Hardwired Strength opened its doors this summer in Beaumont, founded by Victor Hernandez, who says the gym is the realization of a lifelong dream.
BEAUMONT, Texas — A new Olympic weightlifting gym is making waves in Southeast Texas, with a mission far beyond fitness.
Hardwired Strength opened its doors this summer in Beaumont, founded by Victor Hernandez, who says the gym is the realization of a lifelong dream.
“What I came to realize is that, man, there’s no Olympic weightlifting gyms out here,” said Hernandez.
The new space stands apart from other gyms in the region by placing a strong focus on building a sense of community.
“So I opened up my own training business,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez, who previously worked as a professional trainer, said the decision to launch Hardwired Strength came after a period of unemployment. Instead of waiting for another opportunity, he took the chance to create one for himself.
“Here we want to bring people together. Have fun,” Hernandez said. “It’s more based on community and bringing people together, versus other gyms, where you just kind of go work out and just get out.”
Although Hardwired Strength has been open since April, it will host an official grand opening event on September 6. The celebration will also mark the launch of another business within the same space—Studio Venus, a creative studio operated by Hernandez’s girlfriend.
“So the grand opening on September 6 is actually a grand opening for the gym and my girlfriend’s business, Studio Venus,” said Hernandez..
The addition of the creative studio aims to expand the gym’s inclusive environment.
“Brings more creative aspect to the gym,” Hernandez said. “They get to express themselves here, whether it be with a barbell or with paintbrush or with the camera.”
Hernandez’s message is clear: all are welcome.
“I’m creating a space where people are welcome for who they are,” he said. “I don’t tolerate any hate or ignorance in here, if I even just hear the tiniest bit of it. That’s not what we do here.”
Hernandez also had a special message for the Hispanic community.
“Este lugar es para mi gente latina, para recordarles que si se puede. En estos tiempos difíciles, para estar fuertes, y mantenernos unidos,” he said, which translates to: This place is for my Latinos, to remind them that it can be done. In these difficult times, to stay strong, and to maintain united.