Lucio A. Guerra
Motivation Of The Year 2010
Interviewed by: Angela Moreno
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Lucio Guerra was our Motivational Feature of the Month in September 2010. Since that time, we have watched him bring motivation to just about everyone around him. He has impressed us enough to name in our Motivation of the Year 2010. Below, you will find the interview that won him this spot!
The story of Lucio A. Guerra is a reminder of how much we take for granted. To him, disability is just another word. Born without his right hand, Lucio faced adversity and judgment at a young age. However, it fueled his competitive nature and served as motivation to strive to be the best. His goal? To help and motivate as many people as he can by imparting that fighting spirit.
"A disability is not an excuse to feel less of a person, but a motivation to excel and function like any other human being regardless of your situation."
WP: What a great organization to be affiliated with. What made you want to reach out to the Wounded Soldiers Organization?
LG: I made my workout video for one wounded soldier who’s a friend of mine; he wanted to see my new exercises. I had no idea it would impact so many individuals from wounded soldiers, people with disabilities, overweight people, and even pro athletes who are using it as motivation!
Outside the box is where my creative juices burn! Pushing myself to the next level is how I overcome adversity as a whole. That’s the message for all individuals, not only people with disabilities or wounded soldiers, but everyone who feels less than the person next to him.
WP: Can you explain the differences in your training techniques for some of your favorite exercises?
LG: One of my favorite exercises is lateral raises. If you’ve seen my video, you will notice that I hold the dumbbell in between my forearm and biceps. This will take away your hand grip, which is very strong and uses your forearm strength. Doing it my way will eliminate swinging the weights when fatigue kicks in and will give you the opportunity to use a heavier weight with stricter form. Since becoming a Personal Trainer at the biggest Gold’s Gym in San Antonio, I’ve been teaching my form of exercising to some of my clients and they are very satisfied with their new results.
WP: What other activities are you involved in?
LG: Aside from my volunteer work, I also play sand volleyball and I’m darn good at it, too! Believe or not, it’s a very competitive sport.
WP: I can’t imagine you playing a sport that wasn’t competitive in nature! Tell me about your family!
LG: My mother’s name is Dora Alicia Guerra and my father is Lucio A. Guerra. I have two sisters, Crystal Estrada and Lariza Guerra, and one brother, Luis Alejandro Guerra. I have a beautiful fiancée, Laura Garza, whom I will marry October 30th of this year. My family is very supportive. I’ve fallen plenty of times; I’m not perfect. But, they have been the mountains I’ve needed to hold me high and keep me going. My fiancée believes in me like no other person ever has; I work hard because of her!
WP: There is no better foundation than a strong support system. What do they think of your determination to help others with disabilities?
LG: My family is very proud of my new mission in life. I knew people admired me for my talents and skills, but to be making a difference in people’s lives is something else. They are giving me the power to put myself out there on a grander stage to motivate and let people know that if I CAN DO IT, THEY CAN DO IT, TOO!
WP: What advice do you give to others with physical disabilities and children facing adversity?
LG: My advice to individuals with physical disabilities and children facing adversity is to challenge yourself each and every day and don’t be ashamed of who you are or what you look like. People at the gym have told me that I make them feel disabled since I look better than them and press heavier weight all around. A disability is not an excuse to feel less of a person, but a motivation to excel and function like any other human being regardless of your situation. Life has its challenges and adversities; I say welcome them. Why? Because those barriers are thrown your way to help you overcome and find yourself accomplishing a set goal! Think outside the box everyday and you will surprise yourself at how much more you have to offer in this life. Treat life like it's your last day everyday, and you will find satisfaction in the new you!
WP: Your passion to overcome and succeed is so empowering. What are your goals for the future? Where would you like to see yourself in the fitness industry?
LG: My goal for the future is to get my non-profit organization, selfmadefit.org, off the ground and into play. My organization will distribute its funds to groups pertaining to our Wounded Soldiers and people with disabilities. I’m new to the industry, but will accomplish this with the hard work and determination of my Self Made Team. The fitness industry needs people like me to help others realize that a disability is a chance for accomplishment! I will be a pioneer in the industry with my style and creative ways of exercising which have proven results.
WP: Can you tell me more about selfmadefit.org?
LG: My project at the moment is the selfmadefit.com website. This website will enable me to reach out and help others who may need motivation or encouragement to reach their goals. The website will be used to host articles, photo galleries, video tutorials, and a forum where we can grow as a community.
WP: What a great idea! How has your mindset changed over the years towards fitness and life in general?
LG: I have realized that exercise is the best medication.
WP: How do you like to relax and unwind? Do you have any other hobbies?
LG: To relax, I love watching Comedy Central and Sports Center. When I have time, I like to play sand volleyball and work out.
WP: How can our readers find out more about you and your organizations?
LG: Please visit my website at selfmadefit.com.
WP: Is there anything that you would like to add before we wrap up this interview?
LG: Be part of my Self Made Team by, once again, pushing yourself to the next level!
WP: You got it! We are so happy to have you share your story with World Physique! You are such an inspiration! We wish you the best of luck in your continued endeavors. Keep inspiring and motivating, Lucio!
