Local Gym Owner Fearlessly Advocates for Oceanside’s Small Businesses Community

Local Gym Owner Fearlessly Advocates for Oceanside’s Small Business Community

By Hana Gilbert

The Oceanside Chamber had the opportunity to sit down with MetroFlex Gym CEO/Founder, Louis Uridel. As COVID-19 restrictions forced businesses nationwide to shut their doors, Uridel took it upon himself to advocate for struggling businesses, going as far as defying the countywide shelter-in-place order and opening his local gym. Realizing this was an act of personal passion, we asked Uridel to take us through his thoughts and actions before making the decision to ultimately open his doors. CEO/Founder Louis Uridel opened MetroFlex Gym in November of 2017 after finding Christ and deciding to turn his love for fitness into his vocation. For Uridel, his loyal members are “very much a family” explaining that his gym is still home to many of its original members. “As you can tell, I have scriptures on the wall. It’s a very inviting place, and a lot of people come here and say they feel safe and very at peace. I always call this a House of the Lord or a House of Iron as iron sharpens iron,” states Uridel as he describes why his gym is unlike many others. As news of COVID-19 spread and cities nationwide were issuing mandatory shelter-in-place orders, Uridel understood the severity of the complex situation. While he felt he had the right to remain open, he willingly agreed to the two-week shutdown, accepting the time as an opportunity to relax and recoup. However, he continued on page 36