Name: Carlos Rivera
Birthday: August 12
Hometown: Cuenca, capital of Azuay, Ecuador
What is your athletic background? Did you play any sports growing up?
“My primary sports were soccer and cross country in high school. I also played tennis and rode horses.”
When did you attend your first workout with Arlington Sports Conditioning, and how did you first learn about the group?
“I joined ASC in January 2011 for my first class. I remembered I was lifting a little when I saw a big crew doing an interesting workout that called my attention and I joined the class the following week.”
What is your proudest athletic accomplishment, and why?
“I’d probably say my most memorable one was when I played the last game of the season as a goalkeeper in high school. I was so upset the entire season just watching a single game and not playing at all. I did not like my coach. One day before a game all my team members argued with him and finally, he gave me the opportunity to play in the last game. In the game I was able to stop two penalty kicks and not allow any goals! The rest is history! The following year, we had an exceptional season to be able to qualify for the final game, but we lost the final match.
Then, cross country we were unstoppable like running machines. We did what nobody likes to do! Training by running 485 stairs and going up and down 2 or 3 times plus dealing with the elevation around 8500 feet over the sea level. It was an amazing experience!”
What is your favorite exercise(s)?
“Cycling and hiking”
What is your favorite workout song or musical artist?
“I do not have any preference; I just go for the moment. I like Metallica, Eminem and Shakira. For a workout song, I like Thunderstruck.”
What is your favorite sports team?
“It depends on the sport. Soccer national team = Uruguay… Soccer club= Barcelona FC and Sao Paulo… American Football = San Francisco 49ers”
Who is your favorite athlete?
“I always say we have to see how they finish their careers , not how they start. I would say Roger Federer in tennis, Paolo Maldini (former soccer player from Italy) and Romario (former soccer from Brazil).”
Other than working out, how else do you like to spend your free time?
“Advising new immigrants to understand the system in the USA. Besides that, I really like to explore different restaurants in DC, cooking and traveling. My favorite spot is walking around Abraham Lincoln Memorial and watching the sunrise at Hains Point in summer time.”
What do you like best about Arlington Sports Conditioning? What are the biggest benefits that you have experienced as a member?
“Everything! ASC is like a family. It’s my favorite workout in Arlington. The biggest benefit is you have to work out with intensity to get the results. Everything depends on you how hard you want to go!!”
What advice would you offer to new or prospective members of Arlington Sports Conditioning?
“Have fun and join ASC. 70% of your success is in your mind. The rest will come with time. Work hard, play hard. Join and you will find a friendly environment.”