.