Gabriel Sosa
Tell Us About You
I was born in Mexico City and live in Aurora, Illinois. I’m a high school grad, father of 1, and married to my High School sweetheart. I own and manage 2 very different businesses – Flooring contractor and full service salon.
In my spare time I like finding little wood projects and duplicating them…. I have the creativity of a door stop but I’m handy!
Tell Us About Your Sports History
Grew up on soccer since 2, then moved to the states and was introduced to everything else. Changed to football in high school and also did a year of basketball and 1 of wrestling (loved wrestling). High School sports ended my junior year (had my first little one).
When Did You Start Lifting?
Started lifting in my late 20s to deal with a very difficult situation in my life at the time. Powerlifting is my cup of tea, because a very successful bodybuilder told me “stop wasting your time” when he saw me doing some crossfit stuff, lol. You are built like a power lifter so do that instead.
Growing up on sports i have always been extremely competitive (sometimes to a flaw). My biggest obstacle has been being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and having to cut carbs pretty much completely out of my diet and boy has that been tough!
Tell Me About Your Gym
My garage gym started as a basement gym but that was short lived. We moved and after bringing everything up for the move I said ” never again” and took over our tiny one car garage ( arriage more like it) but I love it! I started at home during COVID. All my main equipment and plates have always been used, they have just evolved over time. Pretty happy with my stuff but if I had the room I certainly would add and or change somethings.
I am a lone ranger and for the most part I love it that way. However it would be nice having some buddies on PR squats.
Tell Me About Your Experience With The Garage Gym Competition
Stumbled across the GGC and thank God I did. Love seeing everyone come together for it from newbies to pros. Looking forward to more years of GGC and competing in local APF competitions.
Success at home for me goes hand in hand with the other meets. I train alone and really don’t follow a program other than chest/ tris , back/ bis, legs, repeat. The programs from Squatober and Deadcember have helped a great deal for those lifts but my bench is still struggling due to a shoulder injury.
What Motivates You?
My motivation is probably a bit different than others.
Seeing the poor health of my moms family is probably the biggest (specially being type 2 now like all of them) then it would be for my kids and grandson, and of course to keep my sanity. Keeping my eye on the prize for me is just about being in my 50s and still moving some good weights. I’m a strange old bird and I love lifting to worship music, Hillsong United and Elevation Worship are prob my faves.
Most important thing to know about me is I’m a faith, family, lift kind-of guy but a kid at heart. Prepping for the next round of meets by making sure I never forget that its technique and mobility first then the pounds/kgs.
Give Us Some Of Your Recent PRs
At 50 I have a state record for the 242 weight class in all 3 lifts,
B- 417
Sq- 500 ( new pr 550)
DL- 500 ( new pr 525)
Think that about wraps me up.
Best,
Gabriel
