Client Stories: Andrew Olivas, Reworking His Life and Changing the Lives of Others

At one point in his life, Andrew Olivas weighed 412 pounds. His journey to physical fitness began when his father became severely ill.

His dad was diagnosed with an abscess in the brain, and the left side of his body was paralyzed. Andrew’s parents divorced when he was three years old. He decided he was the one who had to take care of his father.

“The doctor said he would only live six months,” he said.

Andrew was a popular DJ in Los Angeles and was highly sought after for his work at the city's hottest clubs.

His father's illness was a turning point in his life. He began reading extensively about health and fitness and yearned for constant learning.

Andrew developed healthy meal plans and assisted his dad with physical therapy, persisting despite his father's resistance. At one point, Andrew says his father told him, “Let me die here.”

Andrew witnessed significant progress in his father's health. Despite being told that he had only six months to live, Andrew took care of him for a year, and his father started walking again. 

After 15 months, he passed his vision test and regained his driving privileges. Later, he even purchased a house in Las Vegas and continued living there. His father lived for an additional three years after being told that he had only six months to live.

After his father passed away, Andrew asked himself a tough question: “How will I work on myself?”

After extensive research and studies, he lost over 200 pounds. This accomplishment inspired him to become a certified personal trainer, and he discovered a new passion: helping others overcome their weight challenges.

Andrew Olivas, @reeworkme documenting his weight loss journey. January 12, 2023 .

He was employed in various commercial gyms, including 24 Hour Fitness, but he was eager to be independent and established his own gym. He named it Rework Me, inspired by how he transformed his life.

After investing his own money, he received a $15,000 Tierra loan and a $5,000 grant from Inclusive Action for the City. He used the funds to purchase additional equipment, but the most valuable part of the experience was the business guidance he received from Technical Assistance Coordinator Luis Moran.

“Luis helped me with my website, and we were able to grow more!” he said. Luis guided him in budgets and creating an effective and successful business.

“When I lost all that weight, I felt like a brand new person. Now I can run; now I can jump,” he said. And he wants that transformation for his clients.

Maria Moreno has been working with Andrew at Rework Me for three years. When she first started, she weighed 300 pounds and had to take insulin every day. Now, she has lost 150 pounds and no longer needs daily injections.

“I love it here. It’s so much better than a commercial gym. He’s very one-on-one with you and helps you understand your body. He is empowering, inspiring, and all-around awesome,” she said. 

“I work up to 60 hours a week, but it makes me feel great when people tell me they’ve been losing weight,” said the gym owner.

He encourages people who aspire to own their own businesses to seek Inclusive Action. “IAC is smart, loyal, and passionate about the community,” he said.

Rework Me has been a great blessing in his life. He hopes that Inclusive Action will help others realize their dreams.