EL CENTRO— Gym fitness enthusiasts, City Council members, and dignitaries celebrated the grand opening of the 4:13 Fitness Center at Valley Plaza in El Centro. Featured in the celebration was the Reps 4 Vets third annual Patriot Pump. The three-hour combined event all on Saturday, Aug. 2.
The new site is the fourth 4:13 gym. The three other locations are in Brawley, Imperial, and the Imperial Valley Mall.
“The name 4:13 is from the Bible verse in Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’” said gym co-owner Andrew Colace.
The verse, written by the Apostle Paul while in prison, was about overcoming adversity, issues, and problems, according to Colace.
The grand opening celebration began with an invocation by Pastor Walter Colace of Christ Community Church.
Victor Nava, board president of the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, welcomed guests and introduced dignitaries: El Centro Mayor Pro Tem Marty Ellett, El Centro Councilmember Claudia Camarena, and the IVRCC board of directors and ambassadors.
Field representatives from the offices of Congressman Raul Ortiz, M.D., 25th District, and California State Sen. Stephen Padilla presented certificates of recognition to 4:13 Fitness Center co-owners Andrew Colace and Deuce Robertson.
Luis Marin, 4:13 Fitness facility maintenance management and special projects manager, cut the red ribbon surrounded by dignitaries. Guests responded with applause.
“My goal here in Imperial Valley is just to provide a first-class product at a reasonable price. We’ve had people come from San Diego, Los Angeles, and other areas and say, ‘Hey, this is one of the nicest gyms I’ve seen, and I can’t believe this is down here in this area.’ My motto is always: If you’re going to do it, do it right,” said Andrew Colace.
According to Colace, the new equipment was imported from Germany. “We want to give everybody a good experience when they come here.” This fourth site opened in April this year.
“I’m just happy with the amount of support we get, especially from the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and the El Centro City Council,” said co-owner Deuce Robertson.
“Health is really starting to make a comeback in the country as a whole,” Robertson said.
“COVID taught everybody that they need to pay attention to their health and make sure that they’re healthy. It’s good that the younger generation has taken it seriously too— because what you do to your body when you’re younger reflects when you’re older. You’ve got to take care of your body,” said Robertson.
It’s been almost three years since Pablo Mares began improving his health. To be exact, it was Nov. 18 two years ago.
Mares had just finished bench pressing 72 pounds with 48 repetitions. Sweat beads formed on his face as he caught his breath before the interview with The Desert Review.
“I wanted to change my life for the better. I started weightlifting and I got a gym membership at 4:13. Since then, I’ve been building myself — my confidence, my look, my individuality, as well as my mentality,” Mares said.
Personal trainer and powerlifter Kimber Dial bench pressed 90 pounds and strained with a contorted face on her 26th rep.
“I came to support my community because I know the business owner, Deuce. And I learned a lot of heavy lifting techniques from him,” said Dial, who supports Reps 4 Vets because her sister is in the U.S. Marine Corps. “I totally support the military.”
“I would say we need more girls to join us next year — and don’t be shy. We all are here to support each other. Even though we’re direct competition, everybody’s cheering for each other.”
When asked about the possibility of winning the competition, Dial replied, “I don’t think I won. But I’ll take my soreness with happiness.”
Brendon Brown, chief executive officer and founder of Reps 4 Vets, and outreach coordinator Josh Hawk assisted fitness enthusiasts during the bench press. Close to 60 weightlifters participated in the competition.
The competition had men’s and women’s categories. Both were required to bench press 50% of their body weight. A participant weighing 140 pounds would be required to bench press 70 pounds for as many repetitions as possible. The winner for each category was awarded $500 cash.
In the women’s category, Mia Navarro, who made 48 reps lifting 60 pounds, got the $500 top prize. Cesar Navaro, who bench pressed 104 pounds with 85 reps, took the $500 top prize in the men’s category. Mia and Cesar are not related. The prize money was donated by sponsors.
Free burgers and fries from Burger & Beer and shaved ice from Spears Shaved Ice were offered to the first 300 attendees.
“The result was better than expected,” said Brown.
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