In 2013, we got a random phone call and the caller ID read “Nicole Garcia.” She was standing outside our original location wondering if she and her boyfriend could come in and workout. We were in North PB so I tried to direct her north. They did not understand that we had two locations within a mile of each other, understandably. So after trying to explain our location thing I also mentioned we do not have a lot of open gym time so they may not be able to work out. Noticing there was some confusion; a very deep voice grabbed the phone and said, “When we get there, this will all make sense.” I hung the phone up thinking, “That was odd, and I really hope this dude doesn’t suck because I am not letting him work out.” Five minutes later, we taped up, threw on the oly shoes, cranked up the music and we had ourselves a serious brodown with the heavyweight champ and his girlfriend Nikki Bella. We did not squat together, which upset me, but he did sign up for a membership which we did not really understand.

In 2014, we called an all hands meeting to discuss the rebranding from CrossFit PB to San Diego Athletics. This was one of the first times I had ever been nervous presenting in front of our coaches. We laid out the plan for our future, discussed what the changes meant, and how happy we were to be expanding our vision. The entire meeting, Cena was in the back of the room benching. He did some pull ups with no music and for the most part kept to himself as he wanted to respect our meeting. As he finished up his workout he casually strolled over, interrupted, and went on a two minute monologue about our decision to rebrand. He looked all of our coaches in the eye and told them that they were the life blood of this gym and that no matter what the name was they were the reason people showed up. He told us how comfortable and welcoming we had made him feel and that he appreciated us. He dropped the mic, turned around, and walked out. Bryan and I often joke that of all the times we had been speechless, we were really just practicing for that moment.

I think people watch Cena on Monday Night Raw throwing around 400+ pound men, rapping, and talking trash to other wrestlers and think his life must be so easy and fun. I mean he is famous, right? Well, I do not really know the wrestler guy. I know the guy that sleeps in his own bed maybe three times a month. I know the guy that sees his girlfriend maybe twice in a month. The travel schedule these guys keep would break, and has broken, the best in the business. It is not out of the norm to get a text at 10 PM our time saying he is on an airplane on the east coast, will be landing at 4 AM, and when he wakes up he needs to get a lift in. I probably get about 8% of the story. The other 92% is probably even less glamorous. Every time I think I work hard he starts talking and I realize my schedule is childish in comparison. I think the life of fame is much lonelier and challenging than anyone realizes. Two weeks ago we were discussing his schedule over the past two months. I asked him how he keeps everything straight. His answer, “One day at a time,” and without breaking stride, he addressed the barbell, and we started moving weights. The lesson: simplify to what is important and do not worry about the chaos.

The gym is the ultimate equalizer. In the ring John Cena is JOHN CENA. In the weight room, John Cena is just some strong dude that snatches, clean and jerks, and squats – just like everyone else.

But he does offer perspective and he sees the world in a different light than most. I learn a lot from him but nothing as important as how genuinely friendly he is. In over two years I have never heard a negative word uttered out of his mouth. He has a unique ability to see the positive in every situation and person. It is well known that he has done over 400 Make a Wish Foundation visits to kids suffering with terminal illnesses. After knowing Cena, not the character, the dude we train with, you start to understand his perspective on life. In the deepest part of his soul he believes that if you put in the work, genuinely care about everyone around you, and treat everyone with respect, you will win at life. Hustle, Loyalty, Respect –it is his motto for business, life, relationships, and all of the success he has had in his career.

I believe there is a lesson in almost everything. Five months ago, Cena snatched 308 but was really frustrated he was not hitting bigger numbers. He told me he was going back to the basics and was going to spend an entire year snatching from the hang. For five straight months, every time I see him he is standing between two jerk blocks practicing the thing he sucks at most. His focus, ability to simplify, and his persistence to master the fundamentals is inspiring. We get to see Cena sitting in the gym for hours, mastering the basics after 25 years of lifting weights. How boring and inspiring can one person be at the same time? The lesson: As soon as you think you are good, go back and re-master the basics.

I am thankful for our training sessions, conversations, and hidden life lessons. I am a better person when I leave the gym. When he arrived I got to lift with the wrestler and it was awesome. Now when he shows up, I view him much more as a training partner, mentor, and even a friend. He has a keen ability to change your perspective. My opinion probably does not mean too much, but the character he plays on TV, is a 10-20 minute glorified version of one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of training with. I am thankful for the conversations, the big weights, the perspective, and the constant reminder that if I want something in life, I should earn it by trusting and empowering the people around me, treating them with respect, and working my ass off. Hustle, Loyalty, Respect.